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.