Wednesday, December 31, 2003
TAKING OFF
Getting $3.3 million in pledges for the flight bank, a project aimed at attracting another air carrier ultimately to Brainerd, is getting attention from the airline industry.
SO WHAT IF WE'RE NOT QUITE A METRO AREA
The story used to be if the weather was unsatisfactory in Minnesota just wait a moment.
WHAT'S AHEAD
The 2020 Economic Vitality Task Force, the short-term planning project designed to come up with a comprehensive economic development strategy in the face of the Potlatch mill closing, is expected to have a final report in early 2004.
HOW ARE WE DOING?
Growth begets growth.
CURTAIN GOING UP ON NEW PROGRAMS
Theater director Patrick Spradlin sees exciting changes in the coming years for performing arts students in Central Lakes College.
WE KEEP ON GROWING
It's no mystery that Crow Wing County is growing.
BUILD THE PARKS AND THE INDUSTRIES WILL COME
When Stern Industries outgrew its space on Highway 371 North, company management spent a few years searching for either a larger existing facility to buy or land to build on, said Shawn Hunstad, Stern Industries vice-president.
SO YOU WANT TO START A BUSINESS
Thinking about starting a business but don't know where to begin?
ARTS COMMUNITY SAVORS THE POSSIBILITIES
Franklin building could provide the spark Brainerd arts scene needs
ARE YOU READY FOR A RECOVERY?
If the current economy's health is like a patient, the fourth-quarter pulse is a lot stronger.
AS THE COLUMN TURNS
They've touched your life or simply made you smile.
BUCKING THE TREND
Most arts groups in Minnesota struggled with budget cuts and a grant shortage in 2003. Brainerd's Crossing Arts Alliance moved into a smaller building to save money and the Great River Arts Association in Little Falls briefly toyed with the idea of shutting down altogether.
JUST WHAT WE NEED
Wish lists aren't just for the holiday season. Most of us have a year-round wish list made up of amenities we'd like to see in the Brainerd lakes area someday.
DRIVE SLOWLY: Construction Zone
Residents in the Brainerd School District will be seeing a lot more construction in 2004.
GOING A.M.
An old friend with a new look at a new time.
SPREADING OUT
For Brainerd and Baxter the annexation boom peaked in 2000, but it has cleared the way for growth in both cities.
PLANNING TO MAINTAIN OUR RESOURCES
When Crow Wing County's new comprehensive plan was pitched to county residents last summer two concerns were heard at all six meetings: protect our natural resources and preserve our rural character.
Resolve to make a difference
The new year. It's the time for a fresh start, and I'm ready to try to make 2004 a great one! Most of us begin each new year with good intentions, high hopes and great expectations. But frequently, as the old year fades into memories, so do our New Year's resolutions.
Accidents
AITKIN -- Two people were hurt in a single-vehicle accident Sunday on Highway 47, 5.5 miles south of Aitkin.
Births
Kevin and Cynthia (Carlson) Goedker, Brainerd, a boy, Alexander Carlson, 6 pounds, 1 ounce, Dec. 7, 2003. Grandparents are Gene and Karol Goedker, Brainerd, Bonnie Carlson, Brainerd, and Allan Carlson, Brainerd.
Crimes
BURGLARY -- Susan Kilpatrick, 600 block of North Fifth Street, today reported her residence broken into.
#8 NORTH LONG LAKE'S BLACK HOLE
First it was the talk of the town. Then it became the talk of the world.
#1 ERIKA DALQUIST and DRU SJODIN
The disappearance of two area women dominated local, state and national news in 2003.
#4 MISSOTA PAPER CO.
A month into 2003, the sale of Potlatch's Brainerd mill to the newly formed Missota Paper Co. was finalized with hope for jobs and a new start.
#7 TROOP DEPLOYMENT AND ITS CONSEQUENCES
At about 5:20 a.m. March 20, the wail of sirens could be heard and bright flashes of anti-aircraft fire lighted the sky over Baghdad.
#6 PAUL BUNYAN MOVES
The Brainerd area lost a giant-sized landmark in September when the Paul Bunyan statue that was the major drawing card for Baxter's Paul Bunyan Amusement Center was moved to its new home at This Old Farm, east of Brainerd.
Sadness and controversy
Brainerd lakes area residents may hope for a happier and less controversial year as they ring in 2004.
#3 CONCLUSION OF MURDER CASES
Three high profile homicide cases were concluded in Crow Wing County in 2003.
#9 ROAD CONSTRUCTION
Several major road projects got under way in the Brainerd area in 2003.
#10 JULY FOURTH PROTEST
Brainerd Community Action's decision to deny a spot in its July 4 parade to a peace group sparked a free speech debate that still wasn't settled nearly six months after the initial decision.
#2 WAL-MART SUPER CENTER
Despite strong resistance by two opposing citizens' groups in 2003, there will be a Wal-Mart Super Center opening in Baxter in 2004.
#5 PILLAGER TRIPLE HOMICIDE
On May 29, three people were found murdered in and near a rural Pillager mobile home in the Big Water residential area.
Club members find book in good taste
Jann Northway ( left), Eunice Wiebolt, Jane Myhra, Marge Weigel and Polly Pflepsen sampled prepared recipes from Wiebolt's book "Cooking with Confidence," at Northway's home in Nisswa Monday night. The book club members, which include Wiebolt, brought a dish from the book and served it for each other to enjoy. (Dispatch Photos by Steve Kohls)
County keeps dog ordinance
Residents who have a problem with a nuisance dog will continue to have someone to call in Crow Wing County.
SYSTEM-WIDE CRISIS SEEN AFTER STATE SUPREME COURT ACTION
Relief sought by Minnesota public defenders was denied by the state's Supreme Court Monday, but both sides agree a system-wide crisis is brewing.
New year will bring in new county fees
The Crow Wing County Board Tuesday adopted the 2004 fee schedule, which included several increases in various fees as well as new fees.
This was Brainerd
DECEMBER 30 - 30 years ago (1973) - As fuel-conscious Brainerd area residents watched with some apprehension, the thermometer dipped to -30 degrees here last night as the first real cold snap of the year struck.
Land plan for 371 corridor adopted
After three years of planning and research, the Crow Wing County Board adopted the Highway 371 Transportation and Land Use Plan Tuesday.
Local briefs
The final Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed reconstruction of Highway 371 to a four-lane road from the junction of Highway 371 and Highway 10 to one-half mile north of Morrison County Road 48 in Morrison County is complete, the Minnesota Department of Transportation reported.
News Brief
Sen. Carrie Ruud, R-Breezy Point, said today she's organizing a town meeting on the topic of sexual predators.
This was Brainerd
DECEMBER 31 - 30 years ago (1973) - 1973 saw one of the largest construction seasons in the history of the city of Brainerd, with projects totaling over $800,000.
New year's baby
Who will be the first baby born in Crow Wing County in 2004? Find out if there is a baby born New Year's Day in Friday's Dispatch.
Quiet pier
The Mississippi River fishing pier below the College Drive bridge in Brainerd created a stark winter vision Tuesday.
The best films
Staff Writer John Hansen picks the 10 best films of 2003 and looks back at what was cool and what wasn't cool in the year in arts and entertainment. Look for the stories Wednesday.
DONATING A LOCK OF LOVE
Stephanie Peterson (left), 5; her mother, LeAnn; and sister, Brooke, 3, looked Tuesday at a 15-inch ponytail of hair Stephanie will donate to Locks of Love. Stephanie had her hair cut at Salon El Rio in Brainerd. Locks of Love produces hairpieces for financially disadvantaged children under the age of 18 with medical hair loss.
Charles W. Pedley Sr.
LITTLE FALLS -- Charles W. Pedley Sr., age 80, a resident of Little Falls, formerly of Royalton, Minn., passed away Monday, Dec. 29, 2003, at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls, Minn.
Miriam Wessel Bautch
Miriam Wessel Bautch, age 88, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 28, 2003, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village. Mirian was born in Sioux City, Iowa, on Aug. 7, 1915, to John and Nan (Harlusin) Misenhelder. Miriam and Bill Wessel were married in 1939. When they moved to Brainerd in 1945. They owned and operated Wessel Shoe Shop, where they also bought and sold antiques for many years.
Doris M. Shaffer
LONGVILLE -- Doris Mae Shaffer, age 76, of Longville, died on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2003, at Cuyuna Regional Care Center in Crosby. She was born on Nov. 14, 1927, in St. Paul to Walter and Clara (Tillman) Houle. She was a life member of the Coon Rapids VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post No. 9625.
David Hojem
PINE RIVER -- David Hojem, age 75 of Pine River, passed away Monday, Dec. 29, 2003, at his home. Arrangements are with Kline Funeral Home in Pine River.
Obituary policy
Obituaries are a paid service of The Brainerd Dispatch Advertising Department and also appear online. Obituary notices will be charged at $10 per column inch, exclusive of the first 4 inches, which will be printed at no charge.
John W. Sayres
DUBLIN, Ohio -- John W. Sayres of Dublin, Ohio, passed away Monday, Dec. 29, 2003, at his home after a long and courageous battle against cancer. He was born in Dayton, Wash., the son of Wilford and Lucinda Adeline (Webb) Sayres, both of whom preceded him in death.
Jerome L. LaValle
Jerome L. LaValle, 93, Brainerd, passed away Sunday, Dec. 28, 2003, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village, Brainerd.
Dean A. Markow
Dean Allen Markow, 47, Brainerd, passed away Monday, Dec. 29, 2003.
Richard Duoos
PEQUOT LAKES -- Richard Duoos, age 42 of Pequot Lakes passed away Sunday, Dec. 28, 2003, in Kenmare, N.D. Arrangements are with Kline Funeral Home in Pine River.
Obituary policy
Obituaries are a paid service of The Brainerd Dispatch Advertising Department and also appear online. Obituary notices will be charged at $10 per column inch, exclusive of the first 4 inches, which will be printed at no charge.
Inga Walters
CROSBY -- Inga Walters, age 91 of Crosby, died on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2003, at the Cuyuna Regional Care Center in Crosby. She was born on July 18, 1912, in Aitkin Co., Minn., to Andrew and Tarjer (Oien) Bakke. She was a member of the Church of Nazarene in Merrifield.
Noel F. Schmidt
NISSWA -- Noel F. Schmidt, age 70, a resident of Nisswa, died Sunday, Dec. 28, 2003, at his home. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Cross in Nisswa with the Rev. Kurt Wied officiating. Burial will be in the Lake Edward Cemetery. The relatives will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter. Visitation also one hour before the service at the church.
Richard 'Rick' Duoos
PEQUOT LAKES -- Richard "Rick" Duoos, age 42, of Pequot Lakes, passed away Sunday, Dec. 28 in Kenmare, N.D. He was born Jan. 22, 1961, in Minneapolis to Richard and Gloria Duoos.
Danford G. Johnson Sr.
FREEDHEM -- Danford G. Johnson Sr., 87 year old resident of Freedhem, Minn., passed away Sunday, Dec. 28, 2003, in Little Falls, Minn. Funeral services for Danford G. Johnson Sr. will be held Wednesday at 1 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Little Falls with the Rev. David L. Steffenson officiating.
Charles W. Rewoldt
PRESCOTT, Ariz. -- Charles William Rewoldt, Prescott, Ariz., passed away Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2003, in Phoenix. He served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the American Legion. Survivors include a daughter, Jenny Barnhart, Brainerd; and two sisters, Fern Draheim, Belvidere, Ill., and Jane Heywood, California.
Melvin H. Kern
WADENA -- Melvin H. Kern, age 86 of Wadena, died Sunday, Dec. 28, 2003, at the Tri-County Hospital. Funeral services will be Saturday, Jan. 3, 2004, at 1 p.m. at the Wadena United Methodist Church. Friends may call Friday 4-8 p.m. at the Bielema Family Funeral Home and one hour prior to services at the church.
David A. Hojem
PINE RIVER -- David Allen Hojem, age 75 of Pine River, passed away Monday, Dec. 29, at his home. He was born Nov. 2, 1928, in Pequot Lakes to Louis and Selma Hojem. David graduated from Pine River High School in 1946 and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1949-1953.
Charles Pedley
ROYALTON -- Charles Pedley, 80, a resident of Royalton, died Monday, Dec. 29, 2003, at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls. Funeral arrangements are pending with the Brenny-Karlinski Funeral Home of Royalton.
Marvin Palmer
CROSBY -- Marvin Palmer, age 87 of Crosby, died on Monday, Dec. 29, 2003, at his home.
Filmore Pfeifle
A Memorial Service will be held for Filmore Pfeifle, formerly of Pillager, on January 3, 2004 at the Pillager School at 11 a.m. Inurnment will take place April 16, 2004 at the Wildwood Cemetery in Pillager.
Jerome LaValle
Jerome LaValle, 93, of Brainerd, passed away Sunday, Dec. 28, 2003, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village.
Vox Pop
Vox Pop, voice of the people, publishes Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Submissions are limited to 100 words. To call in a comment, dial 829-2900 or 1-800-547-2909 then enter code 8008. To e-mail a comment, write to voxpop@brainerddispatch.com.
News council airs media concerns
The Minnesota News Council is an independent organization that examines citizens complaints alleging inaccuracy, unfairness or unethical conduct by the media.
Open Forum
A couple of weeks ago, Jodie Tweed wrote an article for this paper which expressed my daughter's desire for some "things" for an elementary school located near the base she is stationed at in Bosnia. For that article, Robin and I would like to thank Jodie. For the response the article has generated, Robin and I would like to thank this community.
Open Forum
Another regular season has ended and the playoffs are about to begin. As a Packer fan of "many years," I look forward to the game between Green Bay and Seattle on Sunday. If I make the correct assumption, the "die hard" Viking fans will by game time, have totally exhausted themselves verbally by putting down the Packers and all they stand for.
Looking back
News, by its very nature, is that which is out of the ordinary. While good news can make bold headlines (witness the recent capture of Saddam Hussein) we live in a world in which conflict and violence jar our everyday lives.
Scoreboard
BOYS BASKETBALL
Scoreboard
BOYS BASKETBALL
Scull scores 1,000th point in C-I win
CROSBY -- With 10 points Tuesday, senior forward Tyler Scull reached 1,000 for his career in an 88-52 Crosby-Ironton victory over the Greenway Raiders in the Ranger Holiday Boys' Basketball Tournament.
Mosack, Cards win 8th straight; showdown with Brainerd next
Kim Mosack owns a sweet jump shot, but showcased a powerful drive Monday in the first round of the Brainerd Holiday Girls' Basketball Classic.
Staples-Motley wins girls' tourney
One team had won eight games in a row.
Warriors skate to tourney title
The power play for the Brainerd Warriors girls' hockey team wasn't powerful but it was potent enough Tuesday.
Brainerd swimmers wind up fifth
A little tweak in preparation was all it took for Andrew Mehr.
Little Falls reaches finals
LITTLE FALLS -- Senior Todd Anderson led Little Falls to a 9-4 boys' hockey win over Jamestown, N.D., in the 10th annual Flyers Holiday Tournament Tuesday.
W-DC improves to 8-0A
WADENA -- Andrew Murray scored a natural hat trick for unbeaten Wadena-Deer Creek and finished with four goals and an assist in a 14-1 win over the Crosby-Ironton/Aitkin Grizzlies in the Wolverines' boys' hockey tournament Monday.
BHS boys third at Winona tourney
WINONA -- Zach Eastman and Justin Mueller led the Brainerd Warriors boys' basketball team to a third-place finish at the Winona Holiday Tournament Tuesday, thanks to a 55-47 victory over Northfield.
Warrior girls pummel Fairmont, advance to title game
The Brainerd Warriors girls' hockey team's best defense was its offense Monday in the opening game of the Brainerd Holiday Classic at the Brainerd Area Civic Center.
C-I girls advance to title game
WALKER -- Angel Adams scored 21 points, Whitney Smetana 20 and Kim Rosecrans 10 as the Crosby-Ironton Rangers defeated Walker-Hackensack-Akeley 68-40 in the semifinals of the W-H-A girls' basketball tournament Tuesday.
Wolverines top W-H-A
PARK RAPIDS -- Brett Hieb scored 16 points to lead the Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines to an 80-66 victory over Walker-Hackensack-Akeley in the Park Rapids boys' basketball tournament Monday.
Cardinals starting strong
Following a 56-46 loss to Pequot Lakes in the season opener, the Staples-Motley Cardinals girls' basketball team has reeled off nine consecutive victories.
Sports short
Eden Prairie defeated the Brainerd Warriors 58-35 in junior varsity girls' basketball Monday.
Kennedy makes time to help Warriors
His name is plastered all over the Brainerd Warriors' swimming and diving record board.
Rosecrans powers C-I
WALKER -- Crosby-Ironton's Kim Rosecrans shot 11-of-16 from the field on her way to 28 points and a 54-42 victory over Laporte in the Walker-Hackensack-Akeley girls' basketball tournament Monday.
Local sports shorts
Winter archery leagues are set to begin Sunday at Wealthwood Rod and Gun Club.
Eller's 18 not enough as BHS falls to Winona
WINONA -- Brainerd's Blake Eller poured in 18 points in a losing effort as the Warriors fell to the Winona Winhawks 71-62 in the first round of the Winona boys' basketball tournament Monday.
Early returns
Brainerd Warriors senior girls' basketball players flexed their muscles Monday.
Four Wadena boxers triumph
WADENA -- Four Wadena boxers won on the first Golden Gloves home boxing card of the season Saturday at the Wadena Armory.
What was cool (and not cool) in 2003
Here's more of what was cool -- and what wasn't cool -- in TV, film, music, books and area entertainment in 2003:
Best of the Big Screen
Making a top 10 movies of the year list has become increasingly tricky in recent years, as fewer and fewer quality films are released prior to the last two weeks on the calendar. And even then, they are only released on a handful of the screens with the goal being Oscar qualification, not huge box office profits.
Next week
Brainerd illustrator Kevin Edwards' new book, "What Will I Be?," is aimed at preschool students. Read an interview with the artist next week in Tempo.
Best bets
Musicians ringing in the new year tonight at area clubs include: Trick Daisy at the Blue Ox, Kenny Jake at the Eagles Club and Silent Partner at the Iron Rail in Brainerd; The Palmers at the Commander Bar in Breezy Point; Tripp 40 at The Blue Goose in Garrison; John Sawtell at Bar Harbor in Lake Shore; and Muddy Water at the Ten Hi in Motley.
Entertainment Guide
For week of Dec. 31-Jan. 7; bands perform from 9 p.m. to close with no cover unless otherwise noted.
Wisconsin state forecast
Wind advisory this morning parts of the northeast...
State forecast for Iowa
Today...Mostly sunny. Highs from the upper 20s northwest to near 40 south.
Snow pals
Weather drawing by Deanna Moen of Mrs. Meyer's third grade class at Riverside school.
Let it snow
Weather drawing by Shaye Blessing of Sharon Jendro's first grade class at Lowell school.
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Partly to mostly sunny. Flurries ending northeast this Morning. Highs in the the teens north to near 30 far south.
State forecast for Minnesota
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. A chance of snow northwest this
State forecast for North Dakota
Today...Partly sunny and cold. Highs mainly 5 to 15.
State forecast for North Dakota
This afternoon...Snow spreading eastward across the state. Highs 10 to 15
State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Clear skies becoming partly cloudy. Highs in the 20s north and 30s south.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...A chance of morning flurries northwest. Otherwise partly to mostly cloudy. Highs from the mid 20s north to around 40 southeast.
State forecast for South Dakota
Rest of today...Partly sunny to mostly cloudy. Scattered snow showers northwest...With a chance of snow elsewhere except southeast. Highs from the teens northwest...To the mid 40s far southeast.
State forecast for Iowa
Today...Partly to mostly sunny. Warmer with highs from the middle