Friday Night Sports

Boys High School Basketall
Pequot Lakes - Duluth Game (Postponed Due To Weather)
Albany 94, Milaca 79
Bemidji 64, Moorhead 59
Blackduck 67, Little Fork-Big Falls 56
Browerville 69, Verndale 48
Crosby-Ironton 83, Staples-Motley 76
Detroit Lakes 78, Wadena-Deer Creek 71 OT
Hill City 84, Laporte 45
Mora 67, Melrose 40
Northland 81, Nevis 54
Pierz 50, De La Salle 25
Red Lake 91, Cass Lake-Bena 79
Sebeka 84, New York Mills 50
Thief River Falls 58, East Grand Forks 54
Walker-Hackensack-Akeley 47, Pine River-Backus 45

St. John's Prep Tournament
Consolation
Onamia 51, Holdingford 15


Girls High School Basketball
Braham 86, Grantsburg WI 16
Brainerd 55, Rocori 50
Browerville 61, Nevis 49
Crosby-Ironton 62, Park Rapids 36
Little Falls 58, Sartell 45
Pelican Rapids 47, Frazee 44
Perham 70, Barnesville 39
Pierz 57, Holdingford 47
Pine River-Backus 44, Red Lake 34
Sebeka 57, New York Mills 49

Isle Tournament
Carlton 44, Isle 36
Mora 62, Ogilvie 33

Menahga Tournament
Eagle Valley 64, Verndale 53
Menahga 82, Swanville 34

Boys High School Hockey
Northern Lakes Lightnight (Pequot Lakes) 4, Mora 1
Bemidji 4, Fergus Falls 2
Little Falls 9, Sauk Rapids - Rice 3


Edina Tournament
Eden Prairie 4, Grand Rapids 1

Herald/Stadstad Classic
Bloomington Jefferson 8, Grand Forks 0

Girls High School Hockey
Brainerd/Little Falls 7, Willmar 0
Grand Rapids/Greenway 8, Chisago Lakes 1

High School Wrestling
Milaca Quadrangular
Milaca/Faith Christian 33, St. Cloud Apollo 27
Milaca/Faith Christian 58, Hinckley-Finlayson/Pine City/Willow River 7
Milaca/Faith Christian 61, Pierz 6

NHL
Minnesota 4, N-Y Islanders 1

Franken Takes And Holds The Lead

Democrat Al Franken holds a 262-vote lead in Minnesota's Senate recount after the State Canvassing Board has wrapped up its work deciding disputed ballots. Franken took the lead from Republican Norm Coleman on Friday and steadily increased it. The board was handling almost entirely Coleman challanges, and rejecting most of them. There's plenty of drama left. Next week,
some 5-thousand challenges that were withdrawn earlier will be allocated to the two candidates. And, an estimate 1600 improperly rejected absentee ballots will be brought into the count at some point. Coleman's campaign also went to court on Friday. They asked the State Supreme Court to block the Canvassing Board from including possibly double-counted ballots in the recount.

Pawlenty's Proposed Budget Cuts

Governor Tim Pawlenty is protecting K-12 education, public safety and veterans from budget cuts while tapping money for local governments and human services. Pawlenty presented his plan for cutting a 426-million dollar shortfall in the budget that runs through June. He's first using up the remaining 155-million dollars in the state's reserve fund. Then he's taking 110-million dollars from money that was to be sent to cities and counties on December 26. He's exempting four small counties, and the cities with the smallest populations. Some of the othe big cuts are 73-million dollars from Human Services, 40-million dollars from the states colleges and universities and 40-million from the budgets of state agencies. While those are the biggest cuts, the whole list covers many of the state government's functions and includes taking back unspent grant money from various programs.

Accident Results In DWI Arrest

A 45-year old woman was arrested for DWI following a two vehicle accident Friday morning. A car, driven by Carol Ann Tarvas
rear ended a Redi-Mix truck on County Road 4, just South of County Road 18 in Lake Edward Township. During the investigation, Tarvas was arrested on the suspicion of DWI and transported to the Crow Wing County Jail and charged with Third-Degree DWI. She had been treated at the scene for minor injuries by paramedics. The driver of the redi-mix truck, 31-year old Brent Edward Mudford, was not injured.

Brainerd Ready to Welcome Snowmobilers

The Brainerd Lakes economy is expected to get a shot in the arm from the December snow, as snowmobilers flock to the area. Gretchen Emmis, Director of Tourism for the Chamber, says the trails are in fair to good condition and being groomed. She says every other call she receives is about snow conditions, which is good news for the restaurants and bars. She says hotel availabilities are good this winter, except for the Fishing Extravaganza in January.

Another Winter Storm Heads for Brainerd

The winter storm heading toward the Brainerd will be a significant, but not an extreme, winter storm, according to KLKS Meteorologist Tony Schumacher. He expects five to six inches of snow Saturday. It is expected to be dry enough to create blowing and drifting conditions on Sunday.
Schumacher expect the winds to whip the snow Sunday. That, combined with falling temperatures, is expected to create difficult driving conditions for the weekend.

Snowmobiles Should Be Active This Weekend

Snowmobiling is expected to pick up this weekend around the Brainerd Lakes Area with fresh snow, and more on the way. Crow Wing County Sheriff Todd Dahl tells KLKS News, he wants people to have fun, but be safe too. He says most of the accidents that happen are as a result of snowmobilers who don't know where they are going.
Sheriff Dahl suggests, when in doubt, ask local snowmobile clubs about the trails and ice conditions on area lakes.

Thursday Night High School Scores

Boys Hockey:

• Brainerd/Pierz/Pillager 4, Sartell 3, OT

Boys Basketball:

• Park Rapids 71, Menahga 56.
• Walker-Hackensack-Akeley 64, LaPorte 24.
• Willmar 62, Brainerd 45.
• Royalton 55, Holdingford 42.

Girls Basketball:

• Aitkin 62, Crosby-Ironton 49.
• Bertha-Hewitt 69. Pillager 23.
• Blackduck 61, Cass Lake-Bena 53.
• Menahga 75, Henning 59. OT
• Pequot Lakes 75, Pine River-Backus 44.
• Wadena-Deer Creek 52, Hawley 41.
• Onamia 36, Royalton 24.

CLC Shows Strong Enrollment Gains

These are bustling days at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. The community college is showing the 12th highest enrollment increase among similar institutions across the country. Jeff Wig, Dean of Enrollment, tells KLKS, the college is counter cyclical to the economy. When the economy goes down, people look at retraining opportunities. Wig says all fields of study have increased at the college, but the medical areas have been particularly strong.

Marge Anderson New Chief of Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe

The newly elected Chief Executive of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe is Marge Anderson, who had previosly served as Chief from 1991-2000. The election was held on Tuesday, December 16th. Anderson received 302 votes, which was more than the 50% plus one majority that is required by band statues. Other candidates received the following numbers of votes: Mushkoob 83, Larry Nickaboine 82, Wallace St. John, Sr. 60, Pamela Pewaush 35, Clifford Churchill 11, Michael Aubid 8, Lisa Jackson 7, Kirstie Davis Deyhle 4, with 62 total voids/blanks.

"From Pain to Peace" Author Says Forgiveness is the Key

Pat Bluth, local author of the recently released "From Pain to Peace (A Journey from Rage to Forgiveness)" tells K-Lakes' News that it took her years to deal with the anger brought on by the 1986 death of her 17-year-old daughter, Tammy, due to a drunken driver. Her book starts with the incident, then a little history--and on to how she was able to forge forgiveness in the end. Mrs. Bluth, who has a Master's Degree in Community Counseling, says that this book is ideal for anyone who is grieving. . .working with someone who's grieving. . .or dealing with anger/forgiveness issues. "From Pain to Peace" is available at many area bookstores, or by going to www.patbluth.com

Landis-Gyr Make Layoffs

The struggling national economy is taking casualties in Pequot Lakes. Landis-Gyr formerly Hunt Technologies, has laid off an unspecified number of employees. The company employs about 200 in the area. A company spokesman says the move was made to streamline operations. Despite short term challenges, he says long term prospects remain bright for the company that pioneered the turtle electricity monitoring device.

Crosslake Man Dies in Fire

A house fire in Crosslake claimed the life of an elderly man Wednesday afternoon. He has been identified as 82-year-old Max Hildreth Thames. A neighbor spotted the blaze and called the fire department shortly after 3 p.m. By the time police and fire arrived, the house was fully engulfed. Hildreth lived in the house with his wife, who was gone at the time. The home was on Hen Lake, part of the White Fish Chain of lakes. Firefighters remained on the scene until 7 pm. The home was a total loss.

Cold Weather Takes Toll On Salvation Army Kettles

As if a slow economy is not already taking a toll on the Brainerd Lakes Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle Campaign, now the unseasonably cold weather is further complicating the fundrasing effort. According to Major Jeff Strickler, " Our number of volunteers is substantially down for this time of the year, plus, cancellations of volunteers due to cold weather and illness are making it very difficult to reach our fundrasing goal this year. We are desperate for help." Now past its halfway point, the Kettle Campaing has only raised $50,624 or 46-percent of its $110,000 goal. There are two easy ways to help. Sign up to bell ring by calling 218-829-1120. You can also make a financial donation at a red kettle or by mailing a check to: The Salvation Army, PO Box 385, Brainerd MN 56401. Or if you wish, donate on line at http://www.the/ salarmy.org. On line gifts can be designated to your specific community.

Handel's "Messiah" being presented at Franklin

Great River Strings and Great River Chorale in cooperation with ISD 181 are presenting the Christmas portion of Handel's "Messiah" this Saturday, the 20th, at Franklin Auditorium in Brainerd. Director Rich Aulie explained to K-Lakes' News that there are actually three portions to "The Messiah". They include an Easter and Thanksgiving portion--with the total presentation time for "The Messiah" in its entirety at about 2-1/2 hours. The Christmas-only portion will be about an hour-long presentation. Director Aulie suggests that you arrive early to get a seat, and enjoy the carolers in the hall. Tickets are available at the door: Adults--$8., Seniors and Students--$6., with a Family maximum of $20. For more information, call 218-678-3034.

Tuesday Night High School Scores

Wrestling:

• Isle/Onamia 45, Holdingford 24.
• New York Mills 49, Park Rapids 21.
• Kimball 66, Crosby-Ironton 13.
• Ogilvie 46, Crosby Ironton 40.
• Royalton/Upsala 33, Kimbal 31.
• Royalton/Upsala 55, Crosby-Ironton 12.
• Royalton/Upsala 63, Ogilvie 13.
• Aitkin 57, Trinity (Bloomington) 9.
• Aitkin 72, Rush City 7.

Boys Basketball:

• Cass Lake-Bena 104, Pine River-Backus 46.
• Crosby-Ironton 83, Park Rapids 45.
• Isle 96, Lake Region Christian 48.
• Little Falls 77, Bemidji 58.
• Nevis 68, Blackduck 55.
• New York Mills 83, Verndale 76.
• Northland 84, Hill City 66.
• Pequot Lakes 76, Wadena-Deer Creek 52.
• Pierz 78, Zimmerman 60.
• St. Cloud Apollo 72, Brainerd 53.
• Staples-Motley 86, Detroit Lakes 64.

Girls Basketball:

• Aitkin 66, Ogilvie 36.
• Brainerd 68, St. Cloud Apollo 58.
• Browerville 61, Verndale 44.
• Cass Lake-Bena 68, Walker-Hackensack-Akeley 54.
• Little Falls 72, Rocori 51.
• Nevis 57, Blackduck 39.
• Pequot Lakes 75, Wadena-Deer Creek 39.
• Sebeka 66, Pine River-Backus 46.
• Staples-Motley 42, Detroit Lakes 25.
• Upsala 50, Long Prairie-Grey Eagle 47.

Boys Hockey:

• Little Falls 4, Sartell 3.
• Northern Lakes 6, Becker/Big Lake.Milaca 0.

Girls Hockey:

• Brainerd/Little Falls 7, St. Cloud Tech 0.
• Park Rapids/Menahga/Nevis/Walker-Hackensack-Akeley 1, Detroit Lakes/Perham 0.

Brainerd Could be Staggered By Huge State Aid Cuts

Brainerd is facing the prospect of up to a half million dollars in local government aid cuts, as Minnesota deals with a $426-million revenue shortfall. The cuts will be reflected in December payments from the state. City Administrator Dan Vogt is hopeful the cuts won't be that high. He tells KLKS News, the city passed its 2009 budget last night and they don't have $500 thousand in non-essential spending. He says if the cuts turn out to be that high, there would be a need for restructuring and layoffs that would effect all departments, including police, fire and streets.
Vogt says he has been a city administrator for 30 years, and this is the toughest situation he has ever seen.

Sullivan Convicted of Criminal Sexual Conduct

A 58-year-old Watertown, Minnesota man has been convicted of 4th Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct in Cass County Court. Thomas Patrick Sullivan was convicted of an offense involving a physically helpless person at his Backus area cabin in July. He will be sentenced February 17th in Walker.

Brainerd Area Cities Await State Cuts

Minnesota cities are anxiously awaiting their December payments from the state. Cuts in local government aid of $25 to $100-million are expected as the state grapples with a revenue shortfall of at least $426-million during the current biennium. The Governor has the authority to trim those payments to balance the budget. For Brainerd the cuts could mean a loss of up to $496-thousand dollars according to estimates prepared by the League of Minnesota Cities. Crosby could see a loss of up to $143-thousand; Aitkin, $87-thousand; Pine River, $34-Thousand; Pequot Lakes, $76-thousand and Breezy Point $37-thousand. These would be at the high end of the potential cuts. The Governor has said he will act before the end of the year.

Brainerd Area Digs Out of Snow Storm

Shovels, snow blowers and plows are seeing extra duty today, as folks around the Brainerd Lakes Area dig out of a late fall snow storm. Accumulations of five to 14 inches buried the area Sunday. Brainerd and Pequot Lakes reported eight inches of snow. Hewitt took top honors with 14 inches.
Crow Wing County Sheriff Todd Dahl, says there were lots of cars in ditches, but no fatalities. He told KLKS News, many people just stayed home.
Wind Chill Advisories are in effect for the area through 9 a.m. Tuesday, with readings between 25 and 35 below zero. Sheriff Dahl says an emergency kit in the car is a good idea, which should include extra clothing. He says a well maintained car is necessary during times of severe weather.

School Closings and Delays

Monday Morning December 15, 2008

• Aitkin: 2 Hours Late.
• Brainerd: 2 Hours Late.
• Bertha-Hewitt: Closed.
• Bug-Oh-Nay-Ge-Shig: Closed.
• Cass Lake/Bena: Closed.
• Crosby/Ironton: 2 Hours Late.
• Crosslake Community Schools: Closed.
• Emily Charter: Closed.
• Hill City: Closed.
• Isle: Closed.
• LaPort: Closed.
• Lake Region Christian: 2 Hours Late.
• Little Falls: 2 Hours Late.
• Long Prairie/Grey Eagle: 2 Hours Late.
  McGregor: Closed
• Milaca: 2 Hours Late.
• Nay-A-Shing: Closed.
• Nevis: Closed.
• Northland Community School: Closed.
• Park Rapids: No After School Activities.
• Pequot Lakes: 2 Hours Late.
• Pierz: 2 Hours Late.
• Pillager: 2 Hours Late.
• Pine River/Backus: Closed
• Royalton: 2 Hours Late.
• Sebeka: Closed.
• Staples/Motley: 2 Hours Late.
• Verndale: /Closed.
• Wadena/Deer Creek: Closed.
• Walker/Hackensack/Akeley: Closed.
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Saturday Night High School Scores

Wrestling:

Brainerd/Pillager Tournament

• Foley, 290.5
• Little Falls, 162
• Brainerd/Pullager, 128
• Pierz, 103
• Pequot Lakes/Pine River-Backus, 70.5
• Royalton/Upsala, 63
• Staples-Motley, 57

Boys Hockey:

• Northern Lakes 2, Duluth Central 1

Girls Hockey:

• Eveleth-Gilbert/Virginia/Mesabi East/M I-B 10, Park Rapids/Menahga/Nevis/Walker-Hackensack-Akeley 4

Boys Basketball:

• Bertha-Hewitt 51, Royalton 38
• Moundsview 70, Staples-Motley 60

Girls Basketball:

• Menahga 67, Clearbrook-Gonvick 59.