Friday, February 8, 2002
DVD option sets Saturn LW apart
Mid-size, mainstream station wagons like Saturn's LW are overshadowed these days as newer, sportier wagons grab headlines.
Indian completes comeback with its own V-twin engine Chief
Indian Motorcycle Corp. says it will complete its journey back into the marketplace this year with the introduction of the 2002 Chief, outfitted with the first Indian-designed engine in 45 years.
Soft prices for used cars don't mean deals for everyone
Consumers who raced to take advantage of the auto industry's discount financing and cash incentives for new cars in the last quarter of 2001 flooded the market with late-model used cars, helping create a glut that has sent used-car prices into a dramatic downward slide.
Churches
St. Christopher's, 1 p.m. Thursday at the home of Evelyn St. Onge; St. Isidore's, 11:30 a.m. Thursday at Giardino's Restaurant; St. Joseph's, 2 p.m. Thursday at Sawmill Inn; and St. Michael's, 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the home of Bernice Griggs.
Site seeks to bring people closer to God
Bringing people closer to God is the goal of Gobind Sadan (House of God) Institute for Advanced Studies in Comparative Religions, with headquarters in New Delhi and a U.S. base in Hastings, N.Y.
Renovation of Milwaukee's Catholic cathedral nearly complete, despite dispute
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- A $4 million-plus renovation of the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist is near completion despite objections from some churchgoers, with dedication ceremonies today-Sunday.
Senators win White House compromise on faith-based aid
WASHINGTON -- A coalition of Democratic and Republican senators won White House support Thursday for a compromise version of President Bush's proposal to give religious groups a bigger role -- and more federal aid -- in providing social services.
Clergy view
One of the ancient popular legends of Europe, still told by some guides in the Holy Land at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, is the legend of the "Search for the True Cross." Finding and protecting a piece of the cross that Jesus was crucified upon also became one of the "holy quests" for relics during the crusades.
New Age author Marianne Williamson won't cut church's ties with the Unity faith
WARREN, Mich. (AP) -- A best-selling New Age author and leader of the Church of Today said at Sunday services that her congregation won't be quitting the Association of Unity Churches.
ACLU wants 'Jesus is Lord' signs taken down outside Louisiana town
NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- The American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday demanding the removal of signs outside a southeastern Louisiana town that proclaim: "Jesus is Lord over Franklinton."
On Valentine's Day, be glad there's the Song of Solomon, says scholar
A Valentine's Day thought: Be grateful the Song of Solomon is in the Bible.
Domino's founder wants to build 25-story crucifix
ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) -- Domino's Pizza founder Tom Monaghan wants to build a massive free-standing crucifix at his Domino's Farms office park. At 25 stories, it would be only 51 feet shorter than the torch's tip on the Statue of Liberty.
Books on spiritual response to Sept. 11 sell well
While the number of people flocking to weekly church services may have returned to normal since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, sales of books exploring how to make sense of incomprehensible evil are still strong.
Workshop to help children in crisis draws many from faith community
BAXTER -- More than 100 liaisons from key community groups, including families and the faith community, met Tuesday to combine brainstorming with plans of action to improve mental health crisis response and follow-up for youths.
Clergy view
What exactly is a "missionary?" I grew up hearing about missionaries but rarely saw one. I thought of them as some "super spiritual" Christians that God sent into the world to spread the gospel of Jesus to the "heathen."
Church's 100-year-old pipe organ to be replaced by new electronic instrument
INVER GROVE HEIGHTS (AP) -- For Vern Krech, it's like saying goodbye to an old friend.
Federal judge orders school officials to allow 5-year-old to pray out loud before eating lunch
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. (AP) -- A federal judge has ordered school officials to let a kindergartner say grace out loud before eating lunch.
Scalia questions Catholic platform against death penalty
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Catholic judges who follow their church's teaching that capital punishment is wrong should resign, says Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.
When bedroom curtains open, neighbors get show
DEAR ABBY: A few months ago, new neighbors moved into the house behind ours. The lots in our development are small and the houses are close together. The new people are not friendly. I don't know their names. The man installed sliding glass doors in their ground-level bedroom. He also built a 6-foot-tall privacy wall in front of it.
Don't allow your child's physician to take over your role
QUESTION: Our family physician wants to examine my 13-year-old son without my being in the room. That's OK with me, but I expect him to tell me what my boy says and what his medical condition is. That's where we disagree. He says he must keep their conversation confidential. Am I right to expect to be informed and involved?
Don't forget the fire extinguisher
Dear Heloise: We are reminded to check our smoke alarms and put new batteries in them. Along the same lines, we should check our home fire extinguishers.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Thursday 262, a year ago 291.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Wednesday cattle: 500.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Friday cattle: 850.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Wednesday 105, a year ago 206.
Red raspberries infuse ice cream cake with romance
If you're looking for a Valentine's Day dessert, think red. Then think a little more. Consider a frozen dessert sweet enough to melt a heart -- or hearts, if the cook is generous, and sociable.
Swordfish steaks with flavored butter is simple to prepare
This dinner dish with a stylish air is a breeze to prepare. Sparked with its classic lemon-butter sauce, it will not take more than about 25 minutes to put on the table.
Revise recipes to cut calories and fat grams
I think preparing food is a form of art -- the key ingredient is imagination.
School menus
BRAINERD/PILLAGER
Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Wednesday.
Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Friday.
Fires
The Brainerd Fire Department responded to a mobile home in the Westwood Mobile Home Park on James Street about 8:45 a.m. today.
Woods back on track, trails by 2 strokes
LA JOLLA, Calif. -- Tiger Woods reconstructed his swing after dusting the Masters field in 1997 by 12 strokes, so it's little surprise that he's still picky in his pursuit of perfection. Last week at Pebble Beach, it was time for a new Nike driver. Thursday, along the tree-lined eucalyptus and pines of Southern California, it was time for another one.
Wenzel comments on ethanol industry in Minnesota
LITTLE FALLS -- Steve Wenzel, state director of USDA Rural Development in Minnesota, sees a bright future for the ethanol industry in Minnesota.
Budget plan on the move in Senate
ST. PAUL -- Moving with uncharacteristic speed, a plan to patch a big hole in the state budget is a step away from a vote by the full Senate after gaining the endorsement of the Finance Committee on Wednesday night.
Powell tells Congress there must be regime change in Iraq
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Secretary of State Colin Powell says the United States might have to act alone to bring about a "regime change" in Iraq.
Bill would open access to motor vehicle registration
Happenings at the state Capitol:
Coalition announces road plan that relies on gas-tax hike
ST. PAUL -- An uncommon alliance of business, labor and contractor groups backed a 3.5-cent-per-gallon increase in the gas tax Thursday to spur more road construction.
New rule to bar certain foreigners from buying guns
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Bush administration has adopted a temporary rule barring certain foreign visitors, workers and students from buying guns or ammunition in the United States.
State drug card plan needs funding to pass
ST. PAUL -- A plan aimed at lowering prescription drug prices for lower-income people by 15 percent or more is $5 million away from becoming reality.
Study points to simple blood test for ovarian cancer
A new study suggests that doctors may soon be able to detect ovarian cancer in its earliest stages with a simple blood test, potentially a major advance in combating a disease that kills an estimated 14,000 American women each year.
Indoor recreation options for winter listed
Our cherished dictionary tells us that hibernate is derived from the Latin hibernus, meaning "relating to winter."
It's not too late to tune up your home's heating system
If you haven't yet tuned up your home's heating system, it's not too late.
Kuepers earns ABC award for work on Hunt Technologies building
Kuepers Construction Inc., Baxter, earned an Award of Merit from the Associated Builders and Contractors Minnesota Chapter for work on the Hunt Technologies facility in Pequot Lakes.
Study: 'Non-families' taking over suburbs
In the nation's suburbs, married couples with children now are outnumbered by non-family households, which mainly are young singles and elderly people.
Rethink any ideas for bright, sunny rooms
You already know that you should protect yourself from overexposure to the sun to avoid skin damage or worse.
Study offers options for a friendly, colorful downtown Brainerd
Imagine a downtown neighborhood with a river view, pedestrian friendly walkways and recreational trails.
Storage ideas work in almost any setting
Everyone loves a good storage idea.
Housing brief
NISSWA -- Traci Knutson, a native of the Brainerd lakes area, joined Positive North GMAC Real Estate in Nisswa.
Time to say, 'I love you and yew'
'Tis the season for saying "I love you." Valentine's Day or not, you might also say "I love yew" -- the plant.
Winter cold limits what you can grow
As the saying goes: Everybody talks about the weather, but no one does anything about it.
Independent living
WINNETKA, Ill. (AP) -- Most people with houses put a lot of thought into how their homes look and function, evaluating the layout and convenience of rooms and appliances.
Know ins, outs of wall framing
After more than a decade as a Boy Scout, one of our sons soon will achieve that organization's highest rank -- Eagle Scout.
2 bodies in rubble
LONGVILLE -- Two bodies were discovered Thursday in the remains of a fire-destroyed Woman Lake home near Longville.
Training wheel day
Equipped with training wheels, Rory Anderson pedaled his bike with his mother, Jennifer Anderson, as they walked Wednesday along snow edged Kingwood Street. Temperatures reached the 40s Wednesday in the Brainerd lakes area.
Local briefs
The appearance by Michael Moore scheduled for today at Central Lakes College has been postponed until sometime next fall.
Games open
Opening ceremonies for the Winter Olympics are scheduled tonight in Salt Lake City. Look for details Sunday.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1982)-Watching Coach Mike Morgan's Brainerd High School Warriors roll to their third straight Central Lakes Conference Boys' Basketball triumph here Friday, 66-49 over St. Cloud Apollo makes one wonder how they could have lost to Apollo earlier 75-42.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1982) - Scott Hoffman, Madden's Golf Course superintendent, has achieved the rank of Certified Golf Course Superintendent, an accomplishment shared with less than 10 other superintendents in Minnesota.
Signing day
Kay Weiss and her son, Mike, smiled Wednesday in the Brainerd High School cafeteria seconds before Mike signed a national letter of intent to play football for Division 1-AA Montana State of the Big Sky Conference.
Former Lund Boats executive settles embezzlement lawsuit
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A former Lund Boats executive has agreed to pay more than $13 million to his former employer in what might be the largest embezzlement case ever in Minnesota.
Cass considers site for communications tower
LAKE SHORE -- The Cass County Board voted Tuesday to consider negotiating a county land lease at the former Walker-Hackensack landfill site for a communications tower.
No more delays; ice fishing extravaganza Saturday
In the winter of 1990 Ted Lundberg met Bob Slaybaugh at a snowmobile race. The owner of Lundberg's Sewer Service in Motley asked Slaybaugh whether he needed portable toilets for a charity ice fishing contest he heard the Brainerd Jaycees were organizing.
3 buildings burn at residence
LONGVILLE -- Three separate buildings were in ashes this morning as a Woman Lake home, garage and shed burned to the ground, leaving firefighters wondering whether anyone was home at the time.
Local briefs
Katrina Johnston of Pequot Lakes and Nicole Stafferahn of Crosby were recently elected to serve on Target Market's statewide board to represent Crow Wing County.
Young entrepreneur
Mike Schwarze is one busy guy.
Baker participating in opening ceremonies at Winter Olympics
Dr. Bill Baker of Brainerd, a member of the USA men's hockey team that won the 1980 Olympic gold medal, is scheduled to participate in the opening ceremonies at the Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City tonight.
Pilots group ready to fly mercy missions
A little known non-profit organization is trying to get its name out there -- not only to help people, but to help itself.
10-year-old grazed by bullet fragment after officer's gun fires during school demonstration
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- The gun of an off-duty police officer accidentally went off as she spoke to her child's fourth-grade class, firing a bullet that grazed the cheek of a 10-year-old boy.
Former Enron CEO says he was out of the loop on partnership deals that helped cause collapse
WASHINGTON -- Despite a reputation as a hands-on manager, former Enron Corp. chief executive Jeffrey Skilling insists he knew nothing of the self-dealing and accounting schemes that eventually engulfed the company in scandal and bankruptcy.
Census: After divorce, more people saying 'I do'
WASHINGTON -- Divorce rates are up, but so are second marriages. Divorcees who do remarry usually wait three years before saying "I do" again.
Enron executives responsible for company's collapse, investigator says
WASHINGTON -- Enron's executives, many of whom are refusing to testify, "bear the greatest weight for the collapse" of the energy trading company, the chairman of a House subcommittee investigating Enron's downfall said Thursday.
Federal agents to start detaining, grilling illegal immigrants from Mideast
WASHINGTON -- Federal agents will soon begin apprehending and interrogating thousands of illegal Middle Eastern immigrants who have ignored deportation orders, seeking ways to prosecute any who have ties to terrorism and compiling the results of interviews in a new computer database, according to a Justice Department memo.
Texas fugitives caught after hostage standoff
ARDMORE, Okla. -- Two convicted murderers who broke out of a Texas jail surrendered peacefully early Thursday, hours after seizing a hostage at an Oklahoma gas station. Two other fugitives who escaped with the pair last month were also captured.
Bush: Geneva Convention applies to Taliban; treatment unchanged
WASHINGTON -- President Bush's declaration that the Geneva Convention applies to Taliban prisoners doesn't change anything for the prisoners, but U.S. officials hope it could help protect any American soldiers captured later.
Three Marines killed, five injured in Camp Pendleton training accident
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (AP) -- Three Marines were killed and five injured when the vehicle they were riding in during a training exercise overturned, a U.S. Marine Corps spokesman said.
Passenger who fought crew at cockpit door returns to United States
MIAMI -- A passenger who partially kicked in the cockpit door during a flight to Argentina returned to the United States early Friday in the custody of federal agents.
No motive yet in slaying of two funeral home workers
HUDSON, Wis. (AP) -- The well-liked director of the O'Connell Family Funeral Home and a college intern who dreamed of following in his footsteps were gunned down in an office of the mortuary.
After threat, authorities search Delta jet at Atlanta airport; nothing found
ATLANTA (AP) -- Authorities searched a Delta Air Lines jet at Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport on Friday after a reported bomb threat.
Plan to break up Amtrak heads to Congress
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A congressionally appointed panel said Thursday that Amtrak is irreversibly flawed and should be broken up to give the free market an opportunity to improve the nation's passenger train system.
News good in Cheney health checkup
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Doctors found in a routine check of Vice President Dick Cheney's pacemaker Friday that the device has not yet been needed to correct any irregular heartbeat, a spokeswoman said.
Goodyear's replacement tires are faulty, groups say
CHICAGO -- Consumer safety advocates assailed Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. Wednesday, saying the tire maker's replacement of 200,000 tires suspected of being prone to tread failures falls far short of what is needed to protect motorists.
Former Enron execs take the Fifth
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Two former Enron executives at the heart of a web of partnerships that kept company debt off the books invoked the Fifth Amendment and refused to testify to Congress on Thursday.
Appeals court deals blow to three-strikes law
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- In a serious blow to California's three-strikes law, a federal appeals court has ruled that life in prison for shoplifting is cruel and unusual punishment.
Bank officials trying to figure out how Baltimore trader allegedly pulled off $750 million scam
BALTIMORE -- Executives at Ireland's biggest bank were baffled at how a currency trader at its Baltimore subsidiary allegedly pulled off a $750 million scam by using phony options deals that went undetected for most of last year.
Suit accuses one of largest lenders of defrauding borrowers
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- A community group and two alleged victims of predatory lending filed a lawsuit Wednesday accusing one of the nation's largest lenders of defrauding borrowers.
Maplewood skater to carry U.S. flag
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Speedskater Amy Peterson, who has won three Olympic medals despite chronic fatigue syndrome, will open her fifth Winter Olympics by carrying the U.S. flag into the opening ceremony Friday night.
Longhorns hook top recruits
Second-year coaches at Ohio State, Miami and Virginia gave fans at Notre Dame and Florida something to look forward to.
Robinson likely to become Expos' manager
NEW YORK (AP) -- Now that it's certain the Montreal Expos are going to play this season, they need people to run the team.
Russell E. Scheuneman
AITKIN -- Russell E. Scheuneman, 85, Aitkin, died today, Feb. 8, 2002, at Riverwood Health Care Center in Aitkin.
Ruth M. Boyd
MOTLEY -- Ruth Margaret Boyd, 81, Motley, died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2002, at home.
James F. Bakkila
MERRIFIELD -- James F. Bakkila, 68, Merrifield, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2002, at St. Joseph's Medical Center.
Rollie Schreiner
PIERZ -- Rollie Schreiner, 74, Pierz, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002, at St. Cloud Hospital.
Roland 'Rollie' Schreiner
PIERZ -- Roland "Rollie" Schreiner, 74, Pierz, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002, at St. Cloud Hospital.
Francis 'Tip' Ellingsworth
PINE RIVER -- Francis (Frank) "Tip" Ellingsworth, 77, Pine River, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2002, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Gladys Jensen
AITKIN -- Gladys Jensen, 83, Aitkin, died today, Feb. 8, 2002, at Riverwood Health Care Center in Aitkin.
Evelyn E. Thoms
EMILY -- Evelyn Estella Thoms, 88, Emily, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2002, at Cuyuna Regional Care Center in Crosby.
James F. Bakkila
James F. Bakkila, 68, Brainerd, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2002, at St. Joseph's Medical Center.
Amy Turnquist
WHITE BEAR LAKE -- Amy Turnquist, 99, White Bear Lake, formerly of Randall, died today, Feb. 7, 2002, at White Bear Lake Care Center in White Bear Lake.
Gertrude S. Smith
Gertrude S. Smith, 86, Brainerd, formerly of Long Prairie, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002, at Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Tillie Jukua
MENAHGA -- Tillie Jukua, 87, Menahga, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002, at Green Pine Acres in Menahga.
Lester 'Dean' Shutter
BURTRUM -- Lester "Dean" Shutter, 81, Burtrum, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002, in Owatonna.
Jean Hurd
HACKENSACK -- Jean Hurd, 69, Hackensack, died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2002, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Maynard Miller
RANDALL -- Maynard Miller, 83, Randall, died today, Feb. 7, 2002, at St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls.
Ruth E. Wilmar
Ruth E. Wilmar, 77, Brainerd, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002, at St. Joseph's Medical Center.
Hildagard Norberg
SARTELL -- Hildagard Norberg, 78, Sartell, formerly of Little Falls, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2002, at Country Manor in Sartell.
Warren B. Sirois
Warren B. Sirois, 43, Brainerd, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village.
Ernest L. Musolf
PEQUOT LAKES -- Ernest L. Musolf, 77, Pequot Lakes, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2002, at Viewcrest Health Center in Duluth.
Maynard G. Miller
LITTLE FALLS -- Maynard G. Miller, 83, Little Falls and formerly of Randall, died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2002, at St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls.
Ronald Demarest-Bryan
OUTING -- Ronald Demarest-Bryan, 46, Outing and Maple Grove, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2002, of cancer.
Russell S. Ottoson
PINE RIVER -- Russell S. Ottoson, 64, Pine River, died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2002, at home.
Russell Ottoson
PINE RIVER -- Russell Ottoson, Pine River, died today, Feb. 7, 2002, at home.
Tillie Jukua
MENAHGA -- Tillie Jukua, 87, Menahga, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002, at Green Pine Acres in Menahga.
Harold Bishop
PINE RIVER -- Harold Bishop, 88, Pine River, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002, at home.
Vernon O. Lundeen
AITKIN -- Vernon O. Lundeen, 93, Aitkin, died today, Feb. 8, 2002, at Riverwood Extended Care Center in Aitkin.
Ernie L. Brawley
Ernie L. Brawley, 77, Brainerd, died Sunday, Feb. 3, 2002, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village.
Elena Maki
NISSWA -- Elena Maki, 74, Nisswa, died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2002, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Eugene V. Carver
PIERZ -- Eugene Victor Carver, 70, Pierz, died Monday, Feb. 4, 2002, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Winter Games open with tight security
SALT LAKE CITY -- The 2002 Olympic Winter Games will open Friday at Rice-Eccles Stadium amid predictions of fog and cold, fanfare and flag waving, and, perhaps, a few cautious glances at skies patrolled by military planes.
So safe it's scary in Salt Lake City
SALT LAKE CITY -- Back home, everyone wants to know if it feels safe walking around at the Olympics, if athletes and fans are consumed with dread about a terrorist attack or lunatic bombing or something nobody ever thought could happen.
Look for another miracle tonight
SALT LAKE CITY -- The identity of the final torchbearer is always the best-kept secret of the Olympic Games.
Time to let go and move on
The International Olympic Committee has changed its mind and decided to let U.S. athletes in Salt Lake City march in the opening ceremony carrying the tattered American flag that survived the World Trade Center attack.
The true costs of import tariffs
This editorial appeared in Thursday's Los Angeles Times:
Open Forum
The Feb. 5 Open Forum article "Videotaping schools" was no surprise because we all know what dirty tricks this
Terrorism
This sobering assessment was presented Wednesday to the Senate Intelligence Committee by CIA Director George J. Tenet and Vice Adm. Thomas R. Wilson.
Throw this nomination back to Bush
This editorial appeared in Wednesday's Los Angeles Times:
Open Forum
As an educator of world languages in a high school, I could not help but seize the opportunity to respond to a Brainerd High School student's inquiry as to why we need to study other languages (1/21). I fear that
Vote yes on bond question
Two key elements any community, or business, needs are 1) to build a strong, solid infrastructure and 2) to possess a will
Budget shortfall
Just as many parents get nervous when the kids are uncharacteristically quiet, Minnesotans should be a little uneasy that Democrats and Republicans seem quick to agree on how to solve the state's expected budget shortfall.
Politics could hurt area schools
If the budget cuts proposed by Gov. Jesse Ventura are approved, state gen
Open Forum guidelines
The Dispatch encourages readers to sound off in the Open Forum.
Vox Pop
Vox Pop, voice of the people, publishes Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. To call in a
5 who could thrive in 2002
Michael Waltrip proved last year that when the stars align perfectly, anything can happen.
Crosslake racer making his mark
Brandon Peterson of Crosslake must have made quite an impression on the Central Minnesota Cross Country Racing Association Series at its fourth round on Hill Lake in Hill City last Sunday.
Ventura criticizes House, Senate budget plans
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Here's an overview of the three major proposals for wiping out the state government's projected $1.95 billion deficit.
Former Minneapolis council member sentenced to year in prison
ST. PAUL (AP) -- A federal judge sentenced former Minneapolis City Council member Brian Herron on Wednesday to one year in prison for extorting $10,000 from a grocer who wanted his help avoiding inspection problems.
River guardians cast gaze on plans for St. Cloud stadium
ST. CLOUD (AP) -- Local and state environmentalists are keeping an eye on St. Cloud State University's proposal to build a stadium near the banks of the Mississippi River.
Financial aid for U of M students has kept pace with costs
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- While tuition at the University of Minnesota continues to rise, a report shows that the availability of financial aid to students has kept pace.
Women chalk up win
The heat is officially on the Central Lakes College Raiders women's basketball team as it makes a push toward a berth in next month's state tournament.
Despite miscues, gymnasts prevail
When a team can perform at an average level and still field a score other squads envy, something good is happening.
Flyers believe in miracles Little Falls boys beat Warriors for 2nd time in hockey
Little Falls -- The Little Falls Flyers boys' hockey team pulled off a mini Miracle on Ice Thursday before an electrified crowd at Exchange Arena, withstanding a torrid comeback and defeating the Brainerd Warriors for only the second time in school history.
Ream's hat trick leads Warriors in floor hockey
Hat tricks are becoming a habit for Doug Ream.
Warrior skiers qualify for state
Brainerd Warriors Christina Roberts and Chris Woodard qualified for state following their performances in the Section 8 nordic skiing meet Wednesday at Sugar Hills Resort in Grand Rapids.
Scoreboard
Friday
Signing day Warriors' Weiss signs with Montana State
A year ago Mike Weiss sat in the Brainerd High School cafeteria and watched Trevor McCulloch become the first Brainerd Warrior in more than 40 years to sign a Division I football tender.
Pillager sneaks past PR-B in two overtimes
PILLAGER -- It took two overtimes, but the Pillager Huskies clawed their way past the Pine River-Backus Tigers 63-58 in a Park Region Conference boys' basketball game Thursday.
Andy Pickar wins 100th career match for BHS
cold spring -- Andy Pickar's 100th career victory was not enough to push the Brainerd wrestling team past the Rocori Spartans as the Warriors were defeated 49-16 in their regular season finale Thursday.
Despite shooting problems, Brainerd girls beat Alexandria
The Brainerd Warriors girls' basketball team struggled on the offensive end, but blew away the Alexandria Cardinals 48-28 in Central Lakes Conference action Thursday.
Aitkin wins conference wrestling title
HINCKLEY -- Thanks to a 35-18 victory over Hinckley-Finlayson, the Aitkin Gobblers wrestling team clinched the Great River Conference title Thursday.
Raiders thrive on opportunistic style
The Central Lakes College Raiders men's basketball team abandoned a deliberate style and decided to crank up its intensity in the second half.
Mike and Scott inspire Zard
Michael Hadland was one of Eric Zard's best friends. They were alpine skiers together, dreaming of someday cracking into the Brainerd Warriors lineup.
Scoreboard
BOYS BASKETBALL
Local sports shorts
The Brainerd Warriors junior varsity gymnastics team rolled past Grand Rapids 130.6 to 50.6 Thursday.
C-I girls defeat Deer River
DEER RIVER -- The Crosby-Ironton Rangers defeated the Deer River Warriors 48-35 in non-conference girls' basketball action Thursday.
Viking autograph
Shing Upper School Thursday. The visit was part of the seventh annual Vikings Arctic Blast which runs through Saturday. (Dispatch Photo by Clint Wood)
Capitals capture 2-1 win over Wild
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Washington Capitals are setting small goals for the second half of the season.
Gophers sign 24 players to letters
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesota Coach Glen Mason said Wednesday that 24 players have signed a national letter of intent to play football for the Gophers.
Wally scores 30, leads Wolves past Portland
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Minnesota Timberwolves need to remember what worked for them against Portland.
Gopher women stop Buckeyes
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Janel McCarville had 14 points and 15 rebounds, and Corrin Von Wald scored 17 points to lead No. 18 Minnesota to a 79-64 victory Thursday night over Ohio State.
Twin Cities singer looks forward to house concert
LITTLE FALLS -- The folk singer known simply as Claire relishes the idea of an old-fashioned house concert.
Valentine's Day books: What's your Cupid IQ?
Which gifts say "I'm interested, how about you?" to the object of one's affection?
'Black Hawk Down' wins third box-office crown
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The war thriller "Black Hawk Down" topped the box office for a third straight weekend, taking in $11.1 million.
Entertainment Guide
Live music
Vacationland figure skater places in Duluth competition
Quinn Nystrom, representing Brainerd's Vacationland Figure Skating Club, competed in the annual Northland Figure Skating Competition held Jan. 17-20 in Duluth.
'Big Fat Liar' is a big fat flop
"Big Fat Liar" is a movie about the movie business made by people who think we don't know anything about the movie business.
Explorer Shackleton's Antarctica adventure retold at Science Museum of Minnesota
ST. PAUL -- Sir Ernest Shackleton forever will be remembered as the intrepid explorer who made history -- by failing in his quest to traverse Antarctica on foot.
BHS A Cappella Choir to host Valentine's dinner
The Brainerd High School A Cappella Choir will host a fund-raising Valentine's Sweetheart Dinner on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, at Lakewood Evangelical Free Church in Baxter. Serving time will be 5 to 7:30 p.m.
NBC promises more live Olympics coverage
Remember the 2000 Summer Olympics from Sydney, Australia, and the 1998 Winter Games from Nagano, Japan?
Wallin's photos on display at Brainerd City Hall
James Wallin is displaying his photos at Brainerd City Hall through February.
Mock Trial provokes interest in public affairs for Hendricks
For Elizabeth "Liz" Hendricks, Mock Trial has opened her eyes about the importance of pubic affairs.
Heartland Poets to meet
Heartland Poets, an area chapter of the League of Minnesota Poets, will meet from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday in the large room of the Brainerd Public Library.
Improv troupe, The Second City, to be in Grand Rapids, Bemidji
BEMIDJI -- If irreverent satire or cutting-edge improvisational comedy tickle your fancy, you're in luck this weekend -- assuming you're willing to drive to Grand Rapids or Bemidji.
St. Francis to host dinner, dance, silent auction
St. Francis Catholic School in Brainerd will hold a Family Dinner/Dance and Silent Auction on Saturday at the Brainerd Armory.
Tempo tidbits
The Laura Jane Musser Fund has awarded a $12,000 grant to the Great River Arts Association's summer PEAK program for Little Falls area young people, according to a GRAA news release.
Skaters will appear in Brainerd after participating in Olympics ceremonies
Anita Hartshorn and Frank Sweiding, who are scheduled to participate in the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City will perform March 16 and 17 in Brainerd.
Backstage Caf in Wadena will allow friends to celebrate Valentine's Day
WADENA -- Valentine's Day will arrive early in Wadena this year, at least for those who attend the 2002 Backstage Caf event Saturday night at Memorial Auditorium.
Aitkin High School choirs to present Classics Concert
AITKIN -- At 7 p.m. Sunday, the Aitkin High School vocal department will present its annual Classics Concert.
Little Falls area residents embrace Reeve Lindbergh
LITTLE FALLS -- The Lindbergh name is still magic in Little Falls.
State forecast for south dakota
Winter storm watch tonight through saturday morning northwest into central...
No leaves
Weather drawing by Melissa Storstad of Mrs. Ahlers' third grade class at Lincoln school.
Regional Weather
HighLowPR
Iowa state forecast
Winter storm watch northern iowa saturday and saturday night...
Best friends
Weather drawing by Jessica Needham of Mrs. Holbrook's fourth grade class at Lowell school.
State forecast for north dakota
Winter storm watches tonight through saturday...
Minnesota state forecast
Winter storm watch tonight and saturday northwest...
Wisconsin state forecast
Winter storm watch northwest half saturday and/Or saturday night...
Names and faces
CINCINNATI (AP) -- Bill Cosby has canceled a performance next month, honoring a boycott called by black groups unhappy with the city's response to last year's riots.
Girl doesn't know rules of new dating game
DEAR ABBY: I am a 16-year-old girl, raised to be old-fashioned. I am very uncomfortable with how the rules of courtship have changed over the years. It used to be that guys pursued the girls. Now, the situation has reversed and girls have become the aggressors.
Study suggests heart drugs could be used to treat sleep apnea
BOSTON -- A cardiologist became curious why heart patients who had been given pacemakers were suddenly snoring less. What he found out could transform doctors' understanding of apnea and point the way to drug treatments for the sometimes dangerous sleep disorder.
Names and faces
UNIONDALE, N.Y. (AP) -- Someone got past Janet Jackson's velvet rope.
Reagan's 91st birthday a subdued remembrance
Reagan spent his birthday with his wife, Nancy, and daughter Patti Davis, at his Bel-Air home. They served him his favorite cake -- chocolate.
Senior activities
LAKES AREA SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER
Get babies out of the stroller and onto the floor; physical activity important for even the youngest
WASHINGTON -- Getting babies to be active isn't rocket science: Put a 3-month-old briefly on his tummy and watch him struggle to lift his head. Move an infant's hands to play patty-cake. Provide crawlers with sturdy furniture to pull on and soon they'll stand.
Pakistan claims progress in reporter kidnapping, close in on key suspect
KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) -- Pakistani police said Thursday they have made "significant progress" in the round-the-clock hunt for kidnapped American reporter Daniel Pearl in which a British-born Islamic militant has emerged as a key suspect.
President denies Sharon's request to cut ties with Arafat
WASHINGTON -- President Bush on Thursday resisted pressure from Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to sever diplomatic relations with Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat, but Sharon did not budge from his view that Arafat has become one of the "obstacles to peace."
Pakistani police raid homes searching for clues to kidnapped reporter
KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) -- Pakistan's president said Friday that authorities were getting close to solving the case of kidnapped Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl, as police raided homes and detained the uncle of a man who allegedly e-mailed photos of Pearl in captivity.
U.S. missile killed seven suspected al-Qaida members, an Afghan leader says
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- A leader in eastern Afghanistan said Thursday that seven suspected al-Qaida members were killed by a missile fired by an unmanned U.S. aircraft. A U.S. official acknowledged the attack and said it may have killed a leader of the terrorist network.
Three Israelis killed in attack
HAMRA, West Bank (AP) -- A Palestinian gunman disguised as an Israeli so