ST. LOUIS COUNTY MAN DIES IN CRASH

A 27-year old Meadowlands man died Saturday night in a two-car crash near Duluth. The man failed to yield to another vehicle on Highway 53 just before 7:30pm. Three others sustained non-life threatening injuries. The deceased was not wearing a seat belt and alcohol was detected in his system. The state patrol has not identified any of the people in the crash yet.

THIEF RIVER MAN DIES IN CRASH

A 23-year old Thief River Falls man lost control of his Mercury Sable on a curve, went into the ditch and rolled. The driver was thrown from the vehicle just before 2am Sunday morning. He died at the scene of the crash. The state patrol has not released the man's name yet. He was not wearing a seat belt.

RODRIGUEZ APPEAL MAY BE HEARD IN '08

Alfonso Rodriguez Jr. was found guilty of Pequot Lakes woman Dru Sjodin's kidnapping and murder roughly sixteen months ago. Federal attorney Drew Wrigley said he's hopeful that the death penalty appeal will be heard next year. Defense attorneys have asked for four extensions to begin their appeal to the 8th Circuit Court. The latest reqest moved the argument date to February 4th. Rodriguez was sentenced on February 8th, 2007. The Death Penalty Resource Counsel said most defense attorneys file opening appeal briefs in about eight months and most appeals last between six and eight years. Wrigley told the Fargo Forum that if the plan is to wear down the United States, that's not going to happen.

SECOND ANNUAL TEEN DRIVING SEMINAR

Organizers of the second annual Teen Driver Safety Seminar hopes to build on the success of last year's forum. Nearly 200 teens and their parents attended last year's program that included presentations by law officers about the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Convicted drunk driver Annie Bahr will be a part of the program again this year. The young Pine River woman spent six months in jail after her friend, 20-year old Jackie Saddler of Nisswa died in an alcohol-related crash. Brainerd Insurance President Pat Smith said the percentage of fatal crashes involving 16-20 year old drivers is among the highest in the nation. The seminar tries to arm both parents and teens with the information they need to be safer on the road. The seminar runs from 5-5:30pm on Tuesday, January 8th at the Northland Arboretum in Baxter. The seminar is free but you must register ahead of time. The program includes pizza, beverages, door prizes and tee-shirts. Call Sara at 218-829-3558 to sign up.

STAR LAKE PROPOSAL

Bemidji lawmaker Mary Olson and the Leech Lake Watershed Foundation will hold a public meeting a week from Monday to talk about a legislative proposal that could recognize lake associations for the environmental work they're doing and get them state government help on such activities as invasive species control, water monitoring and low-interest loans. Olson said the meeting on Monday, January 7th at the Hackensack Senior Center would follow-up on conversations she's had with others. She said two elements most agreed the proposal should include were the requirement that associations have lake management plans and that there should be educational outreach. The meeting runs from 10am until noon.

EARLY FISHING OPENER?

State Senator Satveer Chadary suggested last week that moving the walleye fishing opener up a week to keep it from interfering with Mother's Day. Governor Pawlenty said on his Friday radio show that if the bill got to his desk, he's probably sign it. Pawlenty said he likes the idea as long as it didn't interfere with fish spawning and moving the opener up a week could be good for tourism in parts of the state.

APPEALS COURT OVERTURNS SUBPOENA OF REPORTER'S NOTES

The Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled this week that a newspaper reporter's notes of a conversation with a man who shot two police officers and them himself should not be handed over to the county attorney. Mankato Free Press reporter Dan Nienaber was among the last to talk to Jeff Skjervold before he apparently killed himself just before Christmas 2006. County Attorney Ross Arneson said he needed information not published in the newspaper account to "prevent an injustice" but the Appeals Court said Arneson didn't say which injustice he wanted to prosecute. Attorney Mark Anfinson said few cases are brought challenging Minnesota's reporter shield law. Anfinson said unless you have a compelling case, you should probably forget trying to subpoena a journalist.

CONVICTED KILLER LOSES THIRD APPEAL

The Minnesota Supreme Court turned down Donald Blom's third try for a new trial on Thursday. Blom was convicted for the 1999 kidnapping and killing of Moose Lake convenience store clerk Katie Poirier. After he was arrested, Blom confessed to strangling the woman and burning her body. He later recanted but the confession was used in his trial. Blom continues to insist the confession was coerced.

ROSEAU MAN DIES IN CRASH

40-year old Dean Skogstad lost control of his 1994 Buick Wednesday night just after 6:30pm and drove off the side of Highway 11 in Roseau County. The vehicle rolled and Skogstad was ejected. He was not wearing a seat belt and died at the scene of the crash. A passenger who was not thrown from the car was treated and released from Roseau hospital.

RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN MAKES GOAL

A $5,000 check delivered on Thursday from a Salvation Army supporter put this year's Red Kettle Campaign over the $100,000 goal. Campaign co-chair Brian Lehman told the Brainerd Dispatch that they were really happy about that. This year's bell ringing competition winners were the Rotary Noontime Club, Lakewood Evangelical Free Church, Brainerd and Onamia High Schools and Edina Realty. The Salvation Army helped more than 2,300 indivuals and nearly 1,200 children this past year.

PR LIBRARY EXPANDS HOURS

Pine River Librarian Muriel Erickson said the library will be open from noon to 5pm on Mondayds after the first of the year. Erickson said an extra bit of tax money was scheduled for regional libraries. Erickson said this year's adult reading program is being trimmed back from three months to two. Adults who register for the program and read 15 books in the time alotted will get a winter reading mug. Check with Muriel at the Pine River Library for more details.

BRAINERD SCHOOL BOARD RE-ORGANIZES

The Brainerd School Board will hold its annual re-organization meeting next Wednesday, January 2nd to elect new officers and direct the business officer to invest surplus funds. The board will also consider board member salaries for next year and set time, date and place for regular meetings. The new board officers face cutting next year’s budget by $5.5-Million. The meeting starts at 11:30a in the Washington Administration Building board room on Oak Street in Brainerd.

BREEZY POINT ICE FEST CANCELED

The 2008 Breezy Point Ice Fest has been canceled. Chairman Mike Weiboldt said the committee met Wednesday and decided that the ice was too thin and the chance it would thicken enough in two weeks was too much of a risk. The Ice Fest was scheduled for Saturday, January 12th. Weiboldt said the ice in front of Breezy Point Resort on Pelican Lake was about eight inches thick with about three inches of slush on top of that, not nearly enough for the snowmobile radar run or the power ice auger contest. He said the DNR wanted to see at least 16 inches of ice for the event. The major events of the festival were canceled last year too, for the same reason. Weiboldt said the land-based events went on as planned last year but they weren't enough of a draw for the event. Weiboldt said the committee is looking forward to next year where they'll be "back with a vengance, bigger and better than ever."

BACK TO BASICS SUSTAINABLE LIVING

The second annual Back to Basics sustainable living expo will be held on Saturday, January 12th at Pine River Backus School Commons. Organizer Barb Hines said the day includes eating and learning. If you'd like more information, you could go on-line to www.happydancingturtle.org or call Barb at Pine River Backus Community Education, 587-2303. Registration is $25 for adults for the full day program plus lunch and snacks but $30 if you register after January 4th. Kids registration is $15. Registration forms are also available at Central Lakes College, the Pine River Public Library and the Pine River-Backus Family Center.

TOYS FOR KIDS SUCCESS

More than 400 Crow Wing County families got toys from the Toys For Kids program this year, nearly 30% more than last year. Marine Corps League Heartland Detachment Program Vice Chair Jack Huber said 989 children received gifts this year. Huber said 40 businesses and organizations served as donation drop points this year. The Toys For Kids program started in 1981.

SPECIAL HUNT CHALLENGED

Several Northwestern Minnesota landowners want to block the special deer hunt scheduled to start Saturday, December 29th. The Minnesota DNR believes the extra 16-day hunt will help stop the spread of bovine tuberculosis among wild deer and cattle. One landowner hopes to convince DNR Commissioner Mark Holsten to call off the hunt. If that doesn't work, other landowners want to go to court. 13 deer have tested positive for bovine TB since 2005. Three deer taken in Northwestern Minnesota this fall tested positive for the disease.

CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

Bird watchers are flocking to the fields of Minnesota for the 108th annual Christmas Bird Count. Department of Natural Resources Small Non-Game Specialist Pam Perry said the bird count is to birders what the fishing opener is to anglers or hunting opener is to those who like venison. The Crosby bird count was held on December 15th. The Rice Lake count in Aitkin County is this Saturday, December 29th and the final count of the season in our neck of the woods will be in Pillager next week, on New Year's Day. Get lots more information on-line at the Minnesota Ornithologist's Union web site http://moumn.org. or call Pam at the DNR, 218-833-8728.

PL RESTAURANT CLOSES

Sibley Station Restaurant apparently closed last Friday, December 21st until further notice. Owners Deb and Joe Hallbeck told the Lake Country Echo they decided to close until they can figure out a solution to their unpaid sales tax dilemma. The Minnesota Department of Revenue said the business owes the state $146,805 for taxes not paid between 2002 and 2006. The Hallbecks have owned Sibley Station for 14 years. They expanded in 2001. The Department of Revenue had revoked Sibley Station's sales tax permit and the Hallbecks incorporated the business and got a new tax number. The state has questioned the validity of the new permit.

DRINKING? GET SOMEONE ELSE TO DRIVE

State Patrol Sergeant Curt Mowers repeated his now-familiar admonition about drinking and driving during the holidays; don't. Mowers said the DWI mobilization will continue through the end of December and that includes lots of help from city and county law enforcement. Mowers said if you see someone driving erratically, that person may be impaired by alcohol or other drugs and a danger to themselves and others. Even if they're not impaired, they could be having a medical emergency and need help. Mowers said to call law enforcement and let them do what they're trained to do. That number is 9-1-1.

MURDER SENTENCES REDUCED

As a result of a Supreme Court decision, Cass County Judge John P. Smith has reduced sentences for two felons convicted of beating a man to death in 2003. Kenneth Conrad Conger, Jr. and Leah Danielle Harper-Jenkins were found guilty of beating Brian Jenny with a baseball bat at a party near Federal Dam. The two then abandoned him on a rural road where hunters found him the next morning. The Supreme Court ruled that sentences beyond state maximum guidelines in certain cases had to be approved by a jury. Conger's sentence was reduced from 35 to 32 years in prison, Harper-Jenkins from 30 to 28 years.

FOUR ARRESTED IN MAIL THEFT PROBE

Crow Wing County Deputies arrested three men and a juvenile last week for suspicion of mail theft. Lieutanant Dave Larson told the Brainerd Dispatch that the four may have stolen mail from more than 30 county residents in the Crosby, Ironton, Deerwood and Aitkin areas. Mail open and discarded was found most of last week along roadways. Suspects were allegedly riding in a 1993 green Infinity four-door vehicle. If you saw the vehicle last Wednesday or have found discarded mail, please call the Crow Wing County Sheriff's department to help in the investigation which could lead to federal charges.

EAW PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD DRAWS 45 RESPONSES

Emily City Clerk Pat Kestner said the recently-ended public comment period for an environmental assessment worksheet drew 45 replies from people and state agencies. The council requested the EAW for the Northern Lights Over Roosevelt Lake project and responses have come from the Minnesota DNR, Department of Transportation and Pollution Control Agency as well as others. The Emily Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, January 2nd at City Hall to review the replies and decide what to do next. One possible action would be to require the developer of the 90-acre project to complete a more exhaustive and expensive environmental impact study. The meeting starts at 2pm.

STAR LAKE PROPOSAL MEETING

District Four State Senator Mary Olson and the Leech Lake Watershed Foundation will hold a public meeting on Monday, January 7th to talk about Olson's 'Star Lake' legislative proposal. The proposal would recognize lake associations for the environmental work they're doing. A 'Star Lake' designation could lead to a lake assocations eligibility for faster state agency help with invasive species control, water monitoring, testing and clean-up and loans of state tax-payer dollars. The meeting will be at the Hackensack Senior Center from 10am until noon.

VAN STOLEN IN TODD COUNTY

Someone apparently stole a white, 1995 Chevy Astrovan from in front of a residence in Browerville early Sunday morning. If you have any information about the stolen van, call the Todd County Sheriff's office.

CASS COUNTY VETS OFFICE CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS

Cass County Veterans Service Office Faye Dudley said both the office in Walker and Cass Lake will be closed on Monday, December 24th and Tuesday, December 25th for Christmas. The Pine River office will be closed both Tuesday, Christmas Day and Tuesday, January 1st for New Year's Day. Normal hours begin again on Wednesday, December 26th.

EASY DOES IT FOR CHRISTMAS

American Cancer Society officials are among the folks who would like you to not overdo your exuberance this Christmas season. And that goes for New Year's Eve as well. Spokeswoman Angie Rolle said holiday treats are a big temptation but not always the most nutricious. Rolle said her advice is to enjoy in moderation and try to get some healthful snacks before they head out to a party, to limit the amount of food they take in. And if you consume adult beverages, take it easy. Rolle said lowering your consumption of alcohol can also lower your risk of cancer. And Rolle adds, if you're driving, don't have one for the road, concentrate on the road with as clear a head as possible.

BRAINERD SCHOOLS WANT FINANCIAL ADVICE

Brainerd School District officials have decided they'd like a little help with long-term budget challenges and will form an financial advisory committee. Five years ago, the district had more than $5-Million in an unreserved fund balance. Next year's fund balance will be in the red. School Business Manager Steve Dickinson told the Brainerd Dispatch that the committee will be five or six community volunteers with financial backgrounds, will meet once a month, and make suggestions about the district's budget process. The committee may be formed at the next board meeting, on January 2nd. The district has to trim $5.5-Million from next year's budget. The Brainerd board had a similar committee in 2001. That committee met for about a year.

BRAINERD PEDESTRIAN DIES IN CRASH

87-year old Eugene Segler was walking along Crow Wing County Road 8 Saturday morning just after 11am when he was struck and killed. He died at the scene. The driver of the vehicle apparently lost control on the slippery roadway and after hitting Segler, drove into the ditch. The driver and a passenger were taken to St. Joseph's Medical Center with minor injuries. The investigation by the Crow Wing County Sheriff and the State Patrol continues.

WINTER WONDERLAND OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE, CHRISTMAS DAY

Brainerd Noon Sertoma organizers of the first Winter Wonderland light display continue to be absolutely amazed at the response to their gigantic Christmas light display at Northland Arboretum. Sertoman Joyce Michah said there are nights when more than 500 cars make their way through the colorful displays. And because of the demand, Sertomans have decided to open the display Christmas Eve and Cristmas Day. Joyce said there are some nights when cars are lined up on Excelsior Road in Baxter past the Civic Center, up Riverside Driver all the way to Beaver Dam Road. The display will be open through the end of the year and on New Year's Eve.

KINSHIP FUNDRAISER GARY WALTERS IS 100 POUNDS LIGHTER

Brainerd insurance executive Gary Walters lost 100 pounds this year and has completed his Kinship Partners fundraising challenge. The once-portly 290 pound Walters now packs 190 pounds on his 5'8" frame, but it was close at the end. He spent Thursday at FitQuest in Baxter losing the last 5 pounds. Walters exercised in aerobics classes, on the treadmill and in the steam room, drinking as little water as possible. He told the Brainerd Dispatch it was not the preferred way to lose weight but he wanted to make his goal. Walters had until midnight but climbed on the scale at 4:30p and found he was just a shade over his 190 pound goal. So he checked the scale, then told everyone to leave the room so he could take off his shoes, his socks, his tee shirt, and his, uh, sweaty shorts, and he had made his weight. Walters wouldn't say what next year's fundraising stunt would be. In past years, he's biked from New Orleans to Minnesota, walked across the state the long way, swam across Mille Lacs Lake, and spent two weeks near the top of Brainerd's old water tower. Next year's stunt, Walters said, would be something cool, but he wouldn't give details.

WHA WILL TRY FOR REFERENDUM AGAIN

For the second time in a little over two months, the Walker Hackensack Akeley School Board will to try to pass an operating levy referendum. Voters turned down the attempt on December 4th, by 18 votes. Superintendent Wallace Shoeb said both operating cash and building repairs will be put in the same question this time. The referendum on February 12, 2008 will be to increase taxes by $550 per pupil. The increase would be in effect for 8 years. The earlier attempt was for 10 years. Schoeb said board members were very hopeful that more 'yes' voters would go to the polls this time than last. The district's budget in October was in the red by nearly $588,000, is in statutory operating debt and will have to cut its budget by $1.2-Million over the next three years if this or a future levy doesn't pass. Schoeb said the school web page is being updated to show the tax impact of the new levy question.

BOMB THREAT INVESTIGATION

Baxter law enforcement continues its investigation into who threatened to blow up the Baxter Walmart on Wednesday. The store was evacuated and closed for a little over an hour. Baxter Police Chief Jim Exsted said Walmart employees were able to clear out the store in five minutes and "in about ten minutes, the parking lot was pretty much cleared out." Exsted said investigators are following up on a number of good leads but didn't know how soon he would announce further developments. A Walmart Corporate spokesman said if presented with the opportunity, they would prosecute to the full extent of the law. If you have information, call the Baxter PD at 1-218-454-5090.

WALLEYE OPENER NOT ON MOTHER'S DAY?

The state lawmaker who chairs the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee may try to move the state walleye fishing opening weekend up a week earlier, so it wouldn't conflict with Mother's Day. Senator Satveer Chaudhary represents Fridley and suggested the change in a letter to DNR Commissioner Mark Holsten. Chaudhary said he also suggested a smaller limit on walleye, down to 4 a day from 6 a day. That would place the opener in 2009 on May 2nd. The DNR hasn't responded to Chaudhary yet.

BOMB THREAT INVESTIGATION PROCEEDS

Crow Wing County Bomb Squad officers continue their investigation into a bomb threat that closed the Baxter Walmart yesterday afternoon. Walmart employees escorted customers out at 3:15p and Baxter, Brainerd and Crow Wing County officers sealed off the building and parking lot for a little over an hour. Security personnel and police officers agreed to re-open the store at 4:30pm. A Walmart Corporate spokesman said his company considered the threat as serious and if presented with the opportunity, would prosecute to the full extent of the law. If you have any information about the bomb threat, call the Baxter Police Department at 218-454-5090.

FINAL DAYS FOR RED KETTLE '07

The Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign for 2007 is about to begin its final weekend and Captain Brian Reed said there are still about 70 hours of bell-ringing time for which no one has signed up. Reed said the campaign has gathered about $70,000 so far, on the way to a goal of $100,000. A number of area businesses have said they would pitch in a portion of their proceeds to the Salvation Army. The Lodge at Brainerd Lakes will donate 10% of water park revenue from this Friday and Saturday to the campaign. And the family that operates the Festival of Lights at This Old Farm's Pioneer Village east of Brainerd said they would donate 20% of their gate income. Pioneer Village is located 7 miles east on Highway 18 next to Paul Bunyan Land. If you can ring the bell for an hour or two, call Deb at 829-1120.

BP ICE FEST IN JEAOPARDY

The Breezy Point Ice Fest is nearly a month away but some are thinking it may have to be postponed or some of its events canceled again this year. Activities on the ice like the snowmobile time trials and the world famous power ice auger contest scheduled for last year's festival had to be canceled because the ice was not thick enough. Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Nikki Shouts said some are concerned it may happen again because the ice on many area lakes is not freezing up. Shouts said the Breezy Point Ice Fest is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, January 11th and 12th. A final decision will be made on Monday, January 7th.

TOY THEFT INVESTIGATION

Cass County Sheriff's Deputies arrested 30-year old Tanya Ann Allen of Cass Lake on Monday for stealing toys from a United Way program. Bemidji Police Captain Bob Lehman said one of his officers, Tabitha Kerrigan did most of the work on the case. Kerrigan said a Walmart clerk told her there was something just not right about the woman who had recently picked up toys from the collection point. Police checked the surveillance video footage and later arrested Allen on an outstanding warrant. Captain Lehman said they have a picture of Officer Kerrigan, a diminutive woman, surrounded by hundreds of toys. Allen is in the Cass County Jail waiting charges. The toys were returned to the United Way Needy Child program, just in time for Christmas.

PALISADE WOMAN DIES IN CRASH

57-year old Janell Hatfield died just after 5:30pm yesterday afternoon when she swerved to avoid hitting a deer on Highway 169, 12 miles north of Aitkin. The deer ran into her side of the car and when she tried to get back into the northbound lane, she overcorrected, and collided with a Dodge pickup in the southbound lane. Two men from McGregor were in the pickup and sustained non-life threatening injuries. Hatfield died at the scene of the crash.

BAXTER WALMART CLOSED BY BOMB THREAT

Someone threatened to blow up the Baxter Walmart store Wednesday afternoon. Officials evacuated the store and contacted law enforcement. Baxter Police, the Crow Wing County Bomb Squad as well as officers from Brainerd and the County Sheriff's department sealed off the area including the parking lot. Officers searched the store and allowed it to reopen at 4:30pm. Police officials said the matter is being investigated as a bomb threat. A Walmart Corporate spokesman would say only that management perceived the threat as serious and if presented the opportunity, would prosecute to the full extent of the law. If you have any information about the bomb threat that closed the Baxter Walmart yesterday, please call the Baxter Police Department at 218-454-5090.

COUNCIL DECIDES IN FAVOR OF BYPASS

The Pequot Lakes City Council voted 4 to 1 Tuesday night to favor the alternate, around-town route for an expanded Highway 371. Councilman Tom Ryan voted for the through-town route and said "bypass doesn't correct the deficiences that we have now. It may be a safer road in some respects but its also moving the same design outside of town and we haven't solve the problem." Ryan said the next decision is up to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, even after the council expresses 'municipal consent' and that's going to take some time. Councilman Craig Nagel voted for the bypass and said he believed this is what was needed for a long time. Nagel said "if MnDot's forecast is to be believed, what is coming at us in Pequot Lakes in the very new future is a tidal wave of traffic." Nagel said traffic of that magnitude would render the town "virtually inoperative." MnDot will ask the council for a resolution of 'municipal consent' early next year. Construction may start as early as 2015.

STATE REVENUE OFFICIALS SEIZE PL RESTAURANT CASH

Pequot Lakes Police Officer John Ryan assisted agents from the Minnesota Department of Revenue last week when they tried to collect money or valuables from the Sibley Station Restaurant. Ryan escorted Agent Pete Baumann who had authorization to collect 'all till and safe assets' to satisfy a tax debt and took $700. The Brainerd Dispatch reported this morning that Sibley Station failed to pay a portion of sales tax revenues from 2002 to 2006. MnDOR officials said owners of the restaurant, Deb and Joe Halbeck owe the state $146,805. Deb Hallbeck told the Dispatch reporter she decided to "keep sales tax dollars and put the money back into her business instead of paying the state." Hallbeck said the restaurant's sales tax permit was revoked last year but the business was re-incorporated and is operating under a new permit. The business is listed for sale. Revenue officials say selling the business is allowed under state law but a tax lien is attached.

REGION FIVE IN GOOD SHAPE

About a year ago, commissioners from Crow Wing, Cass and Hubbard Counties were talking about pulling out of the Region Five, a clearinghouse for government grants and research activities. But that was April, 2006 and Region Five is doing much better these days. Executive Director Cheryl Hills said the agency was $895,000 in debt and when she joined the agency, two days before payday, she wasn't sure employees could be paid. Hills said today, the agency is starting to see black ink in its ledger books. It still has some debt, about $135,000 but has a plan to pay it back in the next five years. Hills said most of the thanks goes to a dedicated staff and committee board of directors who believe in what Region Five does. Recent activities included a survey of people who live in and around Pequot Lakes and their preference for the future route of Highway 371.

NO CAMERAS FOR BUHL

The Buhl City Council voted down a proposal to install six surveillance cameras around the tiny Iron Range town after it heard widespread scorn from members of the community. About 30 people opposed the idea at Tuesday's council meeting. St. Louis County Sheriff Pat McKenzie said the cameras would have been useful as an investigative tool and a deterrant to crime and would not be used to give people tickets. Mark Frahm is the owner of Billy's Bar in Buhl. He told the Mesabi Daily News that "we don't have rapes, murders and mugging. We're not a big city." Sheriff McKenzie said officers have been called to Buhl nearly 740 times this year so far.

RADIOACTIVE MEASURING DEVICE TURNS UP

A radioactive measuring device stolen from a pickup in Forest Lake turned up Sunday night on the back steps of the local police department. Officers found the device Monday morning. The gizmo measures the moisture content and density of soil and building materials and was probably stolen in September. It has no resale value. It was not tampered with and was returned to its owner, a construction company named Asset Management.

OLD SAUK RAPIDS BRIDGE COMING DOWN

Crews are weeks away from dismantling an old bridge across the Mississippi River in Sauk Rapids. The first section of steel beams came out this week. A replacement bridge opened to traffic in October and approach roads were built on both sides of the river. Some businesses were relocated. The total cost of the project should be around $57-Million.

ICE STILL NOT SAFE

Cass County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Tom Burch continues to warn those walking or sledding of area lakes. Burch said people should assume that the ice is not safe until they check it themselves, preferably as safely as they can. Deputy Burch said the warmer weather this week won't help much. Ice on some areas of Leech Lake is up to 11 inches thick but other areas of the lake, thickness is no more than 3 inches. Burch said a number of snowmobiles, ATVs and people have gone through the ice. So far, no one has drowned.

PL COUNCIL VOTES FOR BYPASS

The Pequot Lakes City Council approved the around-town route for the expansion of Highway 371 at Tuesday night's meeting. The council voted 4 to 1 in favor of the resolution. Officials expect construction on the highway to start in eight years. Councilman Tom Ryan was the lone vote against the bypass and said "if we take the emotion out of the decision, the through-town route should prevail." Councilman Craig Nagel told the Brainerd Dispatch that he had been divided on the issue for some time but expanding the highway through the middle of town was like "putting a driveway through your living room." MnDOT will ask the council for an official 'municipal consent' degree early next year.

CUSHING MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE

The rural Cushing man who admitted shooting his parents in January has been sentenced to life in prison. 28-year old Erik John Wojciechowski pleaded guilty in November to shooting Roger and Jeanne Wojciechowski in their rural Cushing home. The sentences are to be served concurrently and he'll be eligible for parol in 30 years. Wojcieschowski was also sentenced to 42 months for felony first degree DWI. He could appeal the sentences. Morrison County Attorney Brian Middendorf told the Brainerd Dispatch that appeals are rare in these cases because of the plea agreement.

A MOTHER REMEMBERS

Mary Symeta spent a lot of time drinking, from the time she was a teen, through the birth of her daughter DeeAnn, and more than 25 years after that. She knows because DeeAnn had just turned 25 when died in an alcohol-related motorcycle crash. Only then, Mary said, could she begin the long, slow climb out of her overpowering addiction. Symeta said the details of the crash will always remain crystal clear in her mind. DeeAnn and a friend had been drinking in a small town in Colorado. His motorcycle was traveling at 100 mph when it hit a concrete median. DeeAnn was thrown 250 feet, landed face-down in a ditch, and declared dead at the scene. The rider lived, spent a year in jail and five years on probation. Symeta said there are three people responsible for the crash; her daughter, the driver, and "me, because throughout her life, she never knew me sober. What she learned from me was its okay to drink and drive because that's what she saw me do throughout her whole life."

Symeta has been sober for six years, lives in Crow Wing County, has written a book, The Consequences of Alcohol, and spends time talking to groups working for the day alcohol-related crash fatalities don't happen anymore. And she would like to see the motorcycle driver again someday, to give him a hug and forgive him.