Manufactured Home Taxes Due

Laureen Borden, Crow Wing County Treasurer,  reminds us that the first half of Manufactured Home Taxes are due on or before August 31.  State law requires that a late penalty of 8-percent be applied to the unpaid balance on September 1. 

The taxes are payable to the Crow Wing County Treasurer's office or you may pay by mail with the envelope being postmarked no later than August 31.

For more information, call 218-824-1300.

Hormel Posts Larger-Than-Expected Gains

(AP)  The net income for Hormel Foods Corporation rose 11% in the third-quarter to a revenue of $1.73 billion--up from analysts' expectations of $1.7 billion.  The maker of Spam and other products out of Austin, Minnesota attributes the gain to strong sales of it's grocery products, which helped offset higher commodity costs.

He's Back!!!

(AP)  The Vikes have been joined by QB Brett Favre for a 20th NFL season.  Having finished his second straight Summer of indecision, the 40-year-old player told reporters that he thinks that this, indeed, will be his last season.

. . .and the Favre Fandango Continues. . .

(AP)  Though the Vikings have not confirmed whether Brett Favre will return to the Purple-and-Gold for another season, Favre is back in Minnesota.  The QB was driven to team headquarters yesterday with a frenzy of fans lining up to cheer, and helicopters following him.

Pine River Bus Driver Sentenced In Fatal Bus Accident

Westal John Maine, 74, Tuesday was sentenced in Cass County District Court for violating the Minnesota statute which prohibits the movement of a school bus after children are unloaded without first visually determining that all children are a safe distance from the bus.  Maine was the driver of a school bus which ran over and killed 6-year old Evan Lee Lindquist just after dropping him off on March 22 near the City of Pine River.  Ninth Judicial District Court Judge David Ten Eyck imposed a sentence of 10-days in the Cass County Jail and a fine of $135.00 for the misdemeanor offense.  All of the jail time was suspended for a period of one year provided Maine complies with certain conditions.  Included in those conditions that Maine participate in a speaking engagement with area bus drivers in an effort to educate them and stress the importance of school bus operator safety.  He is also ordered to write a letter to the family of the deceased child explaining what happened at the time of the accident and was ordered to participate in victim-offender mediation, if the family requests it.

Pequot Police Chief Put On Administrative Leave

Jerry Braam, Pequot Lakes Police Chief, has been put on administrative leave, according to Pequot Mayor Nancy Adams.  Citing Minnesota's data practices statute, the reason for the suspension could not be discussed.  Adams said the decision was made Monday and was effective immediately.  She said, per city policy, Braam will remain on administrative leave for five days and the city council will meet after the five day period to take action on the issue. 

Prosecutors Looking for a Light Sentence for Whistle-Blower

(AP)  A light sentence is being sought by prosecutors for whistle-blower Deanna Coleman.  She faces up to five years in prison for her role in an alleged $3.7 billion ponzi scheme under businessman Tom Petters.  Prosecutors as asking for a lesser sentence--perhaps including no prison time--as they state that Coleman's efforts were highly instrumental in facilitating the prosecutors.

Morrison County Sheriff Has Warning

     The Morrison County Sheriff’s Office is asking residents in Scandia Valley and Motley Townships to be extra vigilant after a number of thefts were reported around Fish Trap, Shamineau, and Alexander Lakes. According to Morrison County Sheriff Michel Wetzel, deputies have made an arrest in several of the thefts; yet, his office is still receiving reports of items being stolen from boats and docks. It is believed the suspects are traveling by boat in at least some of the cases.

     Residents are encouraged to call the sheriff’s office if they notice suspicious vehicles or boats especially in the late night or early morning hours. In the most recent cases, the suspects stole boat batteries, trolling motors, and life jackets from docked boats on Lake Alexander.

A Hot End to the Weekend at B.I.R.

Yesterday's final results from the 29th Annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway included wins in Top Fuel by Larry Dixon, at 3.786 seconds (312.28 mph)--Funny Car by Bob Bode, at 4.248 seconds (253.66 mph)--Pro Stock by Jeg Coughlin, at 6.614 (208.04 mph)--and Pro Stock Motorcycle by Andrew Hines, at 6.941 (191 mph).