Crow Wing County Fair Celebrates Seniors!

Wednesday was Seniors' Day at the Crow Wing County Fair. Activities included demonstrations on One Stroke Painting and Swedish Basket Weaving--as well as a Jumbo Clothespin Frame Make and Take. Senior Goldie Hazuka of Brainerd told K-Lakes News she loves coming to the fair, but had just arrived for the day. Her plans included visiting with folks, meandering past the displays, and eating the Kettle Korn and Monster Ears. Other interviews were with 12A Democratic State House incumbent John Ward, and challenger David Allan Pundt. 2007 BHS graduate Mike Pierzinski was there with a pair of Red Angus cows, and had won Blue Ribbons (Pen Champion) for Commercial Cow/Calf, and Commerical Heifer. Classic Country Musician, Alan Goddage spoke with K-Lakes' New within an hour before show-time (6p-10p at Mills Free Stage), and said he's been performing for 50 years (started at the age of 8), and has too many favorite tunes to list just one. In general, he loves any country between 1950 and 1985. His inspirations include Charlie Pride, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and many more! Today is AG Day, and tomorrow is Teen Day at the Crow Wing County Fair, which runs through Saturday.

Pequot Lakes Chokecherry Festival

Pequot Lakes is getting ready for its first ever "Chokecherry Festival," August 15th and 16th at the Trailside Park. The event is hosted by the Pequot Lakes-Breezy Point Lions Club. President Laurie Dally tells KLKS News, the event begins with a Battle of the Bands Friday, August 15th. Saturday begins with a Fireman's Pancake Breakfast at Pequot Lakes City Hall. There will be an Arts and Crafts Fair all day. Kid's events run from 10am to noon. The Chokecherry Culinary Contest gets started at 10am. There will also be a Pit Spitting Contest, Water Wars, Back Seat Driver, Putting Game, Bocce Ball Tournament, 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, Partner Carry and the day will conclude with a Street Dance from 7 pm to midnight. For more information: chokecherryfestival.com.

Air Pollution Advisory Cancelled for Brainerd

An Air Pollution Health Advisory that had been issued for the Brainerd Lakes Area has now been cancelled. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says dry winds from the north should help to clean the air. A weak cold front is to cross the area Thursday and Friday bringing the refreshing change. The initial advisory covered the southern two thirds of the state.

District 6 American Legion Baseball Tournament

District six American Legion baseball comes to the Pequot Lakes and Crosslake baseball fields today. Jerry Boe of American Legion Post 49 says the Crosslake-Fifty Lakes-Pequot Lakes team is looking good, and so are the fields. The first game features Maple Lake vs Royalton at 10 am at Crosslake. The local team takes on Paynesville at 12:30 pm, also in Crosslake. On the Pequot Lakes field today, Upsala-Swanville goes up against Staples-Motley at 10am and at 12:30 pm it'll be Bertha-Hewitt vs Pierz.

Military Day a Blast at Crow Wing County Fair!

The Crow Wing County Fair is up and running! Opening Ceremonies were held on Tuesday evening at 5:30 p.m., including a Parade of Colors celebrating Military Day at Mills Free Stage. Interviews with K-Lakes News included Sherriff Todd Dahl explaining ways to be safe in summer--both on the water and on the road. Justin Sweet, a Moto-X runner elaborated on the fun of the race! Emily Wyman, Miss Brainerd Lakes, told K-Lakes News how she won her title in late June, and Brianna Janco of Baxter was very pleased that her French Alpine goat, Cindy-Loo-Hoo, had won a Blue Ribbon. Today is Senior Citizens' Day, and Thursday we can look forward to AG Day. The Crow Wing County Fair runs through Saturday, August 2nd.

DNR Promotes Shorline Buffers for Brainerd Lakes

More and more lake shore owners in the Brainerd area are restoring their shoreline buffers, or are allowing turf to revert to native vegetation, according to DNR Lakes Planner Erika Rivers. She tells KLKS News, there are a lot of benefits to a natural buffer. Native plants have longer roots, and aid in erosion control. They attract various forms of wildlife. They filter pollutants that turn lakes green. And, they require a lot less work for homeowners.
The Cass County Isaak Walton League is hosting a shore land buffer expo Saturday, August 9th, at Deep Portage Conservation Reserve

Shuttle Wagons at the Crow Wing County Fair

Those who park on in the south lot at the Crow Wing County Fair won't have to walk to the gates. Fair Manager Dale Domrase tells KLKS News, instead of shuttle buses, they will have shuttle wagons supplied by "This Old Farm." The wagons will be pulled by antique tractors and will be running from 1 pm to 10 pm. Today is Senior Citizens Day.

Stagnant Air to the South of Brainerd

K-Lakes meteorologist Tony Schumacher says the air pollution health advisory for the southern two-thirds of the state, including our Brainerd Lakes Area, is not going to be as bad as first thought. He says the air flow is going to keep the hottest and most humid weather a few hundred miles to our south. Schumacher says when the air is warm and stagnant, there can be a build-up of ozone and particulates. He says there will still be some, but it should not be as bad as it could have been.

St. Paul Man Dies in Breezy Point

Authorities are trying to determine if it was a drowning or medical emergency that claimed the life of a 71-year-old St. Paul man, Tuesday afternoon, in Breezy Point. Glenn Boullman was pulled from a swimming pool about 3:30 pm. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Boullman was vacationing with his family at High Village.

Crow Wing County Fair Medallion Found

The medallion treasure hunt is over at the Crow Wing County Fair. Tim Norton found the prize Tuesday and claims the $1000 reward. The clues lead him to look under the steps of the historical school house.

The Crow Wing County Fair

The Crow Wing County Fair opens its five day run in southeast Brainerd today. Manager Dale Domrase tells KLKS News the early morning rains have made the grounds perfect for the show. He says Pig Racing is new this year. It's designed for the kids with three free shows daily behind the Administration building. Also new this year this year is an information building in the center of the grounds. Domrase says the interactive farm program will show the kids how food gets to the table. Some 100 thousand visitors annually attend the event. Today is military day.

Brainerd Included in an Air Alert

The Brainerd Lakes Area has been included in an air pollution Health Advisory for the southern two-thirds of the state. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says hot and humid weather is creating favorable conditions for fine particle pollution in the Twin Cities, Rochester, St. Cloud, Duluth and here in the Brainerd Lakes Area. The advisory is predicted to linger into Saturday. People especially sensitive to the pollution include those with respiratory or cardiovascular problems, young children, the elderly and the physically active.

Reporting Crow Wing County Crop Losses

The Crow Wing-Cass USDA Farm Service Agency is reminding farmers to report crop damage due to recent storms storms. Severe weather may have affected crop yields in the area and losses need to be documented in order for the counties to pursue disaster designations. Producers are encouraged to call the Crow Wing/Cass FSA Office at 218-829-5965 Extension 2 to report storm damage to agricultural commodities.

Sheriff at the Crow Wing County Fair

The Crow Wing County Fair runs Tuesday, July 29th through Saturday, August 2nd, in the southeast corner of Brainerd. Crow Wing County Sheriff Todd Dahl tells KLKS News, they will be displaying equipment and answering questions in the Public Safety Building. He says it's a chance to meet local law enforcement personnel in a relaxed setting

Crosslake Treasure Clue

Here's the latest clue in "The Search for the Lost Treasure," as part of Crosslake Days: "Shiver me timbers," when me was singing a "shanty," I remember seeing a young pirate "swabbing decks." He looked like he had had a long day and could use the coins. May he have taken me chest while I "Splice the main brace?" Crosslake days run August 6th through the 10th.

Brief Outage in Garrison Tuesday Morning

Members of Mille Lacs Energy will experience a short planned outage Tuesday Morning, July 29th. The cooperative says the outage is scheduled for 5am, and will last only three minutes. Customers affected will be from Garrison, Bay Lake, Nokay Lake and the south half of Hazelton and Deerwood Townships.
The Coop is working on the Wilson Lake substation.

Another Delay on Excelsior Road in Baxter

Excelsior Road in Baxter will be closed on Monday, July 28 and again on Wednesday, July 30 for construction of the Paul Bunyan Trail Bridge. A reminder to observe posted speed limits when the road is open, and truckers should be advised that during construction, clearance at the bridge is 14-feet.

Oberstar Works to prevent tapping of Great Lakes

Minnesota Congressman Jim Oberstar is leading the charge against tapping fresh water out of the Great Lakes. Under the compact, eight states including Minnesota would prohibit remote states or countries from tapping into the lakes, one of the largest sources of fresh water on the planet. The legislation backed by the 8th district DFL-er would provide congressional approval of the compact.

Explosion at Hamlet Lake Cabin Leaves One Man Dead

A Northfield man is dead after an explosion at this Hamlet Lake Cabin near Deerwood. According to the Office of the Hennepin County Medical Examiner, Bruce Rezak died early this morning at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. The explosion and fire happened around 4 p.m. on Friday, about 2-1/2 miles south of Deerwood. Deerwood Fire Chief John Taylor says it appears the victim had been trying to light a hot water heater when the explosion occurred in the basement of the cabin. Neighbor Carol Knutson says she ran out of her house after the explosion, and saw Rezak and his dog on fire, both running out of the house.

Outdoor Auction for Camp Confidence!

The Annual Outdoor Auction for Confidence Learning Center is coming up on Saturday, September 20th at Camp Confidence. Special Events Director Cathe Picek told K-Lakes news that they are looking for auction items now. She mentioned that they are looking for a variety of items to auction off for a great cause, including ATVs, antiques, furniture, generators, snowmobiles, boats, and more! Donations are accepted Monday through Friday, with pick-up available by calling 218-828-2629. Dates and locations for donation drop-offs include Clow Stamping on Thurs., July
31st from 7am to 6pm, and the Brainerd Lakes Chamber on Thurs., August 7th, from 7am to 6pm. For more information, go to campconfidence.com

Camp Knutson Quilt Auction

Camp Knutson, near Crosslake, is holding it's 22nd Annual Quilt Auction Saturday, August 9th, at noon. Over 150 quilts will be auctioned.
This year several "Contemporary" quilts have been donated. The live auction begins at noon.
Quilt viewing begins at 10 a.m. A silent auction runs from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Proceeds from this event go to the camp to provide "camperships" to children and families with special needs.
Camp Knutson, a program of Lutheran Social Service, serves children with special needs, including children with hearing loss, autism, Down syndrome, severe skin disorders, heart conditions and other health concerns.

Lakewood Adds a Psychologist

The Lakewood Health System in Staples has added a Clinical Psychologist. Julie Eggers Huber is a licensed psychologist under the Minnesota Board of Psychology.
Dr. Eggers Huber's time will be mainly focused at Lakewood Reflections, Lakewood Health System's senior behavioral health program and with residents of the Care Center, both of which are located at Lakewood Health System’s Senior Campus.
Dr. Eggers Huber comes to Lakewood Health System from Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Services in Brainerd where she developed and implemented multiple behavioral programs and oversaw and managed services as the Psychology Clinical Lead.

Bonnie Road Home Destroyed by Fire

The smoke off County Road Three north of Brainerd Thursday was from a fire in an abandoned house on Bonnie Road. When firefighters arrived shortly after noon, the structure was destroyed. The owner of the structure, built about 10 years ago, says the fire is suspicious. He said the gas and electricity had been disconnected.

More Delays on Excelsior Road in Baxter

More delays for motorists driving on Excelsior Road north of the Westgate Mall from Cypress Drive to Conservation Drive in Baxter. The road will be closed from 7am to 7pm Monday, July 28th and Wednesday, July 30th, for construction on the Paul Bunyan trail Bridge.

Treasure Chest Hunt Underway in Crosslake!

We are all looking forward to the Crow Wing County Fair next week, but do not put away your party hat after that! Coming up August 6th-10th there is going to be Crosslake Days! Michele Holmes, Crosslake Coordinator for the Brainerd Lakes Chamber told K-Lakes News about some of the fun that will be had coming up that first full week of August, including a Treasure Chest Hunt, ice cream eating contest, Best Pirate Costume contest, Royalty Coronation, softball tournament, a car show and chili cookoff. Clues for the Treasure Chest hunt are already being posted! For more information on the event go to crosslake.com

Brainerd Area Kids Need to Exercise

Concern about childhood obesity has come to the Brainerd Lakes Area. The Brainerd Medical Center will receive a 50-thousand-dollar grant to teach children and their parents about the health benefits of good nutrition and regular physical activity. Spokesman Kim Deiss tells KLKS News, the level of obesity among children six to 11 has gone up dramatically. And, she says just because we line in an area that features lots of outdoor activities, that does not exempt our kids from the health risks. She says we still have the same sorts of behavior issues that occur with other kids in the country. But, if we can get them out and doing healthful activities, that would be a huge benefit for us. The pilot program will begin with the third grade classes at Garfield School.

Oberstar Pushes Bridge Funding Bill

Minnesota Congressman Jim Oberstar is pushing a bridge safety bill. It was nearly a year ago that the Interstate 35W bridge collapsed in Minneapolis. His bill would authorize a billion dollars to fix structurally deficient bridges, and hold states accountable on how those federal funds are spent. The DFL-er is critical of Minnesota officials for transferring 49 percent of the money out of the bridge account for other purposes, and then blaming the lack of bridge funds on money spent on bicycle paths.
The I 35W bridge had been identified as deficient prior to the collapse.

Leadership Programming in the Lakes Area

Another year of Leadership--the Lakes Area is fast approaching. Mary Gottsch of the Brainerd Lakes Chamber explained to KLKS News that the program is in their 10th year, with over 200 alumni. The program helps 30 area people work on building their own skills and function in an healthy working environment. The program kicks off on September 15th and 16th with an 1-1/2 day "get acquainted" session. From then on, the group meets once per month touring different facitilites--including government, educational, and medical--as well as works on individual skills. "Leadership Graduation" is held in April. The application needs to be returned by August 15th. About half of the 30 seats are currently available. For more information, pricing, and application, call Mary at 218-822-7117, or go on-line at explorebrainerdlakes.com and click on the Chamber tab.

Brainerd Detours Lifted

If there are two seasons in Minnesota, winter and road construction, then winter must not be that far away in Brainerd. Two major road construction projects have concluded. Excelsior Avenue by the Northland Arboretum in Baxter had been closed during the day Monday and Tuesday to work on the Paul Bunyan Trail bridge. That work is now complete.
And folks in the neighborhoods on east side of Brainerd will get their peace and quiet back. The detours on Mill Avenue have been lifted two months ahead of schedule.

Ultra Light Plane Crash Victim Identified

An Ideal Township man has been identified as the victim of an ultra light plane crash Monday night. 55-year-old Daniel Steven Chisholm was pronounced dead at the scene.
Crow Wing County Sheriff Todd Dahl says the craft went down just before 8pm in a field across from Bertha Boat Works on County Road 16 between Pequot Lakes and Crosslake.
The crash is under investigation by the Crow Wing County Sheriff and Federal Aviation Administration.

Ultra Light Plane Crash Near Pequot

An ultralight plane crash off County Road 16 in Crow Wing County has claimed the life of an unidentified man. Sheriff Todd Dahl says the craft went down around 7:30 Monday night in a field near Bertha Boat Works between Pequot Lakes and Crosslake. The Sheriff says the man had taken off and made a few passes by a field when his fixed-wing ultralight crashed. The FAA has been notified.

Pulling Trailers Hazardous

Trailers coming unhitched from the towing vehicle happens more often than you would think, according to State Patrol Sergent Curt Mowers.
Last week, four received minor injuries when their camper trailer became detatched from a Suburban on Highway 25 North of Little Rock in Morrison County. The trailer caused the the SUV to roll into a ditch. Sergent Mowers describes pulling trailers as a hazardous situation. And, motorists following them ought to give them lots of room.

Free Air Miles Come with a Price

Airline miles may be at risk, according to Clare Williams of Travelers Fare in Brainerd. She tells KLKS News, if people have the opportunity to use their perks now, they should. She says that it is likely air travelers will have to pay a fee to use them. Ms. williams describes it as a frustrating process. She says Travelers Fare provides a service to help in perks redemption.

Cause of the Exchange Fire Undetermined

The State Fire Marshal has been unable to determine the cause of the fire that heavily damaged the Exchange Restaurant and Bar in Crosslake. The landmark burned 3AM July 5th. Crosslake Fire Chief Keith Anderson tells KLKS News, the Fire Marshal inspected the wiring and charred reminants, and could find nothing suspicous. Anderson called the fire, "Accidental and unfortunate." The fire is believed to have started in the roof over the bar area. There were no injuries.

Operation H.E.A.T. in Brainerd

The Minnesota State Patrol is turning up the heat on aggressive driving. Sergent Curt Mowers of the Brainerd office of the State Patrol says they will have extra troopers out through August. He tells KLKS news, they will be cracking down on speeders "Big time." The number of traffic fatalities has declined recently. Mowers feels a reduction in traffic and speed, from those conserving expensive gasoline, has helped. However, traffic numbers are up again, and "Operation H.E.A.T." will remind motorists to slow down.

Crosslake Days Clue Number Two

Here is the second clue in the Crosslake Days Search for the Lost Treasure: "Sail ho! Do you see it? Talk to an 'Old Salt,' for he knows where the 'Lookout' was on that cool, breezy evening. "Fair Winds."
The winner is to bring the lost Treasure Chest to the Chamber office in Crosslake to claim a treasure of goodies prize and for a photo. Or, call: (218) 692-1828.

Banks Remain the Safest Place to Leave Funds

The failure of IndyMac Bank last week has some folks nervous about their bank deposits. Steven Hanson, Financial Planner with Pine River Investment Services, tells KLKS news, removing deposits creates far more risk. He says burying funds under a mattress leaves the money vulnerable to fire or robbery. Hanson says even a home safe is not as safe as a bank.

Klobuchar Look for Foreclosure Aid

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar says congress continues to watch the housing market like everyone else. She tells KLKS news, she does not know if it has bottomed out yet, or could go even lower. She says they are looking at relief for those facing foreclosure, but not for new home buyers for the sluggish new home market. The Minnesota democrat says too many foreclosures bring down the value of all real estate. She says housing values have fallen by 10 percent.

Zero Alcohol Provider Program is Working in Todd County!

Since the beginning of the Zero Alcohol Provider ("ZAP") Program, three people have been charged with providing alcohol to underage consumers. Additionally, fourteen underage consumers were charged. The ZAP program is a grant that was applied for by Todd County Public Health. The grant provides funding for on-call law enforcement officers to respond to reports of gatherings where underage drinking is suspected. Officers are trained in how to respond. The validity of the complaint is verified before the actual call out of officers is conducted. The toll-free number for the Citizens Against Drugs/ZAP tipline is 800-731-1847.

Filing Dates for Local Council and School Board

Thinking of throwing your hat in the ring for a spot on the local city council or school board? Crow Wing County Auditor Deborah Erickson says mark you calendar for August 26Th through September 9Th.
Filing for city offices will be done through your City Clerk.
Filing for town offices will be through the Town Clerk.
And, filing for the school board will be through the School District Clerk.

Klobuchar Focuses on Oil Speculators

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar says gasoline will continue to have major pricing problems, despite the recent $16 drop per barrel of crude oil. She tells KLKS news, the 25 percent increase in gas at the pump can't be explained by simple supply and demand. She has heard testimony that foreign speculation has created the biggest gaming hall in the world. She says it is the same kind environment that created havoc in the financial sector. The Minnesota DFL-er is not interested in removing investors from the market, just those who abuse it. Klobuchar says competitive alternatives are needed, such as bio diesel, ethanol and electric cars.

Run-Off from Hard Surfaces Hard on Lakes

The Minnesota Department of natural resources is urging lakeshore owners to keep their lakeshore natural to help keep lakes healthy.

Lakes are affected by runoff from hard surfaces whether from in town or near the lake. The DNR says the impervious surfaces on private property affect the water quality of lakes and rivers in the watershed.

Homeowners are encouraged to reduce runoff by having smaller driveways and sidewalks, by curving paths to the lake, and by using surfaces that allow water to soak through.

Diverting rain into vegetated areas, rain gardens and rain barrels keeps it from carrying pollutants into the lake or river.

For more lakes information email lakewaves@dnr.state.mn.us .

Travel Trailer Accident on Highway 25.

A scary moment for a driver pulling a trailer. The State Patrol says a camper trailer started swaying behind a Suburban on Highway 25 north of Little Rock shortly after 5 PM Thursday evening. The camper became unhitched and rolled on the highway causing the suburban to roll in the west ditch. There was personal injury, but no report on how serious.

Brainerd Police Grab Another Suspect for Assault

Brainerd Police have arrested a second suspect in connection with an assault on a Brainerd man Tuesday night. 30-Year-old Ronald Deshum Robinson was nabbed Wednesday night in the beating of 35-year-old Cameron Quickbear, who remains in critical condition at North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale. Lawmen are also looking for 31-year-old Cord Thomas Robinson, whose address in unknown. He is wanted for probable cause second degree assault. And, he is also wanted on an assault charge in Hennepin County.

Emily Day on Saturday!

It is Emily Day this Saturday! Suzy Rae of K-Lakes is one of the coordinators of the event, and told K-Lakes News what type of fun can be had up in Emily! Included in the events are a fun run in the morning, and a Pancake Breakfast at St. Emilys Church Hall. In the Emily City Park, there will be food booths, games for kids, a craft fair, a flea market, and beer garden. There will also be Chainsaw carving in the afternoon, with an auction at 4:30. Both Kiddie and the Main Parades start at 1 o'clock in the afternoon (K-Lakes is looking forward to being there!). Additionally, there'll be a Cross-Cut Saw Contest in the afternoon, and music in the park runs right up until time for fireworks at 10:30 at night. The Raffle drawing will be held at 8 p.m.--need not be present to win. Looking forward to seeing YOU at Emily Day!

Fight Against Childhood Obesity in Brainerd

Concern about childhood obesity has come to the Brainerd Lakes Area. The Inter-Professional Workgroup will receive a 50-thousand-dollar grant from the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center and Minnesota Area Health Education Center.
Dr. Mark Gray of the Brainerd Medical Center, among others, look to teach children and their parents about the health benefits of good nutrition and regular physical activity. The pilot program will begin with the third grade classes at Garfield School.

Excelsior Road in Baxter Closed Monday and Tuesday

Motorists traveling north of the West Gate Mall will experience another traveling inconvience Monday and Tuesday, July 21st and 22nd. Excelsior Road from Cypress Drive to Conservation Drive will be closed from 7 am to 7 pm both days. Work will continue on the Paul Bunyan Trail Bridge.

Klobuchar to Stop Oil Speculators

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar wants to crack down on speculators in the energy markets. She wants to close the so-called "London Loophole" that allows traders to use foreign exchange markets to manipulate the price of oil in the U.S.
Klobuchar says skyrocketing energy costs are taking a bite out of family budgets and cutting into the bottom line of Minnesota business. Legislation she backs has been dubbed "The Stop Excessive Energy and Speculation Act of 2008."
Senator Klobuchar is scheduled for a 7:40 AM interview Friday morning on KLKS, FM 104.3