Saturday, February 9, 2002
Credit card lenders raise rates on financially strapped consumers
SAN FRANCISCO -- While millions of borrowers are basking in low interest rates, refinancing their mortgages and buying new cars, other consumers are watching their credit card rates climb further into the stratosphere -- to 30 percent and beyond.
Business notes
A new program called FastTrac Manufacturing will be offered Feb. 20 to May 8 at Central Lakes College.
Forget rumor, Home Depot staying
Home Depot has no plans to close its Baxter store and Wal-Mart has no plans to move into the spot.
Behemoth H&R Block branching out
NEW YORK -- H&R Block, the behemoth of tax preparation firms, is branching out.
Potlatch reports 4th-quarter loss
Potlatch reported a net loss for the fourth quarter of 2001 indicating continued poor market conditions for most of its products and market-related shutdowns at several facilities, including the Brainerd mill.
Wall Street still has no answers
NEW YORK -- Fourth-quarter earnings supposedly were going to give Wall Street some idea of when business -- and stock prices -- would finally revive. Instead, investors are as directionless as ever.
Where do I get tax advice?
Q: I'm thinking about hiring a professional tax preparer this year to help me file my tax return. How do I choose one who's good and how much can I expect to pay?
Business notes
Teresa Giese and Andria Rivers purchased Lewie's RV Center, on Highway 371 North, from their father, Lewie Smith.
Accounting panelists give views
Professionals in government accounting gave their views on the Enron/Arthur Andersen scandal and issues related to public and non-profit business records as a panel for students at Central Lakes College.
Promoting Potlatch
Potlatch Corp. is taking a more aggressive approach to get the word out about the company's future.
3M cutting 500 jobs in St. Paul
MAPLEWOOD (AP) -- 3M said Thursday that it will cut 500 jobs as it phases out most production operations at its tape and abrasives plant on St. Paul's East Side and develops a technology resource center at the site.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
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.
Pequot Lakes middle school honor roll announced
PEQUOT LAKES -- The following is the second quarter honor roll for middle school students at Pequot Lakes School.
Pequot Lakes honor roll for grades 9-12 released
PEQUOT LAKES -- The following is the second quarter honor roll for Pequot Lakes High School (grades 9-12):
Washington Middle School honor roll students listed
The following Washington Middle School students are on the second quarter honor roll:
Pillager honor roll students listed
PILLAGER -- The following students are on the Pillager School honor roll for first semes
States offer tax credits to offset private school costs
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) -- As her 13-year-old son struggled with attention deficit disorder, Jeanette Troche was frustrated that his Philadelphia public school couldn't provide the needed help.
CLC fall semester honor students announced
The fall 2001 semester at Central Lakes College produced 622 honor students among the 3,000 enrolled in classes offered from the Brainerd and Staples campuses of the community and technical college.
No room in widow's heart for needy men
DEAR ABBY: Why is it that men can be so insensitive toward recent widows? Some of them hit on us within a month of the death of our loved one, while we're still in shock.
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?
Try family mentoring
Have you ever thought of being a Kinship Partner as a family? There are lots of things kids can learn from your mentoring a child as a family.
Shop smart for that Valentine's Day diamond
NEW YORK -- As Valentine's Day approaches, many Americans are looking to buy a diamond or other gemstone for that special someone.
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.
Ask your kids to 'be mine'
NEW YORK (AP) -- Valentine's Day isn't just for lovers; it's for those you love.
What a deal
More than 300 students and their parents attended a family night organized by the Brainerd School District Title 1 staff Monday at Brainerd High School.
Grandparents not immune from heartbreak of divorce
As a psychotherapist who has worked with families for more than 25 years, Dr. Lillian Carson knows how devastating divorce is on parents and children. She also knows firsthand how tough a breakup can be for grandparents.
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.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Thursday 262, a year ago 291.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Friday cattle: 850.
Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Friday.
Births
Trevor and Missy (McCollough) Wood, Brooklyn Park, a girl, Josie Jean, 7 pounds, 9 ounces, Jan. 30, 2002. Grandparents are Dave and Sharon Wood, Brainerd, and Terry and Mary McCollough, Brainerd, and Bonnie McCollough, Coaldale, Colo. Great-grandparents are Florence Heffner, St. Paul, Milt Hamman, Wisconsin, and Cecil McCollough, Brainerd.
Accident
AITKIN -- A 32-year-old Aitkin woman suffered minor injuries Friday in a one-vehicle accident on Highway 210, the State Patrol reported.
School menus
BRAINERD/PILLAGER
Crime
LONG PRAIRIE -- The Todd County Sheriff's Department received two reports of thefts from fish houses on Lake Osakis and Sauk Lake Thursday morning.
Agenda
Meets 8:30 a.m. Tuesday
Fire
The Brainerd Fire Department responded to a small grass fire Friday afternoon near the Thiesse Road in south Brainerd.
Agendas
Meets 7:30 p.m. Monday
Tiger makes Buick cut, Mickelson doesn't
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Tiger Woods needed a 6-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to make the Buick Invitational cut, but two-time defending champion Phil Mickelson wasn't as lucky Friday and will miss the weekend rounds of his hometown tournament.
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.
Conrad raps Bush's 'Enron' budget in radio address
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Democrats used their weekly radio address Saturday to lambaste President Bush's budget, saying it is using Enron-style accounting tactics to cover up the nation's burgeoning debt.
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.
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.
Senators seek to require better fuel economy
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Key senators have unveiled plans to require dramatic increases in vehicle fuel economy, prompting a fight from automakers who say the proposals are a threat to increasingly popular and fuel-hungry light trucks.
Budget bills to move at fast clip through House and Senate
ST. PAUL -- It's all about the budget this week at the Capitol.
Chemical dependency and AA groups
Adult Children-Chem.Dep.
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.
Dozens of postal workers report health problems after handling irradiated mail
WASHINGTON (AP) -- At least 87 suburban postal workers who handled irradiated mail have reported health problems including nausea, headaches and breathing problems, union leaders say.
Support groups
Crisis Line-Referral Ser.
North Texas man infected with HIV from donated blood
SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- A Texas man has become the first American infected with the AIDS virus from donated blood since the nation's blood banks implemented rigorous new HIV-screening technology three years ago.
Study offers options for a friendly, colorful downtown Brainerd
Imagine a downtown neighborhood with a river view, pedestrian friendly walkways and recreational trails.
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.
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.
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.
Indoor recreation options for winter listed
Our cherished dictionary tells us that hibernate is derived from the Latin hibernus, meaning "relating to winter."
Storage ideas work in almost any setting
Everyone loves a good storage idea.
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.
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.
Winter cold limits what you can grow
As the saying goes: Everybody talks about the weather, but no one does anything about it.
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.
Housing brief
NISSWA -- Traci Knutson, a native of the Brainerd lakes area, joined Positive North GMAC Real Estate in Nisswa.
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.
Emily woman named Mrs. Crow Wing County International
Mrs. Minnesota International officials have announced that Michelle Hyatt of Emily has been
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.
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.
Threat of nasty weather doesn't deter anglers
A forecast for snow and high winds Saturday didn't discourage thousands of anglers from slipping and sliding their way onto Gull Lake for the 12th annual Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza.
Bodies not yet identified, but names of couple who owned burned home released
LONGVILLE -- Positive identification has not been made yet on the bodies found in a Longville lake home's ashes, said Cass County Sheriff Randy Fisher.
2 bodies in rubble
LONGVILLE -- Two bodies were discovered Thursday in the remains of a fire-destroyed Woman Lake home near Longville.
Young entrepreneur
Mike Schwarze is one busy guy.
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.
This was Brainerd
FEBRUARY 10 - 30 years ago (1972) - Brainerd Elks Lodge No. 615 held its 1972 Pine Tree District, Boy Scouts of America, Recognition Banquet. Highlight of the program was the presentation of the Eagle Scout Award to six Boy Scouts: Jerry Rosnau, Brian Anderson, Kerry Koep, Lyndon Kirk, John Hansen and William Friday, Jr.
Local briefs
STAPLES -- The Region 5 Council on Aging will meet at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 27 at the Region 5 offices in Staples.
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.
Baxter receives $300,000 grant
BAXTER -- A precision manufacturing facility in the Baxter Industrial Park will be assisted by a $300,000 Minnesota Investment Fund grant, the state reported.
Driver dies in rollover near Pierz
PIERZ -- A 22-year-old died early Saturday morning when his Saturn four-door left the road and rolled near Pierz.
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.
Stier, Crow Wing County's human resource coordinator, is fired
Crow Wing County Human Resource Coordinator Siegfried Stier was fired Thursday.
Games open
Opening ceremonies for the Winter Olympics are scheduled tonight in Salt Lake City. Look for details Sunday.
COMING MONDAY
A Pequot Lakes woman is helping to raise funds for the American Heart Association after heart disease claimed the lives of several family members. Read more about this story Monday.
Federal judge orders end to 51-year-old Bible classes in Tennessee county's public schools
CHATTANOOGA (AP) -- A federal judge has ordered an end to Bible classes that have been taught for 51 years in the public schools of the county where the "Scopes Monkey Trial" was held.
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.
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.
Sara Jane Olson to appeal in effort to withdraw guilty plea
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Former SLA fugitive Sara Jane Olson, who tried to withdraw the guilty plea that sent her to prison, has filed notice she will appeal it to a higher court.
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.
Police arrest man in two old murders linked by DNA
FLINT, Mich. (AP) -- A Michigan man was arrested in the murders of two women more than a decade ago, including a Northwest Airlines flight attendant from Minneapolis, police said Friday.
Montana lesbian couple driven from home by arson fire
MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) -- Just days after a lesbian couple had been named as lead plaintiffs in a discrimination lawsuit against the Montana university system, their house was set on fire.
Lay could testify Tuesday; legal experts say Skilling's testimony could cause legal problems for him
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Even though his former protege was hammered by Congress, former Enron chairman Kenneth Lay may decide to testify after all to the Senate this week.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Navy commander charged with raping junior enlisted sailor
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) -- The commanding officer of a 300-member Navy flight squadron was charged with raping a junior enlisted sailor.
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.
Jordan enjoying Wizards' rebound
Michael Jordan will play in his 13th NBA all-star game on Sunday -- seven days before his 39th birthday -- but he said the success of the Washington Wizards this season might mean more to him than his individual accomplishments.
Matthews enjoying his 14th straight Pro Bowl in 19 seasons
HONOLULU (AP) -- Coming to the Pro Bowl has become more enjoyable for Bruce Matthews now that the AFC is winning Super Bowls.
Bucs coaching search back to square one
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Bill Parcells rejected them. Jon Gruden couldn't be pried from the Oakland Raiders. Now, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have scuttled plans to hire Marvin Lewis after telling him the job was his.
It's Iverson's weekend
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- With Shaquille O'Neal and Vince Carter out, Allen Iverson is getting closer to having the All-Star weekend all to himself -- assuming he survives his own parties.
Wisconsin wins in overtime against Colorado College
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) -- Peter Sejna's two goals helped Colorado College overcome a 3-0 deficit and tie the University of Wisconsin 5-5 on Friday night.
Sampras, Roddick give U.S. 2-0 lead
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Having never seen 19-year-old Karol Beck, Pete Sampras didn't know what to expect from the Slovakian in their first-round Davis Cup match.
Columbus gets much-needed win against Red Wings
The Columbus Blue Jackets were in dire need of a victory. That it came in Detroit was a surprise.
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.
Elena Maki
NISSWA -- Elena Maki, 74, Nisswa, died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2002, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Jean E. Hurd
HACKENSACK -- Jean E. Hurd, 69, Hackensack, died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2002, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Robert Vankeuren
PIERZ -- Robert Vankeuren, 22, Shakopee, died Saturday, Feb. 9, 2002, as a result of a car accident near Pierz.
Frank F. Boody
LITTLE FALLS -- Frank F. Boody, 79, Little Falls, died Friday, Feb. 8, 2002, at St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls.
James F. Bakkila
James F. Bakkila, 68, Brainerd, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2002, at St. Joseph's Medical Center.
Lester 'Deane' Shutter
BURTRUM -- Lester "Deane" Shutter, 81, Burtrum, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002, at the Owatonna Hospital.
Ruth M. Boyd
MOTLEY -- Ruth Margaret Boyd, 81, Motley, died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2002, at home.
Ruth E. Wilmar
Ruth E. Wilmar, 77, Brainerd, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002, at St. Joseph's Medical Center.
Amy V. Turnquist
RANDALL -- Amy V. Turnquist, 99, Randall, died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2002, at the 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.
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.
Eugene V. Carver
PIERZ -- Eugene Victor Carver, 70, Pierz, died Monday, Feb. 4, 2002, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Jean Hurd
HACKENSACK -- Jean Hurd, 69, Hackensack, died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2002, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Russell S. Ottoson
PINE RIVER -- Russell S. Ottoson, 64, Pine River, died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2002, at home.
Vernon O. Lundeen
AITKIN -- Vernon O. Lundeen, 93, Aitkin, died today, Feb. 8, 2002, at Riverwood Extended Care Center in Aitkin.
Gladys M. Jensen
AITKIN -- Gladys M. Jensen, 83, Aitkin, formerly of Big Sandy Lake and Minneapolis, died Friday, Feb. 8, 2002, at the Riverwood Health Care Center in Aitkin.
Tillie Jukua
MENAHGA -- Tillie Jukua, 87, Menahga, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002, at Green Pine Acres in Menahga.
Ralph Crose
Ralph Crose, 88, Brainerd, formerly of Crosslake, died Friday, Feb. 8, 2002, at his home in Brainerd.
Audrey Brandenburg
Audrey Brandenburg, 79, Brainerd, formerly of Chaska, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002, at Richfield Care Center.
Gladys Jensen
AITKIN -- Gladys Jensen, 83, Aitkin, died today, Feb. 8, 2002, at Riverwood Health Care Center in Aitkin.
Vernon Lundeen
AITKIN -- Vernon Lundeen, 93, Aitkin, died Friday, Feb. 8, 2002, at the Riverwood Extended Care Unit in Aitkin.
Elena Maki
NISSWA -- Elena Maki, 74, Nisswa, died Thursday, Feb. 7, 2002, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Roland 'Rollie' Schreiner
PIERZ -- Roland "Rollie" Schreiner, 74, Pierz, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002, at St. Cloud Hospital.
Warren B. Sirois
Warren B. Sirois, 43, Brainerd, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2002, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village.
Russell E. Scheuneman
AITKIN -- Russell E. Scheuneman, 85, Aitkin, died today, Feb. 8, 2002, at Riverwood Health Care Center in Aitkin.
Russell E. Scheuneman
AITKIN -- Russell E. Scheuneman, 85, Aitkin, died Friday, Feb. 8, 2002, at the Riverwood Health Care Center in Aitkin.
Greenspan chronicles the elation and agony of Olympics
Bud Greenspan has spent more than half a century chronicling the Olympics, the elation of winners and the agony of losers, telling their stories in films that serve as official records for the world's most prestigious athletic event.
Look for another miracle tonight
SALT LAKE CITY -- The identity of the final torchbearer is always the best-kept secret of the Olympic Games.
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.
Chat with Bush makes opening ceremony even more special for U.S. skater
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- This is one phone call Sasha Cohen won't ever forget.
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.
A ceremony worth remembering
The 2002 Winter Games are off and running, launched with a dramatic opening extravaganza that celebrated the courage, strength and spirit that is the Olympics
A golden Olympic moment
Pat and Emily Lanin aren't competing for gold medals but they view their roles as volunteers at the Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City as a golden opportunity.
Minnesotan carries flag
Team USA, led by flag bearer short track speedskater Amy Peterson of St. Paul, entered the Rice-Eccles Olympic stadium during the opening ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics on Friday in Salt Lake City.
Winter Olympics open with pageantry and patriotism
SALT LAKE CITY -- In a nation at war, the 2002 Olympic Winter Games opened Friday as a celebration of peace, one marked by extraordinarily tight security, a heartfelt display of patriotism and the pageantry of a ceremony that depicted the history and splendor of Utah and the American West.
Vox Pop
Vox Pop, voice of the people, publishes Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. To call in a comment, dial 829-2900 or 1-800-547-2909 then enter code 8008.
Real trouble - Dispatch Editorial
It's hard to see what good can come for state Republicans from former party chair Bill Cooper's effort to expose so-called impostors within conservative ranks.
Open Forum
I would like to let the citizens of Brainerd know that there will be a special council meeting on Monday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. This meeting will be televised on Channel 8. The items that will be discussed are:
Terrorism
This sobering assessment was presented Wednesday to the Senate Intelligence Committee by CIA Director George J. Tenet and Vice Adm. Thomas R. Wilson.
The true costs of import tariffs
This editorial appeared in Thursday's Los Angeles Times:
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
Open Forum
The Feb. 5 Open Forum article "Videotaping schools" was no surprise because we all know what dirty tricks this
Delay can't kill Olympic spirit
Delays may be forgivable when the Games are half a world away. But in Utah?
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.
Journalism and citizenship
Every now and then someone is able to remind us why we picked a certain profession and what we gain from it.
Humane Society to hunters: 'Clean up your act'
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) recently released a scientific report claiming that upwards of 60 percent of all ducks and geese struck by pellet
Fishing report
BRAINERD/NISSWA - Look to Wilson Bay, White House Bar, Center Bar, Squaw Point, Dutchman's Bar, and Hole in the Day Bay for walleyes on Gull Lake. During the day you'll find active fish in 18 to 40 feet of water, but slide up shallower at night.
Legislative plan announced to protect state waters
ST. PAUL -- Clean, fresh water is part of Minnesota's heritage. To protect that legacy, a coalition of non-profit environmental and conservation organizations today announced plans for a legislative campaign called Protect Our Water.
Fishing slow? Make some noise!
How many times have you told everyone in the fish house to be quiet or they'll scare the fish. Walk softly across the floor. Don't bang that bucket. Quit sliding stuff around. Don't slam the door!
Minnesota well represented in its variety of spruce trees
Gigantic glistening snowflakes gently tumbled from the gray sky to land on thick branches of the spruce outside the picture window. Although I had a long list of things to do, the swirling snowflakes held me captive and I watched them accumulate, forming fat piles on the needles.
Outdoor notes
More Minnesota deer hunters are illegally placing bait in the woods to attract deer, according to state conservation officers.
The wolves are all right
CAMP RIPLEY -- Minnesota's timber wolves are doing better today than at any time since humans came here en masse in the 19th century. While wolves are endangered in other states their status has been upgraded to threatened in Minnesota.
Winter walleye
Matt Cooper, Brainerd, caught this 10-pound, 5-ounce walleye Saturday, Feb. 2 on Gull Lake.
North Country calendar
February
Swift-Wiegand
Heather Marie Swift and Joshua Jon Wiegand were married Sept. 8, 2001, at the Leader Community Hall.
Jennifer May Klein and Brent "Bucky" Larson
Jennifer May Klein and Brent "Bucky" Larson announce their engagement. Parents are Tom and Tammy Klein, Brainerd, and Mark and Nancy Larson, Brainerd. A March 9 wedding is planned with a reception to follow in the summer.
Jennifer Rae Stevens and John Anthony Gilles
Jennifer Rae Stevens and John Anthony Gilles announce their engagement. Parents are Myron and Kathy Stevens, Brainerd, and Mona Winter, Plato, and Leona Gilles, Duluth. A July 13 wedding is planned at Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, Duluth.
Bob and Dorothy Matthews
Bob and Dorothy Matthews, Crosby, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with an open house from 1-4 p.m. Saturday at the Ironton Legion Club. The event is hosted by their family. They were married Feb. 14, 1942, in Chicago.
Rogers-Haugen
Toni Rogers and Thomas Haugen were married Sept. 22, 2001, at Pine River Methodist Church with the Rev. Larry Foote officiating.
Jim and Leona Copeland
Jim and Leona Copeland, Fifty Lakes, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with their family. They were married Feb. 16, 1952, in Portland, Ore.
Mandy Pyles, Johnson City, Tenn., and Aaron Braaten
Mandy Pyles, Johnson City, Tenn., and Aaron Braaten, formerly of Brainerd, announce their engagement. Parents are David and Patti Pyles, Tel Aviv, Israel, and Roger and Shirley Braaten, Brainerd. A March 9 wedding is planned in Johnson City, Tenn.
Lisa Haman and Jeff Marks
Lisa Haman and Jeff Marks announce their engagement. Parents are LeRoy and Karen Haman, Bluffton, and Ed and Denise Marks, Brainerd. An April 20 wedding is planned.
Jessie and Philip Roth
Jessie and Philip Roth, Brainerd, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary Thursday. They were married Feb. 14, 1942, in Brainerd.
Jamie Embretson and Scott Lavinger
Jamie Embretson and Scott Lavinger announce their engagement.
Steven and Karen Rosenow
Steven and Karen Rosenow, Baxter, will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. They were married Feb. 13, 1977, in Stewart.
Ida Lovmo
Ida Lovmo will celebrate her 100th birthday with an open house from 2-4 p.m. Saturday at the Lutheran Care Center, 1200 First Ave. N.E., Little Falls. No gifts please. The event is hosted by her family. She was born Feb. 16, 1902, in Gettysburg, S.D.
Loidolt-Vettleson
Shannon Loidolt and Joey Vettleson were married Sept. 29, 2001, at St. John's Nepomuk Catholic Church in Lastrup with Father Roger Thoennes officiating.
Jobless claims up 27.5 percent
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Unemployment insurance claims in Minnesota increased 27.5 percent in January from a year ago, with white-collar workers becoming one of the fastest-growing groups of unemployed people.
Red Lake Band of Ojibwe seizes Pine River angler's plane after it lands on reservation
RED LAKE (AP) -- A tribal judge will decide whether a Pine River angler will receive his plane back after it was seized by the Red Lake Band of Ojibwe when the man illegally landed on reservation waters to fish.
Ventura backs coal plant on Iron Range
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Gov. Jesse Ventura said Friday he supports an idea to build a giant power plant on the site of an LTV taconite operation that closed last year in Hoyt Lakes.
Carleton College names new president
NORTHFIELD (AP) -- Carleton College named Robert A. Oden Jr., the president of Kenyon College, as its next president Friday.
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.
Bloomington INS office adds waiting room, heaters, chairs to tent
BLOOMINGTON (AP) -- The wait at the main Immigration and Naturalization Service office for Minnesota and the Dakotas isn't nearly as cold and uncomfortable as it used to be.
U of M loses about $8 million in Enron collapse
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The University of Minnesota endowment lost $8.3 million in the collapse of Enron Corp. and the school's investment adviser accepted part of the blame.
Baker helps ignite Olympic flame
"Light the Fire Within" is the theme of the 2002 Winter Olympic Games at Salt Lake City.
Local sports shorts
The Brainerd Warriors junior varsity gymnastics team rolled past Grand Rapids 130.6 to 50.6 Thursday.
Top-ranked Frazee tops Bertha-Hewitt-Verndale in wrestling
FRAZEE -- Class 1A's ninth-ranked Bertha-Hewitt Verndale Raiders wrestling team fell to Class 1A's top-ranked Frazee Hornets 42-19 in non-conference wrestling Friday.
C-I-A loses 4-3 to Park Rapids
PARK RAPIDS -- Alex Koester scored the game-winning goal in overtime to lift the Park Rapids Panthers past the Crosby-Ironton-Aitkin Grizzlies 4-3 in Mid-State Conference boys' hockey Friday.
Staples-Motley defeats rival Crosby-Ironton
STAPLES -- The Staples-Motley Cardinals boys' basketball team defeated Mid-State Conference rival Crosby-Ironton Rangers 59-43 Friday.
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.
Area events Saturday
BOYS basketball
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.
Davis' hat trick leads Wolverines
Hockey is a team sport, but sometimes a player can single-handedly determine a game's outcome.
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.
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.
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)
Foster fills key role for Patriots
Flecia Foster established herself early as a player to be reckoned with.
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.
Exchange student from Paraguay finds success on basketball court
LITTLE FALLS -- Renzo Ferrari hasn't let complications with the English language interfere with his influence in Little Falls.
Patriots cruise by Pirates
PEQUOT LAKES -- The Pequot Lakes Patriots girls' basketball team improved to 4-1 in the Park Region Conference and 11-5 overall with a 73-42 victory over the Verndale Pirates on Friday.
Warrior girls fly past Thunderhawks
GRAND RAPIDS -- Joan Ebnet poured in 24 points and Megan Arns chipped in with 12 to lead the Brainerd Warriors past the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks 61-48 in non-conference girls' basketball Friday.
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.
Bowling
THROUGH SUNDAY
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.
Ninth time is charm as Brainerd defeats Rocori
The Brainerd Warriors boys' basketball team finally got the monkey off its back and nipped the Rocori Spartans 48-46 in Central Lakes Conference play Friday.
Ream's hat trick leads Warriors in floor hockey
Hat tricks are becoming a habit for Doug Ream.
Local sports shorts
BUFFALO -- The Wright County Blades defeated the Brainerd Warriors 7-0 in the quarterfinals of the Section 8, Class 2A girls' hockey tournament Friday.
Scoreboard
Friday
Gophers win 6-4
GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) -- Barry Tallackson scored two goals to lead the University of Minnesota to a 6-4 win over North Dakota on Friday.
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.
Avalanche bury Wild
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The Colorado Avalanche left their three-game losing streak in Denver.
Minnesota State defeats Alaska Anchorage
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- B.J. Abel's backhand shot in overtime trickled over the glove-hand shoulder of Alaska Anchorage goalie Kurt Johnson to give Minnesota State, Mankato a 5-4 WCHA victory over the Seawolves Friday night.
KG: Drinks are on me
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- This round's on Kevin Garnett.
St. Cloud defeats Michigan Tech
HOUGHTON, Mich. (AP) -- Matt Hendricks and Ryan LaMere scored third-period goals to give St. Cloud State a 4-3 win over Michigan Tech on Friday night.
Denver beats UMD
DENVER (AP) -- Kevin Ulanski and Chris Paradise each had a goal and an assist as the University of Denver defeated Minnesota-Duluth 4-1 on Friday.
Hackacademy teaches PC users ins and outs of computer security
They call it the Hackademy. The so-called hackers school, on a dead-end street in a residential Paris neighborhood, is run by wiz kids who crack computer security codes as a sort of cyber-sport. Now they're taking what they've learned to the computer illiterati -- regular people with a limited understanding of technology.
Sites worth checking out
A roundup of new and updated resources and services on the global Internet:
Innovative iMac melds form and function with finesse
You've never seen a computer like Apple's new iMac. And that's the point.
Tighter security requires new rules
Today's Internet is a lot like the old image of Dodge City, with honest citizens being harassed by a handful of 'Net cowboys, data rustlers and gunslingers looking to make a reputation for themselves as the fastest hack in the West.
Board sports gain an edge
In real life, of course, skateboarding, snowboarding and surfing are distinct sports that happen to share a rebellious culture.
Tech leaders see super-fast Web access as new manifest destiny
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- This is the future in America as high-tech leaders see it: People work from home more often. They watch high-definition TV on their computers. They get information on national security instantaneously.
It's not over for video game collectors
A boxed Barbie doll balances on each step of the stairs just inside the Long Island, N.Y., home of Mike Ghiraldi and Joanne Schultz. Stacked against the wall of an adjoining room are about 15 small boxes, each containing the scale model of a race car, an extension of Ghiraldi's drag racing hobby.
Regional Weather
HighLowPR
Fair, dry again in most of the East; snow in north-central U.S.
A strong ridge of high pressure was expected to keep skies mostly clear and dry in the East on Saturday, while states in the northern Plains were bracing for snow.
State forecast for South Dakota
Winter storm warning most of west and north today...And southeast this afternoon and evening...
Best friends
Weather drawing by Jessica Needham of Mrs. Holbrook's fourth grade class at Lowell school.
Minnesota state forecast
Blizzard warning today into tonight for most of the red river valley area...
Iowa state forecast
Winter storm watch northern iowa saturday and saturday night...
State forecast for North Dakota
Winter weather advisory east central this afternoon...
State forecast for south dakota
Winter storm watch tonight through saturday morning northwest into central...
State forecast for north dakota
Winter storm watches tonight through saturday...
Wisconsin state forecast
Winter storm watch northwest half saturday and/Or saturday night...
Wisconsin state forecast
Winter storm watch tonight through sunday morning for all but far southeast wisconsin...
Iowa state forecast
Winter storm warning over most of the state for late this afternoon through sunday morning...
Minnesota state forecast
Winter storm watch tonight and saturday northwest...
The Weather Elsewhere
Saturday
Come on, snow
Weather drawing by Ryan Arntson in the Lowell School first-grade class of Gayle Kub.
Highways closed in Wyoming, Colorado as storm builds across Plains
Blowing snow shut down sections of major highways in Colorado and Wyoming on Saturday as a storm gathered strength on the northern Plains.
Names and faces
UNIONDALE, N.Y. (AP) -- Someone got past Janet Jackson's velvet rope.
Senior activities
LAKES AREA SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER
Organizations
Brainerd Jaycees
What's doing
The Pinetree Patchworkers will meet
Ex-Taliban foreign minister turns himself in
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Taliban's foreign minister turned himself in to authorities in Afghanistan, giving American forces what could be one of the biggest intelligence prizes in the war so far.
U.S. frees $25.5 million in Afghanistan's assets frozen under Taliban rule
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Bush administration authorized the release Friday of $25.5 million to cash-starved Afghanistan in assets frozen while the country was ruled by the Taliban militia.
G-7 finance ministers: Argentina on right track, but needs to do more
OTTAWA (AP) -- Keep doing what you're doing, but work with the International Monetary Fund to do it better.
Saudis more vocal about Palestinian issue
JANADRIYAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) -- The women's festivities at the year's largest Saudi cultural festival opened with six high school girls dressed in long, gold-embroidered dresses reciting verses lamenting the plight of Palestinians.
Bush, Sharon differ on whether to keep working with Arafat
WASHINGTON -- President Bush is willing to give Yasser Arafat at least one more chance, but Ariel Sharon, the Israeli prime minister and Bush's partner in countering terrorism, isn't so sure.
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.
Suspect confesses a role in ambush-style slayings of four journalists
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- A man has confessed to involvement in the execution-style roadside killings of four international journalists in November, an Afghan official said Saturday.
Princess Margaret, sister of Queen Elizabeth II, dies at 71
LONDON (AP) -- Princess Margaret, the high-spirited and unconventional sister of Queen Elizabeth II, died Saturday after a life that echoed with regret and thwarted love. She was 71.