Friday, March 28, 2003
Chevy shows off new Colorado pickup
Chevrolet will introduce its Colorado, a mid-size pickup this fall.
Guessers wanted for Guess the Car
I have more than 20 photographs of vehicles for upcoming Guess the Car features. This means that this feature could run through February.
Christian Coalition among groups raising money through anti-abortion phone company
WASHINGTON (AP) -- In a new twist on dialing for dollars, the Christian Coalition of America and several other pro-family lobbies are raising money by encouraging members to sign up with an anti-abortion phone company that gives its profits to the groups.
Family plans benefit for organization that helped them when son was critically ill
MERRIFIELD -- Dan and Lee Shelstad are convinced their son is a walking miracle.
Report says anti-Semitic acts jumped by 24 percent on U.S. campuses last year
NEW YORK (AP) -- A new report from the Anti-Defamation League says anger over the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians caused a jump in anti-Semitic incidents last year in the United States, particularly on college campuses.
TV show, book join debate about ancient artifact tied to Jesus
It "may be the most astonishing find in the history of archaeology," says Hershel Shanks, enthusiastic editor of Biblical Archaeology Review.
Churches
There will be a contemporary Christian music concert from 7-8:30 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church in Brainerd. Jeremy Sanoski will perform contemporary worship
Evangelist Luis Palau hosts a beach party for Fort Lauderdale collegians
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) -- As college students celebrated spring break, Christians sponsored a giant admission-free beach party led by Argentine-American evangelist Luis Palau.
Episcopal Church panel opposes any decision on homosexuality this year
NEW YORK (AP) -- An Episcopal Church report says the denomination should not try to set a policy on ceremonies to bless homosexual couples because "we are nowhere near consensus."
Senate sponsors drop religious parts of 'faith-based' bill
WASHINGTON -- Conceding they don't have enough support, congressional sponsors of President Bush's faith-based initiative have given up on legislation that would make it easier for churches and religious groups to get government grants.
Mormons have long tradition of being prepared for disaster
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Dale and Pat Kimsey started back in the 1970s by storing a few extra cans of food under the bed, just in case.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLI(AP) -- Wheat receipts Thursday 106, a year ago 219.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLI(AP) -- Wheat receipts Wednesday 124, a year ago 48.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Wednesday cattle estimate: 350. Last Wednesday: 507. Year Ago Wednesday: 226. Tuesday actual: 647.
Recipes for a spring or summer potluck
A warm, spring day prompted Doug and Renee Campbell to host a Spring Fling Potluck with friends over the weekend.
School lunch menus
BRAINERD/PILLAGER
Fire
The Brainerd Fire Department responded at 9:52 p.m. Thursday to Hawthorn Suites on Highway 210 in Baxter for what turned out to be a false alarm.
Births
Timothy and Mindy (Millam) Speldrich, Brainerd, a girl, Makaio Rose, 6 pounds, 8 ounces, Feb. 1, 2003. Grandparents are Marv and Lorri Millam, Brainerd, and Eldred and Rose Speldrich, Brainerd. Great-grandmother is Rosella Durant, Bagley.
U of M student dies of meningitis
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A University of Minnesota student died Thursday after contracting meningitis, a university official said.
Minnesotan who got smallpox vaccine developed heart inflammation
ST. PAUL -- A Minnesotan who developed heart inflammation after getting the smallpox vaccine is one of several cases that prompted health officials around the country to investigate a possible link between heart problems and the vaccine.
Follow these tips to buy cabinets for the kitchen
There is much to learn to become an informed kitchen cabinet buyer.
Here's the tax picture for home projects
Sure, the tax ramifications of most home-improvement projects aren't a lot to write home about.
In time of turmoil, find peace in garden
In an unsettling time in the world, horticulturalist Chuck Levine said the home can be an individual's refuge of peace, especially in the garden.
Spent bulbs can live on
Many gardeners can't bear to discard bulbs after they have been forced to blossom in winter. That is the usual recommendation for what to do with these plants because they cannot be forced to bloom again.
Leave that rake, fertilizer spreader in the garage
Recent warm temperatures have left many lawns bare or nearly so. Whenever the lawn is uncovered and the temperatures are in the 50s, the temptation is to grab the rake and start spring cleanup.
It's spring -- let the yard makeovers begin
Spring is on the air.
Power tools are manageable size
Who says a power drill has to be big, heavy and clunky?
Check your roof for any signs of leaks
Many assume that a leaky roof means replacement is imminent.
When should boomers hunt for retirement home?
NEW YORK -- There was never any question in Holly Wissing's mind about where she and her husband should hunt for a retirement home.
Minnesota mortgage delinquencies below U.S rate
WASHINGTON -- Fewer homeowners were late paying their mortgages in the final quarter of 2002, but economists worry that a worsening jobs market could be making that more difficult now.
Picture this on your walls
Admit it. You've got a box stashed under your bed or in the back of your closet that's filled with pictures. Sure, you'd love to frame some of them or organize them in some way. But there just isn't time, and it'd be too much work. So there they sit.
Snow's return leads to accidents
The Brainerd lakes area is back to looking like a winter wonderland.
Three firms interested in buying school
It will be another month before Brainerd School District residents know what the future of Franklin Junior High School may be.
Fishing regulation changes sought
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Walleye and northern pike fishing regulations would change a bit if the Department of Natural Resources gets its way.
Last townships report their election results
Crow Wing County township election results are completed.
War images hit close to home for two area women
A week into the war with Iraq, Bethany Mayer and Saundra Hall have been trying to avoid watching television news.
Aitkin recognizes troops
AITKIN -- Teachers and students at Aitkin High School came up with their own way to recognize American troops. A trophy case has been transformed into a display of several servicemen with connections to the community, some of them recent high school graduates.
Pawlenty tours camp shoot house
CAMP RIPLEY -- Gov. Tim Pawlenty didn't do any shooting Wednesday but security and military preparedness were the order of the day as he toured Camp Ripley's new $1.6 million live-fire facility.
Former POW
Bataan Death March survivor Henry Peck, a North Long Lake resident, compares his World War II stint as a prisoner of war with the plight of American POWs in Iraq. Look for the story Sunday.
Garden Expo
Gardens can be good for people, both physically and emotionally. Look for a story on the upcoming Garden Expo at Central Lakes College in Friday's Housing section.
Crow Wing computer whiz retires after 27 years
After 27 years in Crow Wing County, Information Systems Director Denny Holmen has retired.
This was Brainerd
MARCH 27 - 20 years ago (1983) - Don Rasmussen, Brainerd's enterprising postmaster has come up with an addressing plan that will be to the advantage of everyone in our area once it is implemented.
Some Little Falls residents want French flag taken down
LITTLE FALLS (AP) -- It's wartime, but almost no one is rallying around a flag flying along the Mississippi River in this small central Minnesota town.
Local briefs
Sen. Paul Koering, R-Fort Ripley, will conduct three town meetings Saturday to discuss issues before the Legislature. He also has scheduled four town meetings April 5.
Foreign exchange students share foreign view that war is wrong
The images of bombs falling on Baghdad are a surreal sight for foreign exchange students at Brainerd High School.
Local briefs
Operation Round Up, funded by Crow Wing Power participating members, allows the cooperative to round up electric bills to the nearest whole dollar.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1982 - The sale of $1.6 million worth of industrial development revenue bonds for a new utility company facility was given the go-ahead last night by the Crosby City Council.
YOUNG PATRIOT
Erin, a child enrolled in the Precious Years Learning Center at Christ Community Church of Nisswa, saluted Old Glory during Red, White and Blue Day at the center Thursday. The center had a different theme for each day of this week. (Dispatch Photo by Clint Wood)
Koering votes against Pawlenty health, human services budget
Sen. Paul Koering, R-Fort Ripley, sided with Democrats in opposing Gov. Tim Pawlenty's proposed health and human services budget in committee action Thursday. He cited concern about the elimination of senior programs and reimbursements to nursing homes.
Gloria J. Dalbotten
ROSS LAKE TOWNSHIP -- Gloria Jean Dalbotten, 71, Ross Lake Township, died Wednesday, March 26, 2003, at home.
Doretta Leider
Doretta Leider, 86, Brainerd, died Thursday, March 27, 2003, at Woodland Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Shelva Larson
STAPLES -- Shelva Larson, 63, Staples, died Thursday, March 27, 2003, at Greater Staples Care Center.
Cecelia H. Johnson
Cecelia H. Johnson, 90, Brainerd, died Monday, March 24, 2003, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Otto I. Gravdahl
PEQUOT LAKES -- Otto I. Gravdahl, 93, Pequot Lakes, died Wednesday, March 26, 2003, at Whispering Pines Good Samaritan Village in Pine River.
Homer L. Anderson
BAILEYS HARBOR, Wis. -- Homer L. Anderson, 72, Baileys Harbor, Wis., formerly of Brainerd, died Tuesday, March 18, 2003, at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay, Wis.
Pamela Svendsen
Pamela Svendsen, 48, Brainerd, died today, March 28, 2003, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Dr. Robert D. Courteau
ONAMIA -- Dr. Robert David Courteau, 79, Onamia, died Tuesday, March 25, 2003, at home.
Joseph A. Knutson
LITCHFIELD -- Joseph Alden Knutson, 68, Litchfield, formerly of Emily and Pequot Lakes, died Thursday, March 13, 2003, at home.
Dispatch guidelines for Open Forums
The Dispatch encourages readers to sound off in the Open Forum.
Special treatment
It's no secret famed athletes often get preferential treatment in society. Their wealth and renown often puts them at the front of the line when it comes to privileges.
Vox Pop
Vox Pop, voice of the people, publishes Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Submissions are limited to 100 words.
Open Forum
If you did not attend The Lakes Bee at Tornstrom Auditorium on March 18 you missed quite a show. Young people ranging from third grade to eighth grade from Aitkin, Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd and Wadena counties participated in the spelling bee. The Bee was sponsored by The Dispatch, and the winner advanced to the National Bee in Washington, D.C.
Open Forum
I am writing this in regard to one of the pictures printed on paged 6W of the March 21, 2003 Dispatch. I was appalled to see such racism in the Brainerd area, let alone on the school grounds, monitored by the principal. What I am referring to is one student's sign in support of war that read "Bomb Saddam & Towel Heads."
Lowering limits
Minnesota, faced with a $4 billion deficit, can choose to save as much as $25 million a year from federal aid-highway construction funds simply by lowering the legal blood-alcohol limit from .10 percent to .08 percent -- a decision the Legislature failed to make last year and is now reconsidering.
New airline for central part of state being sought
ST. CLOUD (AP) -- A campaign has begun to attract a new airline to central Minnesota despite the industry's woes.
Puckett's accuser describes violent attack
MINNEAPOLIS -- The woman who accused former Twins star Kirby Puckett of sexual assault testified Thursday that she was terrified and tried to escape as Puckett dragged her into the men's bathroom at a suburban restaurant.
Pawlenty wants protesters to pay law enforcement costs
ST. PAUL (AP) -- As anti-war protesters begin adopting more confrontational tactics, Gov. Tim Pawlenty wants them to reimburse law enforcement for the expense of their own arrests.
Ventura supports troops, but defends right to protest war
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- As he expressed support for American troops fighting in Iraq on Wednesday, former Gov. Jesse Ventura also defended the right to protest against the war.
Poll: Minnesotans back Iraq war
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The majority of Minnesotans support the war in Iraq, President Bush's handling of it and U.S. troops staying in the Middle East until Iraq becomes a democracy, according to a new poll.
Pawlenty critical of bonuses for Northwest executives
BLOOMINGTON -- Gov. Tim Pawlenty told Northwest Airlines employees Thursday that he thinks it's unfair top executives got large compensation increases when the company is laying off workers and asking others to take pay cuts.
Legislature examines new rules for child support
ST. PAUL (AP) -- New rules for Minnesota's child support system are gaining ground at the Legislature.
Red Lake schoolchildren send soil, letters to soldiers in Iraq
RED LAKE (AP) -- Earlier this month, Red Lake Elementary School students filled little bags with a few spoonfuls of Red Lake soil and a pinch of tobacco for a special blessing.
National Guard soldiers to deploy to southwest Asia
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- More than 25 members of the Minnesota Army National Guard soon will leave for southwest Asia, the Guard said Thursday.
Seniors feel sting of budget cuts
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Directors at many of the state's 421 senior centers are struggling with reduced budgets and bracing for even greater funding drops if the Legislature slashes state funding for local governments.
Wellstone plane traveling too slowly, report says
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The airplane that crashed with Sen. Paul Wellstone and seven others aboard was flying perilously slow on its final approach, federal investigators reported in documents released Wednesday.
Local sports shorts
The Mille Lacs Boxing Club will host the 2003 Junior Olympics State Boxing tournament April 26-27 at the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe District 1 Community Center east of Grand Casino Mille Lacs.
The choir boy also is a boxer
Ricky Aulie has a mean streak but you wouldn't know it by looking at him.
Scoreboard
college softball
Scoreboard
track and field
Grewe is right man at the right time
PEQUOT LAKES -- Garry Grewe found himself in the right place at the right time when he signed a contract for the Pequot Lakes School District.
Blues stop Wild
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Chris Osgood is fitting in perfectly with the St. Louis Blues.
Why the Twins will win it all this season
Ask Athletics pitcher Tim Hudson about one of his peskiest opponents, and he makes it sound as if the team's hitters are waiting for him with bats in hand, ready to inflict fresh torment.
Dome turns into home for Badgers
MINNEAPOLIS -- Few teams are booed in Minneapolis like the Wisconsin Badgers, one of the Minnesota Gophers biggest rivals.
McGrady baffles Timberwolves
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Kevin Garnett and the Minnesota Timberwolves couldn't keep up with Tracy McGrady.
Twins rout Pirates
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -- Jacque Jones came within a double of hitting for the cycle and Michael Cuddyer and Luis Rivas had three hits apiece Wednesday as the Minnesota Twins beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 13-7.
Gophers win in OT
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Less than a month after losing to lowly Northwestern in the first round of the Big Ten tournament for its fifth straight loss, Minnesota has found redemption in the NIT.
Vikings' Bennett injures left foot
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesota Vikings running back Michael Bennett will have his injured left foot evaluated by the team on Friday.
Metropolitan sports commission could be in for an overhaul
ST. PAUl -- The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission would get a new name under a bill approved by a Senate comittee on Wednesday, despite testimony from a Minneapolis official who said the change wasn't necessary.
Boys' choir to perform annual Potato Bake Concert
STAPLES -- The Central Minnesota Boys' Choir will perform its annual Potato Bake Concert April 6 at the United Methodist Church in Staples.
Retired CLC art instructor seeks to help future artists through scholarship fund
Evelyn Matthies, a retired Central Lakes College art instructor, is anything BUT retired.
Rosnau to sign books in Crosby
CROSBY -- In conjunction with National Library Week, April 7-12, the Hallett Memorial Library will host an author book-signing.
Musicians, poets, comics sought for Open Mic Night in Little Falls
LITTLE FALLS -- The Great River Arts Association will host an Open Mic Night for area performers at 7:30 p.m. April 3 at the Great River Arts Center in downtown Little Falls.
Little Falls to host Central Lakes Music Festival
LITTLE FALLS -- The 17th annual Central Lakes Music Festival will be Friday, hosted by Little Falls High School.
Guthrie to bring tour to Pequot
PEQUOT LAKES -- Greater Lakes Area Performing Arts will present "Guthrie on Tour -- The Stuff of Dreams" at 7:30 p.m. April 4 in the Pequot Lakes School Auditorium. The Guthrie Theater touring company will perform the play.
Brainerd girl wins Heartland Symphony junior youth audition
Brianna Jensen of Brainerd is the junior winner of the Heartland Symphony Orchestra's youth auditions. Andrea Jakubowski of St. Cloud is the senior winner.
Photo exhibit slated April 6-18 at CLC-Staples
STAPLES -- The Staples campus of Central Lakes College will host an exhibit of outstanding photographs from the Photo Imaging Education Association from April 6-18.
Nothing to do? Try an outdoor show or a circus
This is the Explore Minnesota events report from the Minnesota Office of Tourism.
Tempo tidbits
"Impressions" by Brainerd residents Roger Cooper and John Erickson is a finalist in the anthology division of ForeWord Magazine's fifth annual Book of the Year Awards, which recognize excellence in publishing from independent presses.
CLC production considered for regional presentation
The recent production of "Brother Truckers" at Central Lakes College is being considered for inclusion at the Region V American College Theatre Festival in Denver next January. Final determination will not be made until December.
Best bets
Today marks your last chance to see "The Hours" starring Oscar winner Nicole Kidman. The movie will play at Westport 3 tonight before leaving the area.
Author, Holocaust survivor to speak at Brainerd library
Henry Oertelt, author of "An Unbroken Chain: My Journey Through the Nazi Holocaust," will speak at 7 p.m. April 3 at the Brainerd Public Library about his book and survival of the Holocaust.
Do we reap what we sow?
NEW YORK MILLS -- There is one week left to submit an answer to the timely question posed by this year's Great American Think-Off.
Miller loves tuba's big, loud sound
Brainerd High School junior Andrea Miller went from playing a small, delicate flute to playing a large, loud tuba when she was in eighth grade at Franklin Junior High School.
Entertainment Guide
For week of March 27-April 2; bands perform from 9 p.m. to close with no cover unless otherwise noted.
Pine River-Backus junior attends music seminar
PINE RIVER -- Pine River-Backus junior Anna Wetrosky recently attended a four-day vocal music seminar and then performed in a concert Saturday at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis.
Aitkin vocal students earn superior ratings at contest
AITKIN -- Aitkin High School entered 41 events March 19 in the Subsection 25 solo and ensemble contest in Willow River.
Berge Family to perform two bluegrass concerts
The Berge Family, a four-piece acoustic bluegrass and a cappella group, will perform at 8 p.m. April 4 at the Paul Bunyan Nature Learning Center in Brainerd.
Aitkin students rehearse '42nd Street'
Sophomore Brenda Smith plays the lead character, Peggy Sawyer, in Aitkin High School's production of "42nd Street." Here, some of the lead characters in the play try to convince Peggy at the railroad station to take over the lead role after the leading lady broke her leg. They are Adam Siemers (left), Aaron Patrick, Levi Baer, Joe Buron and Jared Perry.
Minnesota state forecast
Heavy snow warning and snow advisory today portions of north...
Iowa state forecast
Winter weather advisory over west central iowa late this afternoon through midnight...
Iowa state forecast
Wind advisory west central and southwest today...
Drops of rain
Weather drawing by Lara Ammermann of Mrs. Gramer's second grade class at Riverside school.
State forecast for North Dakota
Snow advisory northeast today...
It's snowing
Weather drawing by Trent Anderson of Mrs. Surma's third grade class at Baxter school.
Wisconsin state forecast
Winter storm warning this afternoon into friday for parts of northwest and north central...
State forecast for south dakota
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. Windy. Scattered rain or snow showers east this afternoon. Highs in the upper 30s to mid 40s.
Minnesota state forecast
Winter storm warning today and tonight parts of the northeast...
State forecast for South Dakota
Winter weather advisory south central this afternoon...
Wisconsin state forecast
Winter storm warning today for much of far north...
State forecast for north dakota
Dense fog advisory this morning devils lake basin...
Senior activities
LAKES AREA SENIOR
Brainerd Public Utilities Commission to meet Tuesday
The Brainerd Public Utilities Commission will meet 9 a.m. Tuesday in the board room at 1151 Highland Scenic Drive.
What's doing
There will be a spaghetti benefit dinner for Pam (Falconer) S