Governor Dayton To Visit Ice Fishing Extravaganza

Organizers of the Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza are pleased to announce that Governor Mark Dayton plans to attend the 21st annual event scheduled for next Saturday, January 22 from 12-3pm on Gull Lake’s Hole in the Day Bay. He is accompanying State Representative John Ward, a Brainerd resident and long-time supporter of the Extravaganza. Governor Dayton will be the first governor to attend the Extravaganza hailed as the world’s largest charitable ice fishing contest.

Dayton will fish the contest and talk with attendees about how to grow tourism in the Brainerd-lakes area. “He understands the importance of this event to our local organizations and our tourism industry. The residents of the Brainerd Lakes Area are looking forward to showing the governor what our area has to offer,” said Representative Ward from Brainerd.

Mn/DOT reminds public about damaged mailbox procedures

BAXTER, Minn.— The Minnesota Department of Transportation has received concerns from citizens about mailboxes damaged in central Minnesota after efforts to clear snow from multiple storms. Please note the following reminders about mailboxes along state highways:

· Owners are responsible for the care and replacement of damaged mailboxes unless directly hit by a snowplow.

· Mailboxes with damaged or worn latches should be replaced. Wind and heavy snow can cause a mailbox door to fall open if the latch isn’t working properly.

· Mailbox reflectors should be blue or clear. Motorists may confuse red and orange reflectors with vehicle tail lights, which could draw them toward the mailbox when visibility is limited.

· Newspaper holders, chains and other types of ornamental displays under the mailbox add to the size and weight of the mailbox and limit room for plow clearance.

Mn/DOT follows up on all mailbox damage complaints and appreciates cooperation from mailbox owners when investigating damages. To report a mailbox hit by a snowplow along a state highway in central Minnesota, call 218-828-5700 (Baxter), or 320-223-6500 (St. Cloud).

Hwy 10 Improvement at Rice

Lakes area drivers who travel on Highway 10 south of Little Falls will encounter some changes.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation will be upgrading the interchange at County Road 2 in Rice.  MnDot will be spending $14.5 million to replace existing signalized intersections with interchanges and ramps.

Transportation Commissioner Tom Sorel says it's part of $44.5 million in grants to improve safety and reduce congestion at four dangerous intersections in Greater Minnesota and the Twin Cities metro area.
The Commissioner says the grants will enable these projects to be constructed earlier than they otherwise would have been, reducing both crashes and congestion sooner.

Howes Backs Streamlined Goverment

State Representative Larry Howes says his Republican caucus wants to streamline government to make Minnesota a more business-friendly state and help people get back to work.

Howes says a common complaint heard is that the permitting process tends to be cumbersome and quite lengthy compared with neighboring states. He says it sometimes gets to the point entrepreneurs become discouraged and pull the plug on plans to start up a new business or expand an existing one in Minnesota.

One bill would require the Pollution Control Agency and the DNR to approve or deny permits in 150 days. Decisions which take longer than that will require an explanation.

Howes says he is encouraging developers and local government to conduct soil studies, as they determine they’ll be necessary.

Cravaak Pushes Mining Development

Freshman Congressman Chip Cravaack met with high-level representatives from the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Thursday, to discuss how those agencies can expedite new mining development in the 8th District.

Cravaack says the two agencies will play key roles in the development of Northeast Minnesota’s vast mineral resources. The newly elected Republican says he  plans to work closely with the Forest Service and Fish and Wildlife to bring high-paying, skilled jobs to the district while protecting the environment.

Congressman Cravaack has also scheduled meetings for early next week with the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Feds Ask for the Max for Denny

(AP)  Prosecutors want the judge to throw the book at Denny Hecker.  They are recommending the fallen auto Mogul get the maximum 10 year sentence in his bankruptcy fraud case. 

The feds say Hecker committed crimes over and over, year after year as he duped Chrysler Financial out of more than $13 million.  They further allege, after he sought bankruptcy protection, he continued to cheat the system to continue his "High flying lifestyle."

The defense will offer its suggestion on an appropriate sentence later.

Hecker at one time was the biggest auto dealer in Minnesota, including two stores in Baxter.

Thursday Night High School Scores

Boys Basketball:
Bertha-Hewitt 64, Menahga 38
Browerville 61, Osakis 53
Nevis 49, Pine River-Backus 41
Onamia 54, Aitkin 45
Pequot Lakes 82, Pillager 50
Pierz 75, Rockford 59
Upsala 60, Royalton 40

Girls Basketball:
Braham 93, Onamia 17
Esko 59, McGregor 19
Fergus Falls 58, Brainerd 52
Milaca 53, Foley 46
Pillager 53, Verdale 50
Sebeka 72, Henning 50
Willmar 66, Little Falls 55

Boys Hockey:
Little Falls 3, River Lakes 2

Girls Hockey:
Brainerd/Little Falls 6, River Lakes 0
Detroit Lakes/Perham 13, LPGE/WDC 0

Wrestling:
Border West 55, Wadena-Deer Creek 9
Fergus Falls 42, Little Falls 26
Kimball 41, Pierz 21
Staples-Motley 52, Bertha-Hewitt/Verndale 27
Park Rapids 57, Crosby-Ironton 18
Walker-Hackensack-Akeley/Nevis 45, Park Rapids 30
Walker-Hackensack-Akeley/Nevis 63, Crosby-Ironton 17

Pierz Man Pleads Guilty to Child Porn Charge

Moments before his federal trial was to begin in Duluth Wednesday, 48-year-old James Daniel Jaschke of Pierz pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.  He was originally indicted on on a Morrison County complaint, June 15, 2010.

Jaschke admitted to Judge John Tunheim that between August 31 and September 23, 2009, he possessed two video tapes that contained visual depictions of a girl under the age of 12 engaged in sexually explicit activity. He further admitted the tapes, which included no fewer than 300 images, portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct and other depictions of violence. 

Jaschke faces a potential maximum penalty of ten years in prison.  Sentencing will come at a later date.

The case was the result of an investigation by the Morrison County Sheriff’s Office, the Morrison County Department of Social Services and the FBI.

Carlson Calls for More Jobs

Freshman State Senator John Carlson from Bemidji says his Republican caucus is committed to creating jobs by rolling back business income taxes by 50 percent and freezing or rolling back business property taxes.

Minnesota is facing a $6.2 billion revenue shortfall, without a tax cut to corporations.  Carlson says lawmakers simply need to prioritize how they spend the $32-billion the state will collect.

Carlson makes no predictions on what will happen to the Vikings stadium issue.  He doubts there will be any bonding money for a new facility this year, but also says the state cannot afford to lose the billion dollars in income tax revenue generated from the team.  The Vikings have gotten offers from California to move the team to Los Angeles.

Snow Courtesy

The Minnesota State Patrol is reminding homeowners not to plow snow from their driveway out onto the road. 

Sergent Curt Mowers says the ridges left behind become dangerous for passing motorists.  Mowers says if there are no other options, homeowners could clear the ridges from the road.  However, he says it would be dangerous to be in the line of traffic.

Mowers also says motorists must give wreckers plenty of room while pulling cars from ditches, just as they would other emergency vehicles.

Schad No. 2 At DNR

A former Brainerd Regional Wildlife Manager has been promoted to deputy commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources by the new Commissioner Tom Landwehr.

Dave Schad, 53, has served in the DNR since 1981, including a stint in the Brainerd Lakes Area.  Most recently Schad was director of the agency’s Fish and Wildlife Division. Previously he was the agency’s Wildlife Section chief; he has also served as wildlife operations manager, regional wildlife manager, area wildlife supervisor, and statewide wetland wildlife coordinator and statewide forest wildlife program coordinator.

"Dave’s career path has always angled up due to his depth of knowledge, breadth of managerial skills, and history of good judgment on complex issues,” said Landwehr. “Hunters, anglers and all who care about natural resources should be pleased by this appointment.”

Schad looks forward to delivering what citizens expect – clean water, healthy forests, outstanding recreational opportunities, and strong economies from the prudent use of natural resources.

Sertich Says No to Congress

(AP)  Freshman Republican Congressman Chip Cravaak took office just a few days ago, and already there is talk of who among DFL-ers will challenge him in Minnesota 8th district. 

One who says he will not run is Tony Sertich.  The Chishom DFL-er an out-going state legislator from who is being named to head the Iron Range Resources Commission.  He says there is "No chance...zero" that he will throw his hat in the ring for the 2012 race.

The 8th District covers the Brainerd Lakes Area.

CLC Says Good-Bye to "Dom"

Central Lakes College in Brainerd, friends, classmates and coaches bid farewell to star Quarterback Dominque Corder during a noon-time memorial service Wednesday. 

The 20-year-old Corder was shot and killed in front of his grandmother's house in Indianapolis New Year's Eve.  An arrest has been made in connection with the shooting.

Corder, affectionately referred to Dom, was eulogized for his promise and drive to achieve his goals.  Assistant football coach Jim Stohmeier told the gathering, the sophomore wore jersey number one, and he was number one in the hearts of many.  The college has decided to retire the jersey.

Corder led the Raiders to a 10-2 record last year, and bowl appearance.

Three Pierz BB Players Suspended

(AP)  Five Basketball players from Pierz Healy High School are back from a three day suspension today.  The action was taken following an alleged hazing incident.

Superintendent George Weber says the incident took place as the team was on its way back from a game in Maple Lake.  The student felt he was touched in an inappropriate way, although it was not sexual.

While the three are back in school today, they will not be able to play any basketball games for two weeks.

School officials have been talking to students about inappropriate behavior and avoiding animosity.

Salvation Army Scores Big

With the generous help of churches, schools, businesses, media and individuals, the Salvation Army was able to serve 658 households, 2047 individuals and 947 children with food baskets, Angel Tree & Adopt-A-Family gifts this past Christmas Season.  A huge "Thank You"  goes out for the support from all from Jeff & Cindy Strickler, Corps Officers in Brainerd. 

Wecome to the Coldest Time of the Year

We are now into the coldest part of the year, according to KLKS Meteorologist Tony Schumacher.  He says average temperatures should begin to warm in a week or so.  He also says we are adding about a minute and a half of sunshine a day.  By February that will increase to two and minutes a day.

Schumacher says there is a connection between the Australian flooding and the frequent little snow events we are having.  They are both caused by the La Nina ocean pattern.

Klobuchar Will Remain in Public

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar says she will not change her public schedule in the wake of the Tucson shooting.  She tells KLKS news, the threats come with the job.

The DFL Senator says people can remain passionate about their political views with out attacking others personally.  She says she is comfortable leaving security decisions to law enforcement.

Klobuchar just finished a swing through the Brainerd Lakes Area promoting job growth and tourism.

Special Youth Turkey Hunt

The Minnesota DNR is encouraging young people to get involved with turkey hunting.  Youth Mentoring Coordinator Mike Kurre says there is a special hunt coming up in mid April.  He tells KLKS News, there are plenty of gobblers to go around.

Kurre says the youth mentored hunt is for kids 12 to 17 years of age.  Permits can be acquired through February 14th.

Tuesday Night High School Scores

Boys Basketball:
Bertha-Hewitt 65, Pillager 53
Bigfork 71, Northland 58
Braham 78, Aitkin 38
Browerville 66, Verndale 45
Cass Lake-Bena 54, Pine River-Backus 38
Detroit Lakes 75, Staples-Motley 44
Henning 60, Menahga 56
Lakes of the Woods 86, Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig 32
Little Falls 64, Rocori 59
McGregor 56, Cromwell 43
Melrose 75, Milaca 51
Nevis 81, Red Lake 60
Pequot Lakes 64, Crosby-Ironton 53
St. Cloud Apollo 74, Brainerd 48
Upsala 66, Kimball 47
Wadena-Deer Creek 59, Park Rapids 40

Girls Basketball:
Aitkin 57, East Central 56
Bertha-Hewitt 51, Battle Lake 48
Crosby-Ironton 65, Wadena-Deer Creek 54
Nevis 69, Menahga 63
Northland 90, Blackduck 40
Pierz 59, Maple Lake 46
Pine River-Backus 60, Cass Lake-Bena 12
Royalton 50, Browerville 46
Staples-Motley 69, Pillager 53
Thief River Falls 73, Park Rapids 37
Upsala 70, St. John's Prep 31
Walker-Hackensack-Akeley 51, Clearbrook-Gonvick 34
Willmar 73, Brainerd 46

Boys Hockey:
Little Falls 3, Brainerd/Pierez/Pillager 2

Girls Hockey:
Brainerd/Little Falls 4, Fergus Falls 0
Park Rapids 8, LPGE/WDC 0

Wrestling:
Eden Valley-Watkins 46, Royalton 18
Little Falls 44, Willmar 30
Pequot Lakes/Pine River-Backus 43, Blackduck/Cass Lake Bena/Indus 30

PL Student Accused of Arson

An 18-year-old Pequot Lakes High School student is charged with first degree arson at the school last Friday.

John Adam Kastner is accused of starting a fire with toilet paper in the boys room around 9:30 a.m.  He was arraigned in Crow Wing County Court Monday.

Smoke set off the fire alarms and sprinklers, sending water into the halls and students into the cold morning air. 

Students were allowed back in after a short stay outside. 

Kastner was expected to graduate in the spring.  The charges are likely to delay that.

Klobuchar Promotes Job Creation

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar is in the midst of an "Inovation Tour" to highlight the potential of economic innovation for job creation.

The senior Senator from Minnesota has stops in Aitkin, Brainerd. Little Falls, Long Prairie and Park Rapids today.

She says young people who want to live in Northern Minnesota should be able to do so.

Senator Klobuchar tells KLKS News, it is important to that college degrees match job skills that are in demand.  She hopes to strengthen tourism and and cut red tape.

Morning Accidents on Hwy 371

A rash of accidents occurred about 8 a.m. this morning on Highway 371 between Nisswa and Jenkins.

State Patrol Sergent Curt Mowers says there were light snow showers at the time.  He says conditions changed resulting in multi vehicle accidents, roll-overs and injury accidents. 

Sergent Mowers says, when the conditions change, motorists must slow down to navigate the roads safely. 

Monday Night High School Scores

Boys Basketball:
Isle 73, Royalton 53

Girls Basketball:
Little Falls 52, Detroit Lakes 45
McGregor 47, Cromwell 38
Pequot Lakes 62, Pine River-Backus 54
Staples-Motley 62, West Central 48
Upsala 81, Long Prairie-Grey Eagle 48

Klobuchar Takes Jobs Tour to the Lakes Area

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar will not let the shooting of an Arizona Congresswoman keep her from visiting 14 Minnesota communities this week.  The “Innovation Tour” is highlighting potential of economic innovation for job creation.

“Innovation has always been key to Minnesota ’s economic success,” said Klobuchar. The senior Senator says the visits will be at businesses that create jobs, schools that educate the next generation of entrepreneurs and workers, and with local officials who want to promote economic development in their communities.
On Tuesday Klobuchar will visit Rippleside Elementary School in Aitkin, Long Prairie High School; meet with local officials in Brainerd and Park Rapids; and make additional stops in Backus and Little Falls.

DNR Toughens Up Against Invasives

(AP)  The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources feels it has a plan to slow the spread of invasive species. 

Minnesota lakes have been beleaguered by zebra mussels, fish killing-VHS virus, jumping Asian carp and others.

The plan includes additional conservation officers to inspect boats and other vehicles, increased fines for violations and increased education. 

The plan will be presented to the legislature on Friday.