Democratic Convention Kicks off in Rochester, Today

DFL-ers gavelled their state convention to order in Rochester today. National party Chairman Howard Dean is the keynote speaker. Tomorrow, delegates will endorse a challenger to Republican incumbent Senator Norm Coleman. Al Franken will test his strength against Peace Activist Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer. Brainerd State Representative John Ward told KLKS news, he is looking forward to the convention in Rochester. He wouldn't speculate on whether Franken or Nelson-Pallmeyer would get the backing of the party. He also mentioned that he's very pleased to have been voted as a representative heading to the National Convention in Denver later on in August.

Former Jenkins City Clerk Goes to Jail

The former Jenkins City Clerk is being sentenced to six months in jail and orderd to pay $184,000.00 in restitution for embezzlement. 40-year-old Julie Ohr of Pine River was sentenced in the Crow Wing County court rooom of Earl Maus.
Ohr had pleaded guilty to taking public funds from the city of Jenkins and to diverting funds from Lakes Area Carpet and Wood in Pequot Lakes. Her attorney says he plans to appeal the restituion portion of the sentence.

Milfoil Found in Upper Mission Lake

Eurasian watermilfoil, an invasive species already found in some Minnesota lakes, was discovered Monday in Upper Mission Lake, located 15 miles north of Brainerd.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff were conducting a survey of aquatic plants when they noticed fragments of Eurasian watermilfoil floating in the lake. Rooted plants were found growing near shore in one location. Researchers are now trying to determine the extent of the problem in the lake.

Milfoil is now known to have spread to 205 bodies of water in the Minnesota since it was discovered in the late 1980s. The majority of infested water bodies are in central and north-central Minnesota, according to Chip Welling, DNR Eurasian Watermilfoil Program coordinator. Of the 416 lakes in Crow Wing County, five are now known to have milfoil. The full list of infested waters is available on the DNR Web site at www.mndnr.gov.

Obama to visit the "X"

Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama speaks at the Xcel Energy Center tonight. It's not clear whether Obama will use the appearance to declare victory over Hillary Clinton. The "X" will also be the site of the Republican National Convention, where John McCain will recieve the GOP nomination in September.

Crisis Line and Referral Service is available 24/7

Executive Director of the Crisis Line and Referral Service, Mary Marana, via a phone-con, explained that they provide a wide range of services, not the least of which is emergency mental health care. Their network includes professionals to even go to emergency rooms/hospitals, if need be, to make sure that folks are getting the help they need. She also emphasized that their professionals deal with a wide-range of issues that effect all ages--even youngsters. The Crisis Line and Referral Service is available 24 hours, 7 days a week, and they are always looking for volunteers. For more infomation, call 218-828-4515.

BHS Valedictorian Highlights his Speech

In a phone-con with Brainerd High School Valedictorian, Chris Dens, he said that his speech last week during the commencement ceremonies at BHS included allusions to Disney characters. He said that some Disney creations were characters from whom lessons could be learned. He particularly cited Robinhood and Mulan--he said with Mulan, the lessons of loyalty and making those around you proud could/should be taken to heart. Chris is looking foward to attending UM-Twin Cities in the Fall, and plans on becoming a dentist.

BWCA Gunfire

A fourth man has pleaded guilty for his role in a drunken shooting spree that terrorized campers last summer in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. In Lake County court, yesterday, Jay Andrew Olson of Ely, admitted his actions, and those of five of his friends on Basswood Lake on August 7th, 2007, were stupid, ignorant, and thoughtless, according to the A/P. The 19-year-old faces a minimum of three years in prison, under the state's sentencing guidelines. His attorney said he will ask for probation instead. Sentencing is scheduled for July 7th.