Sen Carlson Opposes Early Fish Opener

State Senator John Carlson says he will not support moving up the MN fishing opener from May 12 to May 5th.

The Bemidji Republican tells KLKS News, during the Easter break resort owners have expressed opposition to the idea. 

Carlson says every resort owner he has talked to says they just don't have time to prepare.

The State House has already attached an amendment to to the Game and Fish bill to advance the walleye opener.

Brd 4th Celebration in Doubt

Brainerd Community Action says it is getting more difficult to raise the contributions necessary to fund the Brainerd/Baxter 4th of July celebration.

Coordinator Nancy Cross says donations down considerably with the weakened local economy.

Brainerd Mayor George Bedard first requested the formation of Community Action take over the event in 1987. Cross says every year they have to spend the money before they raise the money.

Another challenge impacting this year’s celebration is that West College Drive will be under construction. With the construction of West College Drive and after reconsidering other parade route options, the Board determined that there is no safe way to have a 4th of July Parade in 2012.

Still, Cross would like to uphold the tradition of Brainerd’s a celebration with entertainment and fireworks. In order for that to happen an additional $15,000 must be raised by May 3.

The rest of the events planned for the week of the 4th of July will continue as usual, including: Little Miss/Mister on June 28th, The Show n’ Shine on June 29th, Race for the Cure and Miss Brainerd/Baxter Scholarship Pageant on June 30th, Arts in the Park on July 1st, Right Friends Picnic on July 2nd and Gospel Night on July 3rd.

Cross says if they cannot raise the additional $15,000 to cover the cost of the fireworks and entertainment by May 3rd, the money that has been raised to date will be placed in a designated fund for a 4th of July celebration for 2013.

Building Activity Picks Up in C.W. Co.

There has been a dramatic increase in building permits in Crow Wing County this year.

Land Services Supervisor Chris Pence says there has been a 100 percent increase in new home permits so far in 2012, 22 compared to 11 in 2011.  The total number of permits has increased from 47 at this time last year to 99 to date this year.

Pence says, "It is encouraging to see the number of new homes being permitted this year.  This sure seems to be a good sign about the economy."

Most of the permits issued are for projects such as remodels, additions or decks.

Walleye Egg Harvest on the Pine River

It's the annual rite of spring, the stripping of walleye eggs in the Pine River as it flows into Whitefish.

Marc Bacigalupi, Area Fisheries Supervisor in Brainerd tells KLKS News, the chain gets a fair share of those eggs and from the fingerlings that are stocked later on.

Bacigalupi says they have a 700 quart harvest quota.  And, he says on-lookers are welcome to visit the site.

Dahl Says Watch Out for Motorcycles

Crow Wing County Sheriff Todd Dahl is asking motorist to please double check before changing lanes.  He says motorcycles are out, and sometime difficult to spot.

Sheriff Dahl motorcycles can become lost in a car's blind spot.  And, motorcyclists are recommended not to stay out of blind spots as much as possible.

Time for Minnesota's Next Season

A few big road projects are on the calendar for the Brainerd Lakes Area this season. 

The Minnesota Department of transportation says $7 million will be spent to construct a roundabout on County Road 18 at Hwy 371.  The project will run from July through November.

MNDot also plans to resurface 16 miles of Highway 371 from Nisswa to Pine River.  The project is set to begin in May and be completed in July at a cost of $3.8 million.  There will be lane closures and a detour in Pine River.

Load Restrictions Lifted Thursday

Spring truck weight restrictions on state highways in Minnesota's north and north-central frost zones, including the Brainerd Lakes Area will end April 12.

Spring load restrictions have now ended in all six Minnesota frost zones.

Ending dates for spring load restrictions are established by monitoring roadway strength as weather conditions change.

CLC Students Recognized

Two students at Central Lakes College have been named to the All-State Community College Academic Team for 2012.

Julie Jo Larson of Brainerd and Jonathan Hammer of Baxter received recognition at a recent ceremony in Eagan co-sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for community colleges.

Larson and Hammer are among 40 students from 25 colleges presented with medallions and certificates for outstanding academic performance and service to the college and community. Award winners are also recognized for their intention to continue toward degrees in higher education.

Wildfire near Nimrod

(AP)  About 1000 acres has burned in Wadena County. 

Officials says a wildfire broke out near Lyons State Forest near Nimrod over the weekend.

Several homes near Nimrod have been evacuated. 

Fire officials says while the fire has been contained, it still burns.  The DNR has brought in fresh crews to deal with the blaze.  Helicopters and airplanes have been used to dump water.

Falling Tree Injures Todd Co Woman

A Todd County woman has been rushed the hospital after a tree fell on her Sunday.

The accident happened about 11:30 a.m. about a mile from State Highway 28 in Birchdale Township.

The unidentified woman received injuries to her chest and shoulder.  She was transported to the Sauk Centre Hospital and then airlifted to the St. Cloud Hospital.