Friday, February 1, 2002
Consumer advocate rates Saturn L, Mercury Villager, Nissan Quest highest
WASHINGTON -- Looking to buy a new car this year? The Saturn L scores best among family sized cars in eight categories, including safety features and crash tests, according to a veteran consumer advocate.
Maxima (oops! Altima) has the power
BASE PRICE: $16,349 for base Altima with manual transmission; $17,149 for base Altima with automatic; $17,999 for Altima S with manual transmission.
The 2002 Porsche Boxster S: Third generation thrills
It came in a brilliant color, which made it stand out on a gray winter day. It came with a black cloth convertible top, which rendered it inappropriate, at least in perception, in a climate of below-freezing wind-chill factors.
Audi reoffers its price leader
Audi has redone its price leader, the A4, for 2002 and made it available with an automatic transmission that passengers might enjoy more than drivers.
Church of England struggles with decline
LONDON (AP) -- When Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey retires on Oct. 31, he will step down with a decidedly mixed record, say critics on both the left and right.
Churches
Julia Sopalski, comparative religion professor at Central Lakes College, will facilitate a presentation abo
Busy with business of burial
BEHESHT-E-ZAHRA, Iran (AP) -- After his first day working at his traditional profession, Safar Azadinejad had nightmares and lost his appetite.
Pope John Paul's anti-divorce appeal to attorneys won't change legal profession, analysts contend
Pope John Paul II is talking tough on divorce, urging lawyers and judges to oppose it and calling the end of marriage a "festering wound" that is devastating society.
Area faith communities to have input on improving services for children in crisis
An all-day planning meeting Tuesday will have at its heart the development of a blueprint to improve Crow Wing County's response system for children in crisis.
Fetuses may qualify for government aid
WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration declared Thursday that a developing fetus should be eligible for government-funded health insurance for low-income children, marking the first time that any federal program has attempted to define childhood as beginning before birth.
Reports: Church settled at least six suits
BOSTON (AP) -- The Archdiocese of Boston settled at least six sexual-abuse cases against a priest accused of raping teen-age boys, but allowed him to stay on in an administrative post until three years ago, according to published reports.
What has your faith cost you?
I have been reading a book titled "Jesus Freaks," stories of those who stood for Jesus, the ultimate Jesus Freaks.
School uniforms help teach kids about standards
QUESTION: How do you feel about children wearing uniforms to school? How about schools having other dress codes and clothing requirements?
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Thursday cattle: 500.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Wednesday cattle: 400.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Thursday 159, a year ago 109.
Strive to eat sensibly -- for life
As I plan my weekly menus counting calories, fat grams and fiber, I am replacing my old eating habits with nutritious, good-tasting recipes.
Make lighter, quicker version of Fettuccine Alfredo
Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic. However, producing a classic doesn't necessarily entail long hours in the kitchen and a ton of rich ingredients. That's the case with this version.
Easy dishes are great for chilly days
It is a truth universally acknowledged that with hungry people to feed and a cold wind blowing out there, you can never have too much comfort food ready to dish out.
Correction/clarification
The Dispatch incorrectly identified one of the participants in a story on a Crow Wing Cloggers class in Sunday's People Plus section. Newcomer Peggy Jensen's daughter is named Emily.
Schwarzrock finally gets a break
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (AP) -- Brent Schwarzrock was due a day like this.
Defense chief warns of threats far deadlier than Sept. 11 attacks
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said Thursday the United States must prepare now for potential surprise attacks "vastly more deadly" than the Sept. 11 terrorist hijackings.
What next?
WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration is trying to figure out how to deal with Iraq, the most dangerous of the three nations that President Bush singled out as part of an "axis of evil."
Bush reiterates tough stance on war
ATLANTA -- Facing criticism over his warning that an "axis of evil" threatens world peace, President Bush said Thursday that nations other than the United States could be targets of mass terror. And he put terrorist nations on notice, saying, "They better get their house in order."
Bush budget affects school programs
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A half-dozen federal grants to Minnesota schools worth more than $3 million are in jeopardy because of a proposal by the Bush administration to divert money to pay for a deficit in the Pell Grant student loan program.
Government approves $1.4 billion railroad line to get Wyoming coal to East, Midwest
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Federal regulators on Wednesday approved the largest railroad construction project in modern history, a 900-mile, $1.4 billion line to help get Wyoming coal to power-generation plants in the East and Midwest.
Democrats, Republicans on same page regarding budget
Happenings at the Minnesota Capitol:
Ventura proposes nearly $17 million in four-year anti-terrorism plan
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Gov. Jesse Ventura revealed an anti-terrorism spending package Thursday that is far leaner than plans proposed by Senate Democrats and House Republicans.
Fed leaves interest rates unchanged
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Most analysts believe the country will not need further interest rate reductions since the economy's vital signs are improving, but the Federal Reserve is leaving open the possibility.
President Bush, responding to growing Enron controversy, readies pension overhaul plans
WASHINGTON -- President Bush will ask Congress to revamp pension laws to give workers greater flexibility to diversify their company savings accounts, a response to the Enron Corp. bankruptcy that cost workers their life's savings and created a political problem for the White House.
Reno released from hospital after fainting spell during speech
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) -- Former Attorney General Janet Reno left a hospital Thursday morning about 12 hours after fainting during a speech.
Bush says he will pursue any clue to rescue Wall Street Journal reporter
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) -- President Bush vowed Friday to pursue any clue that could lead to the rescue of kidnapped reporter Daniel Pearl, a day after a deadline for killing the journalist was extended.
As Bush calls Americans to service, Minnesota's volunteer office closes
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Just two days after President Bush called for more voluntarism by Americans, the Minnesota state office that helps train volunteers for community service opened for its last day Thursday.
Senate majority leader may support casino bill
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe long has been the Legislature's staunchest supporter of the monopoly Minnesota's American Indian tribes have on casinos here.
Design K-3 is easy to keep clean
Design K-3 is a seriously pretty house. It is also a seriously big house, even by today's standards. With a finished basement, Design K-3 will be several times the size of a typical tract home of the 1950s.
Here's a reason to stay in bed
Cold weather offers challenges that, with a little creativity, can be interpreted as opportunities to splurge on luxe fabrics that provide warmth.
Housing briefs
Beverly Fussy, broker with Shores & More Realty Inc., gained the top producer award, which is based on closed transactions and is awarded to the agent with the highest production.
Are you ready to garden? Plant seeds of commitment first
Mike Gettler knows a thing or two about tomatoes.
Designer has doctrine of simplicity at any cost
Just because she caters to clients in high places with bank accounts to match doesn't mean you can't pick up a few down-to-earth decorating tips from Los Angeles tastemaker Rose Tarlow.
Apartments being built in Baxter will offer lakes area renters another option
Fawn Terrace Apartments is a three-story building with eight units on each floor on Greenwood Road in Baxter.
Sting advice
Got a nest of insects with stingers near your home? Destroy it by using a spray made for hives that shoots a stream about 20 feet.
Leaking water from toilet is a concern
Q. Gary asks: Why is water seeping around the bottom of the water closet and how do we remedy it?
DAV to host national commander
National Commander R. Louie Spinelli will be the keynote speaker of the Military Order of Purple Heart's Chapter 194 Founder's Day Dinner at Brainerd VFW Post 1647.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1982)-Brainerd High School was named the 1982 Section Eight Debate Champion and will advance to the Minnesota State Debate Tournament in Anoka Friday and Saturday. Senior John Boberg and Junior Andrea Cummings were undefeated in seven rounds of debate.
Drawing dragons
Riverside School fourth-graders Mike Monda (left), Samantha Kletscher, Tyler Tretter, Erin Sweet and Katie Nelson drew paper dragons Thursday in celebration of the Chinese New Year Feb. 21.
Going Hawaiian
St. Francis second-grader Kevin Gohman celebrated after answering a question correctly in the school's religion bee Friday. Class winners were questioned on different aspects of Catholic religion as part of Catholic Schools Week.
Utility rate hike hearing held
A public hearing before the Brainerd Public Utilities Commission to discuss the recent utility rate increases received little attention Tuesday.
4 arrested in area meth lab busts
STAPLES -- Four people were arrested and three methamphetamine labs were shut down in separate raids last week in Todd and Morrison counties.
Local briefs
Activity night for Title One students and parents will be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday in the Brainerd High School cafeteria.
What about Franklin?
What will happen to the Franklin Junior High building if voters in the Brainerd School District pass a $59.9 million building bond?
As new phone books arrive, recycle the old ones
New phone books are arriving on area doorsteps and opportunities exist to recycle the old ones before they end up in the landfill.
'She's still very critical. It's very touch and go.' -- Dr. Jill Ibrahim, attending physician
NISSWA -- Annabelle Loschko, the 4-1/2-month-old daughter of Mark and Ellie Loschko of Nisswa, remains in critical condition today at St. Louis Children's Hospital.
Jumping for a cause
Alanna Hansen, a Nisswa elementary third-grader, jumped rope in honor of Annabelle Loschko Thursday at her school's Jump Rope For Heart fund-raiser for the American Heart Association. The school raised $4,200.
YMCA staffers shaken by boy's death
Less than 24 hours after the death of 5-year-old Devin Turner in the Brainerd Family YMCA swimming pool, staffers and club members returned to the center, many still upset over Devin's death.
Suspect accused of putting gun to man's head, firing
LITTLE FALLS -- A 44-year-old Little Falls man has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting another man in the head during a fight Tuesday.
Fitness Frenzy will help you get in shape
How are those New Year's resolutions coming along? Lost any weight yet?
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1982)-Brainerd High School took first place for the 17th time in 18 years in their sub-regional one-act play, Double A Region. The play, entitled "The Elephant Calf," will now be moved to regional competition in Park Rapids.
Local briefs
STAPLES -- The Region 5 Board will meet 9 a.m. Feb. 14 at the Region 5 office in Staples.
Dance team competes in Wayzata invitational
The Brainerd Warrior Dance Team, "The Kixters," competed in an invitational competition Saturday at Wayzata High School.
Absentee ballots can be used in school building bond referendum
Voters who are unable to vote at the polls for the Brainerd School District's $59.9 million building bond may do so with an absentee ballot.
Former School of Americas celebrates year of changing focus
FORT BENNING, Ga. (AP) -- The controversial Fort Benning academy formerly known as the School of the Americas celebrated a year of changing focus this week.
States, cities getting federal funds to prepare for bioterrorist attack
WASHINGTON -- States and cities are getting more than $1 billion in federal money to help their health officials prepare for bioterrorism, as well as less exotic epidemics or disasters.
Manufacturing activity improves
NEW YORK (AP) -- An important gauge of manufacturing activity ticked higher in January, suggesting that the battered sector is poised to emerge from its 1 1/2 year slump, an industry group reported Friday.
Family of teen who crashed plane given copy of note, doubt suicide theory
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Relatives of a 15-year-old who crashed a stolen plane into a skyscraper earlier this month said a note found in the wreckage suggests to them that he did not want to kill himself.
Air safety screening raises concerns
Federal aviation authorities and technology companies will soon begin testing a vast air security screening system designed to instantly pull together every passenger's travel history, living arrangements and a wealth of other personal and demographic information.
Business, political leaders gather in NYC for economic forum amid planned protests, tight security
NEW YORK (AP) -- Hundreds of police officers braced for street protests Thursday as some of the world's most prominent business and political leaders convened in a posh Manhattan hotel to discuss the planet's biggest problems.
Administration unveils tax-credit plan for health insurance
WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration unveiled a plan Wednesday that relies largely on tax credits to help low-income Americans buy health insurance. The proposal set the stage for another partisan battle on Capitol Hill and renewed doubts that the growing number of Americans without health care would get any government help this year.
Wisconsin college student found dead after giving birth
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (AP) -- She was an honor student, an athlete and a musician who dreamed of being a pharmacist some day.
United Airlines parent company loses $308 million from October to December
CHICAGO (AP) -- United Airlines' parent company reported Friday that it lost $308 million from October through December, capping a calamitous year in which it lost $2.1 billion -- a record for any airline.
Nasty winter storm system settles in over Plains, Midwest
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Commuters battled ice-glazed roads and heavy snow early Thursday after the year's first real blast of winter weather swept across the Plains and Great Lakes. At least 14 deaths have been blamed on the slick roads and freezing temperatures.
Amtrak threatens to end long-distance train service unless Congress gives more money
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Amtrak on Friday threatened to discontinue all long- distance train service in October if Congress doesn't give it $1.2 billion in the next budget year.
Airport evacuated for about two hours after residue found on shoes
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- The Federal Aviation Administration is looking into how an unidentified man walked away from a security checkpoint at San Francisco International Airport after explosives residue on his shoes triggered a screening machine's alarm.
Wintry blast of snow and ice knocks out power to thousands in Midwest
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The biggest storm of the winter season loped toward New England early Friday after leaving behind a blanket of snow and ice from Texas to New York.
Enron chairman Kenneth Lay gave list of favored names to White House; Bush named two as energy regulators
WASHINGTON -- A few months after the White House got a list of recommended candidates from former Enron Chairman Kenneth Lay, a friend and backer of President Bush, two of them were appointed to a federal energy commission.
U.S. unemployment rate drops
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The nation's unemployment rate unexpectedly dropped to 5.6 percent in January as businesses slowed their job cuts to the lowest level since before the terrorist attacks.
Report: Al-Qaida had eye on sensitive facilities
WASHINGTON -- A confidential intelligence report issued Thursday indicates that Osama bin Laden's operatives displayed a keen interest in exploiting vulnerabilities in security at sensitive U.S. facilities, and FBI Director Robert S. Mueller said he believes that al-Qaida-trained agents are still at large today in the United States.
Two sentenced for helping Sept. 11 hijackers get fake IDs
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) -- Two men who admitted helping Sept. 11 hijackers obtain false identification cards were sentenced Friday in federal court.
Crude nuclear weapons diagrams found in Afghanistan, but al-Qaida has been fooled by scams, analyst says
WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. officials uncovered rudimentary diagrams of nuclear weapons in a suspected al-Qaida safehouse in Kabul, a U.S. intelligence report says.
Consumer spending dips; incomes rise solidly
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Consumers, the lifeblood of the economy, trimmed their spending in December as free-financing offers for cars and other incentives began to wane. Incomes rose solidly.
National sports briefs
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- Dick "Night Train" Lane hounded wide receivers with his ferocious tackles and quarterbacks with his interceptions.
Past Super Bowl quarterbacks endorse Pats' Brady decision
NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Tom Brady admits the ankle is sore.
Iverson powers Philly to victory
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Allen Iverson and Larry Brown seem to agree a lot more often these days.
Super choice New England picks Brady over Bledsoe
NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick wanted to make sure Tom Brady is healthy.
NHL All-Star game is no place for goalies
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Being a goaltender selected to play in the NHL All-Star game might be among the most thankless honors in professional sports.
SUPER BOWL GAMBLING
We all know what Sunday is. It's the second-biggest potato chip day of the year, behind only the Fourth of July. It's Super Bowl Sunday.
Warner, Bruce among God-fearing Rams
NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Kurt Warner often totes a Bible instead of a playbook when he takes the podium after games.
NCAA slaps Kentucky with sanctions
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky's football team was banned from a bowl game next season and forced to slash scholarships for the next three years in a case the NCAA called one of the most serious it has seen in years.
Reinhold L. Lind
MINNEAPOLIS -- Reinhold Lewis Lind, 75, Minneapolis, formerly of Garrison, died Monday, Jan. 28, 2002, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.
Lawrence J. Dill
Lawrence James Dill, 73, Brainerd, died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2002, in Fargo, N.D.
Donald E. Nyberg
Donald E. Nyberg, 64, Brainerd, died Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2002, at Fairview University Medical Center in Minneapolis.
Sylvester Z. Czech
SOBIESKI -- Sylvester Z. Czech, 80, Sobieski, died Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2002, at the St. Cloud Veterans Home.
Frances Larsen
LITTLE FALLS -- Frances Larsen, 88, Little Falls, died Thursday, Jan. 31, 2002, at St. Mary's Villa in Pierz.
Raymond Colbeth
MOTLEY -- Raymond Colbeth, 75, Motley, died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2002, at the Greater Staples Care Center.
Devin James Turner
BAXTER -- Devin James Turner, 5, Baxter, died Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2002, in Brainerd.
Virgie (Walz) Andersen
LITTLE FALLS -- Virgie (Walz) Andersen, 70, Little Falls, formerly of Pierz, died today, Jan. 31, 2002, at home.
Donald Nyberg
Donald Nyberg, 64, Brainerd, died Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2002, at Fairview University Medical Center in Minneapolis.
Hugh S. McShane
Hugh S. McShane, 74, Brainerd, died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2002, at St. Joseph's Medical Center.
Devin J. Turner
BAXTER -- Devin J. Turner, 5, Baxter, died Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2002, in Brainerd.
Patricia D. Christensen
AITKIN -- Patricia D. Christensen, 65, Aitkin, died Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2002, at her home.
Helen Czech
ELMDALE -- Helen Czech, 92, Elmdale, died Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2002, at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls.
Reinhold L. Lind
GARRISON -- Reinhold Lewis Lind, 75, Garrison, died Monday, Jan. 28, 2002, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.
Evelyn P. Gustafson
LITTLE FALLS -- Evelyn Pearl Gustafson, 89, Little Falls, formerly of Motley, died Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2002, at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls.
Virgie Lou (Walz) Andersen
LITTLE FALLS -- Virgie Lou (Walz) Andersen, 70, Little Falls, died Thursday, Jan. 31, 2002, at her home.
Viola L. Scott
Viola Lorraine Scott, 91, formerly of Crosslake, died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2002, at her daughter's home in Brainerd.
Sophie Elizabeth Barber
MOTLEY -- Sophie Elizabeth Barber, 80, Motley, died Thursday, Jan. 31, 2002, at the Greater Staples Health Care Center in Staples.
Richard H. Thomas
HINCKLEY -- Richard H. Thomas (Nay tah wash), 80, Hinckley, died Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2002, at Elim Nursing Home in Milaca.
City pay raises were too big
I think that all of our citizens agree that wages and benefits paid to Brainerd city employees are very fair, reasonable and even generous. I also believe that most city employees feel the same way.
Worry No. 1
WASHINGTON -- He may have done too well for his own good.
Vox Pop
Vox Pop, voice of the people, publishes Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. To call
An exclusive with Phil
One of the perks of working at a daily newspaper is interviewing celebrities.
News council can help readers
The Minnesota News Council is an independent organization that examines citizens' complaints alleging inaccuracy, unfairness or unethical conduct by the media.
Open Forum
The citizen meetings the past few weeks have shown that people against District 181 Bond referendum want this postponed until the general election next November. This will give all residents a chance to have a say in what they want for their future schools.
Open Forum
I can only remain quiet so long to the actions of the city council in their granting of excessive wage increases to the city depa
Open Forum guidelines
The Dispatch encourages readers to sound off in the Open Forum.
Spot checks
You know you're in Minnesota when:
Annabelle
Even when prayers are answered, serious challenges persist.
Sled racer Trevor John nabs his first second
CRANDON, Wis., -- Crosslake's Trevor John nabbed his first second-place finish in professional snocross racing this season aboard his Polaris in round four of the World Snowmobile Association's Snocross Worldwide Championship Series at the Crandon International Off-Road Raceway last Sunday.
Minnesota tourism industry looking for a big turnaround
DULUTH (AP) -- The state's tourism industry is hurting after its worst six-month period in decades, so top tourism promoters are fighting back.
Avon man killed in industrial accident
AVON, Minn. (AP) -- An Avon man died Friday of injuries he suffered in a workplace accident.
Fingerhut hearings held at Capitol
ST. PAUL -- Fingerhut Cos. hasn't closed its doors yet, but politicians already were scampering on the second day of the 2002 session to help workers who may be laid off at the catalog retailer.
State enjoys record warmth
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Until frigid temperatures finally arrived last week, Minnesotans were downright spoiled.
Train derails near Kasson
KASSON (AP) -- Twenty-one cars of a 62-car Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad freight train derailed in southeastern Minnesota early Friday, but there were no injuries and no spill of any hazardous materials, the railroad said.
Scoreboard
BOYS BASKETBALL
Scoreboard
BOYS BASKETBALL
Willmar topples Brainerd
WILLMAR -- The Brainerd Warriors boys' basketball team lost to the Willmar Cardinals 66-54 in Central Lakes Conference action Thursday.
CLC men excel in the clutch
It's a little early to classify a game as a must win.
Warrior girls enjoy 6-0 triumph
For five Brainerd Warrior seniors, their 6-0 Central Lakes Conference girls' hockey victory over the Sartell Sabres Thursday may have been the most emotional.
Local sports shorts
The Brainerd Warriors junior varsity girls' hockey team defeated Alexandria 3-0 Tuesday.
Flyer boys defeat Rocori 48-43
COLD SPRING -- The Little Falls Flyers boys' basketball team picked up its 10th win of the season with a 48-43 victory over the Rocori Spartans in a Central Lakes Conference action Thursday.
Kennedy diving for state title
Some day, Shaun Kennedy hopes to be soaring through the air as the pilot of an aircraft.
Brainerd swims past Sartell
SARTELL -- The Brainerd Warriors improved to 7-2 overall with a 106-80 dual meet swimming and diving victory over the Sartell Sabres Thursday.
Raider women jump out to early lead and coast to 76-64 triumph over Itasca
It was a game of role reversals for the Central Lakes College Raiders women's basketball team Wednesday night.
Warrior JV girls hockey wins
The Brainerd Warriors junior varsity girls' hockey team beat Sartell 3-0 Thursday.
Luberts' 100th career win helps Pierz clinch wrestling title
PIERZ -- Craig Luberts earned his 100th career victory and helped Pierz thrash Big Lake 57-9 in Central Minnesota Conference wrestling Thursday, clinching the CMC title.
Nelson's hat trick leads floor hockey team
HASTINGS -- Chris Nelson netted a hat trick to lead the Brainerd Warriors adapted floor hockey team past Dakota United 4-2 Thursday.
Klang leads girls to third place
Morgan Klang's sixth-place finish helped the Brainerd Warriors to third place in the girls' division of the Brainerd alpine skiing invitational Thursday at Ski Gull.
BHS boys' nordic skiers successful
With only a smattering of snow in the lakes area, the Brainerd Warriors boys' nordic ski team and the other Central Lakes Conference teams were forced to travel to Deer River in order to conduct the conference meet Thursday.
Warrior wrestlers lose two duals
FERGUS FALLS -- The Brainerd Warriors wrestling team lost to Bemidji 52-11 and Fergus Falls 37-21 Thursday at the Fergus Falls triangular.
Girls win conference
After a two-year hiatus, the Brainerd Warriors girls' nordic ski team recaptured the Central Lakes Conference championship Thursday at Deer River.
PR-B girls defeat Pillager 46-36
PINE RIVER -- The Pine River-Backus Tigers outscored the Pillager Huskies 25-16 in the second half and posted a 46-36 victory in Park Region Conference play girls' basketball Thursday.
Zard skis to first victory
Perseverance rewarded Eric Zard in Thursday's Brainerd Warriors alpine skiing invitational at Ski Gull.
Local sports shorts
Katie Boran took first place in the Central Lakes Conference junior varsity girls' nordic ski meet Thursday with a time of 19.23.
Kings continue winning ways
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The Los Angeles Kings and Minnesota Wild end January on the same path they started on.
Gopher women to play rest of games at Williams Arena
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The nationally-ranked Minnesota women's basketball team will play the rest of its home games this season at Williams Arena because of water damage to the Sports Pavilion floor.
Rickert sparks Gophers' win
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Rick Rickert is emerging at the right time for Minnesota.
Gopher women win in OT
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) -- Lindsay Whalen's two free throws with 4.3 seconds remaining in overtime Thursday night led No. 22 Minnesota to a 79-76 overtime win over Illinois.
Dull is good, when it comes to the television sweeps month
Here is how most "sweeps" work, and why most viewers, if of sound mind and body, dread them like root canal work:
'Our Town,' story of small town America at turn of 20th century, to be staged at CLC
Thornton Wilder's Pulitzer Prize-winning classic "Our Town" opens next week for an eight-performance run at Central Lakes College in Brainerd.
Banjo player also runs recording company to satisfy both sides of her musical personality
PEQUOT LAKES -- Over the past decade, Alison Brown has emerged as the planet's acknowledged virtuoso on the banjo.
Eight Brainerd junior high orchestra students chosen to play with statewide honors orchestra
Several Brainerd junior high school orchestra students have been selected for a statewide honors orchestra sponsored by the Minnesota String Orchestra Teachers Association.
Entertainers for Olympics to include Furtado, Morissette, Goo Goo Dolls
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Nelly Furtado, Alanis Morissette and the Goo Goo Dolls have been added to the list of entertainers for the medals plaza concert series at the Olympic Winter Games.
Twin Cities a cappella quartet to perform in Little Falls
LITTLE FALLS -- The Great River Arts Association's performing arts season resumes Feb. 8 with Four Shadow, a Twin Cities-based a cappella male quartet.
Fox's 'The Chamber' shut down, at least temporarily
NEW YORK (AP) -- Fox's "The Chamber," the game show that quizzes contestants as they are buffeted by wind, water or heat, can't stand the heat itself.
Winter Horse Fest to offer educational seminars, tack, equipment
Addicted to horses? This weekend may provide a quick fix.
Fine Arts Student of the Week
As an eighth-grader, Aana Bendson's skills on the piano caught the attention of the high school orchestra director.
Montgomery Gentry to bring country music to Grand Casino Mille Lacs
ONAMIA -- The area's country music fans will get a taste of honky-tonk's latest rage when Montgomery Gentry appears next month at Grand Casino Mille Lacs.
Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza returns to Gull Lake
Tourism events around Minnesota, as provided by the Minnesota Office of Tourism. Explore Minnesota Now! for lodging specials currently being offered, check out the Web site www.exploreminnesota.com.
Pierz elementary students to perform 'Rumpelstiltskin'
PIERZ -- Pioneer Elementary School fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders will perform the musical play "Rumpelstiltskin" at 9:45 a.m. Feb. 7 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8-9 in the Pioneer Elementary School gym in Pierz.
Casper's students hold recital
Students who take private music lessons with Kate Casper recently participated in a recital at Bethany Good Samaritan Chapel.
Entertainment Guide
Live music
Tempo tidbits
The Second City comedy troupe of Chicago is coming to Bemidji Feb. 9 for an improvisational workshop and public performance.
'Black Hawk Down' posts second straight box-office victory
LOS ANGELES -- Movie-goers remain on combat alert. The frenzied military thriller "Black Hawk Down" held the top spot at the box office for a second straight weekend, taking in $17 million.
Stephen King brings some life to downtrodden ABC
NEW YORK (AP) -- Stephen King's latest miniseries, "Rose Red," has breathed some life into the wheezing ABC network.
Little Falls one-act play takes first place
LITTLE FALLS -- The Little Falls Community High School one-act play, "Morning Glory," took first place at the North 8AA Sub-Section One Act Play Contest, held Saturday in Detroit Lakes.
Minnesota state forecast
Today...Partly to mostly sunny. Highs in the teens north to middle 20s southeast.
Big flakes
Weather drawing by Brett Moser of Jan Wilcox's kindergarten class at Lowell school.
The Weather Elsewhere
Friday
State forecast for north dakota
Today...Patchy morning fog central. Mostly cloudy west and central...With flurries northwest and north central. Partly cloudy east. Highs 10 above northeast to the lower 30s southwest.
State forecast for south dakota
Today...Partly to mostly sunny. Highs in the 20s east to 30s west.
Man in the moon
Weather drawing by Luke Surma of Mrs. Brenny's third grade class at Baxter school.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Scattered light snow or flurries ending east by noon. Otherwise partly or mostly cloudy. Highs in the 20s to lower 30s.
Iowa state forecast
Today...Mostly sunny. Highs mainly in the 20s.
What's doing
A beginner's class is scheduled for 4 p.m. Tuesday at Washington Middle School. The class is sponsored by the Crow Wing Cloggers.
Names and faces
The author recently stated that he had five more books to write and then, "That's it. I'm done."
Senior activities
LAKES AREA SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER
Teen feels alone after miscarriage
DEAR ABBY: You help so many people. Please help me. I am a 14-year-old girl who has been through a lot this past year. Just a little over a month ago, I had a miscarriage. It was really sad, because I wanted my baby really bad. The father -- I'll call him Bob -- didn't want anything to do with it because he claimed it wasn't his. I was very hurt by his reaction because I was so happy about the baby.
Wife's obesity puts strain on marriage
DEAR ABBY: Your response to "Frustrated Wife," who had gained more than 100 pounds and whose husband had moved to another bedroom, was way out of line. If that man really loved his wife, he would urge her to go to counseling with him, and go with her to a diet clinic where he could learn to support her needs while overcoming her eating problem, if that is, indeed, what she has.
Three for the kitchen
Dear Friends: Here are three good hits from Bea D. of Garland, Texas:
Disabled vet who won Oscars playing disabled vet dies
Harold Russell, a disabled World War II veteran who won two Oscars for his role in "The Best Years of Our Lives" before becoming an advocate for the rights of the disabled, has died. He was 88.
What's doing
Chapter DV, P.E.O. will meet at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the home of Sharon Carlson with Katherine Herold and Ruth Hitz assisting for a salad luncheon. Members are asked to bring a salad of their choice. Program: Martha Prusak.
School lunch menus
BRAINERD/PILLAGER
Most of blood donated after Sept. 11 discarded
After the terrorist attacks, blood banks discarded supplies at nearly five times the usual rate and gave such mixed messages about the need for blood that donations since have plummeted, an industry report says.
Names and faces
NEW YORK (AP) -- What's the 411 on Mary J. Blige? The queen of hip-hop soul is getting married.
Freeze-dry Fido
FORT LOUDON, Pa. -- In the back corner of Mac's Taxidermy shop, Christine Pinkowicz-Craig's pet pug, Pogo, sits frozen inside a machine that looks like a refrigerator.
Sharon says Israel should have killed Arafat 20 years ago
JERUSALEM (AP) -- Israel should have killed Yasser Arafat 20 years ago, while he was under Israeli siege in Beirut, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said in an interview published Thursday.
New threat to kill kidnapped Wall Street Journal reporter issued
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) -- The Wall Street Journal appealed Thursday to the kidnappers of journalist Daniel Pearl to spare his life after an e-mail purportedly sent by the abductors threatened to kill him within 24 hours.
Factional fighting erupts in eastern Afghanistan, killing at least 43
GARDEZ, Afghanistan -- Heavy explosions, mortar and machine gun fire rocked an eastern Afghan town Thursday in the worst factional fighting since the new government took power five weeks ago. At least 43 people were killed and dozens wounded, officials said.
Uneasy calm in Afghan town where fighting had raged; 61 dead
GARDEZ, Afghanistan (AP) -- After a two-day battle that combatants said killed at least 61 people, an uneasy calm returned Friday to the capital of an eastern Afghan province where rival warlords are trying to exert control.
U.S. special forces reduced but al-Qaida hunt remains priority
MAZAR-E-SHARIF, Afghanistan (AP) -- U.S. special forces have scaled back their presence in northern Afghanistan, but military investigators are still "pursuing leads" on key Taliban figures or those linked to Osama bin Laden's terrorist network, a U.S. commander said Friday.
Arab network cuts ties with CNN over bin Laden interview
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- An influential Arab satellite station that chose not to air its own interview with Osama bin Laden cut ties with CNN because the cable network broadcast excerpts, in which bin Laden said that killing innocent civilians "is permissible in Islamic law."