Thursday, March 21, 2002
OnStar provides help, security
Thousands of people in the United States lock themselves out of their vehicles every month.
BMW takes ultimate gamble
DETROIT -- At first glance, things have never looked better for BMW.
Toyota is betting a retread will take hold
"Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose." That's French for "Here we go again."
No joke: Mercedes not just any car
Not just any car would lure comedian Jay Leno away from his TV job.
Drivers need more data on hybrids
A new study by J.D. Power & Associates finds that, despite car makers' protests that the market is limited, as many as 60 percent of new-car buyers would be willing to consider a gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle if one were available in the same class of car or truck they had just purchased.
Don't forget to lock your doors
DETROIT -- Toyota Camry was the most stolen vehicle model for the fifth-straight year on an annual list that monitors trends in auto theft.
Automakers experimenting with technology to create 'smart' vehicles
WASHINGTON -- The scene is familiar to anyone who has navigated a supermarket parking lot: A man gets into his car to leave and an absent-minded shopper abandons a cart behind him. The driver begins backing up.
2003 Range Rover: Up to the challenge, off road and on
TAIN, Scotland -- It is the most beautiful Range Rover ever made. It's also the most capable. It had to be. Failure to make the 2003 Range Rover the best ever would have rendered the brand commercially moribund.
One shell too many
Dear Readers: Have you ever dropped a small piece of egg shell in the eggs? Did you know that you shouldn't try to remove it with a larger piece of shell?
Book brings needed laughs to convalescing aunt
DEAR ABBY: Last week, my 87-year-old Great Aunt Grace was transferred from the hospital to a convalescent facility for therapy following surgery. Her children all live far away. Because she is so special, I told them I would visit her often and take care of her needs. Shortly after her transfer, I visited her and asked if there was anything she wanted me to bring from her home. She asked me to bring her a couple of family photos and a booklet that she kept in her nightstand. She explained that when she was blue, reading it cheered her up.
Creative recyclers find new uses for old pantyhose
DEAR ABBY: It looks like the laugh is on me. Months ago, while reading your column in the morning paper, my husband and I had quite a laugh about the 90-year-old woman who recycled everything and found an unusual use for the "panty" part of control-top pantyhose. She said she used them "to keep her 90-year-old breasts under control." (She'd cut off the legs, cut out the crotch and wear the remainder like a strapless bra.)
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Tuesday cattle: 800.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Wednesday cattle: 500 estimated.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Tuesday 161, a year ago 161.
Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting doesn't have to be bad for you
Sounds too good to be true or at least low-fat, but this recipe lets you have your cake and eat its cream-cheese frosting, too, without suffering undue guilt.
'Pasta presto' can be served in 20 minutes
This "pasta presto" will please cooks, who can prepare the dish in about 20 minutes.
Bake a great pie, without all the fat
You can have your pie and eat it, too -- pie that tastes as good as Grandma used to bake but without all the fat.
Pastry chef says chocolate is both magical, versatile
CHICAGO (AP) -- Pastry chef Jacques Torres says chocolate is both a magical and versatile product.
Accident
LITTLE FALLS -- One person was injured Wednesday in a single-vehicle accident on Highway 10 north of Little Falls at Morrison County Road 76.
Crime
THEFT -- Alan Lougee, Merrifield, Tuesday reported the theft of two chain saws worth about $600.
Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Tuesday.
Fires
FORT RIPLEY -- The Crow Wing County Sheriff's Department will not issue any citations to residents who burned an unoccupied structure without a burning permit.
Accident
BAXTER -- A Nisswa resident was treated for minor injuries in a two-vehicle accident Monday, according to the State Patrol.
Court
WALKER -- Joseph Lagou, 34, Walker, has been charged with felony telecommunications fraud for allegedly running up 3,453.86 minutes or 57.5 hours on a Cass County Jail-issued calling card.
Agenda
Little Falls School Board committee
Crimes
BURGLARIES -- Report Saturday of a break-in at the Phyllis Griebling residence in Pequot Lakes.
Advisory panel says common cold pill not safe enough for general use
GAITHERSBURG, Md. (AP) -- An experimental pill taken as a cold begins can clear up runny noses a day sooner than usual -- but Picovir faces a big hurdle before it goes on pharmacy shelves.
Quick test diagnoses congestive heart failure
ATLANTA (AP) -- A 15-minute blood test lets emergency room doctors accurately judge whether patients with severe shortness of breath are suffering from congestive heart failure.
Cancer society promotes diet, exercise to reduce cancer risk
WASHINGTON -- The American Cancer Society, worried about a nation that does too little exercise and grows more obese, is putting new emphasis on exercise as a way to reduce the risk of getting sick and dying of cancer.
Heart shock devices could save thousands of lives per year
Implantable devices that shock a faltering heart back into proper rhythm could potentially save 24,000 lives per year by preventing repeated heart attacks, according to a major new study.
Cass child placement costs set record
WALKER -- Probation Officer Reno Wells and Children's Services Supervisor Joan Helms reported to Cass County commissioners Tuesday about out-of-home child placement costs and why placements are made.
Cass crews work on mailboxes
WALKER -- With little snow to plow this winter, Cass County Engineer David Enblom assigned Cass County Highway Department employees to conduct a survey of mailbox structures located along county roads. They also built compliant mailbox posts.
Cass officials sees TIF becoming obsolete
WALKER -- Cass County Board adopted changes Tuesday to the proposed public infrastructure portion of the proposed county comprehensive plan.
Wall of Shame draws attention to poachers in state
Visitors to the Minnesota Deer Classic are accustomed to seeing hundreds of impressive deer mounts. This year was no exception, but one display had an unfortunate footnote: The mounts were of deer shot by poachers.
Cass approves four union contracts
WALKER -- The Cass County Board approved four of five union contracts Tuesday, retroactive to Jan. 1 and extending through 2004.
Cass passes resolution supporting state reuse study for Ah-Gwah-Ching
WALKER -- Responding to a Minnesota Department of Human Services request, the Cass County Board on Tuesday passed a resolution supporting a state reuse study for the Ah-Gwah-Ching campus.
CLC a partner in elementary education program
Central Lake College, Brainerd and Staples, is one of more than a dozen educational organizations that have joined forces to address a potential teacher shortage over the next several years.
Area briefs
DEERWOOD -- The Deerwood-Bay Lake Senior Citizens Club will hold its monthly potluck and meeting at noon Wednesday, March 27, in the Deerwood American Legion Clubrooms.
Youth As Resources supports national service day
Youth As Resources of Crow Wing County announced support of National Youth Service Day, April 26-27.
Brainerd couple takes five children to Peru where they speak about how to make a marriage work -- and last
Lydia Gazelka won't remember her trip to Peru a month ago.
Cass hears proposals to expand or build new jail
WALKER -- The Cass County Board listened to two proposals Tuesday from architectural firms interested in providing their services to the county over the next two years.
Department renamed
WALKER -- Cass County Health and Human Services Department now will be known as Cass County Health and Human and Veterans Services Department.
Open house scheduled April 7 at Staples campus of CLC
STAPLES -- Central Lakes College has scheduled a public open house on the Staples campus from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 7.
Cass addresses pending litigation over sewer district
WALKER -- County Attorney Earl Maus met in a closed session with Cass County commissioners Tuesday to discuss pending litigation involving Shingobee Island Sewer District.
Cass resolves to support Crow Wing when Potlatch closes
WALKER -- The Cass County Board passed a resolution Tuesday to support in any way possible the city of Brainerd and Crow Wing County in effects they will face when Potlatch closes its coated paper production plant in May.
Career Days drew almost 2,000 from 21 school districts
The last of five Career Exploration Days this academic year introduced 34 occupations to 523 Brainerd High School sophomores.
Sweeping away winter
Terry Bickford swept the fresh snow from the roof of a recreational vehicle on the last day of winter Tuesday before moving the model into the Brainerd Area Civic Center as Lewie's RV Center and Brainerd Sports and Marine prepared for the RV/Boat Show, which starts Thursday. (Dispatch Photo by Steve Kohls)
Local brief
WALKER -- A special meeting of the Cass County Board will be 10 a.m. Friday at the county courthouse.
Child's death ruled accidental drowning
Devin Turner's death in the Brainerd YMCA pool Jan. 30 was an accidental drowning, the coroner's office reported.
REDISTRICTING
Central Minnesota's political landscape was reconfigured by Tuesday's court-drawn legislative redistricting plan and politicians were adjusting to the new district lines today.
Correction
A Cass County Board story in Wednesday's Neighbors section listed an incorrect bargaining unit that settled a contract for 2002-2004.
Pillager winners whoop it up
Pillager's Lee Roberts (left) and Bryan Kavanaugh celebrated their 52-39 victory over Cook County in the Class 1A state quarterfinal game Tuesday night at Bemidji High School. See story in Sports, 15A. (Dispatch Photo by Clint Wood)
Growth may ease blow to lakes area
Economic effects of Potlatch's closing will trickle down, but the lakes area growth is expected to cushion the blow.
Man who hanged self in county jail dies
ST. CLOUD -- Matthew Hines, a 24-year-old Brainerd man who hanged himself in the Crow Wing County Jail Monday, died Tuesday morning at St. Cloud Hospital, a hospital spokesperson reported.
Brainerd Kixters receive awards at banquet
The Brainerd Warriors Dance Team, the Kixters, had its award banquet Sunday.
Baxter plats OK'd
BAXTER -- The Baxter City Council Tuesday approved preliminary plats for three housing subdivisions.
Potlatch close to challenge charities
Brainerd charitable organizations are considering financial shortfalls as Potlatch contributions will fade with the plant's closing.
Local brief
Brainerd park board meets Monday The Brainerd Parks and Recreation Board will meet at 3:30 p.m. Monday at city hall.
Samuelson seeks help for workers
Sen. Don Samuelson, DFL-Brainerd, said today he's been in contact with Attorney General Mike Hatch, U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar and state agency personnel to discuss options that might be available for Potlatch employees.
Referendum backers spent $15,000 on vote
Proponents of the Brainerd School District's $59.9 million bond referendum spent nearly $15,000 to convince other residents to vote with them. No information was yet available on how much money was spent by those opposed to the referendum.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1982) - The locations were different and the faces varied from place to place, but the message at the Brainerd School Board's three school closure hearings Saturday was the same: Don't close our school.
Snowy first day of spring
Whittier Elementary School students Cassie Flannagan (left), Corrina Schmidt and Jake Crawley headed down the sidewalk with a neighborhood dog in tow after school Wednesday. Snow flurries whipped through the trees as the trio walked home on the first day of spring. (Dispatch Photo by Steve Kohls)
Ex-CBIR bookkeeper pleads guilty to embezzling charge
MINNEAPOLIS -- A former bookkeeper at Colonel's Brainerd International Raceway pleaded guilty Wednesday to embezzling more than $100,000 from the race track.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1982) - Because Garrison Elementary School is the smallest of five local schools that could be closed, residents there are afraid their protests will be drowned out by the roar of larger communities trying to save their schools.
Baxter addresses building code concerns
BAXTER -- An attempt to get a certificate of occupancy has left one Baxter resident with a house that isn't up to code.
School bond recount sought
Opponents of a Brainerd School District $59.9 million building bond intend to request a recount of the March 12 referendum.
Local briefs
The Brainerd Parks and Recreation Department, along with the Brainerd Optimist Club, will host the annual Easter egg hunt at 10 a.m. March 30 at Lum Park.
Bright colors
Easter lilies abound for the holiday, but greenhouses are also full of stunning color this time of year. Look for the story in Friday's Housing section.
Whitewater report concludes no evidence of perjury by Clintons
WASHINGTON -- Bill and Hillary Clinton made "factually inaccurate" statements to federal investigators during the eight-year Whitewater probe and a jury could have concluded that Hillary Clinton took part in keeping subpoenaed records hidden, but there was not enough evidence to prove the Clintons committed perjury or obstructed justice, according to the final report of the independent counsel released Wednesday.
Kennedy still deciding where he will run for re-election
WASHINGTON -- With party officials, financial backers and relatives to consult, Rep. Mark Kennedy will wait until Friday to announce whether he'll run for re-election in the 2nd District or the 6th District.
TV sex, violence on the decline, study finds
An analysis of television content shows steep declines in the portrayals of sex and violence on the small screen over the last couple of years, surprising the media watchdog group that conducted it.
New York's cardinal responds to allegations of priestly sex abuse
NEW YORK (AP) -- Calling the sexual abuse of children both morally wrong and illegal, New York's top Roman Catholic leader vowed to investigate accusations of molestation by priests.
National briefs
ATLANTA (AP) -- Herman Talmadge, the former governor and U.S. senator who directed Georgia's most potent political machine for more than 30 years and served on the Senate Watergate committee, died Thursday. He was 88.
More rain in forecast as Appalachian residents return to flooded homes
DAYHOIT, Ky. (AP) -- With every step Jody Ball took, the carpeting under her feet squished in her mother's mobile home. The worst flooding in 25 years had left its mark -- and may not be over yet.
Indicators remain flat
NEW YORK (AP) -- A key gauge of U.S. economic activity remained flat in February following four straight months of gains, suggesting a rocky economic recovery in the months ahead, a private research firm said Thursday.
Way is cleared for Mitt Romney
BELMONT, Mass. (AP) -- A day after dropping out of the GOP gubernatorial race, acting Gov. Jane Swift returned to work Wednesday saying she made the decision to help her party because, "I'm not just a Republican, I'm a realist."
Bush says he'll sign campaign finance reform
WASHINGTON -- The Senate approved a landmark revision of federal campaign law on Wednesday, sending President Bush a bill to check the rising flow of huge donations into U.S. politics.
Campaign finance nears final vote
WASHINGTON (AP) -- After years of falling short, the Senate on Wednesday entered its final hours of debate on campaign finance legislation that could usher in a new way in how money is spent to influence politics.
Justice anti-terrorism investigators want to interview more foreigners
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) -- Attorney General John Ashcroft said anti-terrorism investigators will seek voluntary interviews with about 3,000 more foreign visitors in the United States.
Military tribunals for terror suspects to resemble courts-martial
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Military tribunals the Bush administration plans to use for trying terrorism suspects will resemble ordinary military courts-martial in many respects but defendants will have only limited rights to appeal.
Safety board blames pilot for crash of EgyptAir Flight 990
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The National Transportation Safety Board on Thursday blamed the crash of EgyptAir Flight 990 on the action of its copilot, who cut power to the engines and sent the plane downward to the sea.
Washington briefs
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush is planning to adopt a new policy position toward North Korea that, in effect, expresses doubts about that country's willingness to be a non-nuclear state.
Hewlett-Packard chief says shareholder vote backs Compaq buy; not so fast, opponents say
CUPERTINO, Calif. (AP) -- Despite hearing boos from opposing shareholders, Hewlett-Packard chief Carly Fiorina claimed to have enough support for the $20 billion purchase of Compaq Computer Corp., putting the mega-merger into the hands of Compaq investors.
Consumer prices up
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Higher prices for clothing, medical care and airline fares contributed to a mild 0.2 percent rise in consumer inflation in February.
Fed signals policy shift toward raising rates Los Angeles Times
WASHINGTON -- Federal Reserve policymakers Tuesday took a first step toward raising interest rates to manage a reviving American economy, dropping their position that a recession is the nation's biggest economic danger.
The challenge is to knock off Duke
What to look for in the South Regional at Lexington, K.Y., Thursday and Saturday:
High seeds meet, low seeds meet
What to look for in the West Regional at San Jose, Calif., Thursday and Saturday:
1-2-4-6 seeds are still sprouting
What to look for in the Midwest Regional at Madison, Wis., Friday and Sunday:
Death overshadows victory
ST. PAUL (AP) -- A win was hardly consolation for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
NFL puts off changes in tuck rule
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- After 22 hours of discussion, the NFL's competition committee got nowhere on the tuck rule. So it tabled action for further review -- and many more hours of discussion.
Baxter stripped of bronze medal
LONDON (AP) -- British skier Alain Baxter was stripped of his Olympic bronze medal in the slalom on Thursday after testing positive for a banned stimulant at the Winter Games.
Teen dies after being struck by NHL puck
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- A trip to a Columbus Blue Jackets game, given as an early 14th birthday present, ended in tragedy.
Walton passes along Wooden tradition
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Fifteen years ago, the wisdom was scribbled on Luke Walton's lunch bags.
Maryland is playing like the No. seed it is
What to look for in the East Regional at Syracuse, N.Y., Friday and Sunday:
NHL taking long look at warning for the fans
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- The NHL is taking more steps to warn fans of hazards after the death of a 13-year-old girl hit by a hockey puck.
Road to Atlanta
EAST REGIONAL
Anna Schlosser
LINTON, N.D. -- Anna Schlosser, 86, Linton, N.D., died Monday, March 18, 2002, at the Linton Hospital.
Marie Sandberg
PEQUOT LAKES -- Marie Sandberg, 92, Pequot Lakes, died Tuesday, March 19, 2002, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Beulah E. Harris
BAY LAKE -- Beulah E. Harris, 95, Bay Lake, died Tuesday, March 19, 2002, at Cuyuna Regional Care Center in Crosby.
Arthur P. Nelson
PIERZ -- Arthur Phillip Nelson, 79, Little Falls, died Tuesday, March 19, 2002, at the Pierz Villa.
Douglas D. Johnson
Douglas D. Johnson, 82, Brainerd, died Wednesday, March 20, 2002, at home.
Marie Sandberg
PEQUOT LAKES -- Marie Sandberg, 92, Pequot Lakes, died Tuesday, March 19, 2002, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Gertrude Swanson
NEW BRIGHTON -- Gertrude Swanson, 81, New Brighton, formerly of Little Falls and Cushing, died Monday, March 18, 2002, at Trevilla of New Brighton.
Alfred Lund
NISSWA -- Alfred Lund, 83, Nisswa, died Wednesday, March 20, 2002, at home.
Marion E. Pankratz
Marion E. Pankratz, 84, Lake Edward Township, died Sunday, March 17, 2002, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Robert V. Vanzo
PEQUOT LAKES -- Robert V. Vanzo, 88, Pequot Lakes, died Tuesday, March 19, 2002, at Whispering Pines Good Samaritan Village in Pine River.
Mathew A. Hines
Mathew A. Hines, 24, Brainerd, died Tuesday, March 19, 2002, at St. Cloud Hospital.
Thomas Louden
Thomas Louden, 72, Brainerd, formerly of Minneapolis, died Tuesday, March 19, 2002.
Alois 'Al' Ringwelski
LITTLE FALLS -- Alois "Al" Ringwelski, 84, Little Falls, died Tuesday, March 19, 2002, in Wilsonville, Neb.
Harvey Beck
Harvey Beck, 74, Brainerd, died today, March 20, 2002, at Woodland Good Samaritan Apartments.
Thomas R. Louden
Thomas R. Louden, 72, Brainerd, formerly of Minneapolis, died Tuesday, March 19, 2002.
James E. Nauman
CROSSLAKE -- James E. Nauman, 64, Crosslake, formerly of Austin, died Saturday, March 16, 2002.
'And the home of the fat'
"The United States is nothing more than a huge eating machine," scoffed a French magazine a year ago. There was some justice in the claim: Although French body weight has been rising during the past decade, it is doing so at half the American rate. Obesity percentages, similarly, are well less than half those in the United States. Gallic gloating aside, the U.S. surgeon general himself has proclaimed a national obesity crisis, with more than 62 percent of the population seriously overweight, as against 40 percent a decade ago.
Open Forum
I want to have a say about the school referendum passing.
OTHER OPINIONS Retribution
Judging from the way Trent Lott lashed out following the Judiciary Committee's rejection of his friend and fellow Mississippian, U.S. District Judge Charles Pickering, as a nominee to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, it may be, as they say in the helping professions, that the senator has some anger issues to address.
Vox Pop
Vox Pop, voice of the people, publishes Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
ABC's Rosie scenario
Last week, ABC News allowed entertainer Rosie O'Donnell to take over two hours of airtime for a one-sided infomercial promoting ``gay adoptions.''
Tell us your opinion
The Dispatch encourages readers to sound off in the Open Forum.
A taxing situation
The warning was sounded at the time by a few lonely legislators but Gov. Jesse Ventura's 2000 reduction in license tab fees was such a feel-good measure that few citizens foresaw the problems it would cause.
A warm embrace of the 'Outside'
This editorial appeared in Wednesday's Los Angeles Times:
Trevor John's last-lap disappointment brings fifth-place finish
LAKE GENEVA, Wis., -- Trevor John of Crosslake aboard his Polaris was passed on the final lap by Tucker Hibbert and settled for a fifth-place finish in the Pro Stock class final at the World Snowmobile Association's Snocross Worldwide Championship Series finale Sunday.
Winston Cup schedule
The 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup schedule (winners in parentheses) and driver point standings:
Ballpark bill sent to House floor
ST. PAUL -- A slightly modified version of a stadium financing plan proposed by Gov. Jesse Ventura is headed to the House floor for a vote after clearing the Ways and Means Committee by a comfortable margin Wednesday night.
Redistricting reaction
"Even a court couldn't alter the district I'm interested in." --Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe, DFL-Erskine, who is running for governor.
Remap pairs incumbents
Highlights of a five-judge panel's redistricting plan, and officeholders who would face another incumbent if they ran for re-election, along with their new districts:
Northwest drops domestic base travel agent commissions
EAGAN (AP) -- Northwest Airlines said Tuesday that it would stop paying base commissions to travel agents for tickets issued in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, effective immediately.
Funding of smoking-ban efforts to be restructured
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Responding to criticism of its lobbying tactics on county and local leaders, the Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco said it would change the way it funds advocacy programs.
MSU-Moorhead student, track team member dies of encephalitis
MOORHEAD (AP) -- A freshman at Minnesota State University, Moorhead, died of encephalitis at a Fargo hospital.
Missing snowmobiler rescued in woods near Hoyt Lakes
HOYT LAKES (AP) -- A snowmobiler was rescued early Thursday after spending a chilly 29 hours lost in the woods near Hoyt Lakes.
First barge of season reaches St. Paul
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The first barge tow of the season has arrived in St. Paul, marking the start of the navigation season on the Mississippi River in the Twin Cities.
Study puts unsexy cargo flights in play in Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS -- When the task force that guides the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport hired a consultant to identify problems with its cargo business, they expected standard advice: Fix a few things, measure the improvement, move on.
New congressional map includes five urban districts
ST. PAUL -- Minnesota's political boundaries caught up to its people Tuesday.
House panel strips same-sex benefits to state workers
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Led by Republicans, a Minnesota House committee took away the health benefits of gay and lesbian partners of state employees in a bill that now goes to the House floor.
Senate turns to cigarette tax to balance budget
BYLINE3: ST. PAUL -- The DFL-controlled Senate scrapped a plan Wednesday to raise income taxes in favor of a bigger hike in tobacco taxes to help close the remaining budget deficit and replenish reserves.
Coleman challenges Wellstone to raise all his money in-state
WASHINGTON -- On the day the Senate passed a long-debated campaign finance bill, GOP senate challenger Norm Coleman offered to raise money only in Minnesota and not use unlimited "soft money" contributions if Sen. Paul Wellstone would do the same.
Local sports shorts
Chris Jordan has been named most valuable player of the Brainerd Warriors adapted floor hockey team.
At least the Huskies don't go hungry
BEMIDJI -- When the Pillager High School boys' basketball team finishes playing a game it is as hungry as a pack of Huskies.
Huskies hope third time is the charm
PILLAGER -- The Pillager Huskies' motto might be "If at first you don't succeed, try and try again."
Boys' state
Tuesday, March 19
Boys' state tournament
Tuesday, March 19
Local sports shorts
Registration for spring hockey at Breezy Point Arena is under way.
WARRIOR ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Chris Nelson had every right to be disappointed when he wasn't named to the all-tournament team at the adapted floor hockey state tournament last weekend.
Pillager keeps on streaking
BEMIDJI -- It looked more like a Class 1A state football quarterfinal, but good teams find ways to win and that's what the Pillager Huskies boys' basketball team did Tuesday in its state quarterfinal game against Cook County.
Scoreboard
BOYS BASKETBALL
Scoreboard
BOYS BASKETBALL
Vikings sign Chamberlain to five-year deal
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Minnesota Vikings avoided losing a fourth starter to free agency late Tuesday, agreeing to terms with tight end Byron Chamberlain on a five-year contract worth an average of more than $1.5 million annually.
Huskers clobber Gophers
MINNEPOLIS (AP) -- Nebraska scored ten unearned runs in a 19-6 victory over Minnesota Tuesday night at the Metrodome.
Returning champions advance
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Goliath 3, David 0.
Lakeville's Liz Podominick is Girls' Player of the Year
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- With Lakeville's victory in last year's Class 4A state championship barely five minutes old, Liz Podominick was already thinking bigger.
Despite loss in tourney, Gopher women can smile
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- North Carolina coach Sylvia Hatchell walked by Minnesota women's athletic director Chris Voelz in a hallway after the Tar Heels beat the Golden Gophers by three in the second round of the NCAA tournament.
High school league looks for ways to limit prep free agency
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The Minnesota State High School League is looking for ways to quiet the outcry over what amounts to free agency among prep athletes.
Orioles edge Twins
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) -- Sidney Ponson pitched six innings of three-hit ball and Geronimo Gil hit a two-run homer as the Baltimore Orioles beat the Minnesota Twins 3-2 Tuesday, their 10th win in 12 games.
Gopher men's frustrating season has fitting end
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesota coach Dan Monson was asked what he told his players after the Golden Gophers' season ended in the second round of the National Invitation Tournament for the second straight time.
Edmonds powers Cards
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -- Jim Edmonds went 3-for-3 with a solo home run, a two-run triple and a double as the St. Louis Cardinals came from behind to beat the Minnesota Twins 8-6 Wednesday night.
Swanville native cooks up another murder mystery novel
Mystery writer Joanne Fluke picks up the telephone in her suburban Los Angeles home, a full-course meal-for-12 simmering on her kitchen stove.
Aitkin concert to feature Celtic music
AITKIN -- The Aitkin Area Chamber of Commerce will present a Celtic music concert Saturday in conjunction with the Aitkin Area Commerce and Sport Show featuring music in the style of Scotland, Ireland and Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia.
Party for the Arts
Impersonations of America's pop and political icons will be the order of the day Friday at the annual Party for the Arts fund-raising event at the Falls Ballroom in Little Falls, starting at 7:30 p.m.
Fine Arts Student of the Week
Mark Roelofs is the fine arts equivalent of a two-letter sports star.
Entertainment Calendar
For week of March 21-27; bands perform from 9 p.m. to close with no cover unless otherwise noted.
Aitkin students to stage 'Oklahoma!'
AITKIN -- The Aitkin High School Choir will present the classic Broadway show, "Oklahoma!" by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, at 7:30 p.m. April 4, 5 and 6, as well as 2 p.m. April 2, at the school.
Spring keyboard festival set in Little Falls
LITTLE FALLS -- St. Francis Music Center, Little Falls, will hold its Spring Keyboard Festival on April 19-20 at the center. The Keyboard Festival is open to piano students of all ages from throughout central Minnesota.
Academy Awards return to Hollywood
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- After 40 years in various Los Angeles venues, the Academy Awards return Sunday to Hollywood itself, to a glittering new theater -- Oscar's first permanent home.
It's Good to Sing Concert set April 6
The Harmony Engineers will host the third annual It's Good to Sing Concert April 6 at Tornstrom Auditorium, Washington Middle School, Brainerd.
CLC students to reprise 'Welcome to Our World'
Students in the Occupational Skills Program at Central Lakes College will present an encore performance of "Welcome to Our World" at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Bob Dryden Theatre on the Brainerd campus.
Piano recital
Piano students of Sally Sundberg
Ann-Margret to star in 'The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas' at Orpheum
MINNEAPOLIS -- For hormonal-addled males of a certain persuasion, nirvana once meant a night in a brothel with kitteny Ann-Margret.
Tempo tidbits
Shane Cole, the Little Falls music promoter, has scheduled an informational meeting April 25 to respond to questions about the recent Geoff Moore concert in Charles Martin Auditorium in Little Falls.
Clairvoyants aren't seeing things in new whodunits
One psychic prematurely predicts an acquaintance's death, while another seer apparently failed to see her own murder, in new mystery novels by Andrew M. Greeley and Anne Perry.
Piano students perform in Junior Music Festival in Pequot Lakes
PEQUOT LAKES -- A total of 210 piano students participated in the 22nd annual Junior Music Festival March 2 at Pequot Lakes School.
Renn completes deal with cable company to air TV show
Country singer Wayne Renn of Brainerd has finalized a deal with Charter Communications, opening the way for his television debut April 2.
Best books
1. "2nd Chance" by James Patterson with Andrew Gross (Little, Brown)
McKeehan of DC Talk, guitarist Keaggy to perform
A local youth organization is going out on the proverbial limb to promote "community service" among the young people it serves.
Guthrie to premiere two plays in upcoming season
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Guthrie Theater will offer the world premieres of two plays in the 2002-03 season -- an Arthur Miller work and a play by Jane Martin -- alongside its mainstay classics.
Aitkin commerce, sport show this weekend
This is the Explore Minnesota events report from the Minnesota Office of Tourism. For lodging specials currently being offered, check out the Web site www.exploreminnesota.com.
Prints in pristine snow reveal pawed prowler's path
As I drove down the long and gently sloping driveway, in the sunshine I saw the small footprints headed straight and determined through the fresh snow ahead.
Area briefs
The channel between Gull and Round lakes reflects winter's beauty. -- Steve Kohls
Crosslake St. Patrick's Day parade float winners listed
CROSSLAKE -- Andy's and USA Karate took top honors Saturday in the 28th annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Crosslake.
Paul Bunyan Scenic byway offers something for everyone
Some are seeking a place to dream. Others long for a connection to the past. Many hope for a sense and feel of a local culture. Still others stay alert for the nuances and surprises of nature. Some are adventurers looking for the perfect recreation spot.
Wisconsin state forecast
Lake snow advisory tonight through thursday morning for the lake superior snow belt...
Clouds and sun
Weather drawing by Josalynn Koon of Gayle Kub's first grade class at Lowell school.
Minnesota state forecast.
Winter weather advisory northwest today...
Minnesota state forecast
Today...Blustery and cold. Increasing clouds north and central. A chance of snow showers northeast. Highs 10 to 20.
Iowa state forecast
Today...Scattered flurries or light snow this morning...Then becoming sunny. Cold and windy with highs in the teens and 20s.
State forecast for south dakota
Today...Mostly cloudy with light snow likely north. Increasing clouds s
Iowa state forecast
Today...Cloudy or mostly cloudy this morning...Then becoming partly sunny. Highs near 40 northeast to near 60 southwest.
Spring is back
Weather drawing by Nicholas Belgum of Mrs. Brenny's third grade class at Baxter school.
State forecast for north dakota
A wind chill advisory remains in effect for western and central north dakota this morning...
State forecast for north dakota
Winter weather advisory statewide this morning...Continuing in the east this afternoon...
State forecast for south dakota
Today...Clear to partly cloudy and cold statewide. Windy in the east. Scattered snow showers ending early southwest. Highs from 10 to 15 northeast to the teens to lower 20s elsewhere.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Windy and cold. Areas of light snow showers and flurries ending this morning. Highs in the teens and 20s.
Names and faces
JAMESTOWN, N.Y. (AP) -- Lucille Ball's remains could be moved to her hometown once plans to restructure and expand a museum there are complete, her daughter said.
U.S. fighter jet crash kills pilot
BERLIN (AP) -- A U.S. fighter jet on night maneuvers crashed in Germany near Trier, killing the pilot, the military said Thursday.
Chinese court sentences American engineer to five years imprisonment
BEIJING (AP) -- An American electrical engineer whose detention has drawn protests from Washington was sentenced by a Beijing court Thursday to five years in prison for obtaining state secrets and giving bribes.
Pope breaks silence on sex abuse by Catholic priests
VATICAN CITY (AP) -- Pope John Paul II on Thursday broke his silence on the sex abuse cases rocking the Roman Catholic Church, saying the "grave scandal" was casting a "dark shadow of suspicion" over all priests.
Car bomb explodes outside U.S. Embassy in Peru, nine killed
LIMA, Peru (AP) -- A car bomb exploded outside the U.S. Embassy in Lima, killing at least nine people and injuring dozens in an audacious late night attack just three days before President Bush visits the Andean capital. U.S. officials said Thursday that Shining Path rebels were suspected.
Suicide bomber kills seven on Israeli bus
JERUSALEM (AP) -- A suicide bomber killed four soldiers and three other passengers on a packed Israeli bus during the morning rush hour Wednesday -- an attack that failed to derail weeklong U.S. truce efforts.
Truce talks called off after suicide bombing
JERUSALEM (AP) -- A Palestinian suicide bomber blew himself up in a main downtown Jerusalem shopping area Thursday, killing himself and two bystanders. At least 42 were inured, police said.
American soldier wounded in firefight in eastern Afghanistan
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (AP) -- Gunmen attacked U.S. and Afghan troops in eastern Afghanistan, touching off a firefight that wounded one American soldier, a U.S. military spokesman said Wednesday. Three U.S.-allied Afghan fighters were killed, Afghan officials said.