Fire Damages Church in Pequot Lakes

A room in the First Baptist Church in Pequot Lakes was damaged by fire Friday Night. According to the Brainerd Dispatch, firefighters were able to contain the blaze to one room which was being used as an office. Fire Chief Tom Nelson said that the call came in about 11:45pm Friday and that the cause of the blaze was not known. According to Nelson, about 20 firefighters responded to the call and were able to clear the scene in about three hours. Very little damage was done to the church itself.

Vonn Didn't Make the Gate--

(AP) Lindsey Vonn, who was skiing with a broken right pinkie, missed a gate for her second Slalom run yesterday, and didn't qualify. Maria Riesch of Germany won the event for her second Gold in Vancouver, and the ninth for Germany. Vonn has finished her Olymics with a Gold and a Bronze.

"Drinking Habits" This Weekend in Staples

The Landmark Inn in Staples will be filled with laughter this weekend, as the Lamplighter Community Theater group presents "Drinking Habits."

Producer Pam Collins tells KLKS News, it is a hilarious farce about two nuns who sell wine to raise funds for the convent, unbeknown to the Mother Superior.. She says it is one madcap adventure after another.

The play will be presented tonight and Saturday night at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. For more information call: (218) 894-3681.

Health Fair Saturday in Brainerd

There will be a health fair at the Westgate Mall in Brainerd Saturday. It is sponsored by The Brainerd Lakes Health system.

Spokespereson Kim Deiss tells KLKS News, the event is designed to provide people with free or low cost health screenings, ideas for healthy living, and health education and awareness.

Some of the activities planned Saturday include: free adult health screenings, blood pressure checks, foot and eye screenings.

Blood test screenings are available for a fee,

Howes to Block Early School Start

(AP) State Representative Larry Howes says he will seek legislative action if the Education Commissioner grants 25 southwestern Minnesota school districts an exemption to begin classes before Labor Day.

The school districts say they want to begin early to give their students ample time to prepare for high-stakes tests in the spring.

Howes, a Walker Republican, says he wants to make sure families can attend the state fair and vacation through August at Minnesota resorts.

Sheriff Dahl Seeks Re-election

Crow Wing County Sheriff Todd Dahl has announced he will run for re-election.

The Sheriff says during his first term, they opened a new jail, created an in-house training division, implemented a computer and records management system, Incorporated the Emergency Management Program and adapted to budget shortfalls.

Dahl defeated incumbent Erick Klang in a close race four years ago.

Ice Anglers -Take Note

Fish houses need to be off the ice Monday night. DNR Conservation Officer Nikki Shouts, says they can still be on the ice during daylight hours, but not over-night. She says the rule covers all fish houses south of Highway 200, which runs through Walker.

Shoutz says the walleye, northern pike and bass season ends Sunday.

Thursday Night High School Scores

Boys Basketbball:
Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa 73, Pierz 52
Eagle Valley 75, Browerville 65
Moose Lake/Willow River 71, Aitkin 60
Osakis 54, Upsala 51
Pequot lakes 70, Park Rapids 29
Perham 82, Wadena-Deer Creek 63.
Swanville 52, Royalton 49

Girls Basketball:
Braham 85, Pierz 34
Clearbrook-Gonvick 74, LaPorte 34
Isle 77, St. John's Prep 43
Northland 75. Hill City 41
Walker-Hackensack-Akeley 42, Pine River-Backus 39
Willmar 74, Little Falls 50

Vonn Will Compete in Tomorrow's Final Downhill Event

(AP) According to Team Spokesperson, Doug Haney, Lindsey Vonn will race in tomorrow's Olympic Slalom. That's despite a broken right pinkie she injured in the first run of the Giant Slalom yesterday. Thus far, Vonn has won a Gold in downhill, and a Bronze in the Super G at these Olympics. Tomorrow's event is the final downhill for the Women's Downhill Olympics.

Koering Changes His Mind on G.A.M.C.

State Senator Paul Koering says he will support Governor Pawlenty's veto which would restore General Assistance Medical Care. The Fort Ripley Republican tells KLKS News, he first voted in favor of restoring the program the Governor cut last spring, as part of the deficit fix. He says it appeared to be in the best interests of area hospitals.

However, Koering says he learned new details about G.A.M.C. that has led him to change his mind. He expects an override attempt in the next week.

Pequot Could Loose Another 30K

Pequot Lakes Mayor Nancy Adams says the city budget is in good shape, because the city council anticipated the state aid cuts. The city has lost up to $60 thousand in Local Government Aid. The Mayor says the result will be only one street improvement project this year, West Lake Street.

Mayor Adams anticipates more cuts this year as the Governor and Legislature work to fix another $1.2 billion revenue shortfall. She says that could result in the loss of another $30 thousand.

Mayor Adams says they cannot put off maintenance project forever, and keep infrastructure working properly.

Vonn Takes a Tumble

(AP) Lindsey Vonn broke her right pinkie after crashing in the first run of the Giant Slalom today. According to Jim Moeller, Chief Medical Officer of the U.S. Olympic Team, Vonn has not decided whether or not she'll race her final event on Friday in Vancouver--the Slalom.

Howes Predicts Pawlenty Will Win Court Challenge

State Representative Larry Howes feels Governor Pawlenty will win the court challenge of his budgets cuts. The Governor made $2.7 billion in cuts last spring, without legislative approval, using something called unallotment.

A lower court ruled the Governor did not have the authority to cut a $5.5 million dollar nutrition program for the poor, thus jeopardizing the larger package of cuts.

Howes says unallotment is constitutional, so all the Governor would have to do is wait until after the current biennium is over to make the cuts.

Attorney Galen Robinson, who won the lower court victory, says the Governor created the problem by signing a package of spending bills followed by a veto of a tax plan that would have paid for them.

Pequot Lakes Business Tour

Pequot Lakes is full of possibilities, and the Chamber of Commerce wants to show off what the town has to offer. Chamber spokesperson Sue Galligan say they are hosting a tour for prospective business owners Thursday evening.

Galligan tells KLKS News, there are 22 buildings available for rent or for sale in all sizes and price ranges. She says during recession times, a lot of people get creative on how they can generate revenue. She says Pequot business owners get a lot of exposure from high traffic counts.

And, Galligan says the Pequot Lakes area is the best area to live.

The tour will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, and will begin with a reception at the Pequot Lakes Chamber office at 3:30 p.m.

Planning Shoreline Restoration

Now is the time to start planning shoreline restoration projects, according to Heather Baird, Shoreland Habitat Specialist with the Brainerd office of the DNR. She tells KLKS News, native plants are the way to go, whether using seeds or plugs. She says they are adapted to our weather extremes, and will not become nuisance plants.

Baird says native plants have a better root system than sod, and are better suited to stop erosion and pollutants from entering lakes. To schedule an on-site consultation, Baird can be reached at (218) 833-8648.

Tuesday Night High School Scores

Boys Hockey:
Quarterfinals:
2A Section 8
Brainerd/Pierez/Pillager 7, Buffalo 4
1A Section 6
Fergus Falls 8, Little Falls 1
Sartell 8, Northern Lakes 1
1A Section 8
Crookston 16, Walker-Hackensack-Akeley/Casslake-Bena 1

Boys Basketball:
Aitkin 57, East Central 55
Braham 74, Isle 66
East Grand Forks 69, Park Rapids 29
Foley 69, Pierz 54
Grand Rapids 63, Staples-Motley 53
Hill City 70, Wrenshall 48
Lakeview Christian 81, McGregor 74
Little Falls 55, Sartell 41
Maple Lake 66, Royalton 61
Melrose 78, Milaca 53
Rocori 49, Brainerd 46
Sebeka 80, Upsala 53
Verndale 62, LaPorte 55

Girls Basketball:
Crosby-Ironton 48, Aitkin 37
Pequot Lakes 85, Sebeka 75
Pine River-Backus 56, Pillager 45
Staples-Motley 68, Pelican Rapids 35
Upsala 68, Royalton 41
Verndale 66, LaPorte 34

Slot Machine/Racetrack Bill Formulated

(AP) Representative Al Juhnke and Senator Dan Sparks have unveiled a Racetrack/Slot Machine bill they say could raise cash for everything from a new Vikings Stadium to Early Childhood Education Classes. The two lawmakers say that the bill would bring in an estimated $125 million per year.

Howes Cool to Racinoes

Two state legislators say Racinoes may be the answer to the state's financial problems.

State Representative Larry Howes tells KLKS News, he could support video slot machines at Canterbury Park. Beyond that, he does not want to see an expansion in gambling. He says we would be fixing the state's problems on the backs of those who cannot afford it.

Representative Howes is doubtful Racinoes would raise a lot of money. He says the dollars are limited for all forms of entertainment.

Goedker Announces for 12 A

Another Republican is throwing his hat into the ring for State House District 12 A.

Brainerd City Council President Kevin Goedker says he will seek the party's endorsement at the Crow Wing County Convention.

The Brainerd realtor says two others seeking the endorsement lack the experience needed.

He says it will take a "Positive perspective" to defeat incumbent John Ward, who he calls "A great man with great charisma."

Goedker favors smaller government, reduced spending and less taxes. He says the people of the area are ready to put government back in its place.

Morrison Co Gets New Radio System

The Morrison County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution that ensures cities, fire departments, and first response teams won't be left out in the cold when the county switches to a new public safety radio system by January of 2013.

The County says it will provide local jurisdictions and agencies with the radios necessary for all emergency communications within Morrison County and beyond. The radios, once purchased by the county, will become the property of the local agency, but so will the responsibility of maintaining, repairing, or replacing them.

Sheriff Michel Wetzel, says everyone should be afforded the benefits of a fully interoperable radio system regardless of whether they lived in a city or township.

The new radios range in price from $1500 to $3500. The cost for county-wide implementation of the system could be in the neighborhood of 2.5 million dollars, though county and fire officials have submitted grant applications to cover over 1 million dollars of that amount.

Monday Night High School Scores

Boys Basketball:
Cass Lake-Bena 103, Grygla-Gatzke 91
Nevis 71, Northome/Kelliher 65
Northland 65, McGregor 55
Royalton 57, Kimball 41

Girls Basketball:
Bertha-Hewitt 51, Battle Lake 45
Menahga 69, Browerville 54
Perham 75, Park Rapids 45
Wadena-Deer Creek 52, Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton 34

Hecker Repays 401(K)

(AP) An attorney for former auto Mogul Denny Hecker says his client came up with money to repay the 401(K)he liquidated without his ex-wife's permission. Last month, a judge told Hecker he had a month to repay the money or go to county jail for contempt of court. Hecker said he needed the money to defend against several lawsuits.

Car Seat Clinic at Mills GM

Parents have another chance to learn if their are using child car seats correctly. State Patrol Sergent Curt Mowers says a clinic will be held in the service department at Mills GM, Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. He says 80 to 90 percent of the parents are not using the seats correctly. Changes in the law encourage parents to get it right.

The Clinic at Mills GM is by appointment only. The number to call is (218) 829-2805.

Home Buyer Tax Credit

IRS Spokesperson Carrie Resch says home buyers have until April 30th to buy a new home and claim a tax credit.

New home buyers can claim an $8,000 credit, those who have lived in their home for five consecutive years and are buying another home can claim a $6,500 credit. Resch says the purchase agreement has to be done by the end of April, and the closing has to be completed by the end of July.

Resch says the credit can either be claimed on this year's or next year's return.

Cutting Past Stop Signs.

Crow Wing County Sheriff Todd Dahl is issuing a friendly reminder to motorists, you cannot cut through a business parking lot to avoid traffic at an intersection. He says it is a controlled intersection violation.

Sheriff Dahl says when coming upon a four way stop, vehicles must come to a complete stop, including all cyclists. When coming to a crowded four way stop, the vehicle stopped the longest gets to go first. When two vehicles come to a stop at the same time, drivers must yield to the vehicle on the right.