President Obama Promises Federal Help for Flooding
(AP) In his weekly radio address, President Obama says that he's monitoring the flooding situation in Minnesota and the Dakotas, and promises Federal help for the State and Local efforts underway. He also praised the volunteers who have been helping in the flood relief efforts, and mentioned he's glad the Senate passed a public service bill aimed at giving people more opportunities to volunteer. Forecasters now say the Red River will crest in Moorhead and Fargo on Sunday--near 42feet.
State Patrol Discourages Traveling in Fargo-Moorhead Area
The Minnesota Department of Transportation and Minnesota State Patrol are advising no unnecessary travel throughout the Fargo/Moorhead area. If it's absolutely necessary to travel in that area, motorists can expect long delays due to the flooding conditions. Governor Pawlenty has declared a State of Emergency in that area. Call 5-1-1 or log on to www.511mn.org for road conditions.
Friday, March 27 Sports
NBA
Cleveland 107, Minnesota 85
A Spring Snow Storm Approachs Brainerd
It may be spring, but it appears winter is not done with us yet. K-Lakes Meteorologist Tony Schumacher says we could get a half foot of wet heavy snow Monday afternoon. He predicts it will be a slow mover, and may swirl over us into Tuesday morning. He says the skies should clear later next week, but temperatures are expected to stay below normal.
Make sure you keep checking KLKS.com and click on weather.
Koering the State Should Buy Up Flood Prone Homes
As the flood disaster unfolds in the Red River Valley, State Senator Paul Koering of Fort Ripley says government ought to encourage people not to build in flood prone areas. He tells KLKS News, these disasters cost more in tax dollars and insurance rates. While he says he's not in favor of more programs, maybe the state ought establish something to buy-out the affected homeowners. Koering says government can never totally prepare for natural disasters. Therefore, government needs to encourage people to move outside the flood prone areas.
New Electric Hybrid to Visit the Brainerd Home Show
Visitors to the Home Show at the Brainerd Civic Center this weekend will have a new kind of car hybrid to view. It is a ford escape, according to Chad Rensler of Basin Electric of North Dakota. He says the only difference between this small SUV and a standard Escape is a battery pack under the seat.
Rensler tells KLKS News, the big difference the ability to drive it with out gasoline. He says by charging over-night from a house hold electricity, motorists could travel 30 miles for about a nickel.
The vehicle is sponsored in part by Crow Wing Power.
St. Joe's to Receive 30 Residents from Moorhead
St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd has been notified that they will be receiving 30 residents from the Eventide Care Center in Moorhead tonight or tomorrow morning. Eventide is being evacuated due to flooding. St. Joseph's Emergency Preparedness Plan includes readying the 5th floor of the hospital to accomodate the in-coming residents, and establishing a communication plan so family can connect with their loved ones.
Mille Lacs County Agrees to Settlement
(AP) A $45,000 settlement has been reached between Mille Lacs County and the family of a boy who was arrested, shackled, and held over-night by county employees back in 2007, when the boy was eleven years old. At that time, the boy was led from his school in handcuffs and held over-night at a juvenile detention center because he had missed a previous court date to testify as an assault victim. The boy's parents, George and Kirstie Deyhle had sued the county in Federal Court on behalf of their son. The case was settled on February 6th, and has been dismissed. The county was also asked to apologize to the family. Attorneys for both sides have said they are satisfied.
In celebration of their 25th year, the Greater Lakes Performing Arts is presenting The Gaudete Brass Quintet coming up this Saturday the 28th at the Pequot Lakes High School Theatre. Scott Tegge, spokesman for the ensemble, told KLKS that brass quintets have only been around for about 70 years, so much of their music they've had to assemble and arrange for themselves. He notes that the quintet also commissions works. The evening's entertainment includes some music by Steven Foster, some Renaissance works--as well as a couple of commissioned pieces. for more information, go to www.glapa.info, or call 568-9200.
Flood Warnings Posted for Aitkin County
The St. Paul District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is anticipating Pokegama Lake in Grand Rapids to rise rapidly over the next several days. In light of that, the National Weather Service has issued flood warnings in Aitkin, with a crest of 14.5 feet, which is 1/2 foot below moderate flood stage.
College Education and Economic Growth
Central Lakes College in Brainerd will host a presentation about how post-secondary attainment will sustain economic growth and justice in Minnesota, on Wednesday, April 8, at 6:30 p.m.
The program "Smart Investments in Minnesota's Students," features Angie Eilers, research and policy director for Growth & Justice.
The goal of the effort is to increase post-secondary attainment in Minnesota by 50 percent by the year 2020. This will provide direction to achieve the goal by emphasizing cost-effective interventions along the birth-through-college pathway.
The April 8 event in Chalberg Theatre is free and open to the public. Co-sponsors are CLC and Brainerd District 181.
For information, contact Brainerd School District Supt. Steve Razidlo (218-454-6900, e-mail steve.razidlo@isd181.org) or Ellen Perrault, Growth & Justice, 651-251-0676, e-mail ellen@growthandjustice.org
Legislature Considers Flood Abatement Bills
The Minnesota Legislature is closely watching the flood waters threatening the Fargo-Moorhead area. State Representative Larry Howes, Walker, says they are working on legislation which would lessen the threat of future floods. He tells KLKS News, they are working on several bonding bills for flood abatement and mitigation, even though this is not a bonding year. He expects they should be approved in four to five weeks.
Howes says what the area needs now is muscle and prayer.
Rain and Snow Melt - A Boaters Bonanza
March precipitation is running above average. DNR Public Information Officer Jean Goad tells KLKS News, there is a silver lining to all the moisture. She says boaters should have an easier time getting their crafts in the water as lake levels get back to normal. Whether they stay at those levels is dependent on summer rainfall.
Goad says the rain and snow melt has resulted in the closing of several trails and forest roads to ATV's. She says operators should check the DNR web site before venturing out.
35th Annual M.A.T.S.A. Conference To Be Held In April
St. Cloud will again host the Minnesota Alcohol Traffic Safety Association Conference. This 35th Annual Conference will be held April 22-24 at the Holiday Inn on the southeast corner of the Junction of Highways 23 & 15. MATSA is a non-profit organization and multi-agency partnership that begain in 1974 with DWI school instructors and chemical dependency professionals. MATSA has since grown into an orgranization that includes law enforcement, corrections professionals, elected officials, probation officers, driver instructors, alcohol/dependency professionals and many other occupational fields. For more information, call 1-800-362-3667.
Carrie Resh of the IRS in St. Paul told K-Lakes that many folks choose to use a tax professional to prepare their income taxes. She said that when you're choosing a professional, examine them as closely as you would a doctor or child-care giver. Make sure that you're comfortable that they are as aware of the tax law changes as they can be, and beware of anyone that says they can save you more money. She said that tax laws are laws, so if your preparer is keeping themself educated in the tax law changes, then you will get the maximum benefit available. For more information, go to www.irs.gov
The third full week of April will be Administrative Professionals' Week. In celebration of that week, the International Association of Administrative Professionals will be hosting a seminar on Thurs., the 23rd at Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge with Keynote Speaker Dr. Verna Cornelia Price. The presentation is entitled, "The Power of You: Excellence in Action". Laura Larson, President of the Brainerd Chapter of IAAP tells KLKS that it's going to be a wonderful day complete with lunch, vendor booths, goody bags, door prizes--not to mention the amazing presentation. KLKS own Blenda will be mc'ing that event for a fifth year. For more information, go to www.iaap.brainerd.com
Flooding Expected in Fargo-Moorhead Area Later This Week
(AP) Volunteers are being called on by officials to help with sandbagging in areas expected to be effected by flooding on the Red River. A record crest may be reached in the Fargo-Moorhead area by Friday, exceeding the level reached in the devastating flood of 1997. Today, KLKS Meteorologist, Tony Schumacher, mentions that there is a Floor Warning in effect 'til 12:30 this afternoon for Mille Lacs and Morrison Counties, and until 4 this afternoon for Hubbard and Wadena Counties. A Flood Watch remains in effect through this evening for Todd County.
Todd County Sheriff's Office Reports Vandalism
According to the Todd County Sheriff's Office, early yesterday morning, county road signs were stolen from the northern Reynolds Township area. Effected roads were Couty Roads 86 and 87, 165th Ave., and 270th St. Anyone with information is asked to call the Todd County's Sheriff's Office at 320-732-2157.
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