Thursday, March 15, 2001
A look at the new cars
Don't believe all the doom and gloom about the economy.
Consumer Reports speaks
DETROIT -- U.S. automakers have closed on their foreign rivals in making reliable vehicles over the past two decades but still lag in overall quality, according to a Consumer Reports magazine survey.
Auto Web surfing: A new race for fatter profits
GENEVA -- Stuck in an industry slowdown, automakers say it's a wild race to boost their bottom lines with the latest hope in automotive innovation -- Internet, e-mail and streaming video beamed directly to motorists on the go.
Bad news, good bargains
Executives at Oldsmobile weren't sure how car buyers would react to the news in December that the oldest U.S. nameplate would be phased out.
Ambassador SST remains a work in progress
Richard Schlinger's friends thought he was crazy.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Wednesday 167, a year ago 397.
Chicken and potato stew boasts Moroccan flavor
Moroccan-Style Chicken and Potato Stew would make a tasty and filling centerpiece for a relaxed low-fat dinner.
Chocolate cake has unlikely ingredient
I remember when my mom made the best chocolate cake with sauerkraut in it. It was so moist and good topped with a fudgy, smooth frosting.
Serve Beef-Vegetable Ragout at a casual dinner with friends
Beef-Vegetable Ragout is a good dish for a casual get-together. Casual for the cook, too, because it can be ready in about half an hour.
Correction/clarification
A Page 1A caption Wednesday titled Walking Down Memory Lane mistakenly referred to Reeda Marks' husband as deceased. Anton Marks is alive.
Accidents
GARRISON -- Two people were injured Tuesday in a mini-van rollover reported at 8:25 a.m. on Highway 169, just south of Garrison, the State Patrol reported.
Crime
ONAMIA -- Mille Lacs County sheriff's authorities are investigating the armed robbery of the Holiday Express in Onamia Sunday.
Court
The following recently appeared in Crow Wing District Court:
Court
WALKER -- The following recently appeared in Cass County District Court:
Metals
Gold - $263.85 troy oz., Handy & Harman (only daily quote).
Fires
A fire broke out in a metal dust collector at North Star Plating in the Brainerd Industrial Park today.
How to reach your federal lawmakers
Sen. Paul Wellstone
Ventura's friendly grants proposal irritates lawmaker
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Gov. Jesse Ventura's budget would cut state grants for private agencies that serve disabled people, while he recommends $500,000 for a charitable program associated with friends, a setup that angers a Senate chairman.
Clinton defense fund comes short
WASHINGTON -- The legal defense fund for former President Clinton and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton raised only $750,000 over the past eight months, leaving the Clintons nearly $4 million short of paying the enormous legal bills they have incurred since 1994.
Senate agrees to end debate, vote on bankruptcy overhaul bill
WASHINGTON -- The Senate is moving toward passage of legislation that would make it harder for people to wipe out debts in bankruptcy court after quashing Democratic attempts to restrain banks in handing out credit cards.
Legal group says anti-gay harassment declined slightly in military last year
WASHINGTON -- A legal aid group that defends gays in the military says anti-homosexual harassment in the services declined slightly last year, largely because of improved Army training programs.
Race: America's oldest struggle is boon for marketers
WASHINGTON -- Politicians know that when you ask Americans about race, you're guaranteed a good debate. Salespeople know that race does more than provoke talk -- it gets results in the marketplace.
Defense says Algerian was unwitting courier of explosives
LOS ANGELES -- An Algerian accused of plotting to bomb U.S. cities during millennium celebrations was set up by a fugitive who bought explosives and planted them in the defendant's rental car, his lawyer said.
Senate approaches passage of bankruptcy overhaul bill
WASHINGTON -- The Senate is drawing closer to passing legislation to make it tougher for people to erase debts in bankruptcy court, after voting down two Democratic attempts to restrict credit cards for minors.
Official: Government may need to clear up airport delays
WASHINGTON -- The government should step in to clear up airport delays if airlines won't take actions such as shifting flights away from the busiest travel times, a Transportation Department official said Thursday.
Legislators consider wagering bills
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Those NCAA betting pools would be legal -- and taxable -- under a plan a House subcommittee kept alive Tuesday.
Kuwait bombing survivor focus of investigation
WASHINGTON -- A central focus of the Pentagon's investigation of the fatal bombing accident in Kuwait will be the actions of an Air Force enlisted man who was responsible for directing a Navy pilot to his target and who survived the still-unexplained attack.
Capitol notebook
Happenings Tuesday at the Minnesota Capitol:
Incumbents fare well in townships
Incumbents did well in additional results that have surfaced from Tuesday's Crow Wing County township elections.
Bush backs off on pledge to curb power plant carbon dioxide emissions
WASHINGTON -- More than half of Americans generally approve of the job President Bush is doing and agree with his plans for the budget surplus, says a poll.
Current account trade deficit surges to record $435.4 billion
WASHINGTON -- America's deficit in the broadest measure of trade surged to an all-time high of $435.4 billion last year as an increase in U.S. exports failed to offset a huge rise in imports of consumer goods and oil.
Restrictions, anger over foot-and-mouth disease outbreak
PARIS -- A day after the United States banned meat imports from the European Union because of foot-and-mouth disease, other nations Wednesday piled on restrictions that would likely further hurt an industry already reeling from the mad cow epidemic.
Dogs, inspectors greet travelers as U.S. fights foot-and-mouth
CHANTILLY, Va. -- Anthony Davidowitz, a British university student, knows firsthand the havoc foot-and-mouth disease can wreak on a country's farmers. His parents live in England within four miles of an outbreak of the livestock disease.
Landscape your yard to attract birds
HACKENSACK -- Native trees, shrubs and ground cover give the best success rate for homeowners wanting new vegetation for their yard and also can attract more birds.
Area briefs
A boiler operators workshop will be held March 22 and 23 on the Brainerd campus of Central Lakes College.
Trick to treating colorectal cancer is to catch it early
Colorectal cancer, a disease that begins in the colon and rectum, is something most people would rather not talk about, much less get examined for.
Teacher goes from 'plows and cows' to all facets of outdoor life
SPRING VALLEY (AP) -- Let's get this straight, Lyman Richter is not a farm teacher, he's an agriculture teacher.
Crosslake racer places in snocross races
KIMBALL -- Trevor John of Crosslake kept getting better last weekend aboard his Polaris in Bristow's Polaris Snocross at the Powder Ridge Ski Area near Kimball.
Partners 56472 action teams to meet March 21
PEQUOT LAKES -- Partners 56472 will meet at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, at the Eclipse Teen Center in the Lakes Area Family Center in Pequot Lakes.
Area briefs
BREEZY POINT -- The Northwoods Pony Club, based at Edgewater Farms in Breezy Point, will host the Know-down regional competition for the U.S. Pony Club on Saturday at Edgewater Farms in Breezy Point.
Snowy season, variety of attractions keep tourists flocking to Iron Range
VIRGINIA (AP) -- While the Iron Range taconite industry is struggling, tourism is on the rise.
Cancer resource center for patients and families to open in Brainerd
The American Cancer Society office, located at 17 Washington St., Suite 2, in Brainerd, will soon open the Rognaldson Cancer Resource Center to help cancer patients and their families as they journey through their cancer experience.
Jackson farm family finds on-farm greenhouse an enjoyable venture
JACKSON (AP) -- When most farmers are ordering seed, Mark and Peggy Edlin are planting theirs.
These varieties will weather a Minnesota winter
The following are varieties native to this area or developed to withstand northern Minnesota winters. All have food or cover value for birds.
CLC criminal justice students to attend national event
Thanks to community support and fund-raising efforts, the Sigma Delta chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association at Central Lakes College will send a delegation of 16 to the March 19-23 ACJA conference.
Cancer victims contribute their writings to poetry project
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Before Molly Redmond agreed to allow her poem "The Cancer Patient Talks Back" to be included in a new collection of cancer poetry, she called the editor to make sure that the anthology would feature more than "happy" poems.
Avon man names Snowmobile Safety Instructor of Year
Don Wieber, Avon, was certified as a snowmobile safety instructor in 1977.
Striking gold in a junkyard
There are many reasons I find winter in our area so beautiful. Bright snow and frost cling to the thick pines. A variety of sizes and shapes of feet leave their mark in the deep snow in our yard. Rolling drifts of white glisten in the sunlight.
Pine Island woman keeps father's memory alive on St. Patrick's Day
PINE ISLAND (AP) -- Pat Christensen walked in her father's shoes until the soles wore out. Then she bought an identical pair -- thin rubber, painted green, curled-up toes topped with green pompons.
Soldier from Fergus Falls starts program to help schoolchildren in Kosovo
FERGUS FALLS (AP) -- Almost a world away from talk of school bondings and h
At 29, mother of two battled -- and beat -- colon cancer
JODIE TWEED
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1981)-Civilian dispatchers will soon replace uniformed policemen on the dispatching desk at the Law Enforcement Center. The action will mean Brainerd will soon have two more policemen available for patrol duty.
County backs expansion of Crow Wing State Park
Residents or tourists visiting Crow Wing State Park this summer may have 408 acres more to enjoy.
Police officer says open meeting rules broken in search for chief
Allegations that Brainerd officials violated the state open meeting law in the search for a police chief have been made by a Brainerd police sergeant, who is a candidate for police chief.
No truth to rumors; Anthony investigation ongoing
WALKER -- Two weeks later, investigators are still searching for clues into the disappearance of Rachel Anthony from a Pine River liquor store.
Local briefs
Rep. Dale Walz, R-Brainerd, is supporting the Citizen's Personal Protection Act which reforms Minnesota's permitting system for carrying a concealed handgun. The bill was heard Thursday in a crime prevention committee.
Work continues on Mille Lacs sewer project
Work is proceeding on the Garrison Kathio West Mille Lacs Lake sanitary district's new sewage collection and treatment system for the Western Lake Mille Lacs area.
Crosslake school faces $15,000 shortfall
CROSSLAKE -- The Crosslake Community School, a charter school, faces a $15,000 cash flow shortfall for the remainder of the school year, mainly because of staff and transportation problems, officials said in a news release.
Local briefs
An American Cross blood drive has been scheduled for 12:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. March 29 at Pine River Elementary School in Pine River.
Activist Irene Johnson dies
A driving force behind Brainerd's long struggle against fluoridation, Irene Johnson, 81, died today at Woodland Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Job growth is strategy for agency
Gail Leverson, who began working as an economic development director with the Region 5 Economic Development Commission in January, wants to increase job opportunities in Crow Wing County.
Local briefs
Area nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply for Department of Housing and Urban Development funds to assist homeless people.
Townships elections held
Ideal Township residents voted Tuesday to combine the treasurer-clerk position and fill it by appointment in the only question on the ballot in Crow Wing County's township elections. The measure was adopted 31-27.
Koochiching County to go ahead with snowmobile race
INTERNATIONAL FALLS (AP) -- Koochiching County officials said they'll go forward with plans for a county-sponsored snowmobile race in Voyageurs National Park this weekend, in spite of the park superintendent's refusal to grant a permit to do so.
Walking down Memory Lane
With her dog, Barley, close behind, Reeda Marks of Crosslake pulled her grandson, Erick, down her driveway Tuesday through fresh snow to collect her mail. Reeda and her husband, Anton, dubbed the driveway "Memory Lane." They planted spruce trees 45 years ago to form a one-quarter mile border on each side of their driveway. (Dispatch Photo by Steve Kohls)
CLC likely to restore auto program in 2002
The auto technician program at Central Lakes College likely will be back in 2002.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1981)-"I wouldn't say he's the world's largest buffalo, but he's among 'em," said Vern Davis, a Pine River history buff. "Chief" is one of 16 buffalo which Davis raises as a reminder of the magnificent animals that used to roam the American prairie in bygone days.
Technology needs in school district addressed
The field of technology grows faster every day, making it difficult to keep up with all the advances.
Council member's response to annexation issue:
Brainerd City Council member Gary Scheeler can't think of a reason why people wouldn't want to be annexed into the city of Brainerd.
County looks at business policy
The Crow Wing County Board is considering establishing a business subsidy-tax abatement policy.
Cast your vote for county's best -- er, worst -- POTHOLE
This year's snowfall has created some monster potholes, and The Dispatch is looking for the worst of them.
County shows recycling has caught on
Crow Wing County residents like to recycle.
Reaching the summit
Brady Bartishofski (left) followed Justin Porter to the summit of a large snow pile Wednesday at the Westwood Mobile Home Park in northwest Brainerd. This year's accumulation of snow has provided lots of possibilities for climbing.
Kuwait casualties include Minnesotan
MANKATO (AP) -- Staff Sgt. Troy J. Westberg, a Minnesota man killed during an accidental bombing in Kuwait, died doing something he loved, his relatives said.
Manager killed in shooting at furniture plant
EAST GREENVILLE, Pa. (AP) -- A man opened fire at a furniture plant where he worked, killing a floor manager and injuring another person, police said.
Navy pilot or air controller -- who's to blame?
WASHINGTON -- Questions about the bombing range accident in Kuwait that killed six people are focusing on whether blame rests with the Navy pilot who dropped the bombs or the air controller on the ground who was responsible for directing the strike, or both, defense officials say.
Stocks drop sharply over fears about Japan
NEW YORK -- Stocks plunged Wednesday morning, sending the Dow industrials below 10,000 as a deepening pessimism about the global economy swept across Wall Street. Prices also slumped overseas.
Stock markets rebound despite global jitters
NEW YORK (AP) -- U.S. markets opened higher Thursday, a day after the Dow Jones industrial average closed below 10,000 for the first time since last October.
Coke to change how it sells soft drinks in schools
WASHINGTON -- Coca-Cola Co. says it will change the way it markets soft drinks at schools. The company's action comes in the face of threats of broader government regulation and scientific evidence that its products can lead to health problems.
Inventories up 0.4 percent in January
WASHINGTON -- Inventories of unsold goods rose 0.4 percent in January as businesses struggled to trim excess supplies to bring them back in line with demand. Sales were flat.
Census: Men still earn more
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Although nearly as many women as men have college degrees, men still far outnumber women in higher-income jobs, new Census Bureau estimates show.
One-third of students know classmate troubled enough to attack
WASHINGTON -- A third of high school students say they can think of a classmate who may be troubled enough to stage a violent attack at school, though students' fears have declined slightly since just after the April 1999 attack at Columbine High School, says a new poll.
Economic woes in U.S., Japan echo worldwide
American economic weakness appears to be spreading to many of the world's other major economies, making it increasingly unlikely that they -- and the United States -- can dodge substantial slowdown or recession.
U.S. expands meat import ban
WASHINGTON -- A U.S. ban on imports of livestock and fresh meat was expanded to all 15 countries of the European Union after a case of foot-and-mouth disease was found on a farm in France.
Former NDSU athletics director convicted of lewd conduct
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- The former athletics director at North Dakota State University was found guilty of lewd conduct and fined $73 for grabbing an undercover police officer in the crotch.
Fears about Wall Street clear on Main Street
NEW YORK -- Economists might do well to listen to Jennifer Romanello's story about finding a diaper bag.
60-foot slap shot dooms Wild in OT
ST. PAUL (AP) -- It was a sniper from Massachusetts who blasted the 60-foot slap shot in overtime to win for the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday night.
Knight time? Bobby visiting Texas Tech today
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) -- A divided campus awaits Bob Knight.
Jordan rumor mill fueled by fantasy
WASHINGTON -- What next? If Wes Unseld is spotted on a treadmill, does that mean he's planning to be the Wizards' center next season? If Phil Chenier orders a salad for lunch, does that mean he's dropping a few pounds to make an NBA comeback?
Torre staying the course with Knoblauch despite woes
HAINES CITY, Fla. (AP) -- Chuck Knoblauch is still Joe Torre's second baseman, even if he still has throwing problems.
Tkachuk heads to St. Louis
Eric Lindros and Michael Peca wanted to be traded, Keith Tkachuk didn't. No one in this trio of former captains had his wish granted as the NHL deadline passed.
Is Jordan mulling a return to NBA?
NEW YORK (AP) -- Could Michael Jordan's next big acquisition for the Washington Wizards be -- Michael Jordan?
Louisville AD puts full-court press on Pitino
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Rick Pitino's teams are known for their aggressive defense. It was Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich putting on the full-court press this time.
A tale of 3 coaches
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) -- Defeats, discipline problems and dwindling attendance proved to be Brian Ellerbe's downfall at Michigan.
Ventura's time on XFL may be over soon
There is no telling how much longer the XFL will be around, but Gov. Jesse Ventura's days as the lead commentator may be numbered.
Career in doubt
HOUSTON (AP) -- Hakeem Olajuwon, who led the Houston Rockets to a pair of NBA titles over a 17-year career and became the league's all-time shot blocker, is suffering from a blood condition that may end his stellar career with the team.
A tale of 3 coaches
ATLANTA (AP) -- The end might have come 15 years ago, when Lefty Driesell made a disgraceful exit from Maryland. He certainly could have packed it in four years ago after James Madison gave him an unceremonious kick out the door.
Let the tourney begin
DAYTON, Ohio (AP) -- Northwestern State's athletic director walked from one end of the court to the other, pointed his disposable camera at the scoreboards and clicked off frames for posterity.
A tale of 3 coaches
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Eddie Sutton has had some tough times during 31 his years as a Division I basketball coach. A recruiting scandal forced him out at Kentucky and he admits to overcoming a drinking problem prior to arriving at Oklahoma State.
Injuries bedevil Bosox
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -- The injuries keep piling up for the Boston Red Sox.
Cathryn A. Brown
NISSWA -- Cathryn A. Brown, 54, Nisswa, died Monday, March 12, 2001, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Joy M. Pederson
MOORHEAD -- Joy M. Pederson, 81, Moorhead, died Tuesday, March 13, 2001, at Moorhead Health Care Nursing Home in Moorhead.
Frank Lepinski
ARIZONA -- Frank Lepinski, 85, Arizona, formerly of Little Falls, died Saturday, March 10, 2001, in Arizona.
Beverly A. Campbell
Beverly Ann Campbell, 61, Brainerd, formerly of Longville, died Monday, March 12, 2001, at St. Joseph's Medical Center of cancer.
Mary T. Kapsner
PIERZ -- Mary Teresa Kapsner, 91, Pierz, died Tuesday, March 13, 2001, at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls.
Pauline M. Determan
LITTLE FALLS -- Pauline M. Determan, 99, Little Falls, formerly of Swanville, died Tuesday, March 13, 2001, at St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls.
Irene M. Johnson
Irene M. Johnson, 81, Brainerd, died today, March 15, 2001, at Woodland Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Roger L. Jasmer
ALDRICH -- Roger Lee Jasmer, 61, Aldrich, died Tuesday, March 13, 2001, at home.
Lola R. (Olmstead) Wilson
PINE RIVER -- Lola Ruth (Olmstead) Wilson, 90, Pine River, died Monday, March 12, 2001, at Whispering Pines Good Samaritan Center.
Pauline M. Determan
LITTLE FALLS -- Pauline M. Determan, 99, Little Falls, formerly of Swanville, died Tuesday, March 13, 2001, at St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls.
Arthur A. Ebert
NISSWA -- Arthur A. Ebert, 87, Nisswa, died Monday, March 12, 2001, at Woodland Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Norman A. Sorsveen
Norman Alfred Sorsveen, 85, Brainerd, died Tuesday, March 13, 2001, at St. Joseph's Medical Center.
Norman Sorsveen
Norman Sorsveen, 85, Brainerd, died Tuesday, March 13, 2001, at St. Joseph's Medical Center.
Cathy Brown
NISSWA -- Cathy Brown, 54, Nisswa, died Monday, March 12, 2001, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Mabel V. Isle Wolfgram
DEERWOOD -- Mabel Viola Isle Wolfgram, 95, Deerwood, died Monday, March 12, 2001, at Cuyuna Regional Care Center in Crosby.
Doris A. Henley
WALKER -- Doris Ann Henley, 70, Walker, died Tuesday, March 13, 2001, at Woodrest Nursing Home in Walker.
Lois E. Sandell
WALKER -- Lois E. Sandell, 88, Walker, died Saturday, March 10, 2001, at Woodrest Healthcare Center in Walker.
News council can help readers
The Minnesota News Council is an independent organization that examines citizens complaints alleging inaccuracy, unfairness or unethical conduct by the media.
Open Forum
After reading about the East Brainerd Mall development plans and the city council's reactions to it I felt compelled to write. I have been involved with the Early Childhood program at the mall for
Money interests prevail
WASHINGTON -- Bankruptcy and ergonomics were not topics George W. Bush talked about when he was running for president, so it is not surprising that few if any voters gave much thought to those matters when deciding how to mark their ballots last November. But elections have consequences, even for issues that go undiscussed in the campaign. And it turns out that millions of Americans will find their lives changed because Bush's views on bankruptcy and ergonomics are radically different from those of his predecessor, Bill Clinton, and his opponent, Al Gore.
The Dispatch's editorial views
Editorial views in The Brainerd Dispatch represent a consensus of opinion by members of the newspaper's editorial board.
The church of the state
The Bush administration has wisely decided to withhold submitting its bill to aid faith-based programs until it can revise the legislation to make it more acceptable to conservative religious leaders.
Open Forum
We leave fallen out teeth for the tooth fairy and wake up to find some money u
It's a natural Linking Crow Wing State Park and the Bunyan trail makes sense The state of Minnesota and the Brainerd area in particular have a tremendous opportunity to score a recreational coup in the next few months.
An effort is under way to acquire land to link the Crow Wing State Park with the Paul Bunyan Trail. The idea is a natural.
Why not wine? Grocers should get the chance to sell wine in their stores
Times change and laws and restrictions that made sense in one era are outdated in another.
The economy and George Bush
The U.S. economy has just emerged from almost a full decade in which everything seemed to go right and the longest boom in history led to 30-year lows in unemployment and inflation.
Schrader can't erase image of Earnhardt
There's nothing Ken Schrader can do to erase the image he has of seeing Dale Earnhardt dead in his car. But he can do something about how it affects him.
Mladin collects another cyle title
DAYTONA -- Yoshimura Suzuki's Mat Mladin became a two-time winner of the 60th-annual Daytona 200 last Sunday when he dominated the biggest motorcycle race in America and the American Motorcyclist Association's Chevy Trucks U.S. Superbike Championships season opener.
NHRA focus is on Gainesville this weekend
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Speedy Gainesville Raceway, site of the sport's first 300-mph run in 1992, does well to uphold its reputation as one of NHRA's performance smorgasbords.
Autopsy photo dispute Judge orders mediation for Earnhardt's widow, Orlando Sentinel
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Dale Earnhardt's widow and Orlando Sentinel lawyers were ordered Tuesday to meet to try to resolve their dispute over autopsy photos of the NASCAR great.
Twin Cities airport steps up security against foot-and-mouth disease
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Federal officials trying to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease from Europe began scrutinizing passengers arriving at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.
Bill to ban soda in schools fizzles in committee
ST. PAUL -- The Senate Education Committee showed no thirst Wednesday for a bill to curb soda sales in schools, defeating it 29-6.
'Late bloomer' makes it to Elilte 8
Sometimes the most successful coaches are not standouts as players. That was the case with basketball coaches like Mike Krzyzewski and Rick Majerus.
Scoreboard
Boys Basketball
Scoreboard
Boys Basketball
Local shorts
Forward Chris Dobis of Little Falls will play for the Section 4A-4AA team in the Minnesota Great 8 High School All-Star Hockey Tournament March 23-25 at Wakota Arena in St. Paul.
BHS floor hockey team returns to state
In the five years the Brainerd Warriors adapted floor hockey team has participated in the state tournament it has never finished lower than third place.
Longville racer picks up two wins
OUTING -- Tony Likens of Longville collected two victories in cross country snowmobile racing last weekend.
Gophers chasing Cyclones
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) -- Iowa coach Jim Zalesky has yet to lose a NCAA championship, but he said it could happen if his Hawkeyes underachieve at this week's national tournament.
Steussie released in cap move by Vikings
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Tackle Todd Steussie, one of the anchors of Minnesota's offensive line since 1994, was released by the Vikings Wednesday to make room under the salary cap.
University opposes Metrodome renovation
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The University of Minnesota joined the Minnesota Vikings in opposition to a plan to renovate the 19-year-old Metrodome into a football-only stadium.
Twins beat Bosox, Expos
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -- Soreness in David Cone's right shoulder overshadowed Manny Ramirez's first home run since joining the Boston Red Sox.
Who's coming to Metrodome Final Four?
MINNEAPOLIS -- Before signing off on that NCAA tournament pool -- with that old rock, scissors, paper method that always works so well -- here are a few things you ought to know.
Wolves Spurred in OT
SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- The San Antonio Spurs can't wait for the playoffs.
Kelly seems to be having more fun
FORT MYERS, Fla. -- His detractors felt it was time for a change, but Tom Kelly wasn't ready to quit.
Gophers slam Villanova
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- It's unlikely Minnesota coach Dan Monson drew up a blow to the nose when designing the Gophers' strategy for defending second-team All-American Michael Bradley, but it worked.
Rules changes help athletes
Adapted floor hockey is one of four sports the Minnesota State High School League sponsors for athletes with disabilities. Adapted soccer is conducted in the fall and adapted bowling and adapted softball in the spring.
Top-ranked Elk River advances
Elk River got closer to another state title Tuesday night.
Greenway's Guyer heads All-State team
MINNEAPOLIS -- Gino Guyer doesn't regret what he passed up.
Brainerd High School bands to perform Tuesday
The Brainerd High School Concert Band, Dixieland Band, Jazz Ensemble and Symphonic Band will present their Winter Concert at 8 p.m. Tuesday in Tornstrom Auditorium, Washington Middle School, Brainerd.
Art show
Emily Dunphe, a ninth-grader at Mississippi Horizons School, toured the student art exhibit at the Brainerd Public Library on Tuesday. The exhibit, featuring works from Brainerd and Pequot Lakes students, is sponsored by the Encore Arts Association. Library visitors can cast their ballots for the best work in the exhibit, and the winner will receive a People's Choice Award at the end of the month. (Photo by Terry Mikelson)
CBS wins ratings week on Thursday night strength
NEW YORK -- Here's a line television executives probably never thought they'd read: CBS won the week's ratings race on the strength of its Thursday night schedule.
Box office top movies
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The top movies at North American theaters Friday through Sunday.
Review: 'The Mexican' one of worst movies with grim, spiritless look
If the point of the movie was to bring Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt together on screen for the first time, you can't fault the powers-that-be for making "The Mexican."
Brainerd to celebrate Music in Our Schools Month with event at Riverside
The Brainerd School District will celebrate Music in Our Schools Month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday at Riverside Elementary School.
Lynnes puts computer graphics knowledge to work for students
Molly Lynnes is preparing something special for her fellow seniors when they gather for their farewell banquet later this year.
St. Francis Music Center to host keyboard festival
LITTLE FALLS -- St. Francis Music Center, Little Falls, will host its Spring Keyboard Festival on April 20-21 at the center.
Prose poet from Duluth to read his works here
If Robert Bly is the squadron leader of Minnesota's high-flying literati, then poet Louis Jenkins is the barnstormer who swoops in for a closer look at life's harvest.
Staples area choruses to hit the beach for annual variety show
STAPLES -- The Staples Area Men's and Women's choruses may have just the tonic for the long, cold winter.
Prose poet from Duluth to read his works here
If Robert Bly is the squadron leader of Minnesota's high-flying literati, then poet Louis Jenkins is the barnstormer who swoops in for a closer look at life's harvest.
Piano students participate in Junior Music Festival
PEQUOT LAKES -- A total of 189 piano students participated in the 21st annual Junior Music Festival on March 3 at Pequot Lakes School. Established by the National Federation of Music Clubs, the Junior Festival program is for students ages 18 and younger who study with a qualified teacher who is a member of the Minnesota Federation of Music Clubs. Students prepare one piece from a required list of American composers and one of their own choosing. Students may work toward a gold cup, earning points on the basis of performance. A maximum of five points is given for a superior performance and 15 points are required to earn a gold cup, 30 points for the second, and 45 points for the third. Renee Anderson, Pequot Lakes, is the festival chairperson and the judges were Kate Casper, Barb Sjoblad, Cheryl Karlgaard and Sue Lenzen. Participants are listed by club and instructor:
Entertainment guide
Live music
Heartland Symphony Orchestra concert to feature youths
Four youths will be featured in the 2001 Heartland Symphony Orchestra spring concerts in April.
Rising Latin pop star to give concert at Cragun's
Jade Esteban Estrada, a rising Latin pop star, will sweep into the Brainerd lakes area this weekend, pausing long enough on his whirlwind tour to entertain the Outfront Minnesota State Conference at Cragun's Resort in East Gull Lake.
Best bets
If you're into dance and the hot beat of Latin music, your best bet is Saturday night's performance by rising Latin pop star Jade Esteban Estrada. He's the featured performer at the Outfront Minnesota Statewide Conference, which gets under way today at Cragun's Resort.
Third-row seats discussed
So, you think you can't squeeze a third-row seat into the back of a mid-size sport utility vehicle?
Rising bluegrass star to perform in area
Singer Becky Schlegel is riding her "miracle of a voice" into the hearts and souls of Minnesota's bluegrass music fans.
Best music
Weekly charts for the nation's best-selling recorded music as they appear in this week's issue of Billboard magazine.
Philbin tries again for a Daytime Emmy award
NEW YORK -- He may have everything else, but Regis Philbin doesn't have a Daytime Emmy award. Now he has two more chances to change that.
The Weather Elsewhere
Thursday
State forecast for North Dakota
Today...Mostly cloudy with a few flurries west and central. Partly cloudy east. Highs 30 to 40.
Minnesota state forecast
Today...Cooler. Blustery in the south. Partly sunny with highs mainly in the 30s. Tonight...Partly cloudy. Lows from 10 northwest to 20 southeast.
Weather delays decision on need for Clamshell Beach impact study
With the snowy weather in the Brainerd lakes area, the Crow Wing County Board agreed Tuesday to delay its decision for 30 days on the need for an Environmental Impact Statement for a proposed development in Ideal Township.
State forecast for South Dakota
Winter storm warning this afternoon and tonight southwest and black hills...
The Weather Elsewhere
Wednesday
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Partly sunny north. Mostly cloudy and windy south. A mixture of light rain and snow far south...Changing over to all snow in the afternoon. Some light accumulations possible near the illinois border. Highs in the 30s.
Winter wonderland -- again
Weather drawing by Lilly Anderson in the Lowell School second-grade class of Mr. Meyer.
Iowa state forecast
Flood watch southeast third today...
State forecast for North Dakota
Today...Occasional light rain and snow west. Partly sunny east. Highs in the 30s.
Ready to celebrate
Weather drawing by Jeffrey Shanks of Gayle Kub's first grade class at Lowell school.
Wisconsin state forecast...
Winter storm watch thursday and thursday night for portions of southern wisconsin...
Iowa state forecast
Flood watch for southeast iowa tonight into thursday...
State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Light snow ending west and southcentral. Otherwise...Mostly cloudy west with slowly decreasing clouds east. Windy east. Highs in the upper 20s and 30s.
Minnesota state forecast
Today...Areas of light rain and light freezing rain south this morning...Then mostly cloudy. Areas of morning fog north...Then partly cloudy. Highs in the middle 30s to middle 40s.
Husband happy in farmhouse, but it might as well be outhouse
DEAR ABBY: I just finished the letter from "Living Single in Des Moines," the bride of three months who still lives apart from her husband because he refused to get rid of the "filth and clutter" so she could move in.
Names and faces
LONDON (AP) -- Ex-Spice Girl Geri Halliwell was banned from driving for six weeks Wednesday for speeding at double the limit north of London.
Eagles set two events
The Brainerd Eagles announced a dinner that's set for Saturday and a Sunday memorial service.
Erroneous tax tip may send taxpayers in wrong direction
DEAR ABBY: I am responding to the letter from "Tax Tips From a Professional," who offered some helpful income tax filing suggestions. The tax preparer made some excellent points.
Study finds no link between measles vaccine, bowel disease
CHICAGO (AP) -- A U.S. study found no link between the measles vaccine and inflammatory bowel disease, contrary to British research that raised fears about the vaccine's safety.
Bush to parents: Love your kids
WASHINGTON -- George W. Bush is adding a new duty to his job description: president-as-family-counselor.
Removing stains
Dear Heloise: Years ago when my children were small, I used your home formula for a spray STAIN REMOVER. It worked like magic.
Release the grease
Dear Heloise: I have just acquired an older-model cast-iron waffle maker, and I'm having a hard time removing the baked-on grease. I am thinking about using an oven cleaner, but I'm worried that it might not be safe. Any suggestions? -- C.S., Via E-mail
Names and faces
WALTHAM, Mass. (AP) -- Actor Jack Lemmon and Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell have been chosen to receive honorary degrees from Brandeis University at graduation ceremonies in May.
Russian plane hijacked in Turkey
ISTANBUL, Turkey (AP) -- Two men wielding knives and identifying themselves as Chechens hijacked a Russian plane carrying 174 people from Istanbul's airport on Thursday, sending the aircraft on a terrifying plunge before pilots stabilized it.