Hauser not Feeling Well

(AP) The family of 13-year-old cancer patient Daniel Hauser, who resisted chemotherapy, is getting sick from it. Daniel's mother took him on a week-long run from the law to avoid the treatment, but returned to the state earlier in the week.

Saberi Interviews

(AP) Roxana Saberi--the journalist who was released earlier this month from an Iranian prison, says she wants to return to North Dakota and write a book. In an interview that aired today on ABC's "Good Morning, America" she also mentioned that her gratefulness for her own release is tempered with an heavy conscience, as other women are still in prison in Iran.

The Downtown Brainerd Construction Project Makes Good Headway

The mainline sewer in the downtown Brainerd reconstruction project should be completed this week. Work on the storm sewer in the northwest alley of the project and the north block of 7th Street will continue through next week.

Concrete removal should be done by mid next week, with Class 5 material to be installed on Laurel Street and the southern block of 7th Street with curbs to follow on Monday.

Service waterline replacement is expected to be complete early next week with electrical work to follow on Tuesday as well as irrigation installation and will continue on this portion of the project through next week.

Class 5 Material under sidewalk area will also take place next week. Pavers are expected to be complete on Front Street by this Friday with the Street open to traffic.

Laurel Street and the entire portion of South 7th Street will be open for traffic for the weekend and then closing again on Sunday evening and will be closed all next week, though businesses will remain open.

The contractor is Tom's Backhoe Service. Weekly updates are held at 9 a.m. Wednesdays, at Brainerd City Hall, 501 Laurel Street.

The Trip Between Little Falls and Brainerd Gets a Little More Scenic

Minnesota grown plants will be installed along the west side Highway 371 just north of Little Falls and south of Fort Ripley beginning early June, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The plantings should create a living snow fence-a natural barrier that will disrupt the flow of wind blown snow preventing it from reaching the roadway.

Dan Gullickson, a forester and Mn/DOT's project manager, said the program creates benefits for both participants and the public. Mn/DOT benefits from lower highway maintenance costs for plowing and removing ice and snow in fence-protected areas. The public gains a safer trip on a highway more likely to be free of drifts and icy patches.

The impact on traffic will be minimal since the work is conducted off the roadway. .

Work is expected to be completed by July 20.

Litte Falls Man Arrested Following Chase

A 22 year old Little Falls man was arrested this morning after leading sheriff's deputies on a chase through southern Crow Wing County. The pursuit, which originated in Crow Wing County, covered approximately 31 miles and lasted for 21 minutes.

The pursuit ended up going into Morrison County where the suspect eventually put his car in the ditch and attempted to flee on foot. The suspect was apprehended a short time later and taken into custody.

The suspect, Brian John Forcier, was transported to the Crow Wing County Jail and booked in on several charges including Fleeing a Peace Officer in a Motor Vehicle, DWI, and Order For Protection Violation. Additional charges in Morrison County including Motor Vehicle Theft are also possible.

The Crow Wing County Attorney's Office will get the case for formal charges.

Assisting the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office was the Minnesota State Patrol, Brainerd and Baxter Police Departments, and the Morrison County Sheriff's Office.

Road Construction On Highway 169

Motorist traveling Highway 169 South of Onamia can expect delays beginning Monday, June 1st.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation says they will begin the project by resurfacing the southbound lanes next week.

The $7 million project is one of nearly 100 Minnesota road and bridge projects that will be funded with $502 million in federal economic stimulus dollars.

Paving is a moving operation. Motorists are being urged to slow down and use caution in the area where crews are working and be alert for trucks hauling materials in the work zone.

All work is scheduled to be completed by July 24.

Drag Racing at BIR This Weekend

Outlaws are coming to Brainerd International Raceway this weekend. No it's not crooks, it's Drag Racing, which has been a popular attraction during the annual Show & Go and Coca-Cola Muscle Car Shootout events at BIR.

It's the first chance for race fans to see super-quick cars that compete in the Outlaw Drag Racing. These cars can cover BIR's quarter-mile drag strip in 6 to 7 seconds and top out at over 200 mph.

In the past, the Outlaw cars competed at BIR for prize money and bragging rights, but now they'll also compete for series points in the three-race Outlaw Drag Racing Series, which is new for BIR this season. The Show & Go and Coca-Cola Muscle Car Shootout are the other two legs of the series. At the end of the series, class champions will be crowned based on their points.

Body Found Near Bemidji

(AP) The discovery of a man's body near Bemidji has authorities investigating. Police are holding a man in connection with the death. However, they are not describing him a a suspect.

The body of the unidentified man was found north of the town of Pinewood. The cause of death has not been determined. An autopsy is planned.

A property owner discovered the body while checking on men who had been staying in buildings on his property.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is assisting in the investigation.

Saberi Meets with Clinton

(AP) Roxana Saberi, the American Journalist who spent four months in an Iranian prison on charges of espionage, met with Secretary of State Clinton today, and expressed thanks for the support she had received while incarcerated. Saberi did not respond to questions. Clinton said she is relieved that the situation was resolved. 32-year old Saberi grew up in Fargo, and is the daughter of an Iranian-born father.

Win an Engine From the Laker Car Club

The Laker Car Club is raffling off a 350 Chevy engine at the Lions Cherry Car Show Saturday, June 6th in Pequot Lakes. Car club member Bob Smith says the 350 is one popular motor. He says a lot of street rodders use it in the cars they build, because parts are easily available.

Smith says they are offering only 300 tickets at $10 a pop. He says everyone should want one. The Chevy 350 has a market value up to $2000. Proceeds will go to the Lakers scholarship fund.

The 2nd annual Cherry Car Show will be held at the Trailside Park in Pequot June 6th, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring lots of classic cars, food and fun.

Take a Kid Fishing June 5-7

Minnesota is tied with Alaska for the greatest participation in fishing among its residents. However, Mike Kurre, DNR Mentoring Coordinator, says the average age of anglers in rising. The lowest percentile represented is in the 16 to 24 age group.

Kurre says those are the future stewards of the land and water, and they need to get out on the water to learn how important it is to keep the water clean.

Minnesota has its annual "Take a Kid Fishing Weekend" June 5th through the 7th. Adults can go fishing for free that weekend, if they are accompanied by an angler younger than 16.

Tourism Forum in Brainerd Today

They're talking tourism in Brainerd today. Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar will be in town holding a forum on the state of tourism and the travel industry.

Brainerd Lakes Chamber Executive Director Lisa Paxton tells KLKS News, the best thing the state and feds can do is not over-regulate the industry. She is also asking for a more seamless visa system. Many resorters employ young people from other countries who come into the country via visa.

The tourism forum will be held at the Lodge at Brainerd Lakes in Baxter at 1 p.m. today.

Daniel Hauser to Receive Chemo

(AP) 13-year-old cancer patient Daniel Hauser will be receiving chemotherapy. A Minnesota Judge has ruled that Daniel Hauser can stay with his parents, now that they have agreeed to let him undergo chemotherapy. Daniel's mother and he had missed a court appearance last week, as they had left the state to try to get alternative treatments for his Hodgkin's Lymphoma. They had been on the run for almost a week before appearing in court today. Brown County Officials argued that Daniel should be in the custody of the county.

Ward and Howes said They Tried to Compromise

It's been just over a week since the Legislature adjourned for the year. The Governor signed many of the spending bills the DFL controlled legislature sent him. However, he vetoed the tax bill. Now, the Governor is formulating a plan to cut programs to match diminished revenue.

DFL State Representative John Ward of Brainerd, tells KLKS News, they did compromise with Governor Pawlenty, but determined a new revenue stream was needed to avoid debt for future generations.

Republican State Representative Larry Howes of Walker, said the result was inevitable when the Legislature presented the Governor with the spending bill first, and the tax bill last. Representative Howes says they should be able to avoid a special session, unless projected revenues fall again before the end of the year.

Crow Wing County Stressed, but Still Strong

The State of Crow Wing County is being described as under stress, but still strong and getting stronger, according to Administrator Tim Houle. He says economic uncertainties are increasing stress on county services. Demand for services are on the increase while aid from the state and other revenues are decreasing.

To deal with the drop in revenue, the county has laid-off 36 full time employees. Existing city workers are being asked to do more. Houle says the case load of human services has increased nearly 12 percent from a year ago.

Houle says despite the challenges the levy in Crow Wing County was up less than three percent, the lowest percentage increase in 10 years.

Breezy Point Boy Dies in Accident

An unfortunate home accident has taken the life of a six year Breezy Point boy Sunday morning. Police say an unsecured ramp on a trailer fell onto the child about 9:15 a.m.

The boy's mother was administering C.P.R. when paramedics from Breezy Point arrived along with North Crow Wing First Responders, Crosslake Police and North Air Care. The child was declared dead at the scene at 9:45 a.m.

An investigation is underway. However, authorities say it appears to have been a tragic accident. Names are being withheld until relatives have been notified.

Motorcyclist Killed South of Pine River

The passenger on a motorcycle was killed, the driver critically injured, following a head-on crash Saturday evening on Highway 371 south of Pine River. The State Patrol reports 59-year-old Judy A. Hubers of Oak Grove, Minnesota was killed when the motorcycle she was on collided with a Honda Civic on Highway 371 south of Wilson Junction about 6 p.m. Saturday.

The State Patrol says the Civic swerved into the southbound lane to avoid a vehicle which had braked to avoid debris on the highway.

The driver of the motorcycle, 51-year-old John C. Hubers was listed in critical condition. The driver of the Civic was treated and released.

Crow Wing County Sheriff Todd Dahl tells KLKS News, it is important to keep your distance from vehicles carrying a load. He says things can fly on to the road surface.

Sheriff Dahl has a message to those carrying a load. Make sure it is strapped down, so it doesn't fly out on the highway.

Memorial Day Services

The Brainerd area will observe Memorial Day on Monday beginning with a ceremony at the Laurel Street Bridge at 8:30 a.m. After a short march to the All Veterans Memorial, next to the county court house, a wreath will be placed in honor of all veterans. A parade will begin at 10 a.m. on 1st Avenue N.E. and proceed to Evergreen Cemetery. If the weather is bad, the event will held in the Franklin School auditorium.

Pequot Lakes American Legion and Jenkins VFW will, once again, host the Memorial Day services at the Pequot Lakes High school. The event will take place at the high school auditorium at 10 a.m.
Following the services a march is planned to the cemetery, weather permitting. There will also be a wreath laying in Lake Sibley for the naval portion of the service.
The speaker is former VFW district commander John Warren.

The annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Nisswa Legion is on Monday, May 25, 2009 at 12 noon. In addition to the officers of the Legion will be Paul Koering as keynote speaker and Nisswa Mayor Brian Lehman with the winning essays of the Nisswa Elementary School students. The 48th Fighter Wing from Duluth has once again agreed to a fly-by during the ceremony. A Pulled-Pork Sandwich luncheon will follow.

The Pine Woods Cemetery in Crosslake will be the site of Memorial Day services, 10:30 a.m. Monday. The event is sponsored by the Crosslake-Fifty Lakes American Legion.

Once again this year, The Pine River Dam will be the scene of Memorial Day services in Pine River, hosted by the Pine River American Legion. The event will take place at 9:30 a.m.

The Backus American Legion and Auxiliary will host a Memorial Day service at 10 a.m. Monday at the Backus Cemetery. The service will then move to the Ponto Lake Cemetery at 11 a.m.
The Hackensack American Legion will hold their services. Sunday afternoon at Finley Cemetery. There will also be services and parade Monday morning at 9 a.m. at the Legion hall, and at the City Park at 9:30 a.m.

The VFW in Longville area is holding its Memorial Day service Monday morning at 9:30 a.m. at the Longville Elementary School. There will also be a march to the Riverside Cemetery.