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

Aitkin Riverboat Heritage Days!

Looking for something to do? Head on over to Aitkin's Riverboat Heritage Days, already underway! Sue Marxen of the Aitkin Chamber told K-Lakes news about an event taking place on Thursday night: the Miss Aitkin Scholarship Pageant. She mentioned that they have eight young ladies participating, and that whoever wins will represent the county for a year in events held across the state. Other events slated for Aitkin's Riverboat Heritage Days include a Mille Lacs Energy Free Pancake breakfast on Friday morning, live music on Friday and the Saturday night, Aitkin Jaycees "Run to the Dump" Saturday morning, and, the Parade at 5 pm Saturday (K-Lakes will be there!). Don't forget to buy your Riverboat Heritage Days Button for area discounts and admissions. For more information, call the Aitkin Chamber at 218-927-2316.

DNR Continues to Battle Invasive Species

Minnesota boaters are responding well to invasive species threats, according to Heidi Wolfe, Minnesota Watercraft Inspections and Education Coordinator. She tells KLKS News, out of all the foreign plant and animal life that comes to Minnesota, only about one percent becomes a permanent problem.
To avoid the spread of zebra muscles, boaters are asked to empty their live wells, wash their boats and tralers at a car wash and keep them out of the water for five days after visiting an infested lake.
Wolfe also wants anglers to properly dispose of bait. A growing threat to Minnesota forests are earth worms, which are not native.

Brainerd Man Assaulted Tuesday Night

A 35-year-old Brainerd man is in critical condition following an assault in northeast Brainerd Tuesday night. Police say the man was beaten by several men on 7Th Avenue near J street, just before midnight. He was taken to St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd, then airlifted to North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale. A 26-year-old Brainerd woman was arrested after talking to police, who are looking for four to six men black males in their 20's to 30's, all wearing dark colored clothing. One of the suspects is believed to be around 300 pounds. Police are looking for a green 1995 Mercury Grand Marquis, license number XKY 036. Anyone with information is asked to call Brainerd Police.

ATV Accident in Wadena County

A Close call for a pair of Wadena County girls. The Sheriff says the two juveniles were riding an ATV on County Road 80 near the intersection of 175Th Avenue in Eagle Valley Township. The passenger was sitting on the front rack when she fell off. The machine then ran over her chest. The vehicle rolled over, throwing the driver, who was uninjured. The other girl was taken to Tri County Hospital in Wadena, where she was treated and released.

Cass County Fair Plans Fun!

The Cass County Fair runs July 17th-19th at the Cass County Fair Grounds. Nolita Christensen, of Happy Dancing Turtle gave K-Lakes the "low-down" on what to expect! She mentioned that there'll be a variety of Grand Stand events, including Moto X Racing, ATV Mud Racing, and a 4x4 Mud Run. There'll be fun for the kids, along with a demonstration from the Search and Rescue Team and more! The beer garden and bingo are back! Also animals on display, a midway, tons of things to eat--AND--the 3rd Annual "Eco-Squared Fair" with daily workshops, hands-on activites, booths, "not on a stick" healthy and organic foods, free samples and more! For more information contact the Cass County Chamber at 800-728-6926.

Brainerd Area Candidates File for Office

Now that the filing deadline has passed, we know who will be running for office this fall. Four candidates are running for the Crow Wing District one board seat currently occupied by the retiring Dewey Tautges. Two have filed in District five.
Legislative races are set too. House District 12A will feature incumbent DFL-er John Ward against challenger David Allan Pundt, a Republican. 12B will see incumbent DFL-er Al Doty against Republican Mike LeMieur. 4B will feature a contest between Republican incumbent Larry Howes against DFL challenger Meg Bye.
At the Federal level, Eighth District Minnesota Congressman James Oberstar will be challenged by Republican Michael Cummins.

Daniel Hamm Runs for the Crow Wing County Board

Crow Wing County District 5 Commissioner Doug Houge has an opponent. 31-year-old Daniel Hamm of Ironton filed for the office Tuesday. He says spending by the county board is too high, and has resulted in high area property taxes. He cites the judicial center and new bike trails as examples. Hamm says the board must become more business friendly.

Red Ink for the Blue Thunder

It's more than thunder that is blue at the Blue Thunder baseball offices in Brainerd these days. The minor league team has fallen behind in payments to the city. The team owes about $25-hundred to the city for the lease of the Mills ball park. The team which features up and coming college players, has a payment schedule which should have them current by the end of August. Director of Operations Jason Huskey says the weather has not been cooperative. However, there are some special promotion games ahead which, he says, should bring good revenues.

Aitkin Riverboat Heritage Days

Aitkin is about to come alive with Riverboat Heritage Days. The summer festival runs July 16Th through the 19Th. There will be kids games, music, beer garden, food, special events, free community picnic, free pancake breakfast, arts and crafts and boat races. There will also be a kids tractor pull, art contest and garage sale. A new Captain and Queen will be named Wednesday. The outgoing royalty are Gary and Ihlene Williams. A new Miss Aitkin will also be chosen, replacing Kaisa Anderson. Shotgun Red and Steve Hall will be performing at the High School Friday evening at 7:30. Tickets are $10.

James Singleton Dies in Auto Accident Near Isle

The Minnesota State Patrol has released the name of the victim of a Sunday morning auto accident near Isle. He is 74-year-old James Singleton of Brooklyn Park. He was killed when his 2004 Kia Rio left the road on Highway 47 and struck trees. Authorities believe he may have suffered a medical emergency prior to the accident. His wife, 58-year-old Kathleen Singleton received minor injuries.

Lakewood Health in Staples Adds Dr. Thomas

Dr. Dirk Thompson has joined the Lakewood Health System in Staples. A Wadena native, he comes to Lakewood from the Buffalo Clinic where he practiced as a family physician with obstetrics. Dr. Thompson will serve as an urgent care physician.
Dr. Thompson studied medicine at the Medical College of Ohio.

Special Election in Minnesota Senate District 16

Governor Tim Pawlenty is calling for a special election to fill the State Senate vacancy in District 16. The opening was created by the resignation of Senator Betsy L. Wergin, who the Governor appointed to the Public Utilities Commission.
Among others, the district covers Morrison and Mill Lacs counties.
The special election will be held Tuesday, November 4Th, the date of the general elections. If a primary is necessary, it will be on Tuesday, September 9Th.
Anyone interested in running in Senate District 16 needs to file with the Secretary of State by 5:00 p.m., Monday, July 21, 2008.

Kyle Alden is Charged with Murder

A man with ties to Pequot Lakes has been charged with murder in the death of his friend's wife in North Carolina. Holley Wimunc was an army nurse at Fort Bragg. Her body was found in a brush fire near Camp Lejune where her husband John Wimunc was stationed. 22-year-old Kyle Alden lived in Pequot Lakes before he enlisted in the marines in 2006. Alden is accused of arson in the case, and accessory to the murder.

No Restrictions on Crow Wing County Law Enforcement Mileage

The high cost of fuel has made budgeting for 2009 "Interesting," according to Crow Wing County Sheriff Todd Dahl. He tells KLKS News, they have no restrictions on driving time or mileage for deputies. Although, he has looked at that. Sheriff Dahl says he promised residents that they could expect law enforcement coverage. He says he wants everyone to know that they are out and about.
Crow Wing County encompasses 999 square miles.

Brainerd Storm Aftermath

Lots of trees were downed and electricity out from a Friday Evening storm that ripped through the Brainerd Lakes Area. Crow Wing County Sheriff Todd Dahl told KLKS news that the sirens were sounded in the Deerwood, Crosby and Garrison areas when a tornado warning was issued by the National Weather Service. However, most of the damage was reported in the North Long and Round Lakes areas near Nisswa, apparently from straight line winds. There were so many trees down, that a road had to be closed to remove them. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries.

The High Cost of Fuel Means Fewer Fatalities

Despite two fatal auto accidents in the area this weekend, year to date the number is lower. Sergent Curt Mowers of the Brainerd office of the Minnesota State Patrol tells KLKS news, there are more than 30 fewer fatalities state-wide this year compared to last. Last year at this time there were 235. This year there have been 202.
Mowers says higher gasoline prices have resulted in fewer cars on the road. Further, he says those on the road are driving slower to conserve fuel.
He also says, there are more fuel efficient motorcycles on the road, however, the number of fatalities is the same as last year.
There are more bicycles on the road as well. Mowers says last year at this time there were no bicycle fatalities, this year there have been two. He says helmet use has been high. The State Patrol is urging bicycle riders to stay off the roads, and take trails or designated shoulders when they can. If they have to ride on the road surface, riders are required to ride with the traffic.

Fatal Traffic Accidents Near Cushing and Isle

The Minnesota State Patrol is investigating two fatal auto accidents in the area over the weekend. 23-year-old Mitchell R. Koppes was killed at the scene of an accident about four miles north of Cushing just before 2 am Saturday morning. The Patrol says he was driving north in the southbound lane of Highway 10 when he struck a vehicle driven by 39-year-old James M. Allen of Sartell. Allen was taken to North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale where he is listed in critical condition.
The Patrol is also trying to figure out what happened in a single car accident just before noon Sunday on Highway 47 north of Isle. Two were in the vehicle traveling south when it left the road and struck trees. Names of the victims have not been released.

Silbaugh's Closes its Doors

A Pine River Institution has decided to close its doors. Silbaugh's Department Store, run by Jackie and John Wetrosky will be closing Tuesday, then opening Wednesday for a going out of business sale. The store has a 60 year history in Pine River. The Wetrosky's took over the store from Jackie's parents, Walter and Jeannette Silbaugh, in 1978. They originally opened the department store in 1947.

Frank Ball Runs for Crow Wing County Board

A former lawman has decided to become a law maker. Frank Ball filed for the Crow Wing County Board seat held by the retiring Dewey Tautges in District One. Ball had served as Crow Wing County Sheriff and Brainerd Police Chief. He also served as Director of Alcohol and Gambling with the state. Ball will face-off against three others who have filed: Al Gmeinder, Denny Schmidt and Phillip Trusty.