Crow Wing County Fair "Teen Day" Another Success!

Friday was Teen Day at the Crow Wing County Fair, including Pre-Teen and Teen Talent Contests, a teen dance with Silverline, and Baja Rally Racing. Interviews included incumbent 12B Democratic State Representative Al Doty saying education and the economy are likely to be big concerns of voters this next election. 18-year-old Jamie, a recent graduate of BHS said he was enjoying Teen Day at the Fair, and was observed eating some nachos and cheese (looking at his nachos he remarked, "I guess I did not need to order the 'extra cheese'.") He mentioned he'd been to the fair every day that week, but had to skip on up to Akley that evening for a family reunion--mentioned that his grandmother sometimes palys violin with the folks at the Woodtick. Says he would like to own his own auto mechanic shop someday. Baja Rally Races were on tap for Friday night. 20-year-old Novice driver Chad Fleishhacker of South Long Lake was looking forward to the evening and driving his Dodge Neon stockcar in the races that night. Saturday is the last day of the Fair and is Kids' Day!

AG Day A Success at Crow Wing County Fair!

Thursday was AG Day at the Crow Wing County Fair, including judging of the Open Class Dairy Cattle and Open Class Dairy Goat and Market Goat. There was also a Milk Drinking Contest, and free clinic on "Opening Communication Between Horse and Rider". Gwen Pierzinski with Kids' Kountry Agricultural Learning Center told K-Lakes News that working with the children and giving them an idea of what it takes to get a product to market is a wonderful experience for her. Through their comment cards, Gwen said some of the kids can't believe what all is involved in getting food to the stores. She also mentioned that many of the children said that the experience was awesome! Other stories tracked for the day included an interview with Alli Hull, Minnesota Honey Queen, and Marla Thornbloom, North-Central Minnesota Honey Queen. Both Queens really enjoy representing the honey industry in Minnesota, and were pleased to be at the Crow Wing County Fair. DFL Booth Attendant Marilyn Carlson of Merrifield mentioned that education and care for the elderly are a couple of topics she thinks will be part of this year's election debates. She said its sad when older folks have to choose between prescription medicine and food. State Senator Paul Koering of District 12 said that, although he's not up for re-election this year, he feels taxation will be an election issue, and that the State needs to cut spending. Finally, brother and sister Dustin and Nicole Cyrus of Randall, Minnesota were anxious to run in the Demolition Derby scheduled for 7 pm. They've both been racing for some time, and have won races from 1st place on down. Nicole runs in the compact class, and Dustin in the heavy. Today is Teen Day at the Crow Wing County Fair. The Fair runs through tomorrow.

Oberstar Reflects on I 35W Bridge Collapse

8th District Congressman Jim Oberstar says hearts go out to the families of those who were lost and those who were injured in the I-35 W bridge collapse a year ago today. The Chairman of the House Transportation Committee says the inquiry continues into the cause of the failure. He tells KLKS News, there were design flaws, as well as corrosion and metal fatigue that played a roll in the failure.

Koering Predicts a $2-billion Shortfall

District 12 State Senator Paul Koering is predicting a one to two billion dollar revenue shortfall next legislative session. The Fort Ripley republican, appearing at the K-Lakes Crow Wing County Fair booth, says taxing your way to prosperity will not work. So, he recommends the legislature trim back where they can.

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.