Former Gophers Halfback Drowns While Boating

(A)- A family member says former Minnesota Gophers Football player Billy Bye has drowned in a boating accident at the age of 81.

Jim Bye, the former halfback's son, says Bye was boating on Bay Lake with his wife, Sally, at their home in Crow Wing County on Friday afternoon when he drowned.

Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office says Bye had left the boat in an attempt to fix its entangled motor and began struggling in the water. He was unable to get out of the water despire passengers' efforts to throw ropes and life jackets to him.

He died at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby.

Bye lettered for the Gophers from 1946 to 1949. He was most valuable player of the 1946 Gophers. He was a 19th-Round draft pick of the Chicago Bears in 1949.

A Minnesota Doctor Falls to His Death on Mt. McKinley

(AP) Andrew Swanson, a doctor and native of Mankato, was one of two experienced climbers who fell to their deaths on Mount McKinley in Alaska. Swanson was roped to Boston resident, John Mislow, when they fell on Thursday. Swanson was an orthopedic surgeon who practiced medicine with his father and older brother.

Stamman in Nisswa This Weekend

The 10th annual Scandinavian folk music and dance festival will be held this weekend in Nisswa. The Pioneer Village will come alive with Scandinavian performers from Norway and Sweden, as well as the US. Musicians will be on several stages. Saturday's activities include a fiddler's parade, all day folk music, dancing, dance workshops, ethnic foods, children’s tent with activities and wandering musicians. There will also be a special appearance from the Swedish Ambasador.

Brainerd Digital TV Switch is Tonight

The deadline for most TV station to turn off their analog signals and broadcast digital is midnight tonight. Some advocates say many Minnesotans still aren't ready for the switch.

Minnesota Broadcasters Association President Jim du Bois tells KLKS News, viewers of cable or satellite TV, and those with the new thin screen HD TVs are ready to go. Those with older, thick TVs who get their signal from an antenna need a converter box with a feature called analog pass-through. Those having difficulty with the Channel 14 signal are asked to call KARE 11 at 1-763-546-1111, all other questions ought to be referred to the FCC site at 888-225-5322.

Sullivan Decides Not to Run for Governor

(AP) Brian Sullivan, who runs a fast-growing medical services company, said today that he'll not be runing for Governor. He had been considered a prime contender for the 2010 Republican nomination. Sullivan, who's a Republican National Committee Member, lost the Republican endorsement to Pawlenty in 2002. He was seen as a favorite due to his personal wealth.

Longville Man Wins Lakers Engine

John Dufner of Longville was the winner of the rebuilt Chevy 350 engine raffled-off at the Cherry Car Show in Pequot Lakes, Saturday.

The raffle was conducted by the Lakers Car Club. The proceeds will be used to provide three $500 scholarships for next year's high school graduates. Spokesman Bob Smith says they want to award the funds to someone who is going into the automotive field.

The Chevy engine was rebuilt, balanced and blueprinted.

Habitat Readies for a Bungalow in Aitkin

The Aitkin County chapter of Habitat for Humanity is celebrating the ground breaking for a double bungalow in Aitkin today. Spokesman Mencer Johnson says the two living spaces will be among three they hope to build this year in the county. He tells KLKS News, they have an incentive to keep it energy efficient with green building practices.

Johnson says the celebration will be held at 4:30 this afternoon at 121 south 5th street in Aitkin.

Menagha Man Wants His Muskie Back

A monster muskie mount has vanished from a Park Rapids motel, and the guy who caught it wants it back. Butch Cole of Menagha says he has caught a dozen big muskies, but this is was his first. He is offering a reward for the return of the 50 inch toothy critter. The fish is a bit unusual. Typically they are mounted curved outward. This one faces the wall. The trophy can be returned no questions asked.

Hecker Files for Bankrupcy

(AP) Banks, attorneys and a business partner are among the creditors of auto dealer Denny Hecker. In a court filing, he says $1 billion is owed to 1,000 creditors. The 56-year-old has filed for personal bankruptcy protection, claiming assets up to $100 million. Hecker holds only one of the 26 dealerships he once had in his empire.

Excelsior Closed in Baxter Next Week

Excelsior Road from Cypress to Conservation Drive will be closed Monday and Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for final construction work on the Paul Bunyan Trail Bridge. The finishing touches involve warranty work.

Local Woman on Cosmetologist Board

A Brainerd woman has been reappointed to the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology.
Governor Tim Pawlenty appointed Mary Finnegan, along with three other board members. Ms Finnegan is a cosmetology instructor with St. Paul College . Finnegan will serve on the board until January 2010.

The 2009 Legislature split the Board of Barber and Cosmetologist Examiners into two separate boards effective July 1, 2009. The Board of Cosmetologist Examiners will oversee the administration, enforcement, regulation, and adoption of rules regulating the cosmetologist profession. The board will consist of four members appointed by the Governor, including three cosmetologists and one public member.

A Willmar Woman has her Day in Court

(AP) Elaine Velasquez of Willmar entered a guilty plea to a criminal charge in court today--that after her son had flown out of her car as she made a turn. The one-month old child was not seriously hurt when his car seat fell out a back door that had opened. Velasquez pleaded one count of criminal vehicular operation in a plea deal.

Farmers Need to Report Weather Damage

The USDA Farm Service Agency reminds crop producers to report crop damage due to any weather related incidents such as frost, hail, or storms. Adverse weather has potentially 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 Aitkin-Itasca FSA Office at 218-927-2912, or the Crow Wing-Cass FSA Office at 218-829-5965 to report weather related damage to agricultural commodities.

Oberstar Supports "Cash for Clunkers"

Legislation to provide tax rebates for purchasing new fuel efficient cars and trucks has passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation, also known as Cash for Clunkers, will give consumers vouchers of up to $4,500 to trade-in older gas guzzling vehicles.

Congressman Jim Oberstar supported the bill because it accomplishes three key goals: reduce greenhouse gases, decreases dependence on foreign oil and saves jobs in the struggling auto industry. Oberstar says e can improve the environment and stimulate the economy at the same time.

The Department of Energy estimates that a motorist driving 15,000 miles a year, purchasing gas at $2.34 a gallon would save $780 a year by switching from a car getting 18 miles per gallon to one getting 30.

A similar bill has been introduced in the Senate and referred to committee for further consideration.

LaPrairie Town Hall Burns

Fire investigators are trying to figure out who set the LaPrairie Ton Hall on fire Tuesday morning. The town hall is described as a total loss. Arson is suspected.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Arson Tip Line at 1-800-723-2020.

LaPrairie is localed south of Bagley, West of Bemidji.

The State's Looking to Collect Some Back Taxes

(AP) The State of Minnesota's Department of Revenue is trying to collect unpaid taxes, to the tune of nearly $490 million. That's an increase of about $30 million over last year. There are more than 300 State employees who are trying to bring in those unpaid taxes. Every dollar counts, as the State is facing a $2.7 billion short-fall.

Seat Belt Violations Become Primary

Beginning today, motorists can be pulled over for not buckling their seat belt. Before today, tickets could be issued, but the officer had to flag the car for some other offense. Sergent Curt Mowers, of the Brainerd office of the State Patrol, says the fine is $25 plus court costs.
Mowers says there are exceptions. However, if the vehicle has seat belts, passengers must wear them.

Lindners Named Honorary Komen Chairs

Al and Mary Lindner of Brainerd have been named Honorary Chair and Honorary Survivor Chair, for the 10th Annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, July 11 at Forestview Middle School in Baxter.

Although both Lindners have supported the Race since its inception, Mary is being honored for her personal perseverance against breast cancer and her dedication to raising breast cancer awareness. Al is being honored for his steadfast support during Mary’s difficult times and continued support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

TV Transition Time is Set For Friday

Come Friday at midnight, most TV stations will turn off their analog signals, and will broadcasting only a digital signal. Folks using older big tube TV sets will need to get a converter box with the analog "Pass-Through" feature. Jim duBois (do-Bwah), President of the Minnesota Broadcasters Association, say an antenna upgrade will probably be a good idea. He says an outside amplified antenna is best.

In the Brainerd area, at least half the local station will remain analog, including Channel 14, which carries the KARE 11 signal out of Minneapolis.

Staples Community Service Awards

Staples is looking to recognize outstanding citizens and organizations in town. Stan Carlson, speaking on behalf of the Community Foundation Awards, tells KLKS News, they want to reward people for making a positive difference.

There are awards for the categories: citizen, group, business, youth, lifetime achievement and Chairman's award.

The awards banquet will be held October 8th. The deadline for nominations is Monday, June 15th.