Excitement Is High For 7th Annual Fishing Has No Boundaries

Over the past six years, a total of 536 anglers with physical or developmental disabilities have participated in the Brainerd Lakes "Fishing Has No Boundaries" annual event. Add to that number another 120 who are ready to fish Gull and Sylvan Lakes in this year's event, slated for August 28 & 29, and you have a lot of smiling faces.

Fun, fishing, food and friendliness are the ingredients for all those smiles along with the hard work and dedication of a committed organizing committee and hundreds of volunteers. The event begins with a dinner and educational demonstrations on Friday, August 28 and culminates a day later with an all-day fishing event.

Over 54-million Americans have some form of disability and getting out on the water can be a challenge to many people with disabilities.

The Brainerd Lakes FHNB event began seven years ago with 35 participants and has rapidly grown to regularly featuring 120 participants. The organization is based in Hayward, Wisconsin.

Those interested in volunteering should contact Bob Slaybaugh at 218-828-2344.

Apparent Drowning of a Duluth Man

(AP) According to the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office, no foul play is suspected in the apparent drowning of a man in Island Lake. The 41-year-old Duluth man's fully clothed body was found yesterday, and apparently had been in the water one to three days. The man's identity is being withheld pending notification of relatives.

Cass County Road Projects In The Works

BAXTER, Minn. - Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and expect delays as crews begin work Monday, July 27 to resurface Highway 200 from the junction of Highway 84 to the west junction of Highway 6 and Highway 6 through the city of Remer.

Motorists will be directed through the work zone by a pilot car and flaggers. Travelers are asked to slow down and use caution in the area where crews are working and be alert for trucks hauling materials in the work zone.

Residents can expect to see temporary pedestrian ramps and sidewalk closures in the area where crews are working.

Work impacting traffic within the city limits of Remer is anticipated to be completed prior to the annual Harvest Fest, held this year from August 6-8. No impacts to traffic are allowed within the city limits during this event. The project is scheduled for completion by mid-August.

Anderson Brothers of Brainerd, Minnesota is the prime contractor for this $1.2 resurfacing project.

For updated statewide traffic, construction, weather, and travel information visit
www.511mn.org.

Pine River Market Square Going Strong

The Pine River Market Square has been up and running for a little over a month now, every Friday from 4-8PM, at the corner of 3rd & Barclay in Pine River. there are about a dozen vendors each week, along with activities for the kids, special features, music, and goods at our community booth. As the season progresses, local produce is becoming more available. Shoppers will also fine plants, baked goods, and hand made crafts.

The market will temporarily move to the Cass County Fairgrounds July 17th to be a part of the fair.

Beetles Nip the Lunkers

With men on second and third, a walk-off single into right field by pinch-hitter Trevor Edwards gave the Alexandria Beetles the victory in Game Two, 5-4 over the Brainerd Lunkers of the Northwoods League.

The Lunkers scored one in the first and two in the second to give starter Brian Garman the early lead, but a three-run homer by Alexandria tied things up in the fourth.

The Lunkers face the Green Bay Bullfrogs tonight at Mills Field in Brainerd. First pitch is 7:05 PM and it's Summertime St. Patty's Night at the park.

Chrysler Says Hecker Still Owes Money

(AP) Chrysler Financial Services says the courts should not forgive Twin Cities Auto Dealer Denny Hecker of $83 million in debt. They says he should be required to repay that part of his obligation, alleging he was involved in fraud and embezzlement. Hecker's attorneys deny the charge.

A court ruled earlier Hecker owed Chrysler financial $477 million. However, he filed for personal bankruptcy. It's likely Hecker will be forgiven $364 million. But, Chrysler says the $83 million should be paid, because of of the alleged illegal actions.

Mille Lacs Band Getting into the Wind Business

(AP) The public will get a glance of a new wind turbine manufacturing plant of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. The band is investing in a new type of turbine designed for homes and businesses. It's called the Windspire. It stands 30 feet tall and spins on a vertical axis, unlike the larger rigs seen on most wind farms.

The new manufacturing plant will be located in McGregor.

Beetles Bug the Lunkers

The Alexandria Beetles used a suicide squeeze and a couple extra-base hits to plate three runs in the eighth to insure their 8-5 victory over the Lunkers at Knute Nelson Park.

The Lunkers return to action tonight against Alexandria. First pitch is 6:05 PM

Special Deer Hunt for Youth

In an effort to get teenagers off the couch and into the woods, the DNR is offering a special mentor deer hunt in October. Mentoring Program Coordinator Mike Kurre tells KLKS News, the hunt is for both archery and fire arms. He says, in our next of the woods, the hunt will be held at Camp Ripley, and State Parks at Lake Alexander, Lake Bemidji and Itasca.

Kurre says the archery hunt will be for kids 12 through 17. The fire arms hunt will be for those 12 through 15 years of age.

The selections will be made by lottery. The deadline to enter is August 14th. Entry can be made with any E.L.S. agent.

Oberstar Says Minnesota Homes Will Be Warmer

Thousands of Minnesota families will be warmer this winter and realize lower heating bills because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Congressman Jim Oberstar says the Minnesota Department of Commerce will receive $52.7 million to weatherize 16,800 homes this year.

Oberstar says northeast Minnesota should see thousands of additional construction jobs with the installation of insulation, double-paned windows and storm doors on out-of-date homes.

Upon the successful completion of the first two-year phase of the program, Minnesota will be eligible for an additional $65 million in weatherization funding from ARRA.

Lunkers Derail the Express

The Lunkers lit up the lumber by pounding out ten hits, including three doubles, to complete the sweep of the Eau Claire Express, 8-6 at Mills Field.

The Lunkers have now won two straight games and improve to 18-19 overall, and 2-2 in the second half. They hit the road for the next two against division rival Alexandria. First pitch against the Beetles at Knute Nelson Park tonight is 6:05 PM.

Drug Bust in Little Falls

Two former Randall residents were arrested in Little Falls Monday for selling prescription drugs. Little Falls Police and Morrison County Sheriff's deputies arrested 66 year old John Albert Heffelfinger and 30 year old Alicia Marie Cross of St. Leo. Sheriff Michel Wetzel says the pair were spotted filling a prescription and then selling the drugs in Little Falls.

Both Heffelfinger and Cross have been arrested and are being held in the Morrison County Jail on 2nd Degree Controlled Substance charges. Formal charges are pending with the Morrison County Attorney's Office. Charges may be possible against other individuals.

According to Sheriff Wetzel, the illegal sale of prescription drugs has increased dramatically over the past five years, as enforcement efforts have made other illegal drugs harder to get.

The Sheriff says the unlawful sale of prescription drugs is every bit as illegal as the sale of cocaine or meth.

Franken Is Sworn-In

Minnesota finally has a junior Senator. Former Saturday Night Live star Al Franken was sworn-in at the Capitol this afternoon.

In a conversation with KLKS News this morning, CNN Capitol correspondent Dick Uliano said the newest member of the Senate has already taken a shot. Senator James Inhoff of Oklahoma said Franken is a clown. However, Uliano noted the Senate has seen a sharp wit before. Kansas Senator Bob Dole is an example of that.

Uliano said President Obama may have a filibuster proof majority with most issues now, but that may not be the case with health care reform, where some Democrats may prove to be independent on the issue.

AA Offered at CLC Staples

Central Lakes College students enrolled attending the community and technical college campus in Staples now can earn an Associate in Arts degree.

An AA degree is a general studies degree for students who want to transfer after one or two years and then pursue a four-year bachelor’s degree elsewhere.

Most classes in the Staples Campus AA degree starting with the 2009 fall semester are scheduled on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This will allow students to work more and commute less. Students who are also parents will be able to save on childcare.

"Students will be able to combine traditional, online, and interactive TV classes to create a schedule that works for them," according to Wendy Schluender, dean of the Staples campus.

The Staples campus computer facilities are available for online courses, and CLC provides online training. The college also provides advising and support services as well as study groups "live" on the campus.

The Staples campus also offers career education programs in Communication Art and Design, Photo Technology, Robotics/Automated Systems, Mechanical Drafting, Machine Trades, Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology, Nursing, Medical Assistant, and Heavy Equipment Operation and Maintenance.

More Sanctions in Brainerd Download Case

The recording industry just won a nearly $2-million judgement against a Brainerd woman. Now, they are asking the court to make sure she never down-loads music again.

Jammie Thomas-Rasset was covicted of illegally downloading tunes and sharing it on the internet.

Recording industry lawyers are asking a federal judge to block her from both sharing copyright music and destroy all copies she previously made without authorization.

Last month, a federal jury ruled she violated the copyrights on 24 songs. However, recording industry lawyers claim she downlaoded some 1,700 songs.

Lunkers Slow the Express

In front of 788 fans at Mills Field, Michael Gedman threw a beauty against the Eau Claire Express to give the Lunkers the 4-3 victory in Game One of their series. The southpaw Gedman hurled seven innings, scattered only four hits and one run, walked just one, and struck out three. He picked up his third victory of the year and lowered his ERA to 2.23.

The Lunkers picked up their first win of the second half and improve to 17-19 overall on the season. They meet Eau Claire in Game Two tonight at 7:05 PM. It is Play Catch with Dad Night so fans will be able to bring their gloves and play catch on the field before the game.

Woman Killed After Falling From Car

Morrison County Sheriff Michel Wetzel reports that 27-year old Kimberly Blaisdell died at St. Cloud Hospital after falling from a moving vehicle near Hillman on July 4th. According to Wetzel, Blaisdell, along with two other individuals, were riding on the trunk of a vehicle being driven by 27-year old Dana Micholski of Foley. The Sheriff said Micholski left the scene of the accident after Blaisdell fell off and wasn't located by deputies for nearly four hours. The accident is under investigation.

Attorneys For Both Sides Looking For Concessions in Downloading Case

(A) Just weeks after a federal jury ruled a Brainerd woman must pay 1.92-million dollars for violating copyrights on 24 songs, the recording industry wants to make sure she doesn't do it again

Attorneys for the recording industry are asking a federal judge to bar Jammie Thomas-Rasset from downloading music, sharing music files and distributing songs to the public.

The attorneys also want a judge to order that Thomas-Rasset destroy all copies of recordings that she has downloaded without authorization.

Last month, a federal jury ruled Thomas-Rasset willfully violated the copyrights on 24 songs. In their request Monday, the record company attorneys say she actually distributed over 1,700 songs through a file-sharing network.

And, later in the day attorneys for Thomas-Rasset asked a federal judge to reduce the damages she must pay, or grant a new trial

Her attorneys said Monday that this amount is "grossly excessive." They are asking a judge to reduce the damages to at total of $18-thousand dollars or grant a new trial altogether, saying some evidence shouldn't have been allowed at trial.

Just a Few Days Remain To Enter State Fair Amateur Contest

Just a few days remain until registration closes for State Fair Amateur Talent Contest Auditions. Performers from across the Midwest will have an opportunity to perform and compete in the 37th annual competition. A total of $7,325 in prize money will be awarded to the first-through-third place winners in three divisions. Entries are being accepted for all age groups. Age categories are: Open Division, for any age; Teen Division, ages 13-18; and Pre Division, ages 12 and under. Auditions will run Monday, July 20th through Sunday, July 26th at the Leinie Bandshell on the fairgrounds. Auditions begin at 5:30pm on weekdays and 11:00am on Saturday and Sunday. From auditions, semi-finalists will be selected to perform during the Minnesota State Fair. For more information, and to register on-line, visit www.mnstatefair.org. or call 651-288-4395.

Brainerd Citizen Appreciation Day July 9th

Brainerd will hold its first Citizen Appreciation Day on July 9th from 11:00am to 3:00pm at the Brainerd City Hall, event headquarters. All city buildings will be available for tours, including the Public Utility Building. Coffee, punch, cake, cookies and doughnuts will be served at City Hall. A suggestion and comment box will available between 1:30pm and 2:30pm at City Hall. There will be staff recognition. This is a time to celebrate good people, according event organizers.

A Smooth 4th of July Around Brainerd

"An uneventful weekend," that's how Crow Wing County Sheriff Todd Dahl described the big 4th of July weekend in the Brainerd Lakes Area. The Sheriff was in three parades which he described as elbow-to-elbow with people. He told KLKS News, there were no major catastrophes.

There was a float plane accident on Lower Hay Lake in Ideal Township Friday afternoon. But, even that one had a happy ending with no major injuries to the two on board; 47-year-old pilot Jeffery Arndt of Maple Plain MN, and his 31-year-old passenger Benjamin Kodadek of St. Louis Park.

Hackensack Sweetheart Days

It's like an extended 4th of July in Hackensack. It's the annual Sweetheart Days. Chamber Coordinator Jean Dawson says the fun began Saturday with fireworks.

Today there is the Children's Treasure Hunt, Bingo and Sweetheart Dart Tournament.

Tuesday is the big day with a fishing tournament, parade and dance.

Dawson says there are as many visitors in town as she has ever seen.

Howes Named to Natural Resources Commission

State Representative Larry Howes of Walker has been elected vice chair of the commission responsible for deciding how lottery proceeds are spent on environmental projects.

The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources is made up of 17 members.

Howes says he will advocate on behalf of the tourism-outdoors industry in his region.

Howes says, "People in our area have a full understanding of how important the outdoors and environment is, but sometimes the metro folks need to be reminded just how much it means to us."

Since 1963, over $600 million has been appropriated to more than 1,250 projects recommended by the commission to protect and enhance Minnesota's environment and natural resources.

Nisswa Looks to Develop Pier and Swimming Area

Nisswa is raising money to preserve and purchase a 3.7 acre parcel of land on Nisswa Lake close to downtown Nisswa. The Nisswa Lake Park project will have a swimming area, pier, and docking area for boats navigating the Gull Lake chain of lakes as well as a walking-biking trail that would eventually connect to the Paul Bunyan Trail.

A business from downtown Nisswa has pledged a $20,000 matching challenge to businesses and individuals donating checks or cash to the Friends of Nisswa Lake Park for our Nisswa Lake Park project.

All contributions to the Friends of Nisswa Lake Park are 100% tax-deductible.

Checks can be made out to: BLA Community Foundation, "Friends of Nisswa Lake Park," PO Box 262, Nisswa, MN 56468.

Border Cats Get the Best of the Lunkers

The Thunder Bay Border Cats, who trailed 4-2 after seven innings, brought nine men to the plate, utilized multiple suicide squeeze bunts, and scored five runs in the eighth to take the victory over the Lunkers, 7-5 at Mills Field.

The Lunkers drop to 16-19 on the year and 0-2 in the second half. They return to Mills Field tonight to host the Eau Claire Express. First pitch is 7:05 PM and the first 300 fans 14 and under receive a Lunkers replica jersey/t-shirt as part of Good Samaritan Bowl Night.