Close-Converse Recognized

Lakes Area, business partners Kevin Close and Rod Converse have been selected as recipients of the 2011 Award in Philanthropy.


The award, now in its seventh year, is sponsored by Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation and seeks to recognize the efforts of an individual, couple or family that has significantly contributed to philanthropy in the region through their personal giving, volunteerism or work as a professional advising their clients about philanthropy.

The men were selected for this year’s honor due in part to the time and talent given to a variety of charitable organizations, as well as their instrumental work in initially creating the Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation.

Cravaack Introduces Bill to Eliminate Federal Sign Brightness Mandate

Congressman Chip Cravaack is pushing a bill which would eliminate the federal mandate that requires states and local municipalities must keep their road and street signs bright enough to meet federal government brightness standards, allowing them to decide when signs are replaced.
The freshman Republican says State and local governments are still struggling under the weight of lower revenues brought on by the recent recession.   He says any mandate from Washington forcing municipalities to unnecessarily replace perfectly adequate street signs hurts their ability to effectively spend scarce taxpayer dollars elsewhere.
The 8th District Congressman says the bill has the support of numerous mayors and council members across the district.

DEED Funds Awarded To Area Cities

It was announced Thursday that the Department of Employment and Economic Development has granted awards to the cities of Little Falls, Deerwood and Motley.  Little Falls will receive $250,000 for a 10-ton road and Motley will receive $700,000 to rehabilitate 16-owner occupied buildings, 5 commercial buildings and 4 rental units.

DEED also awarded the city of Deerwood $175,000 for a loan to be given to Magnum Machine, Inc. for their expansion.  As a result of the planned expansion, 30 new jobs will be created over the next two years. 

The Small Cities Development Program awarded the grants through the Community Development Block Grant Program.

Thiede says, Let 'Em Fish Without a License

Crow Wing County Commissioner Paul Thiede hopes the honor system will be the answer to a tourism issue facing the Brainerd Lakes Area.

The 2nd District Commissioner says he has gotten calls from visitors outside of the state who can't get a fishing license because of the state government shutdown.  He is afraid of cancellations at area resorts.

Thiede is urging the Department of Natural Resources to allow non-licensed anglers to fish, with the promise of purchasing the necessary license once government opens for business again.

Thiede says in this economy we can scarcely afford to discourage those who wish to take part in enjoyment of the resource.

Remer Man Dies In Car Crash

A 22-year old Remer man was killed in a one-car roll over on Highway #6 Tuesday evening.  The Minnesota State Patrol has identified the victim as 22-year old Daniel Richard Chycner of Remer.  According to the State Patrol, Chycner's vehicle left the road and hit a field approach.  Chycner was pronounced dead at the scene.  It's unknown whether alcohol was a factor in the accident.