Bluegrass Festival Approaching in Pine River

The Sixth Annual Lakes Bluegrass Festival is coming up August 21st-24th at the Cass County Fairgrounds in Pine River. Organizer Tim Roggenkamp tells K-Lakes' News that the line-up for the weekend includes some impressive talent from across the U.S., including David Davis, Pine Mountain Railroad, and Michelle Dixon and Drive. A total of 17 bands will be in attendance, with 35 performances scheduled--not to mention the jam sessions and workshops. Food and camping are available as well. For more information, call 218-568-7366, or go on-line to LakesBluegrassFestival.org

Underage Drinking Charges in Grand Rapids

Three young adults have been charged with felonies in connection with a fatal car accident that happened after a night of drinking in Grand Rapids. Christy Lynn Laney died in the crash on August 6. The 18-year old was in the back seat of a vehicle that rolled over on County Road 61 in Itasca County. The other four people in the car survived. 19-year old Jena Marie Doyle and 18-year old Kyle Robert Fuller were passengers in the car. They have been charged with felony aiding and abetting furnishing alcohol to minors. Court documents say they told police that 22-year old Justin Lee Leppanen bought the alcohol for them. Leppanen has been charged with one count of felony and three gross misdemeanor aiding and abetting furnishing alcohol to a minor.

Wife Of American Killed in China Back Home

The wife of an American killed in China last week is back home in Minnesota getting treatment for her life threatening injuries. Barabra Bachman arrived at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester late Friday morning. She is listed in fair condition and hospital officials say she was alert, talking and had good memory function. Bachman was stabbed in the abdomen during a random attack in China last Saturday. Her husband, Todd Bachman, was killed in the attack. The Bachmans were in China for the olympics. Their daughter is a former U.S. Olympic volleyball player and their son-in-law, Hugh McCutcheon, coaches the U.S. men's vollyball team. A statement issued by the Mayo Clinic says Barbara Bachman received excellent care while in China.

Crazy Days in Nisswa

Crazy Days are up and running in Nisswa. Chamber Spokeswoman, Susan Mezzenga, told K-Lakes' News that Crazy Days have been around for 30 years. Nisswa vendors set up tables in front of their stores with deep discounts on merchandise. Crazy Days run through Saturday. Susan also mentioned that next Wednesday, the 20th, they'll be hosting the final Turtle Races of the season. For more information, go to nisswa.com.

Deer Hunting Program for Women

The Minnesota DNR is hosting the second annual "Deer Day" hunting clinic for women, Sunday, Aug. 17, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Dan & Betty Wilkens' Farm in Mora. The farm is located two miles east of Highway 47, five miles west of Highway 65, on Kanabec County Road 3. It's part of "The Becoming an Outdoors-Woman" program which focuses on teaching outdoor skills usually associated with hunting, fishing, and other outdoor pursuits--primarily to women 18-years of age and older.

Playground Equipment for the Leech Lake

The Leech Lake Community has been awarded a 55-thousand-dollar grant for playground equipment at two early childhood centers. The grant comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development program

Area Lottery Winners

Two area residents hit small jackpots playing the Minnesota State Lottery. Deanna Libby of Breezy Point landed 10-thousand-dollars playing the Hook, Lund and Sinker scratch game. She claimed her prize August 7th. The winning ticket was purchased at Pelican Square on County Road 4 in Breezy Point.
Bradly Flanagan of Brainerd also won 10-thousand-dollars from the lottery playing the Minnesota Hold-Em Poker scratch game. He claimed his prize August 6th.

Brainerd Man Arrested

Bradley Thomas Lewis, age 25 of Brainerd, was arrested around 10:30 this morning as a result of police interviews linking him with an assault of a 39-year-old man around 1:30 this morning in the parking lot at 7th and Front Streets in downtown Brainerd. Witnesses told police that the suspect punched the victim in the face, causing him to collapse to the ground and causing serious head injury. The victim was taken to St. Joseph's Medical Center--then transferred to St. Cloud. The case is still under investigation.

Area Lions Host Rummage Sale and Auction

The 24th Annual Deerwood Lakes Lions' Rummage Sale and Bay Lake Area Lions' Auction are happening this Saturday, August 16th, at the Bay Lake Marina--located about 2 miles east of Ruttgers'--off Highway 6, south of Deerwood. Organizer, Linda Dooyema, tells K-Lakes' News that this event is a main fund-raiser for the Lions', with all proceeds going toward local charitable activities, including scholarships, and financial help for those who may need it. The rummage sale starts at 8 am, with the auction starting at 10 am. For more information, call 218-764-3108, or 218-678-9090.

Bowlus Gets a New Fire Truck

Bowlus is getting a new fire truck. The small community in Morrison County has won a 50-thousand-dollar award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development program. Steve Wenzel, Director of Rural Development in Minnesota, says rural firefighters and emergency responders need to be equipped to handle all emergency situations, and the new truck will greatly assist those efforts.

Franken says McCain Is Not Too Old

DFL, U.S. Senate candidate Al Franken does not think the age of Republican John McCain should be an issue in the presidential race. There has been a suggestion floating around that McCain promise to run for one four year term to remove the age issue. Franken tells KLKS News, McCain and Obama ought to put the age issue to rest in their first debate. And, McCain ought to say Obama isn't Muslim.

Roosevelt Lake Property Owners

A two-hour seminar for Roosevelt Lakes area property owners is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 16, at the Outing Town Hall.
The seminar is for seasonal and full-time residents. Lakes under consideration will be Roosevelt, Lawrence, Leavitt and Smokey Hollow.
Molly Zins of Minnesota Waters, a lakes ecology expert, will serve as discussion leader. Complimentary coffee and breakfast treats will available starting at 8 a.m.
The will discussion will cover water quality and future zoning.

Outdoor Programs for the Kids

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is offering programs to get young people involved in the outdoors. Hunting and Angling Program Coordinator Mike Kurre says concern about childhood obesity, environmental understanding and future leadership have prompted the need for the program. He tells KLKS News, hunting numbers are moving in the wrong direction. Kurre says there are some hunting opportunities this fall, but the deadline for the lottery to participate is August 15th. More information can be found on the DNR website.

Ideal Beef on a Spit

An estimated two thousand are expected to experience the 31st annual Beef Feed today in Ideal Township . Serving begins at 4 pm. Rob Birkland tells KLKS News, it's a neighborhood event with great food.
He says the proceeds will be used to help pay for a fire boat they have recently acquired. It is a government surplus craft used for both rescue work and fire fighting.

Kinship Taste of the Lakes

Kinship Partners is already thinking about its 20th annual "Taste of the Lakes" fundraiser. The event will be back at Breezy Point Resort Friday, November 21st. Organizers are urging those who attend to "eat a little and bid a little." Among the gifts donated will be a Lasik eye surgery from Dr. Jerome Ploland of the Crosby Eye Clinic, and a Winter Weekend Getaway for a family of four at Cragun's Resort. Cost of the event is $75. Tickets are available at the Kinship offices.

Oberstar Gets an Award from the Izaak Walton League

Minnesota Congressman Jim Oberstar has been awarded the "Great Lakes Protection Award" from the Great Lakes Committee of the Izaak Walton League. Committee Chair Jill Crafton said Oberstar was selected because of his work on the Great Lakes Compact.
The Minnesota DFL-er said he was able to use his position as chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure to push through legislation

Breezy Point Says No to Gravel Pit

The Breezy Point City Council has denied a permit for Breezy Point Sand and Gravel to extract gravel from a 60 acre parcel off Buschmann Road. The action upholds the findings of The Planning and Zoning Commission. The P and Z said a gravel pit was eligible for a conditional use permit in a wooded residential area, but not crushing and washing of the material. An appeal of the Council's decision could still be made to the District Court.

Breezy Point Appoints a New Councilman

The Breezy Point City Council has accepted the resignation of one council member, and quickly moved to appoint a new one. Peter Sauer submitted his resignation effective immediately. He said "Extensive travel and a heavy schedule" resulted in a "Hasty move." The Council Monday night appointed Tom Nelson to fill out the remainder of the term, which runs through the end of this year. Nelson is the Fire Chief of Pequot Lakes, which serves Breezy Point.

Minnesota State Patrol Issues 73 Citations During Race Weekend

The Minnesota State Patrol made 333 stops as result of the "NightCap Saturation," during the NHRA drag races at BIR this past weekend. Over 20 percent of those stops resulted in citations or arrests. Sergent Curt Mowers tells KLKS News, the number is actually down. He says race fans know they will be out, and are more likely to behave. Mowers says he looks forward to directing traffic for the event. He says it is not unusual to get pop and treats from the fans.

Crow Wing Enforces Ban on Cell Phone Use By Young Drivers

Crow Wing County Sheriff's deputies are enforcing the ban on cell phone use by drivers under the age of 18. Sheriff Todd Dahl says the ban ought to serve as a lesson to all all drivers. However, he does not expect to ban to be expanded to all drivers any time soon. He says he has nearly been struck while attending to another driver on the side of the road by a driver who was on a cell phone. Sheriff Dahl says multi-tasking, whether on a cell phone or anything else while driving, is a bad idea.

Voter Registraion Deadline Days Away

Deborah A. Erickson, Crow Wing County Auditor, announces that Absentee Ballots for the Primary Election are available at the Auditor's Office for Crow Wing County Residents. If you are not able to vote on September 9, Primary Election Day, because of asbsence from the precinct, illness, physical disability or other reasons, you are eligible to vote by Absentee Ballot. Erickson also reminds residents who are not registered to vote, or those who have changed residences since the last election, that August 19 is the last day to register in advance for the Primary Election to be held on September 9. You may pre-register at the Auditor's Office on the 2nd floor of the Historical Courthouse in Brainerd. If you do not register by August 19 at 5:00pm, you may register at the polls on Election Day by you must furnish proof of residence.

Caregiver Respite Grants

The Minnesota Department of Human Services is awarding Caregiver Respite grants to various agencies around the state including Elder Care of Minnesota in Crow Wing County and Arrowhead Economic Opportunity of Aitkin. The two agencies will receive a portion of $6.2 million to help aging Minnesotans live independently and to help caregivers. The grant program is designed to help persons age 65 and over stay in their own homes and communities.

Law Enforcement at BIR

Crow Wing County Sheriff Todd Dahl says lawmen didn't have to slap on the cuffs all that much this past weekend at Brainerd International Raceway. He predicted between 25 and 30 arrests for the NHRA Nationals Drag Races. However, he tells KLKS News, only about 15 were sent to the slammer. Sheriff Dahl says the event has become more family friendly. That combined with the Sheriff's presence has reduce the amount of rowdy behavior from years past.

Big Changes At BIR

Tony Schumacher (The racer, not the weatherman) raced to his fourth consecutive victory and ninth of the season Sunday at BIR, winning the NHRA Nationals. He moves to within two of Joe Amato's Top Fuel win record of 52.
Schumacher powered his dragster to a performance of 3.865 seconds at 310.05 mph in the final round at Brainerd International Raceway. Schumacher has three career wins at the drag strip in the woods.
BIR General Manager Scott Quick tells KLKS News, they are thinking ahead to future road races at the track with some big changes that have taken place over the past six to nine months. He says the straight away that hosts the the drag races remains the same, but he says spectators will see big changes on the road course. He also says they have redefined some of the camping areas.

Crosslake Chili Cook-Off

It was the 22nd annual Chili Cook-Off in Crosslake this past weekend. And, appropriately, there were 22 entries for folks to sample as part of Crosslake Days.
Official Judges Winners:
1st Place: Pine Patch, Archery, bicycle, and travel center.
2nd Place: Edina Realty of Crosslake .
3rd Place: Home Halo.

Peoples Choice Winners:
1st Place: Lakes Area Gallery and Frame Shoppe.
2nd Place:Lake Country Crafts and Cones.

7th Annual Crosslake Classic Car Show

Hundreds streamed through the Crosslake Fire Department Saturday to see the 7th annual Classic Car Show held at the fire hall. They were treated to over 80 vintage cars on display under a blue summer sky. Several trophies were handed out.
Best Original Stock Car: 1970 Olsmobile 442, owned by Kevin Kelly of Pine River.
Best Stock Pick Up: 1949 Chevy half ton, owned by Bruce Berglin of Brainerd.
Best Custom Pick Up: 1956 Chevy, owned by James Hayes of Merrifield.
Best Custom Car: 1934 Plymouth, owned by Leo and Rosie Whitman of Brainerd.
Special Interest vehicle: 2007 Cobra, owned by Merv Johnson.
Best Motorcycle: 1958 Cushman, owned by Jim Gallaway of Crosslake.
The Peoples Choice Award: 1946 Chrysler Town and Country owned by Peter Dahl.

Minnesota Honors Well Known Florist

Commemorative displays in memory of Bachman's CEO Todd Bachman have been placed at all of the company's floral and garden stores in Minnesota. Customers will be able to read a poster in memory of Bachman, which will be displayed with a floral arrangement at the six stores' main entrances. Memorial posters are also being placed at 22 smaller Bachman's stores and at the Cedar Acres Garden and Landscape Center. Bachman was fatally stabbed Saturday after a man attacked him, his wife and their Chinese guide at the 13th-century Drum Tower in Beijing. The suspect then jumped to his death. Barbara Bachman remains in critical by stable condition in a Beijing hospital after undergoing surgery for multiple lacerations and stab wounds.