Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Events planned at Little Falls Senior Center
LITTLE FALLS - The Little Falls Senior Center will host a Christmas party at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday that will include live music by Jerry Bierschbach, a meal to be served at 11:45 a.m. and bingo to be played at 12:45 p.m.
When adult children should grow up
When it comes to my parents, when did I become the adult and not the child? Who put me in charge?
What to do if you feel you have been swept into a problem
This is a legal question and answer column for senior citizens written by the Senior Citizens' Law Project of Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota, along with managing attorney Kristin Parendo. Seniors with questions may call Parendo at (218) 726-4800.
Strike up the band
Social Security Express performed at the Little Falls Senior Center for a November event, while seniors enjoyed dancing to their music.
Q and A with the new Little Falls Senior Center president
Senior profile of Al Kelzenberg
The revolving door of resolutions
We make them with intentions of following through, but time and energy seem to weaken our commitment. This year I encourage you to stick to your resolutions. Usually, we make resolutions because we want to change something about ourselves: Become healthier, change our eating habits, exercise and so on.
Square dancing is still going strong
"Promenade," "swing your partner," "left allemande" and "honor your partner, do-si-do."
Oak Lawn Township Concerned Citizens Committee meeting scheduled for Jan. 4
The Oak Lawn Township Concerned Citizens Committee will meet at 7 p.m. Jan. 4 at the Oak Lawn Town Hall. All Oak Lawn Township residents are welcome and encouraged to attend.
FIRES
STAPLES - The Staples Fire Department responded to a garage on fire at 3:03 p.m. Monday at a residence on the 200 block of McKinley Street Southwest in Staples.
BIRTHS
Crystal Heishman, Brainerd, a boy, Aiden Jaxon, 6 pounds, 11 ounces, Nov. 30, 2009.
Police blotter
ANIMAL COMPLAINT - Received a report of a small puppy with no shelter in the box of a pickup at 4:18 p.m. Sunday on the 10000 block of Dellwood Drive. The puppy's tongue was stuck to the pickup box. The pickup was gone upon an officer's arrival. The pickup was located at Walmart Supercenter, 7295 Glory Road, and an animal control officer stayed at the pickup until the owner returned and was advised.
Accident
BACKUS - A 64-year-old Backus woman, Judy A. Bergman, suffered minor injuries Monday morning after she lost control of her car on a corner on Highway 87 east of Backus, went off the roadway and struck a tree, the State Patrol reported.
POLICE BLOTTER
MISSING PERSON - Received a report of a missing 4-year-old at 4:25 p.m. Monday at a residence on the 8000 block of Dorothy Avenue. The child was located before deputies arrived.
'Looking for some goodies'
Do you have a recent scenic picture that shows the beauty of the lakes area? Send it to photos@brainerddispatch.com for possible publication in the Neighbors section. Be sure to include your name, where you are from, a brief description of the photo and when and where it was taken.
'Feel the stories'
"The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway is comprised of county roads that feel like home because they are your home. They carry within their boundaries and roadsides the memories of your generation and many generations before you, even as they make new memories with each passing day.
PETS OF THE WEEK
Norman is a petite, neutered 6-month-old black Lab mix. He's only 18 pounds, is affectionate and keeps his kennel clean. Brainerd Dispatch/Heidi Lake
Twi-Lite highlights
Don Reich of Ray's Wild Rice team in the Brainerd Twi-Lite Classic League at Jack's House on Dec. 8 bowled a 248, 266 and 299 for an 813 series.
Brainerd seventh-grade girls second
The Brainerd seventh-grade girls' traveling basketball team took second place in the Albany River City Shootout last weekend. Front row: Jenna Degen (left), Katy Johnson, Morgan Larson, Ariana Huber, Tianna Eng. Back: Mikinze Boeder (left), Abby Quincer, Amy Southard, Tedi Ramberg, Mikayla Boeder, Heather Fletcher.
Nisswa Area Women of Today donate $6,750 to area nonprofits
Thanks to the generosity of the Fall Fashion Show participants, as well as contributions from local businesses and individuals, the Nisswa Area Women of Today presented checks for $2,250 to three local nonprofits - Nisswa Parks and Recreation, Crisis Line and Referral and Ski Gull.
CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY
Go to Any Length
SUPPORT GROUPS
Lakes Area Ecumenical Bereavement
ORGANIZATIONS
Brainerd Jaycees
Brainerd Bantam B second in Bemidji
The Brainerd Bantam B hockey team placed second at the Bemidji tournament Friday through Sunday. On Friday, Brainerd defeated Hibbing 7-4. Brainerd topped the Sioux Falls Flyers 2-1 and Two Harbors 7-2 Saturday. In Sunday's championship, Brainerd fell to Bloomington Jefferson 5-0. The team includes Aspen Heilman (front, left), Mason Severson, Dylan Bartholomaus, Jared Rubado, Billy DesRocher, Jack White (middle, left), Parker Sundquist, Sam Mick, Alex Mimmack, Justin Franzen, Blake Thelen, Ryan Hall, coach Darren White (back, left), coach Matt Sundquist, Jake Donnay and coach Bill DesRocher.
A special tradition
On a cold, windy central Minnesota morning, as geese winged their way to southern climates, wreaths were positioned over 300 snow-covered graves at the State Veterans' Cemetery near Camp Ripley as part of Wreaths Across America.
AREA BRIEFS
The Mardag Foundation recently approved a $15,000 grant to support Kinship Partners' mentor recruitment efforts in Crow Wing and southern Cass counties.
Something for Kasey?
The holiday season is upon us. Fast and furiously, we are buying gifts, attending school concerts, decorating the tree and baking our favorite cut-out cookies.
ALL IN THE FAMILY
Jill Carlson-Ferrie wrote, "Anyone can ring! Emma Ferrie, age 9, rings bells in the cold to help raise money for the Salvation Army."
LOCAL BRIEFS
The Pelican Lakes Conservation Club is looking for scholarship applicants for the 2010-2011 academic school year. Interested high school seniors from Pequot Lakes, Crosby-Ironton, Pine River-Backus and Brainerd may apply through their guidance office. Students must meet specific criteria, including the intention to enter a career in conservation, environmental control or a related field which is focused on expanding knowledge, commitment and active involvement in protecting and caring for the environment.
Local news briefs
PEQUOT LAKES - The Pequot Lakes Community Theater will host auditions at 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday at Pequot Lakes High School for its winter production of "Peter Pan."
This was Brainerd
DECEMBER 16 - 40 years ago (1969) - Work is progressing on the troublesome sewer project on Birchridge Drive and Graydon Avenue, City Engineer Dave Reed told the council, but vandals are slowing the project. Damage to equipment and materials has been running from $25 to $1,000 per day.
This was Brainerd
100 years ago (1909): Paul Fournier of Bemidji was acquitted of the murder of N.O. Dahl in district court this morning after the jury deliberated well into the night. He was then immediately arrested again, this time for the murder of Dahl's daughter, Miss Aagot Dahl.
Christmas rush
Helen Richmond (front, left) made a purchase from Alan Pelzer on Monday at the Brainerd Post Office. The mail clerks were greeted with long lines of customers as the Christmas rush began at the facility.
LF man leaves legacy of giving
A Little Falls man, who loved to help people, died unexpectedly Saturday just minutes after doing one of the things he most enjoyed - playing Santa to entertain others.
American Sign Language students to volunteer at Winter Wonderland
The Sertoma Winter Wonderland at the Northland Arboretum Holiday Village will feature a signing Santa this weekend.
Focus of crime alert, Schilling arrested
Cory John Schilling, wanted on a warrant in Morrison County, was arrested Friday night in Cass County.
Staples fire
Staples firefighters Monday afternoon battled a garage fire on the 200 block of McKinley Street Southwest in Staples. The fire was reported at 3:03 p.m. Additional information wasn't immediately available Monday afternoon. The Staples Police Department assisted.
Outgoing school board members
Brainerd School Board members Bob Nystrom (left) and Lew Hudson spoke with Harrison Principal Jeff DeVaney Monday at an open house celebration for outgoing board members Nystrom, Hudson and Molly Kurtzman at the Brainerd High School cafeteria.
Morris Publishing Group commences exchange offering for senior subordinated notes
Morris Publishing Group, which owns the Brainerd Dispatch, announced Monday that it has commenced an offer to exchange $100 million of new notes for the company's outstanding $278.5 million in senior subordinated notes.
Wind chill advisory for area
Arctic air is again blasting into the Brainerd area, with wind chill readings of up to 35 below zero expected Tuesday.
Residents feel squeezed; levy set
The Crow Wing County Board presented its proposed 2010 budget during a night session Tuesday and, after hearing from the public, approved the budget and tax levy.
Board OKs reward for information on Achermann
The Cass County Board has given conceptual approval for a reward for information into the disappearance of Peter Achermann.
HART makes appeal on policy for strays
Heartland Animal Rescue Team made an appeal to the Crow Wing County Board to reconsider its plan for strays.
PUC OKs budgets
Brainerd Public Utilities' capital improvement and operating budgets are in place.
Warrior Outlet helps teach skills
Need a Brainerd Warrior sweatshirt for that Warrior fan in your family for Christmas?
Klein raises question about asking questions
BAXTER - A question at Tuesday's Baxter City Council meeting concerning the animal control officer turned into a larger debate about individual council members requesting information of city staff.
Schilling sentenced to 72 months in prison
LITTLE FALLS - Cory John Schilling, 32, Buffalo, arrested Friday night on a warrant for felony DWI, was sentenced on Monday to 72 months prison, The Morrison County attorney's office reported.
H1N1 clinic open to all 6 months of age or older
Crow Wing County Community Services Health Division will host a walk-in H1N1 clinic from 10 a.m.-noon and 3:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Central Lakes College gymnasium, 501 West College Drive in Brainerd.
Budget, levy put on hold for a week
A final 2010 Brainerd budget and levy will have to wait one more week.
Tiwari named VP of CLC
After six months in an interim capacity, Suresh Tiwari has been appointed vice president of academic and student affairs at Central Lakes College in Brainerd and Staples.
Overheard
"He was just a teddy bear. He'd do anything for you."
KITCHEN FIRE
Brainerd firefighters on Tuesday afternoon prepared equipment to enter a residence on the 500 block of South Fifth Street, where a kitchen fire had been reported. Fire Chief Fred Underhill said the fire was out when firefighters arrived. There was damage to cabinets but no one was injured, Underhill said. Before they cleared the scene firefighters checked the walls to see if the fire had spread. Brainerd Dispatch/Matt Erickson
Levy to increase by 15.5 percent
The Brainerd School Board on Monday certified the 2010 levy at $2,142,234, a 15.5 percent increase from last year.
Offender to move near North Long Lake
A Level 3 predatory offender will be moving to Unorganized Territory on Dec. 27 in rural Crow Wing County.
Overheard
It covers 30 million Americans who don't have health insurance, and it has extraordinary insurance reforms in there to make sure that we're preventing abuse.
Still no contract for teachers
Despite its self-imposed deadline, the Brainerd School Board did not reach a contract agreement with its teaching staff by Monday's regular board meeting.
Frank Every
Frank Every, age 95, resident of Brainerd, died Monday, Dec. 14, 2009, at Good Samaritan Society-Bethany.
Rev. Lynn Broughton
GARRISON - The Rev. Lynn R. Broughton, 70, of Garrison, was called home to be with the Lord Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009. He joins his beloved wife, Mary Jaye (Kretler), in their eternal home.
Donald Wiherski
LITTLE FALLS - Donald Wiherski, age 54, of Little Falls, Minn., passed away Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009, at St. Cloud Hospital. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Little Falls. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Thursday and Friday from 8-10 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Little Falls.
DeLoris M. Morken
BREEZY POINT - DeLoris M. Morken, age 88, of Breezy Point, formerly of Maple Grove, passed away Dec. 13, 2009, at Cuyuna Medical Center in Crosby. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 18500 Cty Rd. 101, Maple Grove.
Randy Moses
Randy Moses, age 53, of Brainerd, passed away Monday, Dec. 14, 2009. He was born July 16, 1956, in Houston, Texas, to Jesse and LaVerne Moses.
Obituary policy
Obituary notices are charged at 40 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.
Virginia D. Willert
LITTLE FALLS - Virginia D. Willert, 84-year-old resident of Little Falls, Minn., formerly of Page, N.D., passed away Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009, at the Lutheran Care Center in Little Falls. Funeral services for Virginia will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, at First Lutheran Church in Little Falls, Minn. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls and from 10-11 a.m. Friday at the church.
Loretta Utsler
BACKUS - Loretta Utsler, age 55, of Backus, passed away Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009, at her home. She was born Aug. 9, 1954, in Tracy, Minn., to Dale and Doris Scott.
Clayton W. Closson
Clayton W. Closson, 65, of Brainerd, died at his home Monday, Dec. 14, 2009. At this time services are pending with the Brenny Funeral Chapel of Baxter.
Kenneth C. Haug
AITKIN - Kenneth C. Haug, 74, of Malmo, died Monday, Dec. 14, 2009, at Riverwood Healthcre Center, Aitkin.
The Rev. Lynn R. Broughton
GARRISON - The Rev. Lynn Randall Broughton, age 70, of Garrison, died at the Pierz Villa in Pierz.
Obituary policy
Obituary notices are charged at 40 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.
Helena C. Dotzler
AITKIN - Helena C. Dotzler, age 80, of Aitkin, died Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009, at the Park Health and Rehabilitation Center in St. Louis Park, Minn.
Frank Every
Frank Every, age 95, resident of Brainerd, died Monday, Dec. 14, 2009, at Good Samaritan Society-Bethany. Frank was born on March 17, 1914, in Enterprise, Minn., to Frank Eugene and Maude (Busbey) Every.
Other opinion: Youth crime
The Senate Judiciary Committee should embrace a bill scheduled for debate on Thursday that institutes needed reforms in how the nation deals with youth who run afoul of the law.
Vox Pop
I've noticed at the Brainerd Warriors hockey game that the Warriors offensive end for two periods is on the end where fewer fans get to see the action close up. It would be an easy solution - switch benches to cover the defensive end.
Open Forum: Don't cut the animal control position
I'm all for the commissioners looking for ways to reduce government waste. They deserve to be commended for that work.
OTHER OPINION: BANKS
Don't look now, but the U.S. banking sector may be getting back in shape much sooner than anyone would have expected earlier this year. Monday, Citigroup announced that it will remove itself from government aid by the end of 2010, starting with the immediate repayment of $20 billion in federal bailout money. Wells Fargo also said Monday that it would repay $25 billion in bailout funds. This follows Bank of America's payback of $45 billion. Evidence that the recession is ending and that private capital has regained confidence in Wall Street's giants, these banks' measures go a long way toward ending government's unnatural and unpopular embrace.
What do you think?
The Brainerd Dispatch welcomes letters on recent articles and current issues. Letters should include the writer's full name, city and a phone number (for verification only). Letters are limited to 300 words. Only one letter per person per week.
Open Forum
The year 2010 will be significant because Minnesotans will elect a new governor and all 201 members of the Minnesota Legislature. In District 12, it will be the first time voters will be able to judge and review, in the same election, the legislative voting records of all three of their legislators: Sen. Paul Koering and Representatives John Ward and Al Doty. They will be provided with a clear choice as to what direction they wish the state to go on the critical issues of taxes and spending.
Ninth-ranked Tech defeats Warriors
ST. CLOUD - Kyle Crocker had a team-high 12 points as the Brainerd Warriors dropped their Central Lakes Conference opener 61-48 to Class 4-A's ninth-ranked St. Cloud Tech Tigers Tuesday.
Cards cruise past Frazee
STAPLES - Nikki Pearson led the Staples-Motley Cardinals with 14 points in a 55-25 victory Monday over Frazee.
LOCAL SHORTS
ROCHESTER - The Northwoods League is preparing to expand to Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.
Brainerd Blue 2nd in state tourney
From 110 teams to 24 to 16 to just two, that was what the Brainerd Blue junior varsity bowling team went through to finish second in the state tournament Dec. 6 at the AMF Southdown Bowl in Bloomington.
Hoop Shoot Saturday at Forestview
The Brainerd Elks Lodge will conduct the 37th annual Hoop Shoot on Saturday at Forestview Middle School in Baxter.
Jenkins helps Warriors past Tech
ST. CLOUD - Brett Jenkins scored goals in the second and third periods to help the Brainerd Warriors past St. Cloud Tech 4-2 in a Central Lakes Conference game Tuesday at the National Hockey Center.
Girls' hockey recap
BREEZY POINT - Emily Erickson had one goal and one assist for the Pequot Lakes Patriots as they lost to East Range 3-2 in non-conference action Tuesday.
Girls' basketball recap
PEQUOT LAKES - Emily Lueck had 24 points and Kylie Beltz 20 as Class 2A's 10th-ranked Pequot Lakes Patriots blew past the Little Falls Flyers 75-54 in a non-conference game Tuesday.
Flyers defeat Fergus Falls by 8-point margin
FERGUS FALLS - Little Falls got pins from Frank Wilczek, Dillon Kifer, Matt Laugen and Brandon Hiemenz to lead the Flyers past Fergus Falls 39-31 in a Central Lakes Conference meet Tuesday.
Area boys' basketball scores
LITTLE FALLS - Dan Kornbaum scored 34 points and recorded his third double-double in four games as the Little Falls Flyers beat Alexandria 62-47 in Central Lakes Conference action Wednesday.
Warrior boys third, girls fifth in St. Cloud
ST. CLOUD - Zean Baker paced the Brainerd Warriors boys' team to third place in Tuesday's St. Cloud Cathedral Invite at Riverside Park.
Local sports shorts
The deadline to register for the Brainerd Parks and Recreation Department's Penguins, Polar Bears and Sea Lions Pond Hockey programs is Friday.
Thomsen, Abrahamson win titles
Cody Thomsen of Nisswa and Kylie Abrahamson of Merrifield won events in the ISOC Duluth National Snocross event last weekend at Spirit Mountain in Duluth.
SCOREBOARD
Area events
Back to smash-mouth
EDEN PRAIRIE (AP) - As Brett Favre became more and more comfortable with his new team, the Vikings gradually changed from a physical, run-first team into one with more finesse.
Area boys' hockey scores
MONTICELLO - Connor Chambers provided the sole Northern Lakes Lightning goal in a 4-1 loss to the Monticello Magic in a non-conference game Tuesday night.
Warriors pack a pressure punch
Either Carl Hendrickson is a superior coach or the Brainerd Warrior are fast learners.
Scoreboard
Area events
Lightning program headed in right direction
"The kids are working hard and we're doing the right things at points and times so far. I think this is going to be a learning season."
Flyer girls win meet
ST. CLOUD - Three Little Falls skiers placed in the top 10, led by Maria Hauer, as the Flyer girls won the St. Cloud Cathedral Invite Tuesday at Riverside Park.
State forecast for N.D.
Wind chill warning until noon northeast half...
State forecast for Minnesota
Wind chill warning in effect this morning for the far northwest...
State forecast for Iowa
Today...Mostly sunny. Highs 15 to 20 northeast...To 25 to 30
State forecast for Wisconsin
Today...Partly cloudy. Highs in the teens...To near 20 far south.
State forecast for Wisconsin
Wind chill advisory for douglas county until 11 am cst...
State forecast for N.D.
Today...Mostly sunny in the morning then becoming partly cloudy.
State forecast for Iowa
Wind chill advisory in effect this morning for much of the
Snowman needs more than a hat
Weather drawing by Rita Ganley in the St. Francis first grade of Mrs. Smith.
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Becoming mostly sunny. Flurries north in the morning.
State forecast for S.D.
Today...Mostly sunny and not as cold. Highs in the teens northeast to the 40s southwest.
Winter wonderland
Weather drawing by Isaac Foster of Ms. Jedinak's second-grade class at Lowell school.
State forecast for S.D.
Wind chill advisory north of interstate 90 this morning...