2nd Annual Dru Sjodin Purple Elephant Event

A life will be commemorated and a cause supported at the annual Dru Sjodin Purple Elephant 10K/5K Run/Walk on August 15 in Pequot Lakes. In honor of Dru Sjodin, the Purple Elephant event focuses on raising awareness and upholding intolerances of sexual violence against women and children, while promoting healthy lifestyles. All race procdeeds will benefit the Dru Sjodin Scholarship Fund at Pequot Lakes High School. The entry fee is $20.00 before race day and $25.00 on the day of the event. For more information and race pre-preregistrations, visit www.drusvoice.com.

Minnesota Bank Shut Down by Regulators

(AP) The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation was appointed receiver of a Minnesota bank shut down by regulators--one of four shuttered by the Feds, yesterday. Horizon Bank of Pine City was quickly snapped up by Stearns Bank, NA, of St. Cloud. Horizon's two offices will re-open today as branches of Stearns Bank.

Sex Offenders Meeting Scheduled in Brainerd

The Brainerd Police Department has been notified that a Level-3 Sex Offender will be moving into the 200 block of South 7th Street in Brainerd on July 1. The Brainerd Police Department will be hosting a community notification meeting on Tuesday, June 29 in the Brainerd Police Department Community Room in Brainerd. The Police Department is located at 225 East River Road in Brainerd. The meeting is scheduled to run from 6:30pm - 8:00pm. A fact sheet concerning the offender can be found on line at www.brainerdpd.com.

Downtown Reconstruction Moving toward Completion

The Downtown Brainerd Reconstruction project is on schedule according to contractor, Tom's Backhoe.

The alley between 7th and 8th street will be paved Monday, weather permitting.

Paver installation is expected to be done by the end of next week.

Sprinkler systems in the planting bed areas will be installed beginning today with installation of planting beds, pre-cast pillars, and railings to begin next week.

All roads are expected to be open for the July 4th weekend. Closure of roads after that will be on an as needed basis.

Knit-In for the Cure in Nisswa

Nisswa is hosting the second annual "Knit-In for the Cure" this weekend. Kristy Utrinka tells KLKS News, they will be knitting on behalf of the Susan G. Komen foundation. She says they will knit from noon Friday to noon Saturday at her yarn shop in Nisswa. Saturday evening their will be a sock hop featuring the White Sidewalls in the Nisswa Square parking lot. Utrika says the dance will run from from 6 to 9 p.m., and dancers are encouraged to dress is 50's garb.

On Sunday, there will be a classic car show from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Heart Awareness Benefit Tonight

A Heart Awareness benefit will be held at the Pequot Lakes High School from 4 to 8 p.m. today on behalf of Michael Ward. Michael is a Patriots basketball player who collapsed from cardiac arrest June 2nd while practicing with teammates.

Family friend Tina Grewe tells KLKS News, Michael is at home and doing well since the episode. She says he should be able to lead a normal life, but it is unclear if he will be able to play intense sports again.

Grewe says the A.E.D. machine at school was used to jump start his heart. That device will be demonstrated at today's event along with proper C.P.R. techniques. A sloppy joe dinner will be served. Cost is $7 for adults, $5 for kids.

Lunkers Croak in Green Bay

The Green Bay Bullfrogs gave up one hit in the first and one in the ninth to two-hit the Brainerd Lunkers in their 4-1 victory in Northwoods League action last night.

Mike Kvasnicka (Minnesota) had an RBI single in the first to put the Lunkers up early, 1-0. However, after that, the Lunkers bats fell silent.

The Lunkers return to action tomorrow against Green Bay for Game Two. First pitch from Titletown, U.S.A. is 7:05 PM.

Crow Wing County Engineer Resigns

Lyndon Robjent, Crow Wing County Engineer, has announced that he's resigning as of July 31st. He'll be taking the job of Carver County Engineer/Public Works Director. Robjent mentioned that his decision was driven by the fall of the real estate market, which has left their metro area home unsold these past two years. In his letter of resignation, Robjent said he had thoroughly enjoyed serving Crow Wing County. According to County Board Chair, Rosemary Franzen, "Lyndon's presence will be greatly missed."

A High Speed Chase Ends in Little Falls

Deputies from Todd and Morrison counties were sent on a wild chase last night. The chase began just after 10 p.m. when they responded to a damage to property incident near Lake Osakis. When they got to the scene, a chase ensued with a 1993 Pontiac Grand Prix.

The chase exceeded speeds of 100 miles per hour and covered 26 miles through Todd and Morrison Counties. Morrison County Deputies successfully executed a "Pit" maneuver in Little Falls.

Arrested was Terry Jean Russell. She faces a multitude of charges including 2nd degree DWI.

Bemidji Drowning Victim Identified

(AP) A 45-year-old Bemidji man drown last weekend when the canoe he was in with his father capsized on Little Sandy Lake. He has been identified as Wayne Toenyan. He was recovered in about five feet of water.

Toenyan's father, 76-year-old Lawrence, stayed with the canoe and was rescued by a neighbor. He was treated for hypothermia and released.

A Goose Egg for the Border Cats

Dennis O'Grady (Duke) continued his dominance on the mound as he threw eight strong innings, allowed just three hits, walked only one, and struck out nine in the Lunkers victory over the Thunder Bay Border Cats, 5-0.

The win ends the three-game losing streak for the Lunkers. They improve to 13-12 on the year and head to Wisconsin for a four-game road trip. Tomorrow, they meet the Green Bay Bullfrogs in Game One of a two-game series. First pitch is at 6:35 PM.

Pierz Man Charged with Grand Theft of Cattle

(AP) Authorities of Codington County, South Dakota have charged 52-year-old Joey "Joe" Varner with aggravated grand theft. Varner was arrested yesterday afternoon in Fergus Falls, and was taken to the Ottertail County jail where he was released after posting $100,000 bond. He was charged after 188 head of cattle allegedly were stolen from a Watertown, South Dakota auction barn on March 3rd. The cattle have been located, and are at an undisclosed site. They were under U.S. Bankruptcy Court control, pending their sale in Watertown. Varner is co-owner of Watertown Livestock, and has ownership interests in other livestock auction barns in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The next court date is in Watertown on July 14th. Maximum pentalty for aggravated grand theft is 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine.

Oberstar Moves Transportation Bill

In an address to the Subcommittee on Highway and Transit, Minnesota Congressman Jim Oberstar said he plans to move ahead on a funding bill to update the nation's roads and bridges.

President Obama's Transportation secretary wanted to wait 18 months before acting on the legislation. Oberstar says a delay could cost hundreds of thousands of construction jobs, and delay the projects up to four years.

Miscues Cost Lunkers

The Brainerd Lunkers committed a season-high five errors en route to a 3-2 loss to the Thunder Bay Border Cats in front of 724 fans at Mills Field.

The Lunkers fall to 12-12 with the loss, and look to right the ship tonight against Thunder Bay. Game Two is Guaranteed Win Night at Mills Field. If the Lunkers have less runs than the Border Cats after nine innings, all fans receive a free ticket to a future Lunkers home game.

Daniel Hauser's Chemo to Continue

(AP) Minnnesota Judge John Rodenberg says that chemotherapy should continue for 13-year-old Daniel Hauser. Hauser and his mother had fled the state last month to avoid the treatment. Rodenberg says the chemotherapy for Daniel's Hodgkin's Lymphoma appears to be working.

Hog Wild for a Cure

A 2009 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail motorcycle is being raffled off as the grand prize for the Brainerd Lakes Affiliate of the Susan Komen for the Cure and Confidence Learning Center
Proceeds from the "Hog Wild for a Cure" raffle be split evenly between the two organizations. The drawing will be at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at the Confidence Learning Center.

The Harley is a stunning bike that’s loaded with classic features, including retooled nostalgic saddlebags, full front and rear fenders, half-moon rider footboards, chrome low-profile console, rigid-mounted twin cam 96B engine, detachable king-size Lexan windshield and sculptured passenger pillion. It’s being displayed this summer at events throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area and at the Confidence Learning Center.

Kelly Simons, president of the Brainerd Komen says the Harley is getting a lot of attention at community events. She says, it’s going to play a role in helping find a cure for breast cancer.

To find out where you can see the bike this summer and where you can buy raffle tickets, call 218-828-2344.

Idol Contestant at Lunkers Game

American Idol's William Hung will sing his unusual version of "She Bangs" at the Brainerd Lunkers baseball game tonight at Mills Field. Hung will be on hand to throw out the first pitch tonight and sign autographs.

The Lunkers will be hosting the Thunder Bay Border Cats at 7:05 p.m.

Since his appearance on American Idol, Hung has made numerous television appearances on shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Entertainment Tonight, The Late Show With David Letterman, and CBS's The Early Show.

Toenyan Drowns in Little Sandy

(AP) A 45-year-old Bemidji man has drowned in Little Sandy Lake north of Bemidji. The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office says Paul Toenyan was in a boat Sunday afternoon when it capsized. His body was recovered from five feet of water.

Another man in the boat was taken to North Country Regional Hospital where he was treated for hypothermia.

IRS Files Against Hecker

(AP) The challenges for auto tycoon Denny Hecker aren't getting any easier. The Internal Revenue Service has joined the line of people who claim his companies own them money. The IRS claims they are owned $2.6 million in back taxes.

A lien has been placed on Hecker property to satisfy unpaid taxes from 2003 and 2004.

Hecker filed for personal bankruptcy protection earlier this month claiming he owes 1,000 creditors as much as $1 billion.

The state patrol raided three of his homes, including one in the Brainerd Lakes Area, seeking evidence he failed to pay sales taxes and transfer fees on cars and trucks sold by his dealerships.

Browerville Boy Dies in Farm Accident

An 8-year-old boy has been electrocuted on a rural Browerville farm. The Todd County Sheriff says they were called to the scene about 8:30 p.m. Monday. Sheriff's deputies say CPR was administered, and the boy was transported to the Long Prairie where he was pronounced dead.

The name of the victim will be released once the family has been told.

Apparently he was standing in a puddle of water near a large barn fan when the accident happened.

Problem Intersection To Get A Hearing

The public is invited to an open house to learn more about the plans for safety improvements to the Highway 210, Elder Drive intersection in Baxter. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 24, from 4:00pm - 7:00pm at the Baxter City Hall at 13190 Memorwood Drive in Baxter.

Canoe Accident Results in Ripley Man's Death

A 46-year old man has died in a canoe accident in Morrison County's Ripley Township. Sheriff Michel Wetzel says Richard Allen LeBlanc of Ripley Township fell into the water when his canoe capsized on a private pond Saturday afternoon. Witnesses pulled him from the pond, but their efforts and those of paramedics couldn't revive him. The Sheriff says LeBlanc apparently was not wearing a life jacket and could not swim. An autopsy is scheduled.

No H1N1 in Crow Wing County

The number of H1N1 Swine Flu cases has swelled to 446 in Minnesota, including one fatality. However, Public Health Nurse Joyce Mueller says no cases have yet been reported in Crow Wing County. She tells KLKS News, so far the bug has been relatively mild. However, that could change by fall.

Mueller says it is likely there have been more cases of Swine Flu in the state. But, because it has been mild, some may not have sought treatment.

Mille Lacs Drowning Victim Found

(AP) The body of a muskie fisherman has been found on Mille Lacs Lake. 59-year-old Mike Hedin was last seen October 29th of last year. His body was found over the weekend near the McDonald's in Garrison. He called his wife at the end of the day to say he was coming off the lake, and would see her the next day.

Authorities search the big lake for three weeks before ice-up. Authorities says foul play is not suspected. The water was calm on the day of the accident.

Nystrom Recognized at Minnesota Pageant

(AP) Quinn Nystrom of Brainerd was named "Quality of Life Winner," at the Miss Minnesota Pageant in Eden Prairie over the weekend. The award is in recognition of the contestant who is most dedicated to promoting their platform.

Named Miss Minnesota was Brooke Kilgarriff of Eagan.