Thursday, April 13, 2000
Classic truck
Blakesley's truck also has 20 inch tires, a stake body produced for Ford by Midland Steel Products Co., and side-mounted flares. It also is painted in original Rock Moss Green.
Ford, Maytag build van fitted with appliances
DETROIT -- For those who feel they spend too much time away from home, Maytag Corp. and Ford Motor Co. have come up with a minivan that includes a kitchen, den and laundry room built-in.
GMC Suburban, now Yukon XL is -- well, svelte
Would you believe a full-size sport utility vehicle that's, well, svelte?
GM to include in-car phone service option on millions of vehicles
DETROIT -- Hundreds of thousands of new General Motors cars and trucks will have built-in phone service -- even their own phone numbers -- by the end of the year.
Ford to sell hybrid electric SUV in 2003
DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Co. will sell a version of its Escape small sport utility vehicle powered by gas and electricity in 2003, with fuel economy close to 40 miles per gallon in city driving.
Chocolate boasts both good and bad news for people who love to eat it
Admit it: You love chocolate. But you've always worried that it's not good for you.
Start Easter Day with scones
A pot of coffee, a pitcher of juice and an Easter basket brimming with homemade muffins or scones is a cheerful wake-up call on Sunday morning.
Take precautions to prevent egg-borne illness
During this time of year when eggs are decorated and eaten, it should be noted that a few cases of foodborne illness have been caused by eggs.
For a change, try spaghetti with stir fry
Every so often I will get a craving for a good stir fry, and will make it for supper.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Tuesday cattle: 700. Compared to Monday, slaughter steers and heifers mostly 1.00 higher. Holstein steers firm to .50 higher. Slaughter cows 1.00 to 2.00 higher. Slaughter bulls steady to firm. Near 100 feeders expected for feeder auction.
Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Wednesday.
Crime
BURGLARY -- Dorothy Keppers, 900 block of South Eighth Street, reported her garage had been broken into and numerous items were missing.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Wednesday cattle: 600.
Fire
DNR officers responded to a fire Wednesday in Unorganized Territory north of Morey's on Highway 371. A grass fire started in the ditch and burned two-tenths of an acre. The cause has not been determined.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Wednesday 138, a year ago 34.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Tuesday 59, a year ago 0. Spring wheat cash trading basis: steady to 5 cents higher, mostly steady.
Area crime
BURGLARY -- Stacy Hillman reported Scissor Hands on Maple Street had been burglarized.
Study links sleep apnea, high blood pressure
CHICAGO (AP) -- Sleep apnea, the breathing disorder that affects some 12 million Americans, may raise the risk of high blood pressure, researchers reported today in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Doctors admit falsifying insurance info to help patients
CHICAGO -- Doctors have their own terms for it -- covert advocacy, manipulating reimbursement rules, gaming. But to insurance companies, misrepresenting patient information is plain, old fraud.
House GOP offers prescription drug plan for seniors
WASHINGTON -- House Republicans are ready to unveil the outlines of an election-year plan to make prescription drug insurance available to senior citizens, with the government subsidizing low-income individuals as well as those with unusually high expenses for medication.
Smoking during pregnancy linked to children's behavior problems
CHICAGO -- Women who smoke while pregnant are far more likely to have children who develop behavior problems as toddlers, researchers reported today in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.
CLC to offer guided trip to Scandinavia next spring
Central Lakes College will sponsor its first educational tour of Scandinavia in May of 2001.
Area briefs
HACKENSACK -- On Saturday, April 22, put on hiking boots and check out the arrival of spring at Deep Portage Conservation Reserve.
Crosby festival to feature ethnic food festival
CROSBY -- A new feature of the annual Heritage Days celebration the third weekend in August may be ethnic food specialities, such as sarmas, pasties, Konisberger Klops and pierogi.
Student ambassadors
Central Lakes College has begun a program that provides students the opportunity to work in recruitment of new students and public relations efforts.
Teleconference on living with grief scheduled April 26
A teleconference on "Living with Grief: Children, Adolescents and Loss," will be shown from 12:30 to 3 p.m. April 26 at Central Lakes College.
Farmers taking advantage of dry fields but hoping for rain
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Farmers in the southern half of Minnesota are taking advantage of dry fields but hoping for rain, the Minnesota Agricultural Statistics Service said Monday in its weekly crop report.
Regional news
LITTLE FALLS -- Little Falls will host an All-School Reunion on June 30-July 5. The reunion staff consists of 14 sub-committees.
Group puts Mississippi River on endangered list
DAVENPORT, Iowa -- A threatened increase in barge traffic and pollution caused by a runoff of sediment and farm chemicals has made the Mississippi River one of the nation's most endangered waterways, a conservation group says.
Lightner hopes to rebuild a revived Huskies softball team
PILLAGER -- With a rejuvenated program, first-year coach Larry Lightner has his hands full.
Initiative Foundation announces grant recipients
LITTLE FALLS -- The Initiative Foundation awarded 12 community grants in March totaling $154,200.
PTK induction at CLC
Central Lakes College honor society students attended the Phi Theta Kappa spring induction ceremony of the Upsilon Omega chapter on the Brainerd campus.
Public services, intergovernmental communication top Cass County goals
HACKENSACK -- The Cass County Board and department heads focused their fourth annual planning retreat on setting action plans to accomplish goals set the first three years.
College plans Earth Week activities
Students on the Brainerd campus of Central Lakes College plan public events during Earth Week 2000 from Saturday through April 22 to raise awareness to environmental problems and promote solutions. All events are free.
ServSafe¨ Essentials Training offered in Brainerd
As a part of the new Minnesota Food Code, the Minnesota Department of Health has passed a rule requiring food establishments such as restaurants, delis, resort and hotel kitchens to have one certified food manager by July 1.
Pillager welcomes two spring coaches
PILLAGER -- Despite running two businesses and taking care of two children, Jerry Fornshell still finds time to be the head coach for the Pillager Huskies baseball team.
Officials debate actions county must take to address four issues on goals list
HACKENSACK -- At the county's annual planning retreat, county department heads and elected officials focused Friday morning on actions the county must take to address four issues on the county's goals list.
Representatives from all levels of government share thoughts on how to accomplish goals
HACKENSACK -- Cass County officials set goals and action plans Thursday night as part of their annual planning retreat.
Managed care to pose challenge to Cass
HACKENSACK -- Health and Human Services supervisors discussed Friday afternoon goals and challenges facing that department this year. The discussion came at the county's fourth annual planning retreat.
CLC course designed to help relations with Mexican immigrants
The instructor of a new course at Central Lakes College in Brainerd hopes to improve the understanding of some of the area's newest residents: Mexicans.
Area briefs
LITTLE FALLS -- At 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 13, AFS will sponsor an Info Table at Bookin' It, 113 First St. S.E., Little Falls.
Date changed for CLC's 'Going Into Business' seminar
The series of monthly seminars titled "Going Into Business For Yourself" has changed the April meeting date to Tuesday, April 18, at Central Lakes College, Brainerd.
Cuyuna Country Heritage seeks recipes for cookbook
Cuyuna Country Heritage is seeking recipes from anyone with treasured family food favorites for its new cookbook, which will also incorporate the best from "Roots and Recipes."
Some state-based companies would gain from proposed tax change
ST. PAUL (AP) -- A proposed change in the way business income taxes are figured -- expected to be the source of a House-Senate conference committee battle -- offers a glimpse into the competing pressures on legislators who must make many choices in a complicated spending plan.
Little Falls says pay kindergarten not new idea
LITTLE FALLS -- The Little Falls School District is not the only one in the state to charge parents a monthly fee to have their children attend kindergarten.
Date changed for dinner
The dinner for the American Culinary Federation scheduled for Thursday, April 13, has been changed to Tuesday, April 25.
Grams' son pleads guilty to more charges
ANOKA (AP) -- Morgan Grams, the son of U.S. Sen. Rod Grams, pleaded guilty to more charges involving a rental car incident last summer.
Ventura says he's struggling with decision on abortion bill
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Gov. Jesse Ventura expressed strong misgivings about government intervention while he struggled with whether to sign or veto a bill that would require a 24-hour waiting period and more detailed informed consent for women seeking abortions.
Day of Young Child festival set Saturday
For the 10th year, Crow Wing County licensed child care providers are offering a day of fun for area children and a variety of information for their parents.
Plan to reunite Elian Gonzalez, father on hold
WASHINGTON -- A government plan to reunite Elian Gonzalez with his father at a Miami-area airport was on hold today while officials waited to see whether the boy's Florida relatives and his father could arrange an exchange of their own, a federal official said.
Seven projects to receive paint for restoration efforts
Seven area projects were award recipients in the Central Minnesota Picture-it-Painted program.
Ventura encouraged by meeting over children's health insurance money
WASHINGTON -- Gov. Jesse Ventura asked Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala on Wednesday to allow Minnesota to participate in a federal program that helps pay to cover uninsured children.
Correction/clarification
The note at the bottom of a column in Wednesday's editorial page should have said Jim Davidson is a syndicated columnist and motivational speaker.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1980) - Bill Demmers was recently presented a 60-year pin and certificate marking his years as a member of the International Typographical Union. Demmers who worked some 40 years as a linotype operator for The Brainerd Daily Dispatch, was given the pin by Joe Melby, Composing Room foreman.
Students form Serteen club
After years of thought and several weeks of preparation, the first Serteen club in the Brainerd area has been formed.
Local briefs
The 10th annual Rotary Club garage sale will be held April 19-21 at the National Guard Armory in Brainerd.
Capitol notebook
Happenings Wednesday at the Minnesota Capitol:
Group reminds Ventura of campaign pledge
ST. PAUL (AP) -- As calls poured in to Gov. Jesse Ventura's office urging him to sign or veto an abortion bill, Ventura remained mum about his position.
Suspect charged in killings of woman, cab driver
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A man who was arrested in a stolen taxi on Interstate 94 near Alexandria is charged with killing a woman and a cab driver.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1980) - This Saturday night Linda Eder will end her reign as Miss Brainerd ... with perhaps a touch of sadness. Being Miss Brainerd she said, was the most exciting year in her life.
Little Falls starts charging parents to send their children to kindergarten
LITTLE FALLS -- Parents who want to enroll their children in kindergarten will have to make monthly payments to the Little Falls School District.
County Auditor Roy Luukkonen looks ahead to changing role
Roy Luukkonen has worked in the Crow Wing County auditor's office since 1968, and is now preparing to adjust to changes in the new millennium.
Sheriff's department wants to use compensatory time
Dan Gottsch, Crow Wing County chief deputy, has been looking for ways to manage the sheriff's department more efficiently.
Tribe could sue over bill to allow burning of turkey manure, Prairie Island extension
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The Prairie Island Mdewakanton Dakota Tribe could sue if legislators don't amend a bill that would change a law that allowed extra storage of radioactive wastes at the Prairie Island nuclear plant.
City works on alcohol ordinance
A proposed ordinance aimed at penalizing Brainerd bar owners whose establishments fail alcohol compliance checks involving minors is getting closer to being presented to the Brainerd City Council.
Drunken driver gets 15 years for killing two
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A drunken driver who killed two women during a police chase received a 15-year prison sentence.
Judge sentences gang member to college instead of a cell
WILLMAR (AP) -- A judge sentenced a gang member to college instead of a cell, saying a prison sentence would do more harm than good.
McCain to sign his book at megamall
BLOOMINGTON (AP) -- Former Republican presidential candidate John McCain is expected to be at the Mall of America next week to sign copies of his best-selling book, ''Faith of My Fathers.''
Minnesotans' census questionnaire returns lag behind 1990 performance
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesotans are behind their 1990 performance for returning census questionnaires but are still doing well by national standards.
Organizers ready to form new farm co-op
CROOKSTON (AP) -- Organizers of a new Minnesota farm cooperative say they have enough members and money to go ahead with the alliance.
County looking into slalom regulations
The Crow Wing County Board appointed a task force Tuesday to look deeper into water skiing slalom course regulations on the lakes.
County survey: Smoking serious problem
A survey conducted by the Crow Wing County Health Department indicated most people see smoking as a serious problem.
County residents keep landfill busy with waste
Every year someone needs to get rid of a refrigerator, washer or dryer, bed mattress or used oil.
Confidence and candor
ST. PAUL -- Sixteen months into his term as Minnesota's chief executive, Gov. Jesse Ventura exudes confidence and candor while still maintaining a defiant attitude toward his media critics.
Rostberg decides not to run again for state House
ST. PAUL (AP) -- An Isanti Republican lawmaker charged with criminal sexual conduct will not seek a fourth House term, he said today.
Sponsor of bill allow higher-flow toilets says he'll continue fight
WASHINGTON -- The sponsor of an effort to repeal the federal law requiring low-flow toilets plans to push ahead with the proposal, despite a House panel's one-vote rejection of the idea.
15,000-acre fire burns in Florida
NAPLES, Fla. (AP) -- Firefighters battling a 15,400-acre wildfire in coastal Florida were aided by windy conditions that helped contain the blaze, which has been burning since Sunday.
Wanted: A million good mothers
SHORT HILLS, N.J. -- It took an unforgettable image of young children escaping a racist gunman to transform Donna Dees-Thomases from a wealthy suburban mother into a grassroots activist.
Congress makes it tougher to seize assets in crime cases
WASHINGTON -- It took four years for a Chicago pizza parlor to retrieve $500,000 in cash improperly seized in a drug raid. It took three years for a Vermont woman to win back 10 acres seized after police discovered two marijuana patches secretly grown by her daughter.
Three first-graders accused of plotting murder of classmate
LAKE STATION, Ind. (AP) -- Police say three first-grade students were plotting to kill a classmate, even going so far as drawing a crude map of where slaying was to take place.
Rep. Kennedy denies injuring security guard
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Rep. Patrick Kennedy disputes a security guard's claim that he grabbed and shoved her at Los Angeles International Airport last month.
Spy chiefs deny that agencies eavesdrop on Americans at home
WASHINGTON -- Two of America's top spymasters Wednesday fervently denied accusations that they illegally snoop on U.S. citizens at home and abroad by reading e-mail, tapping cellular phones or even listening to baby monitors.
World economic forecast optimistic
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The world economy, after being staggered by a global financial crisis, regained its footing in 1999 and will grow this year at the fastest pace in more than a decade, the International Monetary Fund forecast today.
Smith & Wesson appears to ease off gun control pact with feds
WASHINGTON -- Smith & Wesson, America's largest manufacturer of handguns, has issued a ''clarification'' of its landmark pact with the federal government that would effectively eviscerate much of the gun controls trumpeted by the Clinton administration.
Bush to meet with gay Republicans
WASHINGTON -- George W. Bush plans to meet this week with a carefully selected group of gay Republican activists, part of the ongoing effort to nudge his presidential image back to the political center by reaching out to constituencies that don't traditionally vote for the GOP.
Frogs are disappearing
In the largest such study to date, researchers reported today that the world's frogs, toads and other amphibians are disappearing, and the decline began long before scientists first sounded the alarm in the 1980s.
Bankers try to teach children to save
WASHINGTON -- A wave of ''ooohs'' went up from the third- and fourth-graders in response to the enticing offer: a box of colored chalk for 4 cents. The pupils were tempted as the lady from the bank held up the boxes in their classroom, but they'd been told that more goodies were coming later so they might want to save the 10 pennies they got at the start of the learning game.
House bill cracks down on criminals using guns
WASHINGTON -- House Republicans followed through on their promise to strengthen gun enforcement with a bill rewarding states that impose tough mandatory minimum sentences on gun-toting criminals. Democrats urged them to go a step further and support tough gun safety legislation.
Lawmakers agree on election-year farm bailout
WASHINGTON -- Farmers are in line to get their third big bailout from Congress in as many years, with most of the money arriving in the thick of this fall's political campaigns, under a budget agreement between House and Senate negotiators.
Police link former sailor to possible slayings worldwide
DETROIT (AP) -- A former sailor suspected of killing five Detroit-area prostitutes has been linked to at least six other slayings, and police say they are investigating whether he went from port to port killing women while serving in the Navy.
Wholesale prices surge
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Wholesale prices shot up 1 percent in March, led by the biggest jump in energy costs in nearly 10 years.
Nerve wracker
TUCSON, Ariz. -- It was horrific news: A teacher had been shot in her own classroom and the gunman was on the loose.
Showdown
MIAMI -- The Elian Gonzalez custody case hurtled toward a climax today, with the boy's Miami relatives vowing to defy a government order to surrender him for a trip to Washington and a reunion with his father. ''They will have to take this child from me by force,'' the boy's great-uncle declared to a crowd of supporters. But he also called for peace.
Confederate flag compromise passes S.Carolina Senate; NAACP still critical
COLUMBIA, S.C. -- State lawmakers have taken a key step toward removing the Confederate flag from the Statehouse dome, but the NAACP said today that the move won't end a racially tinged controversy that led to a punishing tourism boycott and new scrutiny of Southern heritage.
Congress ready to vote final approval of $1.8 trillion budget
WASHINGTON -- Congress is ready to grant final approval to a Republican-written $1.8 trillion budget for next year that calls for tax cuts, debt reduction and extra money for defense, education and medical research.
Dancers disappear
SAN FRANCISCO -- Seventeen members of a Senegalese dance troupe walked off the stage and disappeared in the San Francisco Bay area, forcing organizers to cancel the remainder of their U.S. tour.
Crashed Marine Osprey's flight recorder found
MARANA, Ariz. -- Investigators hope a flight data recorder recovered from a burned MV-22 Osprey will help unravel what caused the crash and explosion that killed 19 Marines.
Washington police arrest seven with human blockade equipment
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Washington police stepped up security today following the arrest of seven World Bank protesters and confiscation of equipment they allegedly planned to use for blockades.
Clinton brings gun control push to Colorado
DENVER -- President Clinton brought his crusade for tougher federal gun control laws to Colorado on Wednesday, vigorously promoting local efforts to put on the state ballot an initiative to require background checks of all buyers at gun shows.
Anthony Hopkins acquires U.S. citizenship, newspaper says
LONDON (AP) -- Academy Award-winning actor Anthony Hopkins has shed his British passport and become a U.S. citizen, the Evening Standard reported today.
Experts: NASDAQ sell-off may get worse before it gets better
It could get worse before it gets better.
Jury refuses to exonerate Sheppard in '54 killing of wife
CHICAGO -- Forty-six years after Dr. Sam Sheppard was convicted of murdering his pregnant wife in a trial that riveted the nation, 34 years after he was acquitted in a second trial and 30 years after the once-rakish osteopath died a broken man, a civil jury hearing a wrongful imprisonment suit on Thursday declined to clear him of the crime.
GOP accuses Democrats of blocking marriage tax cut
WASHINGTON -- A 10-year, $248 billion income tax cut for millions of married couples faces an uphill battle in the Senate as Republicans accuse Democrats of using irrelevant issues to block consideration of the legislation.
More options than ever for last-minute income tax payments
WASHINGTON -- For millions of last-minute taxpayers who suddenly realize they owe money to Uncle Sam but don't have the cash on hand, it could be time to whip out the credit cards or make an installment payment deal with the IRS.
Capitol Notebook Unicameral revival attempted
An attempt to revive legislation for a one-house Legislature hit another detour.
Bush unveils broad initiative aimed at working poor
CLEVELAND -- Texas Gov. George W. Bush unveiled a sweeping plan Tuesday to launch the working poor into the middle class by easing the path to basic needs such as health care, shelter and financial stability.
Bosox dump Twins
BOSTON (AP) -- Carl Everett spent a lot of time on the MassPike on the way to Fenway Park for his first game in Boston.
George content in backup role with Redskins
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) -- Jeff George joined the Washington Redskins to win a Super Bowl.
Royals prevail on late homer again
The Kansas City Royals are making a habit of hitting walk-off home runs. The Detroit Tigers have done the same by opening a new home with a win.
Royals win with homer in last inning -- again
Royals fans are used to games turning around in the ninth inning, just not in Kansas City's favor.
National briefs
NEW YORK (AP) -- Keyshawn Johnson is headed to Tampa Bay after reaching a contract agreement with the Buccaneers.
Johnson trade a real mystery
Unless it's simply a case of being cheap, there appears to be no sound explanation for what the New York Jets are doing.
For openers, Dallas edges Edmonton
DALLAS (AP) -- The Dallas Stars have an interesting routine going. They beat the Edmonton Oilers by one goal, then talk about how lucky they were to do it.
Florence G. Smith
Florence G. Smith, 83, Brainerd, died Wednesday, April 12, 2000, at Woodland Good Samaritan Village of Brainerd.
Alice 'Dolly' Conway
GARRISON -- Alice "Dolly" Conway, 97, Garrison, died Tuesday, April 11, 2000, at the Mille Lacs Health Care System Nursing Home in Onamia.
Joseph Schraut
MORRILL -- Joseph Schraut, 88, Morrill, died Tuesday, April 11, 2000, at Foley Nursing Center of Foley.
Albert F. Hartman
FORT RIPLEY -- Albert F. Hartman, 75, Fort Ripley, died Tuesday, April 11, 2000, at home.
Horace B. Plummer
LONG LAKE -- Horace B. Plummer, 84, Long Lake, formerly of Onamia and Mille Lacs Lake area, died Tuesday, April 11, 2000, at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park.
Joseph L. Marshall
MONTEVIDEO -- Joseph LeRoy Marshall, infant son of Bruce and Sherryjo (Nieken) Marshall, Montevideo, formerly of Staples, died Monday, April 10, 2000, at Minneapolis Children's Hospital.
Clifford F. Peck
BENTON CITY, Wash. --Clifford Francis Peck, 63, Benton City, Wash., died March 18, 2000, in Benton City of cancer.
Clifford M. Carey
Clifford M. Carey, 95, Brainerd, died Monday, April 10, 2000, at St. Joseph's Medical Center of Brainerd.
William E. Hatlestad
MOORHEAD -- William E. Hatlestad, 100, Moorhead, died Tuesday, April 11, 2000, at Eventide Lutheran Home of Moorhead.
Madalene J. Sheldon
BETHEL -- Madalene J. Sheldon, 98, Bethel, and formerly of Brainerd, died Monday, April 10, 2000, at Grandview Christian Home of Cambridge.
Albert F. Hartman
FORT RIPLEY --Albert F. Hartman, 75, Fort Ripley, died Tuesday, April 11, 2000, at his home.
Jeanette Erickson
LITTLE FALLS -- Jeanette Erickson, 65, Little Falls, died Monday, April 10, 2000, at St. Otto's Care Center of Little Falls.
Edna M. Gottsch
ONAMIA -- Edna M. Gottsch, 87, Onamia, died today, Thursday, April 13, 2000, at Onamia Nursing Home.
Raymond F. Johnson
Raymond F. Johnson, 89, Brainerd, and formerly of Minneapolis, died Monday, April 10, 2000, at St. Joseph's Medical Center.
OTHER OPINIONS
Here are some excerpts from recent editorials that appeared in Minnesota newspapers.
Elian's plight spurs other family conflicts
MIAMI -- Not far from the tiny stucco house where a 6-year-old Cuban castaway has spent months living under the persistent eye of the media, there resides a 61-year-old Cuban bus driver and grandfather named Marcos Correa.
Future leader - Dispatch Editorial
The political types who are in charge of making sure there are good candidates in the future for the various parties should keep their eyes on Parker Kineholz.
Some ol' fashioned manners
We've all heard some person make the comment, "I want to give my child a head start in the world." There is no better way to prepare a young person for success in life than to teach them respect for authority, to respect the rights and property of others, and above all, the importance of good manners, because all other educational experience will pale in comparison. To go a step further, self-respect is at the bottom of all good manners. They are the expression of discipline, of good will, of respect for other people's rights and comforts and feelings.
Open forum
I can't believe that a judge would cut off some years of a prison sentence. To shoot anyone, especially an officer of the law, should be a lot more years than he is getting.
Open forum
Fellow Crow Wing Citizens, we are at a crossroads today in our beautiful rural county. Suburban sprawl and unfettered development are spreading across our cou
Beleaguered Miami: 'Banana republic' or a city misunderstood?
MIAMI -- The stinging remarks have come in from around the nation: Banana republic. Part of another country. A new Wild West. A city in virtual secession.
A tax-cut-and spend Republican?
He began the presidential campaign calling himself a compassionate conservative, but Texas Gov. George W. Bush may be inventing a different species of politician: a tax-cut-and-spend Republican.
Sartell shuts out BHS softball team
SARTELL -- Jessica Boerger of Sartell hit a two-run triple in the bottom of the third inning to lead the Sabres to a 4-0 Central Lakes Conference win over the Brainerd Warriors on Tuesday.
Pioneers' Sitzman takes honors in golf
MAPLE LAKE -- The Pierz Pioneers' Amber Sitzman shot a 3-over-39 to take medalist honors at a Central Minnesota Conference girls' golf meet at Maple Lake Monday.
Raiders like going to Prom
Wednesday's doubleheader against Fergus Falls at Mills Field stood out for Central Lakes College Raiders sophomore Darren Prom for more than one reason.
Musselman diagnosed with cancer
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Portland Trail Blazers assistant Bill Musselman has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, the same form of cancer that struck New York Yankees pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre.
Westphal to speak to boosters
Brainerd Warriors softball coach Janell Westphal will speak to the Brainerd Sports Boosters Club meeting at noon Thursday at the Moose Lodge.
Local sports shorts
Minnesota used six pitchers to hold Iowa State to just five hits en route to a 6-3 baseball victory Wednesday.
Becker trims Pierz in league baseball
BECKER -- The Becker Bulldogs scored four runs in the first inning and added four more in the fourth to defeat the Pierz Pioneers 8-3 in a Central Minnesota Conference baseball game on Tuesday.
It was great weather...for football
Snow lined the inside of the fence in parts of the outfield. It also hid in the shade behind the third base dugout.
Local sports shorts
The Brainerd Warriors junior varsity softball team defeated Sartell 9-2 on Tuesday.
Next season will be 50th and last for voice of Minnesota football, basketball
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Next season will be the 50th and the last for Ray Christensen, the voice of Minnesota football and men's basketball.
Sonics upset Timberwolves
SEATTLE (AP) -- Although Vin Baker is still in a funk, coach Paul Westphal has found a way to end the Seattle SuperSonics' prolonged slump.
WARRIOR ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
To call Mike Smulski's approach to hurdling unorthodox may be an understatement.
Itching to play golf? When area courses are opening
The two inches of snow that fell on Brainerd lakes area golf courses Tuesday managed to melt away in a matter of hours.
Old football duo still working magic for Warriors
As quarterback of the Brainerd Warriors football team last fall Matt Yde frequently handed off to halfback Kyle Berg.
Eden Valley-Watkins defeats Pioneers
PIERZ -- The Eden Valley-Watkins Eagles scored eight runs in the top of the second inning and went on to post a 17-3 victory over the Pierz Pioneers in Central Minnesota Conference softball play Tuesday.
Mid-State teams are announced
Mid-State Conference all-star teams in three athletic activities for the 1999-2000 winter season were announced following the conference's spring meeting April 7 at Wadena.
Scoreboard
College Baseball
Area events Thursday
High School Baseball
Performances in Park set in Brainerd
The Brainerd Parks and Recreation Department has scheduled another year of acts for Performances in the Park.
Spring concert planned April 20 at CLC
Spring songbirds are back in the lake country, and so are the sounds of voices and instruments.
Best movies
Weekly charts for the nation's most popular videos as they appear in next week's issue of Billboard magazine. Reprinted with permission:
Best music
Weekly charts for the nation's best-selling recorded music as they appear in next week's issue of Billboard magazine. Reprinted with permission. (Platinum signifies more than 1 million copies sold; Gold signifies more than 500,000 copies sold.):
Authors from Crosby, Bemidji up for Minnesota Book Awards
ST. PAUL -- Two area writers, whose literary themes are as indigenous to these parts as Ojibwes and tall pines, are in the running for the Minnesota Book Awards.
Entertainment Calendar
For week of April 13-19; bands perform from 9 p.m. to close with no cover unless otherwise noted.
Twin Cities blues band to play in Breezy Point
BREEZY POINT -- Big John Dickerson, a fixture in the Twin Cities blues scene, and his six-piece Blue Chamber band are coming to the lakes area this weekend for a one-night stand at Commander Bar.
At the movies: Capsule review of new films
Capsule film reviews from The Associated Press:
Bullock's '28 Days' is aggressively mediocre
She's young, beautiful and living the good life -- if you're watching from a distance. Gwen Cummings (Sandra Bullock) has a cute boyfriend, a great New York City apartment, a wide circle of friends and a rewarding job as a writer.
Tempo tidbits
Four lakes area students at Bemidji State University have been published in "Dust & Fire," the college's 14th annual anthology of women's writing. It's produced by the BSU Women's Studies Program and Women's Center as a "means of recognizing women writers and artists," a college release said.
'Lion's Game' a ferociously good thriller
For sheer suspense, there's nothing better than the opening of Nelson DeMille's latest thriller, "The Lion's Game'' (Warner, $26.95).
Vacancies, absenteeism harm Heartland Symphony Orchestra
Heartland Symphony Orchestra's spring series of concerts last weekend could have been a painful musical experience, if not for soothing performances by trumpeter Steve Hoganson and this year's "young artist" winners.
'High Fidelity' is silly comedy that gets old fast
If the failed-at-love tales of juveniles in adult bodies ring the funny bone, meet "High Fidelity," playing now at area theaters.
'Rules of Engagement' knocks Julia Roberts off box office throne
LOS ANGELES -- The reign of court dramas continues at movie theaters.
Tempo briefs
Doris Stengel of Brainerd will deliver a program, "The Rhythms of Poetry," at the Heartland Poets meeting from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday in the Brainerd Public Library.
This time, patient is villain, not victim
Villains in medical thrillers are usually either ruthless doctors, mad scientists or greedy managed-care companies. Patients are almost always victims.
Humorous folk duo to be in concert in Nisswa
NISSWA -- A humorous folk duo will be in concert Friday at the Nisswa Community Center, sponsored by the Grassroots Concerts series.
Fine Arts Banquet
The top fine arts students at Brainerd High School will parade through the spotlight Monday at the 21st annual Fine Arts Banquet.
Best books
Publishers Weekly
Contemporary quilts, fiber art on display at CLC gallery
Central Lakes College opened an exhibit of contemporary quilts and fiber art Tuesday in the gallery on the Brainerd campus.
Ma, Meyer, O'Connor take 'Appalachian Journey'
When Mark O'Connor, Yo-Yo Ma and Edgar Meyer recorded ''Appalachia Waltz'' in 1996, they heralded a new movement of modern string-band music in which classical and folk traditions could meet on common ground.
Backus School events
Kindergarten students listed to a book being read for Read Across America last month.
371 corridor planning panel to meet in Pine River
PINE RIVER -- The Crow Wing and Cass Highway 371 corridor planning advisory committee will meet at 3 p.m. Monday at the Red Pine Supper Club in Pine River.
11 to seek Miss Pine River Scholarship Pageant crown
PINE RIVER -- Eleven young women will participate in the Miss Pine River Scholarship Pageant on Saturday in the Pine River-Backus High School Performance Gymnasium.
Prayer Bears
PINE RIVER -- Teddy bears aren't just for children anymore.
Lakes area news
PEQUOT LAKES -- Partners 56472, the area Healthy Community Partnerships group, will gather again to work on community needs from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 27, in the Pequot Lakes School cafeteria.
Pequot Lakes Community Ed lists upcoming classes
PEQUOT LAKES --Pequot Lakes Community Education offers the following classes:
Around the nation
Albany,N.Y. 40 34 .05 cdy
Around the nation
Albany,N.Y. 42 29 clr
Good job
Weather drawing by Nicole Debeltz of Mrs. Ahlers' third grade class at Lincoln school.
Around the world
Amsterdam 47 39 rn
Around the world
Amsterdam 51 41 rn
Brainerd forecast
Tonight...Wet snow changing to light rain in the evening. Rain tapering to showers late. Additional snow accumulations of an inch or less. Lows in the lower 30s. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80 percent.
Brainerd forecast
Tonight...A 40 percent chance for rain. Rain mixed with wet snow at times. Lows in the upper 30s. West wind 10 to 15 mph becoming southeast.
After the rain
Weather drawing by Jordynn Beckman of Gayle Kub's first grade class at Lowell school.
Names and faces
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Annette Bening and Warren Beatty have an American beauty to boast about: a baby girl.
Public reference librarians are just waiting to be asked
DEAR ABBY: I read with interest today that you have a ''secret weapon'' -- a librarian at the Hollywood library. Thank you for broaching the subject of public libraries finding information for people.
What's doing
The Aitkin Riverboat Reelers will square dance mainstream from 2-4:30 p.m. Sunday at the Aitkin VFW. Toni Moore will be the caller. Potluck will be served. All square dancers are welcome.
Cleanliness protects hospital workers and patients alike
DEAR ABBY: May I add a few thoughts regarding the letter from ''Daughter of a Patient,'' who wrote to stress her concerns about health-care workers and hand-washing? I strongly confirm that health-care workers need to demonstrate frequent and proper hand-washing techniques. Gloves are required while performing invasive procedures such as starting an IV, drawing blood, changing a dressing, etc. But please do not assume that hand-washing did not occur if it was not done in the patient's visual field.
ABC going ahead with DiCaprio interview of Clinton
NEW YORK (AP) -- ABC is going ahead with a broadcast next week that shows President Clinton being interviewed on global warming by movie star Leonardo DiCaprio.