Saturday, February 17, 2001
National Steel to lay off 200 salaried workers, 30 more union workers
MISHAWAKA, Ind. (AP) -- National Steel Corp. announced it will cut 200 salaried jobs and lay off an additional 30 hourly workers -- raising the total number of hourly workers laid off this year to 400.
Maybe you should mix those hearts and flowers with some dollars and cents
NEW YORK -- After the hearts and flowers of Valentine's Day, perhaps it's time to start talking about the dollars and cents of your relationship.
Around the watercooler
DON'T BE STUPID ABOUT CUPID: Love may permeate the air at this time of year, but a new study shows that many Americans would prefer to filter it out of the workplace.
Business notes
Three TV ads produced by Russell & Herder won national Telly Awards, while a Web site the agency developed for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system won a Gold Award in the 16th Annual Admissions Marketing Report Advertising Awards.
Giovanni's Pizza looks to future with new partnership
Giovanni's Pizza restaurant is operating with a new partnership.
Silver mine closing stuns Idaho
KELLOGG, Idaho -- The Sunshine Mine, the nation's largest silver mine, has been a mainstay in this community for more than a century, providing jobs, driving the economy and helping the region earn the name Silver Valley.
Mall rats no match for Mighty Moms
BLOOMINGTON -- It's Friday evening inside the nation's largest mall, and as the crowd swells, just try swinging an Old Navy bag without hitting a teen-ager.
Cheap financial advice can be expensive
NEW YORK (AP) -- Among the massive developments of the technology age has been the explosion in the number of financial "experts," self-styled perhaps, but claiming the same status as lettered professionals.
Hormel earnings drop attributed to Y2K stockpiling last year
AUSTIN (AP) -- Hormel earnings dropped 5 percent in the first quarter, when compared with the first quarter of the previous year when people were stockpiling Spam and other canned goods in case of Y2K problems.
Home where Jan's Sew'n with Heart is
About 30 years ago Jan Fraune was a customer at Al's Meat Market never expecting to one day be a tenant in the building with her own business -- Jan's Sew'n with Heart.
Trading pattern ahead murky; most analysts don't expect much
NEW YORK -- If this past week's trading is any indication, a solid, lasting stock market recovery isn't likely anytime soon. Wall Street is mired in what analysts call range trading -- when a lot of volatility leads to no substantial change in the major market indexes.
Onion uprooted: Midwestern humor mag moves to N.Y.
NEW YORK -- Twelve years after taking root in the funky college town of Madison, Wis., The Onion wants more room to grow.
Strangely Normal Tour
Also performing at the Brainerd Area Youth Ministries event were the Christian pop groups Earthsuit, V*Enna, Katy Hudson and LaRue, a brother-sister folk duo that has performed here before.
Prayer specialists staff Healing Center
Everything in her lifetime, it appears, has led her to this.
Church briefs
NISSWA -- Don Francisco will appear at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at New Hope Community Church in Nisswa. There is no admission fee but a freewill offering will be taken. New Hope is next to Nisswa School. Call 963-2663 with questions.
Religious leaders mobilizing against capital punishment
RICHMOND, Va. -- Religious leaders in the South and around the nation are speaking out against capital punishment more loudly than ever, emboldened by a shift in public opinion and cases of innocence on death row.
Prolonged depression has serious medical consequences
QUESTION: My wife has been severely depressed for nearly three months. What kind of treatment or therapy would you recommend for her?
Churches could get big benefits from federal support
PHILADELPHIA -- Amid the abandoned gas stations and boarded-up storefronts of North Philadelphia, the New Hope Revival Center church is practically a community unto itself.
College president: It's time to eliminate SAT requirement
BERKELEY, Calif. -- The president of the University of California has recommended dropping the main SAT as an admission requirement at its eight campuses, saying the test is an unfair measurement of students' abilities.
Pillager School lists first semester honor roll students
PILLAGER -- Following are Pillager School honor roll students for first semester.
Mississippi Horizons honor roll students announced
The following students were named to the Mississippi Horizons honor roll for first semester.
Husband's surprise strategy sends message loud and clear
DEAR ABBY: I worked the day shift and my wife worked the night shift in a hospital. My "buddy" (I'll call him Ralph) worked the night shift along with her.
A covered table is a treat kids will eat up, and it's simple to provide
Young children love to nest! Finding a small spot somewhere, very private, to look at books or listen to tapes, a quiet spot where no one can disturb her can be a little one's idea of heaven.
Don't make 7-year-old girl wait too long for a partner
She came with her mom to the interview to be enrolled in Kinship Partners.
Undo that glue
Dear Heloise: Once upon a time, a long time ago, you had an item in your column telling how to REMOVE A FACTORY-GLUED LABEL. I thought it was a great idea, and then I forgot it.
'Baby Whisperer' reminds us that babies are little people
NEW YORK -- There are two words that new parents should live by: EASY and SLOW.
Son who moves in with father still wants his own space
DEAR ABBY: My 15-year-old son, "Mike," chose to move in with his father four months ago. He made this decision on his own. My lawyer advised me that he was old enough to make the decision, and that any judge would allow it, so I let him go. His father and I have been divorced for seven years. I am remarried, and besides Mike's 14-year-old sister, have a 5-year-old daughter with my new husband. Mike is extremely jealous of the 5-year-old.
Volunteer opportunities for February listed
FOSTER GRANDPARENTS -- Age 60+ needed for area schools, day cares. Help kids needing extra attention. 12-30 hrs. week. Tax-free stipend, meals, mileage. Contact Marcia Ferris, 828-2354 or 839-6650 or toll-free 1-877-612-6243.
Coupon-cutting dog
Dear Readers: Donna J. Mueller from Fremont, Neb., sent in a very funny story about her son's dog, Charlie, a golden retriever who is about 5 or 6 months old.
Pets of the Week
Harry is a male cockapoo who is described as playful, eager to please and loving.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Friday 239, a year ago 245.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Thursday cattle: 300.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Thursday 222, a year ago 122.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Friday cattle: 500.
School lunch menus
BRAINERD - MONDAY -- B-Poptart, cheese slice or yogurt, juice. L-Pepperoni pizza, corn, diced peaches, animal crackers.
Court
Cass County court WALKER -- The following recently appeared in Cass County District Court:
Agendas
1. 10:30 a.m. -- Approval of agenda (Any requests to be heard not on the proposed agenda are considered for inclusion at this time).
Court
WALKER -- Cass County Veterans Service Officer John Robert Reuter III was arraigned this week in Cass County Court on one fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct count. Reuter, 51, Walker, appeared before Judge Michael J. Haas with his attorney, Tom Kuesel.
Fires
The Brainerd Fire Department responded to a fire Thursday that started in the wiring inside a wall and ceiling of a mobile home in Unorganized Territory.
More Agendas
1. Call to order.
Durant slips to 67; still leads by three
LA QUINTA, Calif. (AP) -- Joe Durant was so frustrated trying to play golf for a living that he quit the game to sell insurance. Luckily for him, he turned out to be even worse at selling than he had been at playing.
Senate panel considers drink tax
ST. PAUL -- Be prepared to drop another nickel on cocktails and shell out $1.20 more for a case of beer if Sen. John Marty succeeds in imposing a new drink tax to fund chemical treatment programs and law enforcement costs.
Democrats grill Paige on still undetermined education budget
WASHINGTON -- Education Secretary Roderick Paige on Thursday told a Senate committee that the Bush administration has yet to develop a budget to accompany its education reform plan. That prompted some Democrats to warn that they will measure the president's commitment to the issue largely by his willingness to contribute new money to it.
Bill would ban soda sales to students during school day
ST. PAUL -- Forget Coke vs. Pepsi. A couple of state lawmakers are taking on the whole soft drink industry with a bill to ban soda sales to students during the school day.
Oberstar seeks to double adoption tax credit to $10,000
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A generation ago, Rep. Jim Oberstar couldn't get Congress to pass even a $500 tax deduction for parents who adopt children. Now, with a $5,000 tax credit already law, he and other lawmakers are trying to double that to $10,000.
State's colorful governor reflects on job at halfway point
ST. PAUL -- Midway through his stint as Minnesota's top official, Gov. Jesse Ventura reflects on three-party government, its future and his.
Bush heads to Mexico for Fox visit
WASHINGTON -- President Bush flew to Mexico on Friday on his first presidential trip outside U.S. borders, hoping to soothe friction over immigration, trade and drugs and build a partnership based on "cooperation, creativity and mutual respect."
Committee stalls bill aimed at punishing gas drive offs
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Momentum slowed Thursday on a bill to hit gasoline thieves with up to a year suspension of their driver's license.
Capitol notebook
Happenings Friday at the Minnesota Capitol:
Poll finds ignorance of AIDS causes in state
ST. PAUL (AP) -- A majority of Minnesotans say they aren't sure whether they would be comfortable having their child attend school with a child who has HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, according to a new poll.
Chemical dependency groups and AA groups
Adult Children-Chem.Dep.
Health care and medical services
Blood Pressure Clinics
Support groups
Crisis Line-Referral Ser.
Take an inside peek at Overeaters Anonymous
If I had the slightest doubt that being overweight isn't caused by an addiction to food, it was erased at an Overeaters Anonymous meeting.
Decorative moldings can spruce up home
For most of us, a home is the single biggest investment we will make in a lifetime. So, we spend lots of time, money and energy doing what we can to maintain its integrity and improve its value. It's no wonder that Americans spend more than $150 billion annually on home improvement and repair.
Visit this Web site
JUST SIGHTED: www.novica.com
Is it time to refinance your mortgage?
Falling interest rates are heating up interest in refinancing home mortgages, which could save thousands of dollars during the life of loans.
Leaking creosote is dangerous
Q: A brick chimney goes up between two unheated rooms in our attic. For the last 35 years, creosote appears to have leaked out of the chimney and stained the wallpaper. Is this dangerous, and if it needs repair, what kind of technician handles this?
Baby boomers prepare homes for comfy retirement
ATLANTA -- A big house with a luxury kitchen, hardwood floors and all the amenities. What else would a baby boomer need in a home?
Redecorating can be fun
There's nothing like spending some long, gray, winter days cooped up in the house to make a person think: Redecorate!
Give seeds a jump-start
WASHINGTON -- When it comes to seed-starting, one size doesn't fit all.
Poet's jasmine is welcome in winter
About this time of year, you might demand more of your houseplants than just being green.
Housing is more affordable, according to Realtors
Lower mortgage interest rates, higher family income and a seasonal decline in the median existing-home price combined to improve housing affordability conditions nationwide in the fourth quarter, according to the National Association of Realtors.
New advertisement-free garden magazine launched
Thomas Cooper, the editor of Horticulture for more than 20 years, has left the publication to launch a new magazine with the owner of the Litchfield, Conn.-based mail-order nursery White Flower Farm.
Congressman's desk sells for $14,950
Leaving public life and taking a few of the furnishings with you clearly did not begin with 20th-century presidents.
Now may be the time for home improvements with home equity loan
Home improvement projects may benefit from long-term rates on home equity loans.
Housing briefs
LITTLE FALLS -- An afternoon tour at the Little Falls homes of Charles A. Weyerhaeuser and Richard Drew Musser will feature the history of the two renowned lumber barons of Minnesota.
Taking flight
Two trumpeter swans took flight while a sibling waited its turn for takeoff Thursday on the Gull River above the Gull Dam. The swans stay in this area because of open water and ample food. (Dispatch Photo by Steve Kohls)
This was Brainerd
FEBRUARY 18 - 30 years ago (1971) - Brainerd's City Street Department will continue to follow its "no-overtime" policy on the removal of snow from the streets except in an emergency situation, the City Council declared last night after a discussion of snow removal problems.
Two injured in collision at intersection of 371 and 210
BAXTER -- Two drivers were injured in a two-vehicle accident reported at 7:09 a.m. today at the intersection of Highways 371 and 210 in Baxter.
Civil service panel to meet Tuesday
The Brainerd Police and Fire Civil Service commission will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday at Brainerd City Hall to discuss the hiring of a Brainerd police chief.
Correction / clarification
In a Page 1A photograph Thursday featuring Joe Plut, the Central Lakes College student who was being hugged was misidentified in the cutline. Plut was hugging Briana Beckworth.
Local briefs
The Brainerd Post Office will be closed Monday in observance of President's Day.
Toddler critically burned in fire
LITTLE FALLS -- A 2-year-old toddler was in critical condition this morning after suffering smoke inhalation and having 27 percent of her body burned in a house fire Tuesday.
Added Crow Wing, Cass population to figure in legislative redistricting
Crow Wing and Cass counties are two of the state's 87 counties that have been experiencing rapid population growth, which could mean changes in the counties' representation in the Legislature.
Law enforcement agreements between bands, counties cited as success stories
ONAMIA -- Success stories of tribal and county government relationships included agreements for roads, schools and law enforcement.
Police to target cars with children not in safety seats
Throughout February, nearly 275 agencies, including the Nisswa and Brainerd police departments, will work additional shifts solely dedicated to traffic enforcement, targeting people transporting unrestrained children.
Brainerd Manor crowns royalty on Valentine's Day
They smiled and waved to family and friends as they slowly walked arm in arm around the Brainerd Manor dining hall, making sure to pause every now and again as cameras flashed.
Possible threat at Pillager schools
PILLAGER -- Students were dismissed about 25 minutes early Thursday from Pillager schools after a possible threat.
Tribal, county officials find common goals
ONAMIA -- Common ground.
Tunnel work
Jason LaDouceur pulled out another sled full of snow Friday from a tunnel he and a friend were constructing in the piles of snow that trucks dumped in the East Green lot of Brainerd High School.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1981) - Steve Mans rolled a 711 series the opening weekend of the Brainerd Men's Bowling Association Tournament to give competitors a tough mark to shoot at this weekend in the finale of the 1981 event.
Clinton 'bewildered' by pardon controversy
NEW YORK -- Bill Clinton said Thursday that he is "bewildered" by the controversy over his last-minute pardon of fugitive financier Marc Rich and he blamed Republicans for fueling the criticism.
Pentagon says strikes against Iraq effective
WASHINGTON -- The joint U.S.-British air strike against Iraq, described by President Bush as routine, was the biggest blow against Saddam Hussein's military in more than two years and involved two dozen attack planes armed with precision-guided missiles, Pentagon officials say.
House panel won't decide right away on Denise Rich immunity
WASHINGTON -- A House committee investigating President Clinton's pardon of fugitive financier Marc Rich won't give immunity to Rich's ex-wife until federal prosecutors decide whether to move ahead with their own criminal probe, a spokesman said.
Governor's plan to end power crisis has skeptics
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Gov. Gray Davis' multibillion-dollar plan to rescue cash-strapped utilities and end California's energy crisis was met with skepticism from power generators and consumer activists.
President calls on public to lobby for his budget
CRAWFORD, Texas (AP) -- President Bush asked the American people Saturday to help make his case to Congress for a budget that cuts taxes across the board, pays down the national debt and invests in education.
Commerce secretary assumes final say on census sampling
WASHINGTON -- Commerce Secretary Don Evans is wresting from the Census Bureau the final call on whether to adjust the 2000 census results. House Democrats say that could ultimately leave millions of poor people and minorities uncounted.
Planes collide over California harbor; one dead, three missing
LONG BEACH, Calif. (AP) -- Two small planes on training flights collided over a harbor then plunged 1,000 feet into the Pacific Ocean. One person was killed and three others were missing and presumed dead.
Police issue arrest warrant for teen in professor slayings
CONCORD, N.H. -- Police were looking for a Vermont teen-ager who was charged in an arrest warrant with stabbing two Dartmouth College professors to death.
New Black Panther Party leader in hospital
MARIETTA, Ga. -- Khalid Abdul Muhammad, a black militant known for his harsh rhetoric about Jews and whites, was hospitalized in "life-threatening" condition at a suburban Atlanta hospital, associates said.
Oklahoma City bomber McVeigh allows clemency deadline to pass
DENVER -- Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh moved a step closer to execution when he allowed a deadline to pass without filing a request for clemency.
Plane reaches polar explorers
MINNEAPOLIS -- Polar explorers Ann Bancroft and Liv Arnesen had guests for the night Friday: the pilots of the search-and-rescue plane they called a day earlier to pluck them from the Ross Ice Shelf.
In wake of sub's collision with Japanese fishing vessel
WASHINGTON -- President Bush called on the Pentagon to review the role of civilians in military exercises like the emergency ascent drill that a Navy submarine was performing with two civilians at the controls when it sank a Japanese fishing vessel.
Bush returns to ranch after first foreign trip
WACO, Texas -- After a day of diplomacy that pulled his attention from Mexico to Iraq and back again, President Bush retreated to the sanctuary of his West Texas ranch.
Wholesale prices soar in January
WASHINGTON -- Wholesale inflation shot up by a surprising 1.1 percent in January, the biggest jump in a decade, reflecting a record rise in natural gas prices and higher costs for food, cars and cigarettes. Industrial production fell for the fourth straight month.
Clinton seals deal on Harlem office space
NEW YORK -- Former President Clinton struck a deal with the city Friday to lease penthouse office space in Harlem for his post-presidency.
Shuttle on its way home
SPACE CENTER, Houston (AP) -- Space shuttle Atlantis and its astronauts left the international space station on Friday after spending the week installing the $1.4 billion science laboratory Destiny.
Cavs lose to chalupas
Call it the Chalupa Challenge.
Wisconsin extends unbeaten streak
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Kevin Granato scored the go-ahead goal midway through the third period Friday night, as Wisconsin extended its unbeaten streak to five games with a 3-2 victory over St. Cloud State.
Sirotka arrives, still center of controversy
Mike Sirotka needs the medical exams. The humor he can do with out.
Mavs owner fined $10,000, banned for two games in fast-food dash
DALLAS (AP) -- Mark Cuban was fined $10,000 -- enough to buy 10,101 chalupas -- and banned from Reunion Arena for two games for his fast-food inspired dash onto the court at the end of the Dallas-Cleveland game.
Rivera gets $39.99 million; Adams wins in arbitration
When Mariano Rivera got his long-term contract, New York Yankees manager Joe Torre seemed even happier than his top reliever.
Gretzky, DiPietro share significant firsts
The Great One and The First One shared the spotlight in the NHL.
Rookie provides the scoring power for St. Louis
A rookie was the brightest light at the Savvis Center.
Sled dog race draws competitors from far and near
MARQUETTE, Mich. (AP) -- Despite frigid wind chills, over 2,000 people lined the streets of downtown Marquette to launch the 12th annual U.P. 200 Sled Dog Championship.
Team changes hands, Gretzky era arrives
PHOENIX (AP) -- Wayne Gretzky's exuberance showed through when he played, and he couldn't restrain it when he got back into hockey as a partner in the new Phoenix Coyotes ownership.
North Dakota rallies to tie
GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) -- Wes Dorey scored his second goal of the game with just over four minutes remaining in regulation to give North Dakota a 3-3 tie with Denver Friday.
Aguilera turns down Padres' overture and will retire
NEW YORK (AP) -- Reliever Rick Aguilera turned down another overture to play this year, this time from San Diego, and plans to retire.
Barbara J. Blume
Barbara J. Blume, 68, Brainerd, died Thursday, Feb. 15, 2001, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Lester Lageson
Lester Lageson, 89, Brainerd, died Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2001, at St. Joseph's Medical Center.
Emma A. Hurd
AITKIN -- Emma Alina Hurd, 95, Aitkin, died Thursday, Feb. 15, 2001, at her daughter's home near Aitkin.
George P. Bahr
BAXTER -- George P. Bahr, 84, Baxter, died Saturday, Feb. 17, 2001, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Norman R. Super
LITTLE FALLS -- Norman R. Super, 74, Little Falls, died today, Feb. 16, 2001, at his home.
Dorothy M. Fornshell
PORTLAND -- Dorothy M. Fornshell, 75, Portland, died Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2001, in Portland.
Norman Robert Super
LITTLE FALLS -- Norman Robert Super, 74, Little Falls, died Friday, Feb. 16, 2001, at his home.
Curtis G. Wright
DEERWOOD -- Curtis G. Wright, 67, Deerwood, died Thursday, Feb. 15, 2001, at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby.
Joseph J. Kaminsky
IRONTON -- Joseph J. Kaminsky, 89, Ironton, died Friday, Feb. 16, 2001, at his home.
Gladys Adamietz
STAPLES -- Gladys Adamietz, 82, Staples, died Friday, Feb. 16, 2001, at the Greater Staples Care Center.
Sister Mary Alicia Pischke
LITTLE FALLS -- Sister Mary Alicia Pischke, 90, Little Falls, died Thursday, Feb. 15, 2001, at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls.
Blanche Hedstrom
Blanche Hedstrom, 75, Brainerd, died Friday, Feb. 16, 2001, at her home.
Lawrence 'Larry' L. Dorschner
ST. PAUL -- Lawrence "Larry" L. Dorschner, 55, Woodbury, died Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2001, at United Hospital in St. Paul.
Roman Euteneuer
LITTLE FALLS -- Roman Euteneuer, 85, a resident of St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls, died Friday, Feb. 16, 2001, at St. Otto's Care Center.
Gladys G. Hicks
MINNEAPOLIS -- Gladys G. Hicks, 92, Minneapolis, died Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2001, at New Brighton Care Center in New Brighton.
Ardelle MacLeod
EDINA -- Ardelle MacLeod, 82, Edina, formerly of Brainerd, died Friday, Feb. 16, 2001, at N.C. Little Memorial Hospital in Edina.
Ragna C. Awes
AITKIN -- Ragna Corrine Awes, 71, Aitkin, died Thursday, Feb. 15, 2001.
Taxing nonprofits
The following editorial was in The Daily Journal of International Falls on Tuesday:
A confident beginning
WASHINGTON--One month of the 48 in a presidential term is hardly the basis for judging performance, but there are clues in the Bush administration's first four weeks that are worth noting--whether or not they are borne out by future developments.
Coverage sack - Dispatch Editorial
Network chiefs called before a House committee Wednesday to answer for embarrassing mistakes in their election night coverage can't have had too much fun.
Education needs more than school heating aid
The following editorial was in Monday's Austin Daily Herald.
Unreal cuts
The following editorial appeared in Friday's Washington Post:
Clinton-haters overlook past pardons
As President Eisenhower prepared to depart office, a bunch of wealthy businessmen undertook to stock his farm in the manner benefiting a Gettysburg country squire.
Ventura-Higher ed - Dispatch Editorial
Educating Minnesota's young people is one of the state's most important jobs. A good educational system boosts our economy and improves our quality of life. It's usually one of the first aspects Minnesotans bring up when they want to brag about their state.
Promising start for a border partnership
President Bush's visit to Mexico this week has given rise to high expectations of a new partnership between the United States and its neighbor. The visit will take place under auspicious circumstances as both Bush and President Vicente Fox are at the beginning of their terms. The fact that Bush's first official international trip should be to Mexico is a clear signal of the prominence that he gives to relations with Mexico. In turn, Fox is well aware of the singular place that the United States occupies on Mexico's international agenda.
Open Forum
We absolutely love embracing bad behavior!
Proximity makes Manitoba's Pelican Lake tempting ice fishing destination
NINETTE, Manitoba -- Pelican Lake, located 25 miles into Manitoba from the North Dakota border, is proof you don't have to travel far into Canada to find great fishing.
Fishing industry thrives on Devils Lake
DEVILS LAKE, N.D. -- The fishing always was good in front of Randy Myers' house on Devils Lake. Today it's still good -- over his house.
Moose learn the hard way to avoid grizzlies, wolves
WASHINGTON -- When wolves and grizzly bears returned to parts of the Yellowstone basin of Wyoming, they feasted on the innocence of moose that had not seen such predators and didn't know to run.
North Country calendar
February
Chickadees, poetry and a quiet, foggy morning
I stepped outside in the early hours of daylight to an encompassing whiteness of fog and a gentle breeze blowing. The stillness was broken by what sounded strangely like a soft, steady summer rain. I cocked my head, straining to identify the source, only to discover the faint swishing high in the treetops was caused by the murmuring wind.
South Dakota, Wisconsin legislators helped put brakes on snowmobile ban
WASHINGTON -- Republicans last year attacked the National Park Service decision to ban snowmobiles from most national parks.
Videotapes clinch hunting cases
ANCHORAGE -- Wildlife enforcement officers received a treasure trove of videotapes after a feud erupted over the estate of longtime Bush pilot Floyd Saltz, who died in a 1998 plane crash.
Drill some holes, catch some fish
NINETTE, Manitoba -- Ice fishermen who park in one place usually catch fewer fish than mobile fishermen. Thus fishing writers and tackle manufacturers preach the gospel, "stay mobile."
Outdoor notes
The deadline for removing fish houses, dark houses and portable shelters is midnight Feb. 28 if they're located south of Highway 200 and Highway 2. Shelters north of that line must be removed by midnight March 15.
Maybe it's time fishing returned to its simple roots
The information age has affected everything. Entertainment, business, education, industry -- everything you can imagine has been forever changed, including fishing.
Fishing report
BRAINERD/NISSWA - Gull Lake is providing numbers of walleyes in the 14- to 16-inch range. Although they've been scattered in 25 to 60 feet of water, they've remained active.
50th anniversary
Kenneth and Sandra Pederson, Brainerd, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends at an open house this summer. They were married Feb. 17, 1951.
50th anniversary
Harold and Joyce Moffett, Staples, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, with a program at 4 p.m., at Thomastown Covenant Church in Staples. The event will be hosted by their family. No gifts please.
25th anniversary
Kevin and Jean Hummel, Crosslake, formerly of Elk River, recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with family and friends at Immaculate Heart Church in Crosslake. They were married Feb. 14, 1976, in Zimmerman.
99th birthday
Belva Mehaffey celebrated her 99th birthday Jan. 13 with her family.
McGrady-Scott
Tami McGrady and Matt Scott were married Dec. 2, 2000, at Assembly of God Church in Little Falls with Pastor Greg Valentine officiating.
Engagement announced
Kate Avelsgard and Rick Koop announce their engagement. Parents are Jeff and Cheryl Avelsgard, Deerwood, and Rick and Deb Koop, Ironton. A June 16, 2001, wedding is planned at Clearwater Forest in Deerwood.
Five generations
Five generations recently gathered were Samantha Hines, daughter; Eric Hines, father; Gradon Hines, grandfather; Virginia Hines, great-grandmother; and Hazel Doland, great-great-grandmother.
Engagement announced
Linda Murray and Kurt Gregersen announce their engagement. Parents are John and Rosella Murray, Brainerd, and Peter and Gloria Gregersen, Brainerd. A June 2, 2001, wedding is planned on the Knotty Bear cruise ship.
Wedding planned
Michelle Silitz and Gabe Aldridge announce their engagement. Parents are Joseph Silitz, Crystal, and Roy and Joan Maske, Brainerd, and Barry and Alana Aldridge, Ironton. A March 10, 2001, wedding is planned at Faith Baptist Church.
Five generations
Five generations recently gathered were Jordan Hines, son; Lacie Hines, daughter; Nicholas Hines, father; Gradon Hines, grandfather; Virginia Hines, great-grandmother; and Hazel Doland, great-great-grandmother.
Engagement announced
JoEllen Marie Kinville and Michael Paul Kitchenhoff announce their engagement. Parents are Wayne and Nancy Meyer, Baxter, and Larry and Edna Kitchenhoff, Emily. A wedding is planned.
Foxifying NASCAR: Get ready for glowing cars
Now it's NASCAR's turn to be Foxified.
Deadly year puts increased focused on NASCAR safety
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Brett Bodine won't crank up his race car until he straps a device that looks like a toilet seat around his neck. It's as much a part of his apparel as the helmet and firesuit.
Daytona 500
Forty-three drivers will take the field today in the Daytona 500. Look for results in Sports Monday.
Dodge makes quick impression in Daytona
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Bill Elliott led the first nine laps of his qualifying race for the Daytona 500, then virtually disappeared.
Makeup session
Sarah Bichler, a sixth-grade student at St. Augustine Elementary School, finished applying her Kabuki makeup Friday at the school in St. Cloud.
State employee investigated for child pornography
ST. PAUL (AP) -- A state employee is being investigated for allegedly sending and receiving child pornography via e-mail on his work computer, according to a report by KSTP-TV.
Authorities say victims found in Austin house fire were killed
AUSTIN (AP) -- Two people whose bodies were found inside a burning home were killed, and the fire apparently was set to cover up the crime, authorities said Friday.
HMO enrollment in Minnesota drops as premiums increase
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Enrollment in insured health maintenance organization plans in Minnesota continued to decline in the first three quarters of 2000 as premiums increased faster in the state than in other states, according to a new report.
Investigators probe plane's wreckage
WEBB LAKE, Wis. (AP) -- Federal investigators combed through the wreckage Thursday of a single-engine plane crash that killed a popular Minnesota flight instructor, a student pilot and their wives coming home from a Valentine's Day dinner.
Northwest pilots take extra safety precautions
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- As tension increases between Northwest Airlines and its mechanics, the airline's pilots are taking extra safety precautions.
Authorities identify two found dead in house fire
AUSTIN (AP) -- Investigators have tentatively identified two people whose bodies were found in a burning home near Austin Thursday.
28 state employees disciplined for misusing computers
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Twenty-eight employees of the Minnesota Department of Administration will be disciplined for keeping "inappropriate material," including pornography, on their work computers, officials said.
Poll: Tougher drunk driving law backed
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Minnesotans overwhelmingly support a proposal to crack down on drunken drivers by making a third driving-while-intoxicated conviction a felony, a poll published Friday showed.
Collision may have preceded plane crash
WEBB LAKE, Wis. (AP) -- Authorities have moved the wreckage of a plane crash near here that killed two couples who were celebrating Valentine's Day to a hangar in Minneapolis.
Antarctic adventurers wait for ride home
On the 94th day of their history-making trek across Antarctica, Ann Bancroft and Liv Arnesen were struggling to accept the fact that they wouldn't cover the last 470 miles on their own.
Laposky, Redebaugh score 31 in PR-B, PL wins
PINE RIVER -- The Pine River-Backus Tigers blitzed the Sebeka Trojans 38-10 in the second half and went on to a 74-41 Park Region Conference victory Thursday.
Scoreboard
Boys Basketball
Area events Saturday
Boys Basketball
Local sports shorts
The fourth annual Paul Bunyan Classic basketball tournament will be played Saturday and Sunday.
CLC men upset Fergus
The Central Lakes College Raiders men's baske
Tech upsets Little Falls in overtime
ST. CLOUD -- The St. Cloud Tech Tigers upset the fourth-ranked Little Falls Flyers 63-61 in overtimeThursday.
All-American wrestler doesn't dwell on past accomplishments
I had a friend who was a big baseball player back in high school
Pierz wrestlers fall short
ROYALTON -- Paynesville defeated the Pierz Pioneers 34-21 to win the Section 6A team wrestling championship Friday.
Local sports shorts
Cal Poly senior Chris Bjorklund of Brainerd needs only three points to break the school career scoring record of 1,903 set by former standout Mike Wozniak.
Brainerd ninth-grader completes nordic state meet
BIWABIK -- Brainerd ninth-grader Christina Roberts placed 45th in her first trip to the nordic skiing state meet Friday at Giants Ridge.
Apollo rallies to beat Brainerd boys
ST. CLOUD -- The St. Cloud Apollo Eagles took control in the second half to defeat the Brainerd Warriors 65-55 in a Central Lakes Conference boys' basketball game Thursday.
It didn't appear the Warriors were even going to play one good quarter, but then the second half arrived and so did Brainerd, which outscored Tech 37-17 to finish with a 58-42 Central Lakes Conference win.
After an embarrassing loss to the Little Falls Flyers Tuesday the Brainerd Warriors girls' basketball team wanted to play four solid quarters Friday against the St. Cloud Tech Tigers.
Raider women stumble
Coach Dennis Eastman summed up perfectly the experience of his Central Lakes Raiders women's basketball team during its 79-64 loss Thursday at Fergus Falls.
Duluth native takes fast lane into pro wrestling
Lenny Carlson took the fast lane into the fairy tale world of pro wrestling.
Record-setting finish
Senior captains Katie Majka and Kyle Goochey capped their careers in school-record-breaking fashion in the state alpine ski meet at Giants Ridge in Biwabik Friday.
Roberts scores 32 in Pillager victory
PILLAGER -- The Pillager Huskies edged out the Sebeka Trojans 67-64 in Park Region Conference basketball Friday as Lee Roberts scored 32 points.
W-DC girls outscore Rangers
CROSBY -- The Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines had four players score in double figures and shot 48 percent from the field in a 73-45 triumph over the Crosby-Ironton Rangers in a Mid-State Conference girls' basketball game Friday.
Flyer goalies ready for playoffs
With a Section 4A boys' hockey playoff game looming Tuesday, the Little Falls Flyers hope both of their goalies are in postseason form.
Inspired Warriors glide by Flyers
Ben House may have been the inspiration for the win by the Brainerd Warriors boys' hockey team Friday.
Free throw competition conducted
The Knights of Columbus free throw district competition was conducted Feb. 11 for boys' and girls ages 10-14.
Warriors win
Even though they won the game the Brainerd Warriors boys' hockey team suffered a significant loss Thursday at Brainerd Area Civic Center.
Hobey Baker Award heads to St. Paul
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The Hobey Baker Award is moving to St. Paul from the Decathlon Hotel and Athletic Club in Bloomington, its home since the 1981 inception of the award given to the nation's top college hockey player.
Gophers beat Colorado
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Jordan Leopold scored a goal and had two assists as Minnesota beat Colorado College 6-1 Friday night.
Twins getting ready to go back to work
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -- Breaking through the relative quiet surrounding the Lee County Sports Complex on Friday morning was the familiar sound of wood meeting ball.
Twins consider stock offering for new stadium
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Some Minneapolis business leaders are test-marketing a stock offering they hope could overcome years of opposition and fund an outdoor ballpark for the Minnesota Twins
Mankato falls to Michigan Tech
MANKATO (AP) -- Matt Ulwelling had three assists as Michigan Tech beat Minnesota State, Mankato 4-2 Friday night.
Minnesota shut out at home by Los Angeles
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The Los Angeles Kings might have too many goalies if they make the NHL playoffs, which is better than having not enough goalies.
Timberwolves lose third straight after All-Star break
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Kevin Garnett made it back OK from the All-Star game. His Minnesota teammates are still finding their way.
Duluth, Anchorage tie
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- Mark Carlson's third-period goal lifted Minnesota-Duluth to a 2-2 tie with Alaska Anchorage Friday night in Western Collegiate Hockey Association action.
Computer Networks Get a Voice of Their Own
BOSTON -- Her task seems simple enough: Find a flight from New York to San Antonio, using an automated telephone system that responds to the human voice.
The history of joysticks
Joysticks trace their roots to a short-lived game console released in 1976 by Fairchild Camera & Instrument Co. called the Video Entertainment System. The VES was controlled by a
GAME REVIEW: 'Disney's 102 Dalmatians'
What: "Disney's 102 Dalmatians: Puppies to the Rescue" for Game Boy Color, in which you play either as puppy Oddball or Domino to free dognaped Dalmatians enslaved by Cruella De Vil to generate power in her toy factory.
Today's joysticks make a real jet jockey jealous
In the early days of PC gaming, flying a virtual airplane meant punching the keys on your number pad to move your fighter up, down and sideways.
What makes a good joystick?
Above all, a joystick must stand up to constant pounding, so it should be sturdy, with a solid heavy base to keep it from flipping during violent maneuvers.
Digital picture frames offer great quality
"Hold on, honey, I've got to check the picture frame to see how my baseball team did last night."
New batteries could soon power special effects on packaging
NEW YORK -- What if the next time you walked into a music store, a compact disc sang to you? Or you reached for some beauty cream at the department store and the package began to glow, enticing you with a tiny video invitation to rediscover lost youth?
You've got to give this portable calendar a hand
At this time of year, I'm usually scratching around for a new calendar system to track family occasions, business appointments and the like.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Turning blustery and colder. Becoming partly sunny south. Scattered flurries north early then partly cloudy. Early highs in the teens and 20s north and west to the lower 30s southeast...Then falling temperatures.
State forecast for North Dakota
Wind chill advisory east today...
Minnesota state forecast.
Wind chill advisory northwest today...
Children plucked from bus roof as storms roar across South
CHINA SPRING, Texas (AP) -- A grandmother anxiously watched as an Army helicopter safely plucked her three grandchildren from the roof of a school bus while floodwaters swirled around the vehicle, threatening to sweep it downstream.
State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Decreasing clouds west and north. Mostly cloudy with a few flurries southeast. Highs 5 above northeast to the 30s southwest.
The Weather Elsewhere With Tomorrow's Temperature Forecast
Saturday
She caught one!
Weather drawing by JoAnna Miles of Gayle Kub's first grade class at Lowell school.
The Weather Elsewhere
Friday
Minnesota state forecast
Today...Mostly sunny. Partly to mostly cloudy southwest. Highs from 5 to 15.
Snow lover
Weather drawing by Emily Holland in the Baxter School fourth-grade class of Mr. Trucano.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Snow showers over portions of the lake superior snowbelt this morning. Otherwise mostly sunny but cold. Highs 5 to 15.
State forecast for North Dakota
This afternoon...Decreasing clouds far southwest...Sunny elsewhere. Highs zero far north to the teens extreme southwest.
Regional Weather
HighLowPR
Regional Weather
MINNESOTA HighLowPR
State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Mostly cloudy skies in the west with a chance of light snow. Mostly sunny skies across the east. Highs of 5 to 15 above.
Worldwide Weather
Saturday
Iowa state forecast
Today...Mostly sunny northeast...Mostly cloudy southwest. Highs 5 to 10 north...10 to 20 south.
Organizations
Brainerd Jaycees
Senior activities
LAKES AREA SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER
Names and faces
LEBANON, Ind. (AP) -- "Star Trek" actor William Shatner and a one-time high school homecoming queen got married this week in this central Indiana city, The Indianapolis Star reported.
What's doing
The Brainerd American
Much obliged
All families and children wish to express their appreciation for "Gifts From the Heart" during the holidays.
Much obliged
First, let me say thank you to Dr. Ronald Halvorson, Ann, Deb and Marion, Dr. Todd Greatens and Julie, and Dr. Peter Henry and Kim for the wonderfu
What's doing
Al and Carol Kline, 50; Mary Jane Janacek and Betty Swart, 46.5; Mona Gorham and Tony Vornbrock, 45.5; and Ann Whalen and Phyllis DeRosier, 44.
Navy finds fishing boat wreakage
HONOLULU -- A deep-sea robot has found the wreckage of a Japanese fishing vessel that sank when a Navy attack submarine tore through it while surfacing, Navy officials said Saturday.
U.S., British planes strike south of Baghdad
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Iraq will retaliate for the largest attack by U.S. and British warplanes in months, a state-run newspaper vowed Saturday, as Iraqis returning to classes, jobs and markets a day after the deadly bombing uniformly condemned the United States.
Kosovo Serbs mourn those killed in bomb blast
PRISTINA, Yugoslavia -- Lighting candles and weeping, hundreds of Kosovo Serbs gathered Saturday in a cemetery to mourn the victims of a bus bombing that killed seven people and injured 43 others.
Israeli unity government forming with Barak and Peres joining Sharon
JERUSALEM -- A broad coalition government under Prime Minister-elect Ariel Sharon was taking shape in Israel on Friday, with Sharon's defeated predecessor Ehud Barak and elder statesman Shimon Peres accepting key posts.
A clash of cultures over investigating sub accident
WASHINGTON -- For the National Transportation Safety Board, the spotlight of publicity is the only real power it has to force changes meant to prevent accidents. The Navy can order changes but would rather wait until the facts are in before talking about results.
International community slams U.S., British air attacks on Iraq
TOKYO -- Nations with large Muslim populations Saturday slammed U.S.-British air strikes against Iraqi targets near Baghdad, saying prior attacks failed to topple the nation's leader and victimized innocents.
Japanese prime minister takes heat over sub collision
TOKYO -- Perhaps the United States was lucky that Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori continued his golf game after being told that a nuclear-powered U.S. submarine had sunk the Ehime Maru in Hawaii.
Russia drawing line over further NATO expansion
MOSCOW -- For nearly a decade, "partnership" was the buzzword for Russia's relations with NATO. Now that venture is all but dead and the Kremlin is drawing a thick line to show the Western alliance where it says its eastward expansion must stop.