Chamber says Air Service will Continue

The Brainerd Lakes Chamber is optimistic airline service will continue at the Brainerd Regional Airport despite the announcement from Delta Airlines that the service to the regional airport would end. 

The Chamber is working with the airport marketing committee to promote existing service and to inform other carriers about the airport services, capabilities and renovations.

In a statement from the Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport commission, "Regardless of Delta Airlines' recent business announcement, daily flights will continue to be offered from the Brainerd to Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport.  There will be no interruption in service for the flying public."

Marketing efforts also are highlighting the extensive renovations under way and the recent runway expansions, which should enhance Brainerd's ability to attract additional service to the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Winston Concert Postponed

The Friday, Aug. 12 benefit concert by Grammy Award-winner George Winston for the Central Lakes College Foundation has been postponed. Winston’s management firm, Dancing Cat, issued this statement regarding the postponement:
“Due to circumstances beyond our control it has become necessary to postpone and reschedule several of George Winston’s upcoming events. We are very sorry for having to send this notice and hope we can work together to find another mutually agreeable date for a future performance.”

Winston, who had performed at CLC each of the last two years for the Cultural Arts Series, was to present a solo concert in Tornstrom Auditorium as a student scholarships fundraiser.

Pam Thomsen, director of resource development and the Foundation, said she will try to reschedule the event. The Foundation is sending a letter to all ticketholders with three options: 1. Request a refund; 2. Convert the purchase to a tax-deductible contribution; and 3. Hold tickets for a future date.

Information may be obtained by calling (218) 855-8135. Watch the Foundation web page http://www.clcmn.edu/foundation/ for updates.

IMPAIRED DRIVERS TARGETED DURING BIG RACE WEEKEND

    State Patrol Lt. David ZumBerge says that area troopers will be patrolling specifically for impaired drivers in conjunction with the NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway. According to Lt. ZumBerge, “We will have extra troopers working the NightCAP (Night time Concentrated Area Patrols) project in the Lakes area specifically near the track in an effort to keep motorists safe during the big race weekend, August 19-21.”

    ZumBerge said, “As in years past, the State Patrol will have our mobile breath testing/ impaired driving vehicle (also known as the Bat Mobile) up here and stationed at the front entrance area of the race track to assist any officers with preliminary portions of the impaired driver arrest process.” ZumBerge also said, “Clearly the motorists traveling in the Brainerd Lakes Area are impacted by the extra enforcement presence, but we are still asking motorists to use caution, slow down and pay special attention while driving through the area, as well as making the decision not to drink and drive.”

    During a similar project in 2010, reports show that area troopers working with officers from area departments worked 203 hours, stopped 290 vehicles including 3 motorcycles. Four persons were taken into custody for impaired driving, 12 seat belt tickets were written, along with 31 speed citations and a host of other equipment and moving violations. Numerous warnings were also written for speeding, seat belt, equipment and other miscellaneous violations. At least one person was charged with failing to move over as required for emergency vehicles.

Water Fatality on Whitefish

The Crow Wing County dive team recovered the body of a 26-year-old St. Louis Park man from Lower Whitefish Lake Sunday. 

Sheriff Todd Dahl says he was part of a group that went swimming off a pontoon boat Saturday late afternoon.  His name is being with held until relatives have been notified.

He jumped into the water but never resurfaced.  His body was located in 92 feet below the surface.

Sheriff Dahl told KLKS News, the group had be consuming alcohol.  However, it is not known if alcohol played a role in the incident.  The Sheriff says alcohol can cause disorientation under water.