Sunday, February 25, 2001
CFO helps bring parachute company in for soft landing
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) -- When Mark Thomas arrived as the chief financial officer at Ballistic Recovery Systems Inc. in April 1992, he had the sneaking suspicion that he was about to preside over a corporate funeral.
Consumers' mood based largely on personal experience
WASHINGTON -- Americans form their opinions about the economy based on many things, including what they have to shell out for groceries and gas, conditions at the workplace, and chats with family and friends.
Loss of Earnhardt also leaves a void in business world
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- With the death of seven-time Winston Cup champion Dale Earnhardt, corporate sponsors are moving quickly to pull ads and revamp promotional campaigns.
Bid to unionize casino dealers is crapping out
LAS VEGAS -- A sweeping campaign here to unionize many of the city's blackjack, craps and other casino dealers, which showed initial momentum, is on the verge of folding like a house of cards.
Moderate gains don't save down week
NEW YORK -- Speculation about an earlier-than-expected interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve helped technology stocks stage a comeback Friday, giving the Nasdaq composite index its first positive finish in more than a week.
'House-rich' elders can get help with cash flow from reverse mortgages
NEW YORK -- Many of America's elderly find themselves to be house-rich, but cash-poor.
Business notes
The Minnesota Thunder, Minnesota's professional soccer team, selected Russell & Herder as its agency of record for the 2001 soccer season.
But the name goes on
Since 1939, the Esser's name has been part of the Brainerd area business community. The name, connected for many with the sale of spirits, will continue even though the brothers who kept the tradition alive sold the business little more than a week ago.
Schwan's accused of pizza piracy
MARSHALL (AP) -- The top two frozen pizza retailers in the country have taken their battle for a bigger share of the $2.4 billion market to court, with Kraft Foods Inc. accusing Schwan's Sales Enterprises of stealing trade secrets.
Going global
With the warmth of April springing into the sunlight in 1996, the future of the Internet in the lakes area was being compared to ice -- actually the tip of an iceberg.
Home Depot co-founder Arthur M. Blank set to retire
Arthur M. Blank, co-founder and co-chairman of Home Depot Inc., said Wednesday he will retire from the company and its board of directors at the end of May.
Money talk
Question: Several years ago I went to graduate school, and now along with my education I have a great deal of debt in the form of student loans and credit cards. I am paying off as much as possible on the credit cards every month (my $15,000 balance is split among three cards, and I am not using them for purchases, but it seems to be taking forever to make a significant dent.
In the deepest gloom, some investors see opportunity
NEW YORK (AP) -- The stock market's plunge has left many small investors so intimidated they are likely to miss out on the beginning of the next upturn and the chance to recoup their losses.
Digging themselves a niche
GREENFIELD, Mass. -- When the snow piles up on America's sidewalks and driveways, the Rugg family smiles. And this winter they've been smiling a lot.
Thinking up, not out may answer space needs
Land prices may be enough to finally get Brainerd and Baxter area developers to think up and not out.
Investors have more ways to research mutual funds than ever
NEW YORK -- Mutual fund investors have more information than ever to help them make decisions, but sifting through it all can be intimidating and frustrating.
Bulk of 3M head's compensation to come in stock
MAPLEWOOD (AP) -- The new chief executive of 3M Corp., W. James McNerney Jr., will get a salary of $1.3 million and a bonus of $2.4 million this year, plus a big payoff in long-term stock options.
Law requiring layoff notice Is full of loopholes
The end of employment can be nerve-racking, whatever the cause. Now that layoffs are coming by the thousands, many workers are worried they might be next.
Brainerd High School announces honor roll
Honor Roll First Semester
Pillager 8th grade honor roll
Pillager 8th Grade Honor Roll
It's a bridal free-for-all at Filene's Basement
BOSTON -- Here come the brides, all 500 of them, in bluejeans and sneakers. They stand prepared to knock the glass doors of Filene's Basement off their hinges -- it's happened four or five times before -- to score The Perfect Dress in the biggest bridal sale scrum of the season.
Youth volunteers for February
NAMES: Kayla Hagen, 10 years and Trent Larson, 12 years, brother and sister
Teens need answers
DEAR ABBY: I am a 14-year-old girl with a big problem. Today, when my father and I went to the supermarket, I saw a book that looked interesting. It was called "How to Win at Love." I picked it up not because I was having a problem with my love life -- I don't even HAVE a love life -- but I am curious about "love," so I read a few pages and decided to buy it. My dad saw the title and got mad at me. Then one of my sisters started treating me like I was a freak. Now, I'm scared my dad and sister will tell my mom, and then Mom will be mad, too.
Tips for making lipstick last
So, the Valentine's Day dinner is over, and he's at your door -- or on your couch. It's time for The Kiss, and if you're wearing lipstick, you're suddenly faced with the unfortunate likelihood of having the red stuff rubbed off your lips and onto your chin.
Mall of America couple 'doing marvelously'
Remember that guy in Minnesota who advertised for a wife, had friends and relatives select from dozens of applicants, and immediately married the winner at the Mall of America with 2,000 shoppers watching?
Boys need partners who are male role models
One of the elements that really seems to help relationships grow between adult and junior partners is a supportive, conscientious parent. The three African-American young men featured in today's "Child in Need" article are lovable, fun-loving kids; and best of all, they have a mom who will be very supportive of their partnerships.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Friday cattle: 950.
Veneman cites 'ongoing weaknesses' in farm economy
ARLINGTON, Va. -- Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman warned Tuesday of "ongoing weaknesses" in the farm economy, even as the government forecast a steady rise in U.S. agricultural exports.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Friday 348, a year ago 234.
Goodbye, meat cutter?
WASHINGTON -- The corner butcher shop is gone. The supermarket meat cutter may not be far behind.
Agendas
Little Falls School Board
Burn victim in satisfactory condition
LITTLE FALLS -- A 2-year-old toddler who suffered severe injuries in a house fire Feb. 13 was reported in satisfactory condition Friday.
Corrections/clarifications
In a Feb. 18 business story about Jan's Sewing with Heart business, the number of sewing machines should have counted to seven and building owner Gary L. Svendsen should not have been identified as Jan Fraune's landlord in the business' former Washington Street location.
Love in the lead, Tiger in the mix
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Tiger Woods was one bad swing away from being in jeopardy of missing the cut. Instead, he produced one of his best swings of the day and wound up only four shots behind co-leaders Davis Love III and Miguel Angel Jimenez.
Bush: Projected surplus can easily accommodate big tax cut
WASHINGTON -- President Bush said Saturday that the most important number in the budget he sends to Congress next week is the $5.6 trillion surplus it projects over the next 10 years.
Rules relaxed for retirees' access to State Department
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A year after the State Department tightened security amid Republican complaints of lax standards, Secretary of State Colin Powell rolled back a requirement that former employees be escorted during visits to the building.
The week ahead
ST. PAUL -- In all likelihood, Gov. Jesse Ventura and the Legislature will learn this week that they have less cash at their disposal than earlier believed.
Chemical dependency groups and AA groups
Adult Children-Chem.Dep.
Health care and medical services
Blood Pressure Clinics
Support groups
Crisis Line-Referral Ser.
Local briefs
Governor Jesse Ventura's budget for Kindergarten through 12th-grade education actually represents a decrease in funding for area schools including Aitkin and McGregor, reports State Rep. Loren Solberg, DFL-Bovey.
Going global
National and international customers are increasing for Brainerd-area manufacturing businesses. Read more about it Monday's Dispatch.
Snow emergency declared
The city of Brainerd declared a snow emergency for Saturday and today.
This was Brainerd
FEBRUARY 25 - 30 years ago (1971) - Miss Leah Beth Frey, 23-year-old soprano from Crosby, has won the District and Regional Metropolitan Opera auditions and will compete in the semi-finals in New York. Miss Frey is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gustave X. Frey of Crosby. Frey is associated with Thrifty Drug in Brainerd.
Lakes area has marketing links to world
Name an area business conducting work in California or Japan? The shorter list may be who isn't.
A new sewage collection and treatment center could be reality in 2003 in Garrison
GARRISON -- A new sewage collection and treatment system for the Western Lake Mille Lacs area could be hooked up as early as 2003.
Experts: Money factor new to pardon history
WASHINGTON -- A direct descendant of the divine right of monarchs, the presidential pardon is protected under the Constitution from any need for justification. Its use has drawn protests before, but those who study the history of executive clemency say President Clinton's last-minute pardons have a unique twist.
Bush, Blair wrap up their get-acquainted session
THURMONT, Md. -- President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair were wrapping up their get-acquainted session Saturday at the Camp David presidential retreat, after exploring their common desire to fix "Swiss-cheese" gaps in Iraqi sanctions while containing Saddam Hussein's aggression.
Sara Jane Olson is shaken, outraged by judge's decision
LOS ANGELES -- Staunchly declaring her innocence, a shaken Sara Jane Olson said Friday she was outraged by a judge's decision to allow the criminal history of the Symbionese Liberation Army to be included as evidence in her upcoming trial on charges she conspired to kill two Los Angeles police officers in 1975.
Clinton's brother laments denied pardon requests
WASHINGTON -- Roger Clinton said Friday that he promised a half-dozen of his closest friends, including men he had met in prison, that his brother, former President Clinton, would grant them pardons before he left the White House.
Gulf War anniversary
COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- Former President George Bush, marking the 10th anniversary of the ground offensive in the Gulf War, said Friday that he regrets underestimating the resiliency of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.
Powell in Mideast
CAIRO, Egypt -- Launching his first extensive overseas trip as secretary of state, Colin Powell said Saturday he was open to advice on how to force Iraq to abandon its weapons programs.
Florida panel recommends changes in voting system
MIAMI -- Hoping to avoid a repeat of the post-election chaos that consumed Florida and the nation last November, a task force appointed by Gov. Jeb Bush (R) is recommending the first broad changes that would create a uniform statewide voting system and banish the use of the infamous punch-card ballot.
Prosecutors investigating Hasidic men's commutations
NEW YORK -- Federal prosecutors are investigating whether former President Clinton commuted the sentences of four convicted swindlers in exchange for Hasidic Jewish votes for his wife during her run for the Senate, The Associated Press learned Friday.
Tribes call new federal trust regulations 'mixed bag'
WASHINGTON -- American Indian tribal leaders are recommending endorsement of new federal rules on the placement of Indian land into tax-exempt federal trust, despite serious objections to some of the provisions.
Hawaii coach Jones regains consciousness after accident
HONOLULU (AP) -- Doctors were optimistic about Hawaii football coach June Jones' chances for a full recovery Friday, a day after he was critically injured in a car crash.
Denver defeats Alaska-Anchorage
DENVER (AP) -- Kevin Doell had two goals and the University of Denver scored four times in the first period as the Pioneers defeated Alaska-Anchorage 6-3 on Friday night.
Wisconsin loses to Colorado
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) -- Paul Manning scored the game-winning goal with 6:54 left as Colorado College beat Wisconsin 5-4 Friday night.
Packers' purge begins
Outside linebacker Brian Williams is the first of several key contributors to Green Bay's Super Bowl years who will pay the price for the Packers' recent spending spree.
Baseball's spring of discontent
It quickly has become baseball's spring of discontent.
Mutombo is the perfect addition for Philadelphia
Dikembe Mutombo and the Philadelphia 76ers appear to be a perfect fit.
Big night for Roenick, Tkachuk in Buffalo
Jeremy Roenick joined some elite company with his hat trick at Buffalo.
North Dakota wins
HOUGHTON, Mich. (AP) -- Tim Laurila assisted on both Michigan Tech goals to lead the Huskies to 2-2 tie with North Dakota on Friday night.
Gordon Becker
PIERZ -- Gordon Becker, 47, Pierz, died Friday, Feb. 23, 2001, at Becker Trucking, Inc.
Michael L. Arms
Michael Lon Arms, 38, Brainerd, died Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2001, at his home.
Elaine Berns
BAXTER -- Elaine Berns, 64, Baxter, who retired last year after serving more than 30 years as a teacher's aide at Baxter Elementary School, died Friday, Feb. 23, 2001, at St. Joseph's Medical Center.
Victor J. Lemire
AITKIN -- Victor J. Lemire, 78, Aitkin, died Thursday, Feb. 22, 2001, at the Veterans Hospital in St. Cloud after a long illness.
Raymond G. Johnson
Raymond G. Johnson, 85, Brainerd, died Friday, Feb. 23., 2001, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
George W. Bush's moment of truth
WASHINGTON--Now comes the first moment of truth for President George W. Bush.
Janet Reno revisited
Former President Bill Clinton's foibles and misdeeds continue to be chronicled by the media more than a month after his presidency ended.
Putting people first - Dispatch Editorial
President George W. Bush's actions, one month into his presidency, have shown he prefers deliberation to knee-jerk policy-making.
Open Forum
A state of emergency
Hungry owls migrate to northern Minnesota
Northern Minnesota is experiencing a midwinter migration of owls, a phenomenon known in ornithological circles as an "irruption."
Twin Ports club struggles to spread its love of bass fishing in walleye land
DULUTH (AP) -- There aren't many anglers in the Northland as dedicated to bass fishing as J.T. Colosimo. In fact, there aren't many anglers in the Northland who'd even admit they fish for bass.
Potential changes in statewide fish limits
-- Most limits are not based on scientific research.
Birding at its best Photographer hits the road in search of wintering owls
After reading an article in "Travelers Guide to Wildlife in Minnesota," my son Michael and I decided to make a photo safari to Sax-Zim bog, which consists of about 200 square miles of tamarack and cedar.
'We want to make meaningful change' DNR fisheries manager says bag limits should be changed before problems arise
Tim Goeman, DNR regional fisheries manager in Brainerd, has been a key player in the bag limit review process that began last summer. The fifth of 19 regional meetings at which the public can discuss proposed bag limit changes will take place at 7 p.m. Monday in the Central Lakes College cafeteria.
Engagement announced
Rhonda Pietz and Scott Kimman announce their engagement. Parents are Ron and Deb Bialke, Brainerd, and Ron Pietz, Pillager, and Clint and Jan Kimman, Pierz. A Sept. 15 wedding is planned at St. Joseph's Church in Pierz.
Wedding planned
Terri Olander and Chad Shogren announce their engagement. Parents are Dennis and Bonnie (Bartella) Olander, Pequot Lakes, and Oscar and Laura Shogren, Breezy Point. An April wedding is planned at St. Christopher's Catholic Church in Nisswa.
63rd anniversary
Ray and Irene Kuschel recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. They were married Feb. 19, 1938, in Holdingford.
Engagement announced
Nicole Thesing and Fred Cash announce their engagement. Parents are Robert and Judy Thesing, Fort Ripley, and Robert and Ada Cash, Fort Ripley. A May 5 wedding is planned at St. Mathias Catholic Church.
Four generations
Four generations recently gathered were Stephanie Lamont, daughter; MacKenzie Johnson, daughter; Sharon Sibbert, mother; Marlene Sibbert, grandmother; and Carol White, great-grandmother.
Engagement announced
Mya Eden Honeywell and Ryan Michael Williams announce their engagement. Parents are John Honeywell and Julie Johnson, Winona, and Michael and Karen Williams, Brainerd. A May 25 wedding is planned in Stillwater.
Engagement announced
Heather Kasper and Kyle Maine announce their engagement. Parents are Dolores Kasper, Staples, and the late Clifford Kasper, David and Susan Fogelquist, Grand Rapids, Don and Davalee Gist, Hermiston, Ore., and Horton and Jackie Maine, Nisswa. A May 12 wedding is planned.
Reflections on a champion
The first time I approached Dale Earnhardt for an interview was in Riverside, Calif., in 1980, the year after he was NASCAR's Rookie of the Year.
"We've had to take some very deep breaths and get everything in perspective, and it's really been a difficult time. The main focus now is to try to maintain and progress with the vision my father had with Dale Earnhardt Inc." -- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (AP) -- The tears have been wiped away and the anger has subsided. Now that Dale Earnhardt Jr. has a clear mind, honoring his father is the most important thing he can do.
Garrison Keillor taking 'A Prairie Home Companion' show to Europe
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The news from Lake Wobegon is going to be coming from Europe next month.
Sunday car sale ban repeal proposed in Legislature
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Go ahead and roam the lot, kick some tires and check out that sports coupe in fire-engine red -- just don't count on driving away in a new car on Sunday.
MCCC all-division teams announced
The Minnesota Community College Conference announced its all-division teams and included three members of the Central Lakes College Raiders women's basketball team, Amy Martinson, Amy Solorz and Jeanna Baratto.
Area events Saturday
Boys Basketball
Brainerd boys fall in overtime
Dan Karlgaard had the game of his life.
Smith's injury forces her to sideline
ST. PAUL -- Molly Smith was wearing a sleeveless red top, white skirt and sandals instead of a Brainerd Warriors blue and white gymnastics leotard at the Class AA state meet Friday at Wilkins Auditorium in the RiverCentre.
Tigers still perfect in Park Region play
PINE RIVER --The Pine River-Backus Tigers boys' basketball team upped their perfect Park Region Conference mark to 7-0 and improved to 19-4 overall with a 73-60 triumph over the Pillager Huskies on Friday.
Laposky's 34 points lead PR-B girls
VERNDALE -- Sarah Laposky scored 34 points to help the Pine River-Backus Tigers girls' basketball team beat the Verndale Pirates 89-37 and win the Park Region Conference title with a 7-0 record Friday.
Wadena-Deer Creek has 7 in 7AA title matches
PERHAM -- The Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines, already qualified for the state dual team tourney, put the most athletes into title matches Saturday at the Section 7AA Individual Wrestling Tournament.
Brainerd gymnasts earn sixth place
ST. PAUL -- In the final state coaches association rankings the Brainerd Warriors gymnastics team was rated fifth.
CLC women lose to Rochester despite 17-point lead
All right, it's quiz time. Team A holds a lead for more than 37 minutes of a 40 minute women's basketball game. Team B is outshot 38 to 33 percent and shoots just 24 percent during a first half that sees team A forge a 17-point lead. Who wins the game?
Local sports shorts
The Brainerd Warriors girls' basketball team has been seeded fifth in the Section 8, Class 4A girls' basketball tournament and will play at No. 5 St. Cloud Apollo 7 p.m. Tuesday in the opening round.
MCCC women's state tourney tips off at CLC
Central Lakes College spruced itself up, broke out the snack trays, opened a hospitality room and prepared itself to host the Minnesota Community College Conference women's basketball tournament. The tournament kicked off Friday with the state's eight best community college teams, four from the northern division and four from the south.
Soaring Warrior
Warrior freshman Annalisa Aahkus performed her floor exercise routine at the State Girls Gymnastics Meet in Roy Wilkins Auditorium at the RiverCentre in St. Paul Friday.
Wolverines fall in Section 4A hockey
ALEXANDRIA -- Last year the Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines boys' hockey team lost to the Fergus Falls Otters in the Section 4A finals. This year, it was like deja vu all over again as the Otters still proved too much for the Wolverines.
Children learn sport in community education program
Two days a week, six Brainerd School District wrestling coaches can't seem to get enough wrestling practices.
Steussie, Griffith considered for release
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesota Vikings coach Dennis Green said Friday he's confident that defensive lineman John Randle will be back with the team next season.
Five records tied, broken in Big Ten championships
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesota strengthened its lead in the Big Ten men's swimming and diving championships after the second day of competition Friday.
Avalanche bury the Wild
DENVER (AP) -- After nearly 11 years with the Los Angeles Kings, Rob Blake was admittedly nervous in his first game with the Colorado Avalanche. Several jarring hits and an assist later, the four-time All-Star showed there was little to worry about.
SCSU outscores Mankato
ST. CLOUD. (AP) -- Duvic Westcott scored two goals and Scott Meyer made 31 saves as St. Cloud State beat Minnesota State, Mankato, 6-2 on Friday night.
UM-D Bulldogs down Gophers in overtime
DULUTH (AP) -- Nate Anderson scored two goals, including the game-winner in overtime, as Minnesota-Duluth ended Minnesota's nine-game winning streak with a 5-4 victory Friday night.
Wolves win
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Terrell Brandon and the Minnesota Timberwolves found the perfect tonic for their recent struggles Friday night: The league's worst defensive team.
Hawkins takes closer role
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) - Last year at this time, Minnesota Twins right-handed pitcher LaTroy Hawkins arrived at spring training ready to compete for a spot in the starting rotation. This year, he had been handed the closer's job before the first day of workouts.
A virtual world is taking shape in research labs
One day last fall, virtual reality pioneer Jaron Lanier leaned across a desk and looked directly into the eyes of his colleague Bob Zeleznik. Well, almost.
The future of invsibile networking
I felt left out. Everywhere I looked at the Demo 2001 technology show here, people were working on laptop computers -- at poolside, in the hotel lobby, even on shelves beside pay phones. At the same show last year, most people left their laptops in their rooms because there was no wireless Internet access on the show floor.
Pushing the ever-growing packet stream past Internet choke points
SUNNYVALE, Calif. (AP) -- Two years ago this month, when Victoria's Secret first broadcast its fashion show online, many would-be viewers looking for scantily clad models met with network congestion instead.
Web sites to visit
Sudsy Imitation
Web-based email may be what you need
If you're a longtime e-mail user like me, you've probably noticed that e-mail has been disappearing lately. And I mean disappear -- we used to be able to count on at least getting an error message when we misaddressed an e-mail missive, or when the computer at the other end was down.
Wisconsin state forecast
Winter storm warning far northwest today and tonight...
The Weather Elsewhere
Saturday
Worldwide Weather
Saturday
Minnesota state forecast
Winter storm warning northeast today and tonight... Winter storm warning much of the west and central tonight...
State forecast for South Dakota
Various winter weather warnings and advisories today through sunday morning...
Regional Weather
HighLowPR
Iowa state forecast.
Flood watch southwest this afternoon...
Winter sky
Weather drawing by Cali Degeest of Mrs. Larson's fifth grade class at Harrison school.
State forecast for North Dakota
Winter storm warning far southeast tonight and sunday...
Organizations
Brainerd Jaycees
What's doing
Brainerd American Legion will have an all you can eat fish dinner from 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday at the American Legion Club, 708 Front Street. Price $6. For information call 829-2249.
Britain begins to slaughter livestock in foot-and-mouth outbreak
LONDON (AP) -- Workers began slaughtering thousands of British livestock Saturday, as the government said its measures to contain an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease appeared to be paying off.