Saturday, March 29, 2003
Whispering Pines opens soft as whisper
Whispering Pines opened in the Westgate Mall last Wednesday in a soft opening to get their bearings before being noticed too much and before the summer crush arrives.
Business notes
BAXTER -- Paul D. Holje, Widseth Smith Nolting, architecture and engineering firm in Baxter, successfully passed the exams and met the education and experience requirements necessary to become a licensed architect.
Dotronix takes its signs in a new direction
NEW BRIGHTON (AP) -- For years people have checked flight departures and arrivals on Dotronix monitors at major U.S. airports. Now Dotronix is betting people will use similar monitors to order burgers and fries.
Got a gripe with a business?
They offer advice for wedding planning, resolve disputes between businesses and consumers and promote ethical advertising.
How the BBB handles a consumer complaint
* Consumers should first contact the business and attempt to resolve the complaint. If the complaint cannot be resolved, consumers can submit a complaint to a BBB office or by going online and using a BBB complaint form located at www.bbb.org.
Business notes
STAPLES -- Motivational techniques for workplace supervisors will be covered in a one-day seminar at Central Lakes College in Staples.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Child in need
The bombs are falling continuously in Iraq and we see all these little children hungry and needing so much care. We watch many happenings on the news and wonder what we can do and at times resolve to ourselves the only difference we can make is to pray.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLI(AP) -- Wheat receipts Thursday 106, a year ago 219.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Friday cattle estimate: 300. Last Friday: 647. Year Ago Friday: 0. Thursday actual: 388.
Contact your federal lawmakers
Sen. Norm Coleman
Agendas
Meets 9 a.m. Tuesday
Courts
WALKER -- The following appeared recently in Cass County District Court:
Fires
NISSWA -- The Nisswa Fire Department responded to a trailer home fire at 11:45 a.m. Friday on Tuxedo Road.
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.
School lunch menus
BRAINERD/PILLAGER
Accidents
The State Patrol responded to a one-vehicle accident at 6:25 p.m. Friday on Highway 169, two miles south of Milaca in Mille Lacs County.
When do you stop for pedestrians?
Question: Would you please readdress the law on stopping for pedestrians, and the correct actions and responsibilities of pedestrians in relation to the law? Most drivers seem to be unaware of the requirement to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.
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.
U of M student dies of meningitis
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A University of Minnesota student died Thursday after contracting meningitis, a university official said.
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.
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.
Power tools are manageable size
Who says a power drill has to be big, heavy and clunky?
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.
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.
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.
Follow these tips to buy cabinets for the kitchen
There is much to learn to become an informed kitchen cabinet buyer.
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.
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.
It's spring -- let the yard makeovers begin
Spring is on the air.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This was Brainerd
MARCH 30 - 30 years ago (1973) - The Brainerd Mall 5th Anniversary Sell-A-Bration: J.C. Penney, Montgomery Ward, Super Valu, Singer, Scotts, Thrifty Snyder, Three Sisters, Charlie's Restaurant, Schiff Shoes, Johnson's Barber Shop.
Last townships report their election results
Crow Wing County township election results are completed.
Helpful sign
C. J. Jones (left), an internationally known deaf entertainer, signed with Cody Nelson, second grader at Riverside Elementary School Friday. Nelson, who is not deaf, was picked from the audience of students and shown some basic sign language. Jones performs in schools to promote messages of self-esteem and sensitivity of deaf traditions to people of all cultures.
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)
Crow Wing computer whiz retires after 27 years
After 27 years in Crow Wing County, Information Systems Director Denny Holmen has retired.
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.
A water craft
Six years ago, the fine arts woodworker attended an art exhibit on Michigan's Upper Peninsula and observed kayakers slicing through the waters of Lake Superior.
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.
Snow's return leads to accidents
The Brainerd lakes area is back to looking like a winter wonderland.
Food drive
Washington Middle School Builders Club members Erin LePage (left) Becca Lange and Shane Lueck carried boxes of food through the halls Friday. The 18 member club, which is a Kiwanis program, organized the week-long school-wide drive for area food shelves.
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 brief
Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., announced that Crow Wing Power is among the organizations receiving Federal Emergency Management Agency grants.
POWs' PLIGHT
BYLINE3: MERRIFIELD -- Images of the war in Iraq flickered on Henry Peck's television screen Thursday as a slow-burning wood fire fought the afternoon's damp weather.
Big game
The Gopher women faced a big test against Texas in their bid to reach the Final Four. Read about the outcome in Sports Monday.
Elisabeth Robbins
Elisabeth Robbins, 97, Brainerd, died Friday, March 28, 2003, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Joseph A. Knutson
LITCHFIELD -- Joseph Alden Knutson, 68, Litchfield, formerly of Emily and Pequot Lakes, died Thursday, March 13, 2003, at home.
Gloria J. Dalbotten
ROSS LAKE TOWNSHIP -- Gloria Jean Dalbotten, 71, Ross Lake Township, died Wednesday, March 26, 2003, at home.
Terry R. Ament
NISSWA -- Terry Rae Ament, 36, Nisswa, died Friday, March 28, 2003, in Brainerd.
Shelva Larson
STAPLES -- Shelva Larson, 63, Staples, died Thursday, March 27, 2003, at Greater Staples Care Center.
Doretta Leider
Doretta Leider, 86, Brainerd, died Thursday, March 27, 2003, at the Woodland Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Pamela Svendsen
Pamela Svendsen, 48, Brainerd, died today, March 28, 2003, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Pamela 'Pam' K. Falconer Svendsen
Pamela "Pam" Kay Falconer Svendsen, 48, Brainerd, died Friday, March 28, 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.
Shelva Larson
STAPLES -- Shelva Larson, 63, Staples, died Thursday, March 27, 2003, at the Greater Staples Care Center.
Doretta Leider
Doretta Leider, 86, Brainerd, died Thursday, March 27, 2003, at Woodland Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Catherine E. Christiansen
MINNEAPOLIS -- Catherine E. Christiansen, 85, Minneapolis, died Monday, March 3, 2003, in Minneapolis.
Peter G. Czech
SOBIESKI -- Peter G. Czech, 87, Sobieski, died Friday, March 28, 2003, at St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls.
Shirley Vaughn
PINE RIVER -- Shirley Vaughn, 64, Pine River, died Friday, March 28, 2003, at her home.
Betty Schierholtz Alderman
Betty Schierholtz Alderman, 78, Brainerd, died Monday, March 17, 2003, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Vox Pop
Vox Pop, voice of the people, publishes Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Submissions are limited to 100 words.
Standing tough
Those who expected the U.S-led coalition's road to Baghdad to be smooth and effortless were likely set straight by the unfortunate events of last weekend.
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.
Open Forum
It's wonderful living in a country promoting free speech. We can carry posters labeling our American president a murderer and not get arrested. Isn't it ironic that some fault our president for a war against a regime that tortures or shoots anyone daring to criticize Saddam Hussein's leadership?
Stay on top of the planning trends
I believe the larger common issue we face in the Brainerd lakes area, of which the box store debate is only a symptom, is a shifting in our local economy away from high wage manufacturing and government sector jobs, the traditional mainstay of the job market here, toward lower-earning retail and service sector jobs.
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."
The buck of '52 goes home
My story begins with a chance attendance at an auction in June 2002 in my boyhood hometown of Parkers Prairie, Minn.
Outdoor notes
Due to vulnerable surfaces during the spring thaw, some county and state forest trails in Crow Wing County are temporarily closed to motorized vehicles.
THE MAGIC OF SHED HUNTING
BAXTER -- The taking of a trophy whitetail is made even better by finding the deer's antlers the spring before.
Skarlis aims for third season opening victory when PWT starts on Lake Erie
Two years ago Tommy Skarlis was a fledgling PWT pro looking to break into the ranks of the winners. The Walker walleye pro had finished in the money in 14 of the first 30 tournaments he fished and had five top 10 finishes and a second at Lake Erie.
ATV spring convention set for Outing
The Over The Hills Gang ATV Club is preparing to welcome ATV enthusiasts May 2-4 at the All Terrain Vehicle Association of Minnesota spring convention in Outing.
Hanging in there during a tough bite finally makes the day a success
Catching crappies through the ice is based on simple variables. First you must find the fish. Then you must get them to bite. If they won't bite you must change tactics or give up.
Cooing provides comfort on spring and summer mornings
"Coo, coo, coo....."
Fishing report
BRAINERD/NISSWA
Sophia Hamad and Darin Stout
Sophia Hamad and Darin Stout announce their engagement. Parents are Mike and Mary Hamad, Brainerd, and Greg and Debbie Struthers, Brainerd, and Don Stout, Pahrump, Nev. A May 24 wedding is planned at Lord of Life Lutheran Church.
Schmidt-Tougas
Susan Schmidt and Kyle Tougas were married Feb. 14, 2003, at the Crow Wing County Courthouse with Darrell Paske officiating.
Logering-Boggs
Melissa Logering and Wesley Boggs were married Sept. 21, 2002, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd with Father William Skarich officiating.
Angela Asker and Jess Otteson
Angela Marie Asker and Jess Morgan Otteson announce their engagement. Parents are Ed and LeeAnn Asker, Baxter, and Guy and Kaye Otteson, Bismarck, N.D. A June 7 wedding is planned at Lakewood Evangelical Free Church.
Much obliged
Several weeks of planning and behind-the-scene efforts went into setting up the Red Cross blood drive, held recently at the Brainerd National Guard Armory. Thank you to volunteer callers who scheduled more than 700 donors. Thank you on-site volunteers who registered and guided donors, prepared food and served donors and staff in the canteen.
Aimee Stockton and Allen Stier
Aimee Stockton and Allen Stier announce their engagement. Parents are Anita and Thomas Stockton, Madison, Wis., and Donna and Siegfried Stier, Brainerd. An April 26 wedding is planned in Madison.
Schroeder-Rush
Renae Schroeder and Andrew Rush were married Aug. 24, 2002, at Linden Hill in Little Falls with the Rev. Glenn E. Derby officiating.
Kelly Baillif and Michael Syrdal
Kelly Baillif and Michael Syrdal announce their engagement. Parents are Paul and Mary Baillif, Brainerd, and Todd and Gayle Syrdal, Crosslake. A June 28 wedding is planned at Shepherd of the Lakes Church in Garrison.
Christa Nelson and Casey Miller
Christa Nelson and Casey Miller announce their engagement. Parents are Tom Nelson, Brainerd, and Carol Nelson, Baxter, and Lamont and Linda Miller, Wahpeton, N.D. A June 14 wedding is planned at First Lutheran Church in Brainerd.
Lynn Robideaux and Robert Wick
Lynn Marie Robideaux and Robert David Wick announce their engagement. Parents are Shirley Robideaux, Pequot Lakes, and the late Darrell Robideaux, and Raymond and Audrey Wick, New Hope. An April 12 wedding is planned at Grace United Methodist Church in Pequot Lakes.
50th anniversary
Vernon and Evelyn Butson, Baxter, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with their family. They were married March 29, 1953, in St. Olaf, Iowa.
25th anniversary
Pete and Debbie Smude, Pillager, will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary with an open house and dance starting at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Brainerd American Legion. The event is hosted by their children. They were married April 1, 1978.
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.
Hubert H. Humphrey's daughter, Nancy Solomonson, dies
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Nancy Faye Solomonson, the oldest child of former Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey, has died at 64.
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.
Victims identified
PETERSBURG, Iowa (AP) -- The names of three Minnesota men killed in an airplane crash in eastern Iowa were released Saturday as authorities continued to investigate the cause of the crash.
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.
Casino official called officers on behalf of Vikings official stopped for suspected DUI
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A casino official tried to intervene on behalf of a Minnesota Vikings executive who was pulled over on suspicion of drunken driving after a team fundraiser, according to a criminal complaint.
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.
University of Minnesota students rally in support of troops in Iraq, against anti-war protesters
MINNEAPOLIS -- Saying they were angered by the public's perception of college students, about 150 people rallied on the University of Minnesota campus Friday to denounce anti-war protesters as "communists" and "cowards."
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.
Poll: Minnesotans hold split opinion on anti-war protests
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesotans are split on the continuing protests against the war in Iraq, according to a new Star Tribune Minnesota poll.
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.
Scoreboard
track and field
From hoops to gridiron
Last year's Brainerd Dispatch All-Area Boys' Basketball team looks more like a college football team.
2003 BRAINERD DISPATCH ALL-AREA BOYS' BASKETBALL TEAM
The 2003 Brainerd Dispatch All-Area Boys' Basketball Team.
AREA STATISTICAL LEADERS
Total points
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.
Pickar wrestles in nationals
Two-time Minnesota state wrestling champion Andy Pickar has picked up right where he left off a month ago.
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.
Area events Saturday
track and field
Local sports shorts
The Men's Twilight Golf League at Pine Meadows Golf Course is holding a captains meeting Thursday, April 3 at the Pine Meadows clubhouse.
McGrady baffles Timberwolves
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Kevin Garnett and the Minnesota Timberwolves couldn't keep up with Tracy McGrady.
Elated Gophers refocus for Texas
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Like it is for many basketball players and fans, March Madness is Shannon Schonrock's favorite time of the year.
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.
Wild come alive, beat Chicago in overtime
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The Minnesota Wild played the third period with a sense of urgency.
NCAA hockey
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Ferris State appeared in the NCAA Division I tournament for the first time Friday, but you wouldn't know it by talking to the Bulldogs after their 5-2 win over WCHA power North Dakota.
Witness says he saw Puckett drag alleged victim into bathroom
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A witness testified Friday that he saw former Minnesota Twins star Kirby Puckett drag a woman into a men's bathroom at a restaurant, and that she appeared terrified when she came out moments later.
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.
Rookie fires Heat
MIAMI (AP) -- Everything went right for Caron Butler until he learned that his alma mater lost in the NCAA tournament.
TWINS NOW THE HUNTED, INSTEAD OF THE HUNTER
MINNEAPOLIS -- After beating baseball's bid to get rid of them last year, the Minnesota Twins didn't have to deal with any sideshows this spring.
Dome turns into home for Badgers
MINNEAPOLIS -- Few teams are booed in Minneapolis like the Wisconsin Badgers, one of the Minnesota Gophers biggest rivals.
It's snowing
Weather drawing by Trent Anderson of Mrs. Surma's third grade class at Baxter school.
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.
State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Partly cloudy west. Mostly cloudy skies east becoming partly cloudy. Cool with highs from the 30s east to the 40s west.
Minnesota state forecast
Winter storm warning today and tonight parts of the northeast...
State forecast for North Dakota
Today...Mostly sunny west and partly sunny east. Highs from the lower 30s northeast to the mid 40s far west.
Wisconsin state forecast
Winter storm warning today for much of far north...
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Mostly cloudy with scattered snow showers and flurries. Highs in the 30s.
State forecast for north dakota
Dense fog advisory this morning devils lake basin...
Minnesota state forecast
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. A chance of snow or rain showers far southeast. Highs from the upper 20s northeast to the lower 40s south.
Iowa state forecast
Today...Partly cloudy to cloudy. Scattered snow showers east third. Highs in the mid 30s to around 40.
Signs of spring
Weather drawing by Dylon Larkin of Mrs. Meyer's third grade class at Riverside school.
Iowa state forecast
Wind advisory west central and southwest today...
Senior activities
LAKES AREA SENIOR
What's doing
The Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace Video Series presents the award-winning "Afghan Massacre? Convoy of Death," a documentary by Irish filmmaker Jamie Doran exploring war crimes committed during the war in Afghanistan by America's Northern Alliance allies and U.S. forces, at 7 p.m. Monday at the Brainerd Public Library.
What's doing
There will be a spaghetti benefit dinner for Pam (Falconer) S