Friday, December 16, 2005
Lexus finds a sense of style
If watchers of automotive styling wondered where all the flares, waveforms and undulations went on the latest BMW 3-series, I've found them: They're on Lexus' new IS sport sedans. Inspired by the company's new design language, called L-Finesse - which sounds like the name of a Mexican wrestler - the luxury division of Toyota has managed, not quite consciously, to build the 3-series that Munich would have built if they hadn't gotten a straitjacket on design chief Chris Bangle.
Dear sirs: The American consumer doesn't care
An open letter to Ron Gettelfinger, president of the United Auto Workers union; and to Robert S. "Steve" Miller Jr., chief executive of the bankrupt Delphi Corp., once one of America's and the world's biggest automotive suppliers:
Upcoming arts and entertainment events
Live music
One Big Darn Movie ...
Following a year that included "Garden State," "Napoleon Dynamite" and "Sideways," I suppose it was inevitable that 2005 would be a letdown.
BEST BETS
Pianist Mary Beth Carlson will tickle the ivories to raise funds for The Warehouse with a concert at 7 p.m. Saturday at Riverview Church in Pine River. Tickets are $10.
Vocals to the Max
Brainerd High School senior Max Karnowski sings so much at home, including in the shower, that he said, "I feel bad for my parents (who have to listen to me). My older sister, who's 30, didn't have to hear me sing and she's probably thankful for that."
Gift from the kitchen is always welcome
Every year the joy of Christmas returns; let's all take time to enjoy it.
COURTS
The following recently appeared in Crow Wing District Court:
SENIOR ACTIVITIES
LAKES AREA SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER
DISSOLUTIONS
Amerud, Stephen L. and Theresa H.
BIRTHS
Darin and Marnie (Pikula) Coleman, Savage, a son, Joseph James, 9 pounds, .5 ounce, Oct. 26, 2005. Grandparents are Les and Janette Pikula, Brainerd, and Kenneth and Pat Coleman, Blaine.
COURT
The following recently were sentenced in Crow Wing District Court for misdemeanor theft by shoplifting:
PUBLIC MEETINGS
The Brainerd Character Initiative Committee will meet at 1 p.m. on Tuesday at Brainerd City Hall.
Three arrested in armed robbery at Staples motel
STAPLES - Three people were arrested following an armed robbery Tuesday at a Staples motel.
SCHOOL LUNCH MENUS
Brainerd
Pick the right tools
for work at home
A table leg wobbles. A faucet drips. When you own a house, things happen. That's why every homeowner should have a properly equipped toolbox.
Firing up chimney can be explosive
A "chimney fire" doesn't sound like that big a problem - where else would you have a fire? - but chimney fires are extremely dangerous, and we're in the season when they occur more frequently.
Having guests for the holidays?
There used to be two options on the marketplace for accommodating overnight guests when an actual bed was out of the question: the sofa, or the dreaded sofa bed within. Surely you remember that thin, lumpy mattress, and the bar that hit right across the middle of your back.
Overheard
"We've sent a message to the world that the United States is not like the terrorists."
Board approves pay increase for teachers
Teachers in the Little Falls School District will receive a 6 percent increase in salary over a two-year period.
Back to drawing board
The Little Falls School Board is going back to the drawing board in its search for a superintendent.
No KAREs
CROSSLAKE - NBC's trademark "Must See TV" could be a lot harder to view in the Crosslake area in the new year.
Preparing for a holiday show
Director Mike Smith practiced with the A Cappella Choir Wednesday at Tornstrom Auditorium. The Brainerd High School Choral Music Department will present its annual Christmas Festival of Music at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday at Tornstrom Auditorium. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
Opposed to site
BAXTER - Residents of Grand Oaks Drive opposed to the location of a state-run psychiatric hospital on their street will be taking their case to the Baxter City Council.
LOCAL BRIEFS
Flu shots may be the gift that keeps giving this holiday season.
Brainerd Community Education may run Baxter parks and rec programs
BAXTER - Brainerd Community Education may run the Baxter Parks and Recreation programs this spring.
Ornaments for a very special tree
Harrison Elementary kindergartners Nathan Mikkelson (left) and Annie Hines visited the Christmas tree Wednesday at the Brainerd Police Department. The Harrison kindergartners created ornaments in appreciation of the police department. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
MnDOT warns against dumping snow on road
The Minnesota Department of Transportation cautions the public, including commercial snow removal operators, that it is against state law to deposit snow onto a public roadway.
Overheard
"It calls our attention to the real danger of that regime having an atomic bomb."
Camp Ripley spending to build buffer
Camp Ripley has spent $1.5 million to prevent development on 900 acres near its border.
Point of view
The window is in a public building. Where is it? Find the answer Friday.
This was Brainerd
DECEMBER 15 - 40 years ago (1965) - Some $2,000 in prize money will be offered to contestants in the first Paul Bunyan Snowmobile Derby sponsored here by the Brainerd Jaycees in mid-February.
Just rockin'
Arlene Bachel (left) and Ella Jensen, residents of Edgewood Vista Senior Living in Brainerd, rocked their chairs Wednesday for pledges for Toys for Kids. While listening to Christmas music, the residents rocked in 15-minute slots in the front lobby of the facility. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
Unhealthy confusion
Medicare Part D has been deemed a confusing, complicated prescription drug program, causing some seniors to clutch their pocketbooks a bit tighter.
Toys for Kids donations honor slain Marine
Central Lakes College students and staff members have contributed five boxes of holiday gifts to the area Toys for Kids program.
Lakes area escapes heaviest snow
The Brainerd area missed the brunt of Wednesday's snowfall, receiving about 2.2 inches by late Wednesday.
Winter landscape
Fresh snow covered trees Thursday along a small stream that flows into the Mississippi River near Riverside Drive in Brainerd. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
Council makes decision on planned unit developments
CROSSLAKE - Development along lakeshore in Crosslake will include planned unit developments.
This was Brainerd
DECEMBER 16 - 40 years ago (1965) - Brainerd employment stood at 274 more during November than it did during the same month a year ago. Employment during the last month in Brainerd were 5,275 persons compared to 5,001 during November of 1964.
Point of view
This night spot can be found north of Brainerd. Find the answer Sunday.
Glenda Lou Allen
LEADER - Glenda Lou Allen of Leader, died Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2005, at her home. Funeral services will be on Monday, Dec. 19, at 2 p.m. in the Brenny Funeral Chapel, Staples, Minn. Family will receive friends starting at 1 p.m. at the funeral home.
Obituary policy
Obituary notices are charged at 34 cents a word, exclusive of the first 125 words, which are free. A $10 fee is charged for a half-column photograph. To place an obituary in the Dispatch, consult the funeral home handling arrangements.
Ramona Breneman
Ramona Breneman, age 65, of Baxter, died Monday evening at her home. Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Saturday at the Brenny Funeral Chapel of Baxter with Rev. Joe Kresky officiating. Friends may call beginning at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at a later date.
Obituary policy
Obituary notices are charged at 34 cents a word, exclusive of the first 125 words, which are free. A $10 fee is charged for a half-column photograph. To place an obituary in the Dispatch, consult the funeral home handling arrangements.
Joanne Rodriguez
ROCKAWAY BEACH, Mo. - Joanne Rodriguez, age 51, of Rockaway Beach, Mo., and formerly of Pine River, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2005, at her home. Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, at Kline Funeral Home in Pine River. Visitation will be Monday from 5-7 p.m. at Kline Funeral Home.
David R. Kahnke Jr.
BILLINGS, Mont. - David Roy Kahnke Jr., age 53, died Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2005, at Deaconess Hospital, Billings, Mont., after a long battle following a motor vehicle accident.
Archie Hirschey
STAPLES - Archie L. Hirschey, age 94, of Staples, passed away at the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud early Monday morning. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 11 a.m. at the Congregational Church in Staples.
Adella M. Gaboury
Adella M. Gaboury, nee DeRosier, age 86, formerly of Brainerd, passed away on Nov. 18, 2005.
Frances P. Stegora
Frances P. Stegora, age 93, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2005, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Gladyce J. Daarud
BOULDER, Colo. - Gladyce J. Daarud, formerly of Brainerd, died of natural causes Dec. 8, 2005, in Boulder, Colo. She was 78. The daughter of Reuben Erickson and Rosabelle Hanson, she was born July 11, 1927, in Brainerd. She married Richard C. Daarud, M.D., on Aug. 26, 1948, in Brainerd.
Mary E. Jacobsen
NISSWA - Mary E. Jacobsen, 82, Nisswa, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2005, at her home at Lake Edward.
Anna E. Oldakowski
LITTLE FALLS - Anna E. Oldakowski, age 74, of Little Falls, Minn., passed away Thursday, Dec. 15, 2005, at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls, Minn.
Keith Allen Niemand
Keith Allen Niemand, 46, of Brainerd, Minn., died on Saturday, Dec. 10, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, Dec. 15, at 1 p.m. at the Nevada Municipal Cemetery with Pastor Scott Jones officiating.
VOX POP
Many thank-yous to the Brainerd Jaycees for the Christmas lights bus tour, a free-of-charge, fun trip for the senior citizens of Brainerd. Also, thank you to Reichert Bus Co. and its drivers. We appreciate your thoughtfulness.
Stay in touch with your Minnesota legislators
Rep. Paul Gazelka.
Open Forum
It was refreshing to see the Dispatch print a picture of the Nativity scene at Park United Methodist Church in Brainerd.
Open Forum
Teaching our children about diversity is one of the most important lessons they can learn. Everyone is not the same. I guess the sixth-grade parents who called in to complain about just such teachings offered by Dennis Lamberson through the CLC production, "Life is...." felt threatened by that very thought.
Guest column: A day to remember for soldiers
Our soldiers are back and the Brainerd Family Readiness Group wants to thank you for the wonderful expression of love, support and thank-you's the soldiers' received.
What do you think?
Write us a letter or send us an e-mail
OUR OPINION: TOWN MEETING
Brainerd area residents with questions about the future of the Brainerd Regional Human Services Center should mark Monday on their calendars. That's the date of a town meeting set up by Sen. Paul Koering, R-Fort Ripley, to address concerns about plans to decentralize and in some cases outsource services at that site.
OUR OPINION: McCARTHY
For much of his later political career Gene McCarthy was regarded as a political irrelevancy, a witty curmudgeon who was always good for a quote but who was out of touch with real politics.
What do you think?
Write us a letter or send us an e-mail
'A Charlie Brown Christmas'
Micah Gustafson as Snoopy (left), Traci Miller as Lucy and Patrick Metzler as Pigpen performed "A Charlie Brown Christmas" Wednesday at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Baxter. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
CHURCHES
The children of First Congregational United Church of Christ will present the Christmas program "Jesus Lights the Way" at 10 a.m. Sunday. A potluck dinner will follow the program.
Ziebell leads Brainerd girls to third
BIWABIK - Brainerd's Kaitlyn Ziebell was strong on the slopes as she placed seventh with a time of 1:36.84 to lead the Warrior girls' Alpine ski team to a third-place finish at the Virginia Invitational at Giants Ridge Thursday.
SPORTS SHORTS
The Brainerd outdoor skating rinks will open for the season noon Saturday.
Upcoming sporting events
Thursday
Tigers take a bite out of Gobblers
AITKIN - Thomas Anderson tallied 21 points, Micha Eveland added 13 and Alan Anderson tossed in 11 to help the Pine River-Backus Tigers combat the 22 points scored by Aitkin's Luke Martin in a 71-65 non-conference boys' basketball victory Thursday.
Sartell survives Warriors
It was too little too late for the Brainerd Warrior boys' basketball team.
BHS flips Alex
The Brainerd Warrior gymnastics team's score keeps getting better and better.
Upcoming sporting events
Friday
Winter wonderland
Brainerd's Mitch Yager (left) wrestled in the Paul Bunyan Invitational last weekend. The Warriors wrestle in the Big Bear tournament at Cass Lake Friday and Saturday. Brainerd Dispatch/Nels Norquist
Area basketball by the numbers
In any school district an algebra teacher writes a theorem on the blackboard. Near the back of a row of chairs a voice squeaks, "When are we ever going to need to know this?"
BHS team has skill and experience
With 36 swimmers and divers, the Brainerd High School boys' team will have depth this season, a luxury John Zemke hasn't often enjoyed in eight previous years as the Warriors' head coach.
Scoreboard
Football
Brainerd boys' swimming and diving schedule
DECEMBER
Verndale girls remain unbeaten
VERNDALE - Hillary Kern finished with 15 points and nine rebounds and Cayla Collison added 13 points and eight rebounds in the Verndale Pirates 55-38 Park Region Conference girls' basketball victory over Sebeka Thursday.
Larson couldn't 'weight' to help Warriors
Pete Larson couldn't afford to wait.
B-H/V wrestles past Road Crew
PINE RIVER - Jake Braaten of Bertha-Hewitt/Verndale scored a decision in overtime against Dustin Campbell in the key match of the night as the Raiders beat Pequot Lakes/Pine River-Backus 40-30 in Park Region Conference wrestling Thursday.
In a pinch
Pierz's Kyle Bednar (right) wrestled at the Paul Bunyan Invitational last weekend at Brainerd High School.Brained Dispatch/Nel Norquist
Wolverines rout St. Paul Central
WADENA - Jascha and Wyatt Pettit each rocketed in two goals a piece as the Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines boys' hockey team defeated St. Paul Central 9-6 in non-conference play Thursday.
Better late than never
For playing only one year of high school basketball, things have turned out pretty well for Central Lakes College men's basketball player Chris Beckley.
Paavola vaults into W-DC top 10
WADENA - Wadena-Deer Creeks's Shelby Paavola scored an 8.7 on the vault, placing her in the top 10 all-time in the vault for the Wolverines.
Tight defense
Brainerd's Danny Markow (right) hemmed in Jordan Hansel of St. Cloud Tech in the season opener Dec. 6. The Warriors (1-1) host Sartell Thursday night in a Central Lakes Conference game. Brainerd Dispatch/file photo
Scoreboard
Basketball
Snow falls just in time for Ski Gull
The recent snow to hit the lakes area was timely, for Ski Gull is set to open its 44th season Saturday.
Off to a good start
Tim Lange said it best, "It's a start."
LOCAL SHORTS
Three members of the Golden Lakes Boxing Club competed in a Silver Gloves tournament last weekend at Palace Casino in Cass Lake.
State forecast for Minnesota
Heavy snow warning today near lake superior...
Snowboarding with Santa
Weather drawing by Alex Mulroy of Mrs. Holbrook's second grade class at Lowell school.
State forecast for N.D.
Snow and blowing snow advisory west and central until 4 pm cst
State forecast for S.D.
Today...Mostly cloudy and breezy. Areas of light snow or flurries. Highs from the teens north to around 20 south.
State forecast for Iowa
Today...Cloudy. Occasional light snow north and flurries elsewhere.
State forecast for N.D.
Today...Mostly cloudy with occasional light snow or flurries and
It is snowing
Weather drawing by Kate Campion of Mrs. Larson's second grade class at Lowell school.
Wisconsin state forecast
Heavy snow warning and snow advisory until 2 pm portions of northeast...
State forecast for S.D.
Winter storm warning through this afternoon for far northwestern south dakota and northern foothills...
State forecast for Iowa
Today...Cloudy. Occasional snow showers through the day. Highs 20
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Light snow likely. Highs in the teens in the west with
Wisconsin state forecast
Snow advisory northwest today...