Turtle Patrol!!!

Minnesota DNR Non-Game Wildlife Specialist Pam Perry says that the reason we're seeing more turtles on the roadway at this time of year is because the females are migrating to lay their eggs, then move back home. She mentions that turtles and their migratory habits have been around for millenia--that we've just happened to build roads that cross those paths. She also explained that turtles, and most reptiles, not only enjoy "sunning" themselves on logs and rocks--but that they physically need to--the sun warms them up, which speeds up their metabolism to make them more active in the summertime.

Standardized Test Results Show Improvement

Students performed a little better on Minnesota's Standardized Tests this year, but the list of struggling public schools is expected to worsen. The largest gain in the state was in 10th-Grade Reading, with a 9% increase in proficiency. Commissioner Alice Seagren of the Minnesota Department of Education says that although the state is making progress, it needs to do better. Test results are in the hands of the districts--but the public will have to wait until August to find out which schools will carry an "Underachiever" label und the federal "No Child Left Behind" law. For more information, go to www.education.state.mn.us

Nisswa Woman Home Safe--

On Sunday, Cass Counties authorities had forwarded a report that 71-year-old Marijan Nelson of Nisswa had been missing since Saturday afternoon. Per a phone-con and subsequent press release, the Cass County Sheriff's office reports that Nelson arrived at her Gull Lake area home late on Sunday night.

Nisswa Woman Reported as Missing

The Cass County Sheriff's Office reports that 71-year-old Marijan L. Nelson of Nisswa is listed as missing, per her family. She was reported missing around 9:45 Saturday evening. Her family said that their mother left the Twin Cities around noon on Saturday, heading for her residence near Gull Lake. Family members drove to the residence and reported that Marijan apparently had not arrived home. Nelson was last seen wearing a pink blouse, blue jeans, and a brown velvet jacket. She is believed to be driving a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer, silver in color, bearing Minnesota plate JYX546. Family members report that Nelson may be suffering from dementia. Anyone with information on Marijan's whereabouts should contact authorities.

Non-Profits are Struggling

Many rural Minnesota non-profit organizations are struggling, due to the pinch of the economy. The Beltrami County History Museum is operating in the red. According the the Dispatch, Ruth Sherman, who works with 40 non-profits says that the people looking for help has increased, while the pool of philanthropists is dwindling. Charitable giving is dramitically down, and money that had come from federal, state, and local governments has been reduced or eliminated. Many organizations are experiencing reduced volunteerism, due to the rising gas prices. It would seem that "Survival?" is the question.

Jobless Rates Down

Jobless numbers for Minnesota indicate a decrease from April's unemployment rate, but remain higher than they were last year, according the the Brainerd Dispatch. The unemployment rate for the state was 5% in May--not seasonally adjusted--while the nation-wide rate was 5.2%. The jobless rate for May was as follows: Aitkin County, 6%--Cass County, 5.6%--Crow Wing County, 4.9%--Mille Lacs County, 6.7%, Todd County, 4.6%--Wadena County, 5.8%.

Struck by Lightning!

Kent Lilyerd of Mora is recovering from being struck by lightning after he ran out into his yard during a storm to bring in his patio furniture. He's at Hennepin County Medical Center, where he was taken after the Friday night storm in Mora. Doctors say that is amazing he survived the incident.

Safe and Sober in the Brainerd Lakes Area

Local law will keep a keen eye out for drunks through July. Sergent Curt Mowers, of the Brainerd State Patrol, says Operation Safe & Sober will focus on young drivers and motorcyclists. Between 2004 and 2006, there were at least 18 alcohol related traffic deaths in Crow Wing County alone.
In addition to the State Patrol, the following law enforcement agencies will be participating: Crow Wing County Sheriff, Brainerd, Baxter, Nisswa, Breezy Point, Pequot Lakes, Crosslake, Crosby, Cuyuna and Deerwood.
The effort is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Summerfest Medallion Found

The Pine River Summerfest medallion has been found. Jill Fey of Pine River found the prise at the Blue Grass Festival Stage, on the Pine River Fair grounds, late Thursday. Pine River Chamber of Commerce Executive Director John Wetrosky says, the super sleuth gets a $100 chamber gift certificate for her efforts. He tells KLKS, a lot of folks have been looking for it since June 16Th.
The medalion hunt is part of Pine River Summerfest, which has activities through Sunday, June 29Th, including a Saturday afternoon parade at 1 pm.

Wheeler Dies in a 20 Shot Barrage

An autopsy conducted by the Ramsey County Medical Examiner indicates, a Morrison County man died in a hail of bullets. Lawmen tripped off 20 rounds when 60-year-old Gordon Wheeler SR. wheeled around and pointed his gun at them. Authorities say he was holding the County Commissioners hostage at the end of their regular meeting this week. The Minnesota Bureau of Apprehension states that Wheeler was ordered to lay down his weapon. Gunfire erupted when he pointed his guns at the lawmen. Wheeler died at a local hospital after being struck by seven of those rounds.

Hwy 371 Improvement Project Delayed

Don't expect easy cruising on Highway 371 north of Nisswa anytime soon. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has pushed the highway expansion and improvement project to 2018 at the earliest. The problem is money. The state agency says the project is "Over funded" by $4.5 million.

Diesel Fuel Thefts in Royalton

Authorities report the theft of about 700 gallons of diesel fuel from Royalton. Higher prices have made the trucker's fuel a tempting target for thieves. About 500 gallons were lifted from Sand's Repair and Chrome Shop and another 200 gallons from Helena Chemical Company. The total loss is estimated at $3,200. Lawmen don't know if the thefts are related to similar crimes in surrounding areas. Businesses are now looking for anti-siphon filters and locking gas caps.

Cass Lake Woman Wins Young Native Writers Award

A Cass Lake woman was recognized by Minnesota Congressman Jim Oberstar for first place in the Young Native Writers Essay Contest in Washington, D.C.

Simone Greenleaf won for the essay," A Grandmother's Story: Surviving Adversity," tells the story of her 92 year old grandmother’s life experiences.

Congressman Oberstar said he was not surprised see that she is bound for Dartmouth College.

The Young Native Writers Essay Contest is sponsored by the Holland and Knight Charitable Foundation in conjunction with the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian.

Man Shot by Officers in Morrison County

Gordon Wheeler, Sr.--owner of adult businesses, is dead following a stand-off with police. The 60-year-old Wheeler brandished a gun around 10 o'clock Tuesday morning during the regular meeting of the Morrison county Commissioners at the Morrison County Government Center in downtown Little Falls. The hostage stand-off ended with the Little Falls man being shot and fatally injured by law enforcement officers. No one else was injured in the incident. Little Falls' Mayor Cathy Vanrisseghem explained that her role, right now, is to be a spokesperson for the town, and field any media calls that may come in. She confirmed that it appeared that Wheeler acted alone. Wheeler's motive was unclear, although it is known that he feuded with the county board a number of times regarding zoning--and liquor licenses. Wheeler's businesses have since been closed. Wheeler had sued the county and several of the county officials, accusing them of corruption. The last of the lawsuits was dismissed by a judge this year. State Patrol Trooper Kaj Meinhardt and Morrison County Sheriff's Lieutenant Bruce Mose are on administrative leave, per standard procedure. The Morrison County Sheriff's Office reported today that the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is expected in Little Falls today, and that further information would be available later today. Wheeler's funeral arrangements are pending with Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service of Little Falls.

"Critical Peak Alert" in effect Today!

Char Kinzer, spokesperson for Crow Wing Power, explained that a "Critical Peak Alert" means that they are anticipating a lot of electrical energy will be used today. Their wholesale power supplier, Great River Energy, expects to have to go out onto the grid and purchase power, which will cost two- to three-times more than the normal rate. Kinzer said that the electical power that you purchase during those peak times will reflect those increased prices. Her best suggestion is that users turn up the temperature on their air conditioning, and delay any significant electrial usage until after 10 o'clock on days when such alerts are in effect. Other tips including running your dishwasher/clothes washer/dryer until after the Critical Peak Alert is no longer in effect.

ATV Trail for Crow Wing County Re-examined

The Crow Wing County Board has approved the study and review of the feasibility of an ATV trail in Crow Wing County between Brainerd and Emily. An ATV trail project proposal will be prepared and submitted to the DNR through the "Trails Assistance Program" for review and funding consideration. District Five County Commissioner, Doug Houge, says that this is only a first step. He knows these things take awhile, but that the concept of a trail is a good one. He understands the point of view that ATV trails can be a bit of an economic boon, but wants to make sure that the trail runs in a place best suited to all parties concerned. The larger picture is to have the proposed trail connect to a larger web of a trail system further to the north of the county.

Pequot Lakes-Breezy Point 4th of July

The theme of the Breezy Point-Pequot Lakes Stars & Stripes Days Thursday, July 3 and Friday, July 4 is: Celebrate America's freedom.
The festivities begin with the Fireman's Rodeo on July 3 at Trailside Park. There will be carnival games, Bobber Bowling and entertainment with The START Band and Blues Brothers. The day's highlight will be a grand display of fireworks from the football field beginning at dusk.
4Th of July activities begin in the morning with the Pequot Lakes Fire Department's Pancake Breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. Then comes The Stars & Stripes Parade beginning at 11 a.m. Preregistration is required for all parade entries and is due by June 26TH. To register, visit www.pequotlakes.com.
Other fun events on the 4TH include a Flea Market, Baby Races, Money in the Haystack, a Kiddie Parade, and Bed Races.
Blinkie Buttons will be on sale July 1 through 4 for $5 each.

"Crappie Talk" Comes to Pequot Lakes

Pequot Lakes community theater hosts "Crappie Talk" July 9th through the 15th at the High School auditorium. "Crappie Talk" is a comedy with lots of Up North humor featuring quirky characters: Lars, Carl, Lena, Ole, Walter, Ruth, Sven and Sal Carducci, as they demonstrate how to live in Whitefish Bay.
Show times are 8 pm July 9th through the 12th and July 14th and 15th. General admission is $10, senior and youth is $8. For more information call (218) 568-9200.

McGregor Crash Kills Two

A Twin Cities man and his mother were killed in a two vehicle accident near McGregor Sunday. The victims have been identified as 57-year-old John Iverson and his 86-year-old mother Marilou Iverson of Plymouth. The State Patrol says a car driven by a 30-year-old Minneapolis man crossed the center line and struck the Iverson vehicle head-on. He was taken to a Duluth hospital in serious condition. The State Patrol continues its investigation.

Pillager Toddler Dies

A two-year-old Pillager Boy, who was pulled from a creek near his home last Wednesday, died Sunday at Children's Hospital at the University of Minnesota. Blair Hafften was found by his grand father, in a foot and a half of water in seven mile creek, after wandering away from home. He was revived at the scene and flown to St. Cloud Hospital, then on to the Twin Cities. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11 am at Heritage Assembly of God Church in Baxter.

Bicycle Fatality in Isle

A 13-year-old Isle boy was struck and killed near Mille Lacks Lake Sunday. He has been identified as John Remer. The State Patrol reports he was attempting a u-turn on his bicycle when he was struck by a Chevrolet Suburban. Remember was pronounced dead at an area hospital. The Patrol continues its investigation of the mishap three miles east of Mille Lacs Lake

Stealing Boat Gasoline

Boaters who leave their crafts tied at the end of docks or on boat lifts risk having the gasoline stolen. Morrison County Sheriff Michael Wetzul says his office is receiving complaints of gas stolen from cans or siphoned from tanks. He recommends owners remove gas cans and lock tanks when they leave their boats for the night.

Gasoline Thieves Not a Big Problem Around Brainerd

We are not seeing too much by way of gasoline thefts from local service stations around the Brainerd Lakes Area, according to Crow Wing County Sheriff Todd Dahl.
He tells KLKS, "That's not to say it doesn't happen, but service station operators have kept good vigilence over the pumps. They are quick to report license plate numbers and direction of travel to police when it does happen."
The Sheriff says another result of high fuel prices is more motorcyles and bicycles on the roads. He says drivers need to keep an eye out for them, because they can blend into the surroundings.

Brainerd Area Lakes Still Cold

Crow Wing County Sheriff Todd Dahl says the water is still cold in Brainerd area lakes. He tells KLKS, it wasn't that long ago when it was just 51 degrees, and it will take a lot of warm sunny days to warm it. He says water enthusiasts will experience some shock if they just plunge in now. The sheriff suggests, "Those who find themselves in the water are not going to last long." He says it is important boaters wear life jackets to improve their chances.

Crosslake 4th of July

The City of Crosslake and the Brainerd Lakes Chamber are planning a spectacular 4th of July display.
The Crosslake Fireworks will fire away on Saturday, July 5 over Sand Island on the south end of Cross Lake. The chamber says the colors and lights over the water will "blow you away."
The show begins after dusk and can be best viewed from the bridge on County Road 16, the beach at the Army Corps of Engineers Park, and from the dam in Crosslake. Boaters will have the best vantage point.
The Crosslake Fireworks are sponsored by the Brainerd Lakes Chamber and the City of Crosslake.

Charges Against the Rassier's Crumble

Dan and Sherri Rassier of Palisade had been charged with sexually abusing their daughter. Authorities based the charges on a 40 page diary which alleged sexual and physical abuse. However, the woman struggles with metal illness and the diary was quickly discredited and the charges have crumbled, but not before it cost the Rassiers $100-thousand. They say the incident has divided the family, and feel that it could have been avoided had authorities done a more complete investigation at the start. Their daughter is now in adult foster care.

Brainerd Airport Grant

The Brainerd Airport will be able to operate more effectively in winter weather thanks to an FAA grant. The Federal Aviation Administration will award more than a half million dollars to the Brainerd airport. The funding will be used to purchase new snow removal and deicing equipment.

8th District Minnesota Congressman James Oberstar says, "This Investment will ensure that Brainerd's airport can keep moving goods and people."

Earlier this year, the FAA awarded the Brainerd airport $1.3 million to make a series of improvements to its runway, taxiway and terminal building.

Flood Damage Inspected by Klobuchar

Part of the flood-damaged areas in Minnesota were seen by U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, yesterday, as she visited farmers. Steve Kraushaar's farm was visited by Klobuchar. Kraushaar lost up to ten percent of his crop from the flood that occurred earlier this month.

Grandma's Marathon Winner!

Lamech Mokono of Kenya won Grandma's Marathon, yesterday. He completed the race in 2 hours, 13 minutes, 39 seconds. Mary Akor of Hawthorne, California won the women's division for the second year in a row with a time of 2 hours, 38 minutes, 52 seconds.

Twin Cities Shooting

An early morning shoting in the Twin Cities left one person dead and three others in the hospital. The shooting happened before 3 o'clock this morning at the corner of Milton Street and Concordia Avenue. There have been no arrests.

Police Officers Partying Too Much

A couple of Minneapolis police officers have been charged with recklessly firing their guns while off-duty at a party. William Thornbury and Scott Mars are charged with intentional discharge of a firearm, reckless discharge of a firearm, and also of carrying a gun while under the influence of alcohol.

Minnesota Man Shot in Philadelphia

There's a $20,000 reward being offered for information leading to the arrest in the shooting death of Beau Zabel in Philadelphia last weekend. Zabel was scheduled to start work in the Philadelphia Public School System in July. He had recently relocated from Austin, Minnesota, to Philadelpia.

Pawlenty Vice Presidential Candidate?

Republican Presidential candidate, John McCain was in Minnesota eariler this week for a fundraiser. A day after McCain's visit, Governor Tim Pawlenty said that, as far as he knows, he's not being considered for the Vice Presidential position.

Pillager Toddler Nearly Drowns

At two year old Pillager toddler was pulled from a foot and a half of water near his home Wednesday. Blair Hafften apparently wandered away from his mother's side while she was outside doing some yard work. His grandfather found him in a swampy back water at about 5 pm. Emergency personnel, who were just arriving on the scene, applied CPR. The boy was air-lifted to St. Cloud Hospital. His condition has not been reported.

Pequot Lakes Girl Injured in Accident

11-Year-old Emily Tischma of Pequot Lakes was air lifted to North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale, Thursday afternoon, following a two car wreck at Highways 371 and 210. Her condition has not been reported. Three others injured were transported by North Ambulance to Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd. The accident happened during afternoon rush hour when police say a car driven by 34-year-old Angie Johnson of Pequot Lakes was broad-sided while attempting to turn from 210 to 371. Police says the Johnson car failed to stop for a red light. The jaws of life were used to pull passengers from the Johnson vehicle. Rush hour was blocked during the rescue.

Pequot Lakes School Budget

The Pequot Lakes School Board is wrestling with a $177-thousand budget deficit. The 2008-2009 budget was set at $12.2-million. Following a one percent increase in student aid funding from the state, the local school district still finds itself coming up short. Increases in food and fuel costs are aggravating the situation. Fuel costs alone are expected to be up 56 percent over last year. As a result, activity fees may be increased.

DNR Deer Advice

This time of year there are a lot of young deer around. Fawns, in particular, can seem abandoned. Jean Goad, Public Information Officer for the Minnesota DNR out of Grand Rapids says that it's illegal to try to keep a wild deer as a pet. It's better to simply leave wild-life alone. For more information on the DNR visit dnr.state.mn.us

4th of July Parade--Pequot Lakes

Sue Galligan of the Brainerd Lakes Chamber, Pequot Lakes said that if you want to be in the Fourth of July "Red, White, and Blue" parade, you'd better get that registration in! Registration forms are available at explorebrainerdlakes.com or pequotlakes.com. Sue said you can also call the Chamber at 568-8911. The parade starts at 11 o'clock the morning of the 4th, with fireworks on Thursday night, July 3rd.

Amanda "Mandy" Amy, Long-Time Pine River Resident Dies at the Age of 92

Amanda Amy, a pillar of Pine River, passed away on Tuesday, June 17th at her home. Betty Ryan of the Lake Country Echo reminisced about recollections of "Mandy"; she said Mandy was, at various times, owner/editor/writer for "The Pine River Journal". Ryan mentioned that Amy was always dressed well, and always wore high-heels, regardless of the weather. A particular smile for Betty was that Mandy had a life-sized cardboard cut-out of Clark Gable in her living room, right next to the fireplace--said Amy had been a huge fan of "Gone with the Wind". Services are scheduled for Monday, June 23rd at the First Lutheran Church in Pine River.

The Deer are Out 'n About--Travel Safely!

Crow Wing County Sheriff Todd Dahl says that, as always, the deer are on the move. At this time of year, grass along the roadways can get long--which impairs a driver's vision. As always, Sheriff Dahl recommends slowing down and wearing your seatbelt. Arrive safely!

The Coalition of Concerned Citizens of Pequot Lakes Meets Tonight

Jack Schmidt with the Concerned Citizens of Pequot Lakes says that there is another meeting at 6 o'clock tonight at the Pequot Lakes American Legion. The primary goal of the meeting will be to decide what to do next. Mr. Schmidt expects to be in receipt of a letter of recommendation from the group's lawyer indicating whether or not the Coalition has legitimate concerns that merit legal procedings.

Public Education Funding--Another Option?

Seemingly always under discussion is the topic of funding public education. No doubt that's due to the fact that, by most accounts, the system we have is not working for the out-state systems like everyone would like it to. Democratic 12A House Representative John Ward is interested in enacting House File 4178, which would spread out state funding more evenly. Repblican challenger David Allan Pundt is not interested in enacting the "New Minnesota Miracle". He's been told that the total increase would exceed $1.6 billion, with an additional $600k in property tax relief. Not only is David unsure of where the money would come from, but he's concerned that doing away with school levy referenda would be like having taxation without representation.

A National Guard Unit being Welcomed Home!

A Roseville-based Minnesota National guard unit will be welcomed home tonight, after spending a year in Kuwait. Fourteen soldiers from the Roseville-based 347th Personnel Services Detachment Unit provided administrative support of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Minnesota Man Killed for I-Pod?

Philadelphia police say a Minnesota man may have been killed for his I-Pod. Austin Native Beau Zabel was shot in the neck while walking home from his job at Starbucks. Friends and family say Zabel always had his I-Pod with him. The music player is the only item that appears to have been missing.

Outlaw Drag Racing at Brainerd International Raceway

Ear drums will vibrate and tires will smoke during the annual Show and Go at Brainerd International Raceway, June 27th through the 29th. The weekend will feature outlaw dragsters who will compete in the following classes: Outlaw, Pro Outlaw, King Street and Real Street. BIR Vice President of Operations Scott Quick expects 400 cars, trucks, bikes and sleds will thrill the fans. He says some have been beefed-up to hit speeds of 200 MPH, and will smoke the quarter mile in six to seven seconds. BIR is in its 40th season.

A Berry Good Year for Strawberries.

Strawberry farms are expected to open two to three weeks late this year, due to cold and rainy conditions. However, expectations are this will be a very good crop. KLKS Chief Meterologist Tony Schumacher says his home grown crop in Wisconsin is especially sweet and juicy. Apparently, strawberries like cool weather. So, while this bloom is late, it is uniform. Typically, the berry picking winds down by July 4th. But, this year it should just be picking up.

DNR Shoreline Management

The Northland Arboretum in Brainerd will host an open house June 17th on shoreline management standards. The Minnesota Department of Natural resources is holding this, and other "Open Houses" throughout the state, as part of a three phase approach to develop potential revisions to the statewide minimum standards for shoreland management. The meeting at the Arb will run from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm.

Deer in Crow Wing County

Crow Wing County sheriff Todd Dahl says auto-deer crashes are up. He tells KLKS, with the recent rain there are more insects in the woods. As a result, fleeing deer are on the move, many times into the path of auto traffic. The sheriff says it is not uncommon to see 15 deer along 10 miles of road. Often, where there is one, there are more. Dahl says it's not the first one spotted that causes the accident, but the second or third. He says, like the weather, they are unpredictable. So, the county's top cop is urging motorists to slow down, especially at night when visibility is limited.

A Close Call for a Crosslake Camper

(Crosslake) High winds caused a close-call for camper Dawn from the Twin Cities at the Corps of Engineers Campground in Crosslake. "I heard when the tree fell in the night," she said, noting an 18-inch diameter, 30-foot tall tree that lay on the ground roughly 20 feet from her campsite. The tree covered an access road, and fell amongst four campsites. Remarkably, no damage was done to people nor their belongings. At the water access, about 30 yards away, a section of dock appeared to have pulled away from the main dock--water was lapping over the dock, and there were still whitecaps on the lake. A fire and rescue person was at Dawn and company's campsite, helping them re-set their tents, and laying out their tarps to dry. Dawn's dog, Shadow, didn't mind the weather, and was playing happily with a sponge-football. When told that there was only a 40% chance of rain today, and asked what her plans were, Dawn, who visits Crosslake annually, said "Although this is the worst weather we've seen up here. . .we're staying until Sunday." Via phone-con Erick Swanson, of the Crosslake Police Department, confirmed that there were no reported weather-related human injuries from the Thursday night storms--just downed trees and power outages.

Power Outages Due to High Winds

A couple of storms ripped through the northern portions of the K-Lakes' listening area last night, with winds as high as 50-70 miles per hour. According to Char Kinzer, spokeswoman for Crow Wing Power, there were two storms--one at about 8 pm, and a second at about 11 pm. The damage ran intermittently from Motley northeast to Emily. The nature of the damage was primarily due to high winds, although there was lightning as well. Kinzer mentioned that the soft, wet ground didn't help the situation, either. As of this morning, there were still a number of customers without power, but crews were working diligently--and would continue to do so until power was fully restored. Minnesota Power also experienced outages, particularly in the areas of Pillager, East Gull Lake, and Nisswa.

Commissioner Paul Thiede Talks Politics. . .and Pay

Crow Wing County District 2 Commissioner Paul Thiede's position is not up for election this year, but in a conversation he mentioned some thoughts on politics. . .and pay. He said that our Founding Fathers never intended politicians to get rich on their pay--although our political environment has metamophosed into a climate in which people do pursue politics as a career. Commissioner Thiede enjoys his position, and is very proud of the productiveness of the current Crow Wing County board. He said the pay the board receives is, to the best of his knowledge, not out of line with what other county boards earn. He also noted that because the seats on the board are elected positions, its not uncommon to have people who report to them earn three to four times more than the board members do--and that when you consider they have in excess of 400 people responsible to them it keeps it all in perspective.