Thursday, December 22, 2005
Hybrids and batteries, a reach toward the future
WASHINGTON - Here's another one from the Department of Unintended Consequences:
VW asks high price for Bugatti Veyron 16.4
PALERMO, Sicily - At 200 mph, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 pounds a beautiful, howling hole in the sweltering haze hanging over the motorway.
Upcoming arts and entertainment events
Live music
Entertainment shorts
AITKIN - The Jaques Art Center's second annual juried show, "From Horns to Hoots," will open Jan. 6. A reception will be conducted from 1-4 p.m. Jan. 7, with an awards ceremony at 2 p.m.
Earl, Veronica, Michael Scott ...
Lorelai proposed to Luke, the survivors opened the hatch and Michael Bluth almost married a mentally challenged Brit played by Charlize Theron. Yes, there were a lot of great TV moments in 2005, but for me, the best was when I finally caved in and got a digital video recorder.
A special time of the year
What a glorious time of the year. I cherish the heartwarming feeling when we gather with family on Christmas Eve.
Two dead following collision
ONAMIA - Two people died in a two-vehicle collision about 11 p.m. Tuesday on Highway 169, seven miles north of Onamia, the State Patrol reported.
Sexual assault suspect sought in Crosby
CROSBY - Crosby police officers are searching for a suspect in a report of a sexual assault that occurred Sunday in a residential neighborhood in northwest Crosby.
River reflects first day of winter
On the first day of winter, ice blocks could be found Wednesday along the Mississippi River below Evergreen Cemetery in Brainerd. Despite the areas of ice, the river remains open. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
AREA BRIEFS
STAPLES - The Lakewood Health System Foundation will host a New Year's Eve Ball from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 31 at T Maxwell's in Staples.
Guenther loves his job, but he also loves hunting and fishing
John Guenther could have stayed at the helm of the DNR's Fish and Wildlife Division, his most recent post in a career that's spanned 30 years.
Therapy Dog helps Lincoln Elementary students learn to read
Lincoln Elementary Media Secretary Nancy Chisholm, and Physical Education Specialist Shirley Lintner had the idea of having Albert, a Newfoundland therapy dog, listen to kindergarten students from Mrs. Vagt's and Mrs. Swanson's class learn how to read. Albert visits the class every Wednesday morning with his master, Larry Lintner.
Horsing around at Christmas time
Hanna Jankovich, 14, a Forestview Middle School eighth-grader who rides with Mounted Eagles, stood between her family's horses, Mahler (left), 5, and Tucker, 4. The horses, registered quarter horses who are brothers, didn't mind being all decked out for the holidays. Hanna's parents are Carmel (right) and James Jankovich. Do you have a recent scenic picture that shows the beauty of winter in the lakes area? Send it to photos@brainerd dispatch.com for possible publication in the Neighbors section.
Follow your nose to the tasty pasties
PEQUOT LAKES - It could be called divine intervention - the smell of freshly baked pasties that lures motorists off of Highway 371 into Grace United Methodist Church's parking lot.
Property tax levy OK'd
WALKER - The Cass County Board Tuesday approved a $16,066,138 2006 property tax levy and set anticipated revenues at $42,371,924 and expenditures at $42,353,026.
Pillager Fair struggling
WALKER - Pillager Fair, like the Cass County Fair at Pine River, has struggled in recent years to obtain enough donations and volunteers to provide the fair.
Bear Island cartway rejected
WALKER - The Cass County Board decided Tuesday to disallow Michael Rollins' petition for the county to designate and develop an east-west cartway across Bear Island in Leech Lake.
TV series to explore American Indian life
ONAMIA - A television series, "Native Report," aims to bring attention to positive stories of American Indian life. "Native Report" will highlight challenges and successes of American Indians, and educate viewers about the heritage and culture of tribal people in Minnesota and the nation.
False-arrest claims denied
WALKER - The Minnesota Counties Insurance Trust informed Cass County the claims Arthur "Archie" LaRose and Wallace Storbakken filed against the county for false arrest have been denied.
Finding a cure
WALKER - Cass County Board, acting as the town board for the unorganized townships, voted Tuesday to join a joint powers board expected to manage Longville Ambulance Service in the future.
County administrator finalist for similar post in Farmington
Crow Wing County Administrator Peter Herlofsky Jr. is a finalist for the city administrator's job in Farmington.
Painting of Zebulon Pike finds new home
A painting by Sarah Thorp Heald of Zebulon Pike reaching Brainerd exactly 200 years ago this December has now found a home at the Crow Wing County Historical Society Museum.
Closing of Backus school to be considered
The Pine River-Backus School Board will reconvene Thursday to discuss the closing of the Backus Elementary School.
LOCAL BRIEF
BAXTER - Troopers with the Minnesota State Patrol Brainerd District are conducting Safe and Sober event through New Year's Day.
Baxter enters agreements to buy land
BAXTER - The city of Baxter has taken a step toward fulfilling future space needs.
Busy pre-holiday day at the post office
Luann Rice (left) finished some final mailing duties at the Brainerd Post Office Tuesday as the lobby filled with waiting customers. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
Whiting named volunteer of the year for HART
Heartland Animal Rescue Team, Brainerd, recently honored Diane Whiting of Lake Shore as its volunteer of the year.
CORRECTION
A Page 5A brief Tuesday incorrectly listed the hours of the Oak Street snow removal planned for Wednesday.
Joint Cass County, Leech Lake Tribal meeting rescheduled
WALKER - Cass County Board has rescheduled a meeting with Leech Lake Tribal Council to 12:30 p.m. Jan. 4 at Northern Lights Convention Center south of Walker.
Season of giving
Volunteers Jody Carnes (above left) and Ruthie McCoy assembled some of the 600 food boxes at the Brainerd National Guard Armory Tuesday during the Salvation Army's distribution day for holiday donations. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
One dead, one badly injured
A 33-year-old Holdingford man died in a snowmobile crash after being thrown from his snowmobile about 10 p.m. Tuesday in Elmdale Township near Upsala, the Morrison County Sheriff's Department reported.
Sheriff's department to add deputy for wellness court
WALKER - Cass County Board authorized Tuesday the sheriff's department add a deputy, whose salary will be paid for 18 months under a grant, to be assigned as liaison officer to the wellness court.
LOCAL BRIEFS
Consolidated Telecommunications Co., Brainerd, announced applications for the company's 2006 scholarship program are now available at area school guidance offices.
This was Brainerd
DECEMBER 21 - 40 years ago (1965) - Brainerd may be without city bus service after Dec. 29. Kenneth Nelson, speaking for bus operator Frank Jensen, told the council that Jensen planned to discontinue the service.
Overheard
"Drilling proponents pulled out all the stops, and tried every trick in their playbook. This is a tremendous victory for all Americans and proof that the fate of the Arctic refuge must be debated on its merits, not as part of a sneak attack."
Overheard
"This is a big city. Don't they realize that?"
Council eliminates jobs at mansions
LITTLE FALLS - The Little Falls City Council voted Monday to eliminate several positions at the Linden Hill Conference and Retreat Center.
This was Brainerd
DECEMBER 22 - 60 years ago (1945) - A former Brainerd girl, Miss Alice Hagen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Iver Hagen, Brainerd, was the only woman soil technician with the Army engineers permafrost to serve in Alaska.
Point of view
This unique window display is near downtown Brainerd. Where is it? Find the answer Thursday. Tuesday's photo showed Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Pequot Lakes. Do you have an idea or photo for a Point of View quiz? Send your suggestions or photos to photos@brainerddispatch.com.
Ringing the kettles full
BAXTER - For her first time out, Sandi Colbenson had great success as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign.
Point of view
This is part of a display in Crosby. Where is it? Find the answer Friday.
Lloyd Knigge
STAPLES - Lloyd Knigge, age 74, a resident of Staples, died Monday, Dec. 19, 2005, at Lakewood Hospital in Staples. Funeral services will be Thursday, Dec. 22, 2005, at 2 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Staples. Friends may call starting at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday at the church. Arrangements are with the Brenny Funeral Home in Staples.
Matthew D. Higdem
FARGO, N.D. - Funeral service for Matthew D. Higdem, 23, of Fargo, N.D., formerly of Northwood, N.D., was held on Friday, Dec. 16, 2005, at Northwood, N.D. Survivors include his sister, Ann (Matthew) Moen, of Baxter, Minn.
Richard Schalow
CROSSLAKE - Richard Schalow, of Crosslake, died Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2005, at his home. Arrangements are pending with Brenny Funeral Chapel of Crosslake.
Gussie E. Eastham
CROSBY - Gussie E. Eastham, age 92, resident of Crosby, died Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2005, at Cuyuna Regional Care Center. He was born in Aitkin Aug. 2, 1913, to Gussie W. and Emma (Wood) Eastham. He married Louise Thesing. Gussie moved to Colorado in 1944, returning to the family homestead on Eastham Lake in 1965. He was a member of the NRA and was a supporter of the Lakota Mission in South Dakota.
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.
Wesley P. Beach
YUMA, Ariz. - Wesley P. Beach passed away Dec. 7, 2005, in Yuma, Ariz. He was born in Minneapolis on Dec. 8, 1920. He was a retired masonry contractor. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a life member of the VFW in Brainerd, life member of American Legion of Nisswa, member of Moose Lodge in Yuma, Ariz., and the NRA.
Dana Michael
PINE RIVER - Dana Michael, age 44, of Pine River, passed away Monday, Dec. 19, 2005, at his home. Arrangements are with Kline Funeral Home in Pine River.
Christine M. Hutchinson
BEMIDJI - Christine M. Hutchinson, 79, of Bemidji, died Thursday, Dec. 15, 2005, at Neilson Place in Bemidji after a short battle with lung cancer.
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.
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VOX POP
The C-I vocal choirs presented outstanding performances at their Christmas concert Tuesday night. Their love of music was apparent in the skills they displayed. To the woman whose knitting needles were incessantly clicking throughout most of the concert, including the emotional Silent Night finale: Please do everyone a favor and stay home next year.
Open Forum
I too found some interesting things in the paper. Cal Thomas actually had something which I believe is correct. Who wants to be told Merry Christmas by someone who is only doing it because he is forced to by a boss or company that really doesn't feel that way at all? It certainly isn't Christian or Christ-like, However there are some professional boycotters making a living promoting the idea.
Open Forum
Bush supporters were looking for security, economic frugality, honorable government, and religious ideals, but got none of these.
Brainerd 14-U girls third at Cloquet tournament
The Brainerd 14-under girls' hockey team finished third last weekend at the eight-team Cloquet 14-U tournament, defeating fourth-ranked Warroad 2-1 in the third-place game.
LOCAL SHORTS
Minnesota's Becoming An Outdoors Woman program invites women to experience fishing this winter.
Tesdahl leads Rangers past Blackduck 75-39
CROSBY - Bryce Tesdahl drilled seven three-pointers and finished with 25 points to lead the Crosby-Ironton Rangers past Blackduck 75-39 in boys' basketball Tuesday.
Warriors girls win at Alex
ALEXANDRIA - Rachel Cross skied to a second-place finish followed by Kaitlyn Ziebell in third to lead the Brainerd Warriors girls' Alpine ski team to a victory at the Alexandria Invitational Tuesday.
Pierz wins first two conference matches
EDEN VALLEY - Clint Poster and Bobby Gruber pinned both of their opponents as the Pierz Pioneers opened the Central Minnesota Conference wrestling season Tuesday with 64-5 and 41-16 victories over Rockford and Eden Valley-Watkins.
Sabres' special teams special against Brainerd
SARTELL - Megan Wurdelman and Rachel Stoebe combined for four goals and three assists to lead the Sartell Sabres past the Brainerd Warriors 4-2 Tuesday in Central Lakes Conference girls' hockey.
Prairie Centre blanks Pequot Lakes
SAUK CENTRE - Goalie Bryce Szymanski made 28 saves as the Pequot Lakes Patriots lost to Prairie Center 6-0 in boys' hockey Tuesday.
Rangers rumble past Aitkin 58-43
AITKIN - Maggie Sandberg scored 20 points and Annie Adams added 15 to lead the Crosby-Ironton Rangers over the Aitkin Gobblers 58-43 in a non-conference girls' basketball game Tuesday.
Lavalle rides Polaris to win Pro Stock at Michigan
Levi Lavalle of Longville was first in Pro Stock on a Polaris in a World Power Snowmobile Association national race at Gaylord, Mich., last weekend.
Warrior girls place fourth, boys fifth
GRAND RAPIDS - Brainerd Nordic skier Hanna Stadem completed a third-place time of 19:19 and the Warrior girls' team placed fourth at the Grand Rapids Invitational Tuesday.
On radio and television:
Radio guide
Sanoski soars to career highs in Flyers' loss
LITTLE FALLS - The Little Falls Flyers gymnastics team was paced by Brianna Sanoski's career-high score of 8.75 on the vault but it was New London-Spicer that came away with a 137.15-127.9 non-conference win Tuesday.
Brainerd athletics face tough budget choices
Parents, coaches, fans and athletes associated with the Brainerd High School athletic program should have counted their blessings long before this holiday season.
BHS trounces Sartell
The Brainerd Warriors were keeping a 6-1 Central Lakes Conference boys' hockey victory over the Sartell Sabres in perspective Tuesday.
On radio and television:
Radio guide
Townswick's 36 help Wilmar sink Warriors
WILLMAR - Landon Stanfield scored 19 points for Brainerd but the Warriors couldn't overcome a hot shooting night by Kyle Townswick who scored 36 points for Willmar in a 81-71 win Tuesday in Central Lakes Conference boys' basketball.
Scoreboard
Football
Cardinals fly away with one-point win
Brainerd heavyweight wrestler Ryan McKay doesn't mind when a meet comes down to whether he wins or loses.
Upcoming sporting events
Thursday
Wolverines take bite out of the Tigers
WADENA - Dustin Syverson dropped in 17 points to lead the Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines past the Pine River-Backus Tigers 83-73 non-conference boys' basketball Tuesday.
Festler's four goals fuel Flyers
LITTLE FALLS - It was Jared Festler's night as he scored four goals to lead the Little Falls boys' hockey team to a 6-0 victory over the St. Cloud Apollo Eagles in Central Lakes Conference play Tuesday.
Upcoming sporting events
Thursday
Brainerd nips Sartell in final event
SARTELL - Trailing by two points entering the final event the Brainerd Warriors won the 400-yard freestyle relay and Tuesday's Central Lakes Conference meet, 95-91 over the Sartell Sabres.
Scoreboard
Football
Wynn Roberts qualifies for U.S. team
Wynn Roberts of Battle Lake, skiing for the Nisswa Northwest Biathlon Club, finished third in the best of three trials series at Mt. Itasca near Greenway Sunday to qualify for the U.S. biathlon team.
Senior shines at Nordic skiing
Conditions for Nordic skiing are as optimal this winter as they have been in years.
LOCAL SHORTS
LITTLE FALLS - The Little Falls activities department will present Al Baumann recognition night at the Flyers holiday basketball tournament Dec. 29 and Flyers wrestling alumni night Jan. 6.
State forecast for Iowa
Today...Mostly sunny in the morning then becoming partly cloudy.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Areas of fog south early. Otherwise partly cloudy and milder. Highs in the 30s.
State forecast for S.D.
Today...Partly sunny. Isolated light showers or sprinkles west and north. Highs mainly in the 40s...With mid 50s southwest.
State forecast for Iowa
Wednesday...Sunny and not as cold. Highs in the lower 20s north and
Santa is coming
Weather drawing by Rainbow Buzzalini of Mrs. Meyer's third grade class at Riverside school.
It's winter
Weather drawing by Brianna Anick of Miss Schultz's third grade class at Eagle View school.
State forecast for N.D.
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. Isolated showers west and central
State forecast for N.D.
Wednesday...Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 20s northeast to the
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Partly cloudy. Not as cold. Highs in the mid 30s to
State forecast for Minnesota
Wednesday...Not as cold. Mostly sunny in the morning...Then