The Warriors Were Routed by Rosemount 28-14

The Rosemount Irish were too big and fast for the Brainerd Warriors.  At halftime, Brainerd trailed 21-0.  A recovered fumble in the end zone following a completed pass that went to the three yard line gave Brainerd their first touchdown.  An ensuing recovered on-side kickoff gave them their second touchdown.

Girls' Prep Hockey from Friday Night

Alexandria 5, Sartell/Sauk Rapids-Rice 2
Detroit Lakes/Perham 4, River Lakes 1
Litchfield/Dallel-Cokato 8, LPEG/WDC 0
Thief River Falls 4, Bemidji 2

C.W. Zoning Ordinance Comment Period Extended

The public comment period for the proposed revisions of the Crow Wing County zoning ordinance will be extended another month.   is proposing revisions to the County Zoning Ordinance, which include new performance-based zoning standards for lake lots in Crow Wing County.

The revisions proposed by the Crow Wing County Land Services Department includes a controversial reduction in the allowable impervious surface area, and in storm water management.  Some developers and the real estate sector has opposed the change.

The ordinance is to serve as a foundation for the county's Future Land Use Map project. Public comment is being accepted through Monday, December 20th. Comments may be submitted to the Crow Wing County Environmental Services at 322 Laurel St., Suite 14, Brainerd, MN 56401.

Brainerd Ward 2 Recount

The Crow Wing County Auditor will stage a recount in the Brainerd Ward 2 election, Monday. 

Kelly Bevans bested Ed Shaw by a mere 13 votes.  Shaw says voting machines can be wrong, and so has asked for another tally.  He says he will pay the $460 expense involved. 

The recount will be held at 9 a.m. Monday in the County Auditor's office.  The work should be complete before noon.

Brainerd Chamber Looks at Legislative Challenges

The Brainerd Lakes Chamber invites Chamber business leaders to a luncheon meeting with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce as part of one of its Fall Regional Policy meetings. The focus of the meeting is “2011: New leadership, big challenges – A look at the major issues facing Minnesota and Minnesota businesses.”

The meeting will be noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, at The Bodyworks, 14742 Dellwood Drive in Baxter.

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, with its member-driven agenda, is preparing to represent its members on more than 50 key business issues in 2011. In addition, the state Chamber has identified five priorities for the 2011 legislative session.

“Minnesota is facing many challenges, not the least of which is a $65 billion deficit,” said Lisa Paxton, Brainerd Lakes Chamber CEO. “These challenges affect the health of our businesses and communities each and every day. We have opportunities in this next legislative session to address these many concerns in regard to our budget deficit, our educational system outcomes, our rising energy costs and so much more.”

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce believes that Minnesota’s $33 billion general fund can meet the needs of Minnesota citizens and contribute to the development and growth of the state economy.

Cost to attend the Dec. 1 meeting is $7 with pre-registration, $9 at the door. Advance registration is requested. Register for this event online at explorebrainerdlakes.com or call (218) 829-2838. Participants are asked to park near the frontage road and use the main building entrance. A box lunch and beverage will be provided.

Grosbeaks Making Comeback?

DNR Non Game Specialist Pam Perry hopes evening grosbeaks are making a comeback.  She was excited to see a male show up on her bird feeder last this week.  She says there were abundant in the '80's, but now it is very rare to see one. 

Perry is asking anyone who spots one in the Brainerd Lakes Area to give her a call.

Perry also says now is the time to set out your bird feeders so that the feathered neighbors can develop a routine that includes your feeder.

Black oil sunflower seeds, Millet, thistle seed and suet are all winter favorites.

A Baxter Reception for Cravaak

A community reception is planned for next Tuesday for Congressman-elect Chip Cravaack, hosted by Dutch and Irma Cragun, who own Craigun's Resort in East Gull.

In his first run for an elected office, Cravaack, from Lindstrom, defeated longtime U.S. Rep. James Oberstar, by a narrow margin of just over 4,000 votes.

Oberstar is the longest serving member of Congress in Minnesota history.  He is Chairman of the powerful transportation committee.

Cravaack recently returned from Washington, as part of freshman orientation.

The reception will be 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites in Baxter.  Reservations are requested. Those who are interested should call (218) 829-2838.

Howes to Chair Capital Investment Committee

State Representative Larry Howes of Walker has accepted an appointment to chair the House Capital Investment Committee, which largely focuses on construction projects throughout Minnesota.

Howes has served on the committee eight years and has been the minority lead the last five. He has played a key role in passing capital investment bonding bills by working as a lead negotiator with Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Howes will head the panel when Republicans assume their majority status for the 2011 session in January.

Howes says, “These are tough economic times and the state faces a shortfall, but it is our responsibility to maintain our infrastructure, schools and other top priorities even in lean times. The real key is putting together a bill which meets these needs, yet is still affordable to Minnesota. I feel the experience I’ve gained in previous negotiations will help us accomplish our goals.”

Howes was re-elected to his seventh term in the House earlier this month.

Augustinack is Remorseful

The man who would be Brainerd's Citizen of the Year, is instead apologizing to friends and family for what authorities allegedly found on his home computers. 

52-year-old Steven Augustinack of Baxter says he will not accept the award.  He is accused of possessing pornographic material involving minors. 

Through his attorney, Augustinack apologized for the pain he may have caused.  He is charged with 28 counts of possessing child pornography.

His attorney, Charles Halverson, says 75 thousand adult videos were found on his hard drive.  He says that is an indication his client wasn't interested in child pornography.

Hecker Wedded Bliss Will Have to Wait

It's the kind of wedding every bride dreams of; in a room in the U.S Attorney's office while your boy friend is out of the slammer for a few minutes to meet with his attorney. 

That is apparently what fallen auto mogul Denny Hecker had in mind with the lovely Christi Rowan, Wednesday.  When the woman showed up with a pastor, it was clear the couple had more in mind than court documents.  However, the fairy tail did not come to pass. 

Hecker is only to meet with Rowan through video visits.  The feds say, because he abused a privilege, he will only be allowed to leave lock up to attend court. 

Lohmiller, Coach of the Year

The 2010 Heart of the Lakes (North Division) Football Coach of the Year is Chip Lohmiller. 

Lohmiller guided the Pequot Lakes High School team to their second consecutive conference championship, going 5-1; 8-2 overall.

This is the second year the Patriots coach has won the award. 

CLC Raiders Heading to Bowl Game

The Central Lakes College Raiders football teams travels to the desert December 4th to play in the Valley of the Sun Bowl.

The Raiders, ranked 15th in the country, will take on 19th ranked Glendale Community College of Arizona, in the oldest continuous NJCAA football bowl game.

The Raiders are 10-1 on the year, while the Gauchos are 6-4.

The game will be played at Matt O. Hanhila Stadium in Glendale.

Central Lakes won the Minnesota College Athletic Conference South Division title, but then fell to rival Rochester (Minn.) in the league's championship game.

Glendale got off to a 5-0 start and was ranked as high as No. 6 during the season. They clinched a berth in the Valley of the Sun Bowl with a fourth place finish in the Western States Football League, which was the highest finish among conference members from Maricopa County (Phoenix).

Final Public Hearing on Hwy 371 Bypass

Pequot Lakes Mayor Nancy Adams is encouraging anyone who has a comment on the controversial Highway 371 bypass project to attend the final public hearing this evening. 

The City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission and Minnesota Department of Transportation will be answering questions and taking formal comment on the project.

Mayor Adams tells KLKS news, it's a time to correct any misinformation.

The public hearing will be held from 4-8 p.m. at the high school cafeteria.

The City Council will make a final decision on December 14th.

The bypass would move the highway a half mile east of the current stoplight.  The work is to begin in 2018.

Brainerd Citizen of Year Accused in Child Porn Case

A Baxter man who was recently named Brainerd Citizen of the Year by Brainerd Community Action, has been more recently charged with possessing child pornography.

52-year-old Steven Augustinack says he will not accept the award. 

Authorities have lodged 28 counts against him, after seizing personal computers in his home. 

Augustinack faces a maximum of 5 years in jail and a $5 thousand fine on each count.  His first court appearance will be December 27th.

The awards banquet will be held Thursday honoring the other nine recipients.

Lunkers Hire Pitching Coach

The Brainerd Lunkers have hiredSteven Brown as their pitching coach for the 2011 season.

Brown comes from Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tenn.

“Steven is a guy who will really boost our pitching staff,” general manager Dustin Anaas said.

Wadena-DC H.S. Comes Down

(AP)  The first step  in the future of Wadena-Deer Creek high school students is being taken. 

The tornado damaged high school is being demolished to make way for a new structure.  It is expected to take up to a month and a half, depending on the weather.

A new school is expected to take its place in time for the 2012-13 school year.  Construction is scheduled to begin on April 1st.

The school was destroyed by a June 17th tornado, along with 260 other structures in town.

Mille Lacs Walleye Change

Walleye anglers who fish Lake Mille Lacs are reminded, that effective Dec. 1, the regulation allows them to keep four walleye up to 18 inches, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

All walleye between 18-and 28-inches must be immediately released. One walleye more than 28 inches is allowed in possession.

Local Homebuilding Boosts Economy

Existing homeowners in Crow Wing and Cass counties are not subsidizing new home construction in the Brainerd Lakes Area, according to the Mid Minnesota Builders Association.

A recent study conducted by the parent National Association of Home Builders says 384 homes built in the area last year will generate more than $38 million in revenue over the next 15 years, compared to $17.6 million in costs.  The builders say local governments net $2.7 million the first year and $1.3 million every year thereafter.

The study considered the benefit of local jobs, income and other taxes generated as a result of those home being occupied.

MMBA President Terry Curtis says the numbers show home builders are a very important player in the overall economic health of the local economy.

CLC Looking for Educator of the Year

Nominations are open until until the end of November for a prestigious statewide college and university teaching award that since 2008 has included faculty from Central Lakes College in Brainerd and Staples.

The Minnesota State College and Universities Board of Trustees Educator of the Year Award for Excellence in Teaching is an honor bestowed upon MnSCU faculty to acknowledge and reward exceptional individual professional accomplishment, and to encourage ongoing excellence, in teaching.

Past Central Lakes College recipients: Jan Kurtz, Spanish, 2008; Kari Frisch, Speech, 2009; Gary Carson, Natural Resources, and Janet Bedard, English and Reading, 2010.

For information or to nominate up to two CLC instructors for the 2011 award, contact Betsy Picciano at (218) 855-8110 or e-mail bpicciano@clcmn.edu

C.W. Zoning Changes Proposed

The Crow Wing County Land Services Department is proposing revisions to the County Zoning Ordinance, which include new performance-based zoning standards for lake lots in Crow Wing County.

The revisions include changes in the county zoning districts, a reduction in the allowable impervious surface area, and in stormwater management.

The ordinance will serve as a foundation for the county's Future Land Use Map project. Public comment is being accepted through Friday. Comments may be submitted to the Crow Wing County Environmental Services at 322 Laurel St., Suite 14, Brainerd, MN 56401.

The County Planning Commission will consider the proposed ordinance revisions during a special meeting at 5 p.m. December 13 in the Crow Wing County Board Room in the Historic Courthouse in Brainerd.