Saturday, April 13, 2002
College graduates ready, but job market isn't
NEW YORK -- When Jeffrey Levy finished college in December, he figured by spring he'd be commuting to a new job on Wall Street, earning $40,000-plus a year and celebrating his financial independence by looking for his own apartment.
Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Friday.
Business notes
Jeff Ledin, a 1977 Brainerd High School graduate, joined the Short Elliott Hendrickson consulting firm as senior project manager in the company's new Brainerd office.
Bad business for big businessmen
NEW YORK -- Last year wasn't just bad for big business. It was bad for big businessmen: Many chief executives at large publicly traded companies saw their annual pay shrink for the first time in more than a decade.
Thrifty White closing store at E. Brainerd Mall
Thrifty White Drug is closing its East Brainerd Mall store Friday. The pharmacy though will close at 6 p.m. Monday. Letters are being sent out to customers. Prescription records will be available at the downtown Brainerd Thrifty Nystrom Drug Store beginning Tuesday morning.
Wall Street rains on recovery's parade
NEW YORK -- Historically, economic recoveries have been forecast on Wall Street in a simple fashion: Stock prices rebound first and an earnings recovery occurs soon after. But if the market's recent performance is an accurate indicator, a business turnaround isn't any closer at this point than it was when 2002 began.
Good question
Q. I'm planning a trip this summer, and my travel agent suggested purchasing travel insurance. Is this a good idea?
In the traffic lane
Mr. Tire Car Care Center, located at the intersection of Washington Street and Gillis Avenue on Brainerd's east side, has an expansive view of four busy lanes of traffic.
Jesus is important in Islam, too, but he's not the Jesus of biblical Christianity
Many Christians might not realize it but Jesus is important for Muslims, too, as a messiah and leading prophet.
In the midst of turmoil, converts find new home in Roman Catholic Church
BOSTON (AP) -- Megan Denell's search for a spiritual home brought her to the doors of the Roman Catholic Church, where she found a strength of community like nothing she had experienced.
Former executive has change of heart
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Rip Riordan used to run a broadcasting company. As president and chief operating officer for Clear Channel Television Inc., he was responsible for 21 TV stations and 1,500 people. He had power and money and job security and stock options, all the things wannabe corporate executives dream about long before they can afford their first Italian suit.
Lutheran pastor who served in Crosslake and Outing resigns after admitting sexual misconduct
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. (AP) -- A Lutheran minister in Wisconsin has resigned from the clergy after admitting to sexual misconduct.
Christian rock radio station aimed at youths to air from Pequot Lakes
The Network Minnesota Christian Broadcasters, Inc., is constructing a studio at its headquarters in Pequot Lakes to house Z100, the corporation's third station.
Clergy view
Sometimes it is good to get back to basics, in the spiritual life as well as the physical. I would like to share with you some thoughts about who God the Father is, next week God the Son, the following God the Holy Spirit.
Dalai Lama's personal choir on tour in North America
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The Tibetan Buddhist monks stand over their just-completed artwork -- a gorgeous sand mural, painstakingly arranged color-by-color and grain-by-grain over three days.
Churches
St. Francis, St. Mathias and St. Andrew's Council of Catholic Women are co-sponsoring a women's retreat Thursday. Sister Michelle Meyer and Sister Kay O'Neil will present "Life is Too Short Not To Have A Good Time: Esteeming Self and Affirming Others."
Metropolitan Theodosius to retire as head of Orthodox Church in America
SYOSSET, N.Y. (AP) -- Citing health problems, Metropolitan Theodosius, primate of the Orthodox Church in America, has announced plans to retire in July after leading the church for 25 years.
Ramstad seeks to save housing tax exemption for clergy people
WASHINGTON -- A Minnesota congressman is trying to limit the housing tax exemption for members of the clergy -- in an effort to save it.
April is time to focus on teaching the nation's youth about money
NEW YORK -- Ask teen-agers where they get most of their information about finance, and the majority say it's from their parents.
Picking a college Whose decision is it anyway?
Jodie Landon felt miserable. She wanted to go to Grambling State University, but her father was insisting on Cornell. Jodie's friends Daria and Jane and many of the other students at Lawndale High were having similar struggles with their families about college. Their senior year was full of rage and frustration.
On-the-job training about children and drugs
NEW YORK (AP) -- At school, children are exposed to all sorts of new things: advancements in science, the most up-to-date computer language, the hottest fashions, hippest phrases and, possibly, the newest illegal drugs.
Pequot honor students listed
PEQUOT LAKES -- Following is the third quarter honor roll for grades 6-8 at Pequot Lakes School.
Volunteer activities
Brainerd School Volunteer Opportunities
Just fiddling
Fiddlers from age 7 to 82 had the Pillager School basketball gymnasium ringing with slow waltzes and up-tempo tunes last Saturday.
Child in need
Joey lives in a foster home. It's a happy, clean, well-disciplined environment.
Lifestyle changes can combat daughter's excess weight
QUESTION: My youngest daughter is on the verge of being overweight. I don't want to single her out or embarrass her, but I do want to help her deal with this now and not let it get out of control. What is the best way to deal with this when her siblings don't have the same problem?
Volunteer agency
Crow Wing County Volunteer Coordinators
DEAR ABBY
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been together for 10 years and happily married for six. We live in a small town and have been restoring a 100-year-old Victorian home since our marriage; we've put a lot of our heart and soul into this house. We have terrific neighbors, and it is a beautiful neighborhood. We chose to live in this small town because my husband was previously married and has three children who live here with their mother. At the time, we thought it would be a good idea so he could remain close to the children. We get along well with them, see them often, and can attend their school and sporting activities.
Youth volunteer
MATT ANDERSON
Baby given up in high school still haunts middle-aged father
DEAR ABBY: I am 50 years old, married for 28 years, and have two adult children -- the eldest 25. In 1967, my steady high school girlfriend, "Maggie," became pregnant with our baby. We were both in our junior year.
When is the right time to have children?
The way Mary Crawford sees it, women are caught in a double bind.
Volunteer of the month
JULIE DESPOT
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Friday 160, a year ago closed.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Friday cattle: 350.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Thursday cattle: 350.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Thursday 146, a year ago 260.
School lunch menus
BRAINERD/PILLAGER
Agendas
April 15-19 -- Severe Storms Awareness Week.
Agenda
Meets 7 p.m. Wednesday
Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Thursday.
Births
Lee and Barb Lutterman, New Brighton, a son, John Paul, 6 pounds, 15 ounces, April 8, 2002. Grandparents are Dennis and Darlene Lutterman, Brainerd, and Georgie Betzold, New Brighton. Great-grandmothers are Irene Lutterman and Delores Oelkers, Sherburne.
Agenda
1. Call meeting to order
Senior activities
LAKES AREA SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER
Agendas
Meets 7:30 p.m. Monday
Accidents
PILLAGER -- Two teen-age boys suffered minor injuries in one-car accident Friday, the State Patrol reported.
Busy summer of golf planned for lakes area
Whether you're a hacker or an expert, the 2002 area golf season is packed with tournaments to fill the summer schedule.
Army mounts brave front for Arnie's last stand at the Masters
AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Joe woke up at 2 a.m. and realized it wasn't just a nightmare.
Arnie's farewell extended another day
AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Golf is different from any other sport, just absolutely and totally different. Not better, but unique. There's no other game in which the best players in the world, in the middle of an enormous tournament, voluntarily stop to pay homage to, and tell tales about, a 72-year-old man who is still playing right beside them.
Thanks for the memories, King Arnie
AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Even for the King, it was a moment he knew was inevitable.
Leaderboard
Davis Love III 33-34 -- 67
Els, Goosen close in on Singh
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) -- On a soggy mess of a course, Ernie Els and Retief Goosen signaled they're not just going to let Vijay Singh run away with the Masters.
Singh(ing) in the rain at the Masters
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) -- One thing about Vijay Singh: It's not very likely he'll tumble backward this weekend.
Masters notes
AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Cats and dogs weren't falling from the sky Friday. For Thomas Bjorn, it was birdies. In his fourth Masters Tournament, the Danish golfer set a tournament record by birdieing the firs
Reaction to Palmer
"The golf course has just gotten a little too big for him." -- Tiger Woods
Expected to not, it's hard to say goodbye
AUGUSTA, Ga. -- We knew it was coming, but it hurts to say goodbye.
Davis takes lead
AUGUSTA, Ga. -- It was only one day, one round, 18 holes, but if you wanted to
Masters on TV
Finally, golf fans will be able to watch all 18 holes of Sunday's final round of the Masters. And for that, they can thank the weather.
Leaderboard
Friday
Mickelson can't help but to go for broke on Masters course
AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Watching Phil Mickelson play the Masters is like watching a lousy gambler play blackjack.
President calls for permanent tax cuts in radio address
WASHINGTON -- President Bush urged Congress on Saturday to make permanent the $1.3 trillion, 10-year tax cut that he signed into law last year.
Bush hints spending bill vetoes
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush is willing to use the threat of election-year vetoes to keep federal spending in line, say top congressional Republicans who met with the president.
MERCURY FALLING
A toxic substance that can harm humans and wildlife may be quietly lurking in the medicine cabinet.
Support groups
Crisis Line-Referral Ser.
Rare bacteria in formula killed infant
Federal health officials reported Friday that a prematurely born infant in a Tennessee intensive care unit died last spring from a rare bacteria living in the infant formula used to feed the child.
Chemical dependency and AA groups
Adult Children-Chem.Dep.
Shoreland Landscaping Workshop Series offered
The University of Minnesota Extension Service is offering a Shoreland Landscaping Workshop Series, which enables participants to design shoreland landscapes with environmentally sound practices. These practices can be applied to new developments or existing shoreland properties.
Lawn mower tune-up tips offered
If, after mowing, you discovered later that what was once a green and beautiful lawn became a bright white patch of something else, read on. A dull lawn mower blade is the culprit.
Tips to make spring cleaning more efficient and effective
Here are some tips for making spring cleaning more efficient and effective from the professionals at Merry Maids, clutter consultant Michelle Passoff and organizational expert Georgene Lockwood.
Balance out a big garage in Design K-13
A jutting, front-facing garage dominates the front of Design K-13. This type of garage design is the darling of many developers. It takes up less space and allows more homes to be built per acre. More homes equal more profits for developers.
Simplify your plant feeding -- they don't need special food
Many gardeners buy special foods for their plants, but it's rarely necessary.
Furniture pieces can be made to look like new again
They are water warped, sun dried and sometimes neglected, but quality furniture pieces can be given a new lease on life.
This sprinkler even looks pretty
Even if drought persists and watering is restricted in the warm months ahead, this copper butterfly sprinkler can sit there just looking pretty.
Spring into cleaning: Here's how pros do it
Ah, spring. The birds are chirping, the daffodils are blooming -- and the sun is shining on all your dust and dirt.
Home is spacious and versatile
Spacious and versatile, this home, Plan K-13, by the Homestore Plans and Publications Designers Network, offers many options to how you live. Its floor plan covers 2,193 square feet of living space.
Gardening brief
STAPLES -- The Living Legacy Garden Twilight workshop is set April 18 at Central Lakes College in Staples.
New shrub roses have long blooming season
The varieties of new shrub roses available today, as well as old favorites, boast a long season of bloom with good flower shape and color -- as well as colorful rose hips in the fall.
Check out Longaberger Co.'s handcrafted baskets this spring
A tisket a tasket, what's spring without a basket? Check out Longaberger Co.'s handcrafted wares this season. Baskets and pottery are popping up in summery pastels, deep jewel colors, floral patterns and patriotic themes.
Give a colorful new life to a piece of furniture
Besides providing an expressive outlet, paint projects are just downright fun. You can create gifts, try new techniques or add bright spots of pizazz to your home on furniture, glass, wood, found objects and fabrics.
COMING MONDAY
The Salvation Army thrift store is expanding into a new building.
FOR SALE: PAPER MILL
Potlatch managers and community leaders are guardedly optimistic about reaching a suitor for the Brainerd mill.
A gala night for the Twins -- and BHS
The Brainerd High School Symphonic Band performed at the Minnesota Twins home opener Friday night at the Metrodome in Minneapolis. (AP Photo)
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1982) - The Brainerd School Board made it official last night, voting 5-1 to close Garrison and Edison elementary schools at the end of the year.
Local briefs
LONG PRAIRIE -- Todd County will participate in a statewide tornado drill at 1:45 p.m. Thursday by sounding its outdoor sirens.
Local briefs
Best Buy donated $10,000 to the Crow Wing County United Way as part of its recent grand opening.
A foggy walk to work
John Kruize walked across Excelsior Road in the fog this morning on his way to work at Mills Fleet Farm. (Dispatch Photo by Steve Kohls)
Court
WALKER -- The following recently appeared in Cass County District Court:
Big-scale emergency training exercise at Camp Ripley Monday
CAMP RIPLEY -- An emergency training exercise for eight state and federal agencies and organizations is planned here Monday.
CORRECTION/CLARIFICATION
As a result of incorrect information received from the State Patrol, the death of a 3-year-old Blaine girl in a traffic accident was inaccurate in a Page 1A story Monday.
This was Brainerd
APRIL 14 - 80 years ago (1922) - Advertisement: Two nice lots on West Juniper Street with river view. If you are contemplating building a home in the future, you will do well to select a lot now at present low prices. $300 each. Good terms. The Vernon L. Hitch Co.
Fire
The Brainerd Fire Department investigated what turned out to be a false alarm at the Brainerd Regional Human Services Center today.
Local briefs
Rep. Dale Walz, R-Brainerd, said last week the dedication of a plaque honoring Bataan veterans on the Capitol grounds was a good way to remind future generations of the price of freedom.
PUC has 30 days to respond to city plan to use funds
The Brainerd Public Utilities Commission will have 30 days to examine the impact of a city council plan to use $3 million in utility funds to pay for city space needs.
Accident
STAPLES -- A 9-year-old boy was injured after being hit by a car on Highway 10 Thursday in Staples.
Local briefs
Residents of Brainerd's northside are invited to a Northside Association meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Whittier School in Brainerd.
Resort staffs to have less visible international look
College students from throughout the world will soon be arriving in Brainerd to work at area resorts this summer, as they have done for years.
Court
The following recently appeared in Crow Wing District Court:
Rep. Kennedy to pay settlement to security guard
LOS ANGELES -- In a settlement announced last week, Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I., has agreed to pay an undisclosed sum to a former security guard at Los Angeles International Airport who alleged that the congressman assaulted her at a security checkpoint in 2000.
IRS may have mistakenly paid some claims for slavery reparation
The Internal Revenue Service, inundated with more than $2.7 billion in illegal claims for slavery reparation payments, may have mistakenly paid out as many as a couple of hundred of these claims last year, IRS Commissioner Charles Rossotti told a congressional committee this week.
Vaccine program mismanaged, experts say
WASHINGTON -- Six months after the worst germ attacks in U.S. history, the Pentagon is scrambling to develop a new generation of vaccines to protect troops and perhaps the American populace from biological weapons.
House OKs Enron-inspired pension bill
WASHINGTON -- A divided House on Thursday approved new rules designed to better protect the retirement savings of U.S. workers, the first Enron Corp.-inspired reform to pass since the collapse of the energy giant.
Brooklyn Diocese turns over names of 15 priests accused of sexual misconduct with minors
NEW YORK (AP) -- The Brooklyn Diocese on Friday gave prosecutors the names of 15 priests who have been accused of sexual misconduct with minors over the past 20 years.
Members of bishops' committee accused of shielding molesters
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- Two of the five Roman Catholic bishops on the committee developing the church's national response to the sex abuse crisis are accused in lawsuits of helping protect priests who molested children.
Revenge may have been motive for rampage
DOVER TOWNSHIP, N.J. -- The trial took less than two days. Fewer than a half a dozen witnesses testified. The jury decided quickly, acquitting the defendant, Dominick Galliano, of charges he sexually assaulted a child under the age of 13.
Students in smaller schools less likely to engage in risky behavior, study says
Students who attend small schools are less likely than others to engage in risky behavior such as drug use, violence or early sexual activity, largely because they feel better connected to their teachers and one another, according to a new study released Thursday.
Senate vote nearly unanimous in support of election reform
WASHINGTON -- A nearly unanimous Senate approved a landmark $3.5 billion bill Thursday that would require states to upgrade flawed and often-antiquated voting systems in response to the 2000 election debacle.
Congressman convicted
CLEVELAND -- Rep. James A. Traficant, an Ohio Democrat, was convicted Thursday for taking kickbacks from his staff and accepting bribes in exchange for political favors, bringing to a close a contentious 2 1/2 month trial marked by outbursts from the defendant as he argued his own case.
Oklahoma city holds large-scale bioterrorism drill
McALESTER, Okla. (AP) -- One of the most complex bioterrorism drills ever undertaken began Friday with a World War II-era airplane buzzing the city to simulate a deadly attack and doctors handing out thousands of jelly beans as pretend medicine.
Prosecutor calls grand jury to probe diocese
HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. -- Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota said Thursday he doesn't trust Catholic Church leaders who say they are rooting out priests who sexually abuse children.
Ashcroft signs pact with Cincinnati to overhaul police operations
CINCINNATI (AP) -- U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft signed an agreement with the city Friday to overhaul police operations and curtail excessive use of force, ending a yearlong probe that began after a white officer shot and killed an unarmed black man.
Despite crackdown, government struggles to keep pace with growing tax evasion problem
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Three tax evaders who told their stories to the Senate represent only the tip of an iceberg of tax cheating that costs the government as much as $70 billion annually, officials estimate.
Ghost soldiers
As the National Guard gets attention for its role in homeland security and the war on terrorism, it's also the subject of investigations into inflated troop numbers and misconduct among some former top generals.
Defiant Cardinal Law vows to remain
BOSTON -- Cardinal Bernard Law Friday told Boston clergy that he does not intend to step down, refusing to bow to mounting pressure over his handling of cases of sexual abuse by priests.
Police chief accused of arson in Lanesboro fire
PRESTON (AP) -- The police chief of Lanesboro was accused of arson Friday in a fire that destroyed three historic buildings in the scenic southeastern Minnesota city. Authorities said he apparently wanted to save and impress his ex-girlfriend, who lived in one of the buildings.
Man pleads guilty in Crown Heights riots case
NEW YORK -- Declaring he has never been a racist, one of two black men charged in the 1991 Crown Heights riots pleaded guilty Friday for his role in the violence that swept through the Brooklyn neighborhood and lead to the death of a Jewish scholar.
Big jump in gasoline, energy costs send wholesale prices up 1 percent in March
WASHINGTON (AP) --Wholesale prices shot up 1 percent in March lifted by the biggest jump in gasoline costs in nearly three years.
Powell, Sharon meet
JERUSALEM (AP) -- Secretary of State Colin Powell and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon failed to reach agreement Friday on a timetable for withdrawing Israeli troops from Palestinian cities and towns.
Kings and Nets clinch No. 1 seeds
There won't be much drama for the Sacramento Kings and New Jersey Nets over the final few days of the regular season. Both teams have already clinched homecourt advantage through the conference playoffs.
Dakich returns to Bowling Green
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (AP) -- It didn't take long for Dan Dakich to start smiling and joking again.
Johnson wins
The Colorado Rockies had Randy Johnson in real trouble. Two runs home, no outs and the bases still loaded in the first inning at Coors Field.
Scoreboard
EASTERN CONFERENCE
MLB highlights
Now that Barry Bonds has caught Harmon Killebrew, the San Francisco slugger can set his sights on Mark McGwire -- again.
Scoreboard
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Luis Gonzalez chews gum before witnesses in Denver
DENVER (AP) -- Weary of the monthlong saga, Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Luis Gonzalez chewed gum in front of television cameras on Thursday, then put the gum in a bottle for mailing to an Arizona radio station.
UW-River Falls decides to cut some athletics programs
RIVER FALLS, Wis. (AP) -- The University of Wisconsin-River Falls plans to cut three sports programs next school year and replace them with two others, the chancellor said Friday.
Leon P. Everhart Jr.
McGREGOR -- Leon P. Everhart Jr., 75, McGregor, died Tuesday, April 9, 2002, at the Riverwood Health Care Center in Aitkin.
Shane J. Volkmuth
Shane J. Volkmuth, 15, Brainerd, died Wednesday, April 10, 2002, at home.
Ronald C. Reek
DEERWOOD -- Ronald Charles Reek, 87, Deerwood, died Thursday, April 11, 2002, at Cuyuna Regional Care Center in Crosby.
Thomas L. Hane
BACKUS -- Thomas L. Hane, 75, Backus, died Thursday, April 11, 2002, at home.
Thomas L. Hane
BACKUS -- Thomas L. Hane, 75, Backus, died Thursday, April 11, 2002, at his home.
Viola Castella Taylor
DEERWOOD -- Viola Castella Taylor, 88, Deerwood, died Thursday, April 11, 2002, at the Cuyuna Regional Care Center in Crosby.
Celia Kanieski
LITTLE FALLS -- Celia Kanieski, 81, Little Falls, died Wednesday, April 10, 2002, at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls.
John Huelsebusch
SAN DIEGO -- John Huelsebusch, 56, San Diego, died Thursday, April 4, 2002.
Federal lawmakers' addresses
Sen. Paul Wellstone
Golf, anyone? - Dispatch Editorial
A major university could restructure its mathematics department and the general public would be oblivious to the change but the interest in sports is such that volumes of newsprint and hours of broadcast air time have been dedicated to the University of Minnesota's recent restructuring of its athletics department.
Gopher golf memories
Earning a spot on the University of Minnesota golf team in 1971 and 1972 made Dick Williams look forward to Mondays.
Voice your opinion
The Dispatch encourages readers to sound off in the Open Forum.
Open Forum
April 21-27, 2002 is National Volunteer Recognition Week!
On a binge
Campus drinking is out of hand, as Minneapolis found out University of Minnesota students, celebrating the spectacle of their team's defeat of Maine for the NCAA hockey championship, made quite a spectacle of themselves Saturday night.
War is not the way
The Brainerd Area Coalition for Peace organized a demonstration on March 15 to call for peace, to oppose spreading the war to Iraq, and to defend civil liberties.
Open Forum
George Bush has no right to tell Ariel Sharon to pull Israeli troops out of West Bank Palestin
Vox Pop
How refreshing it is to see the good news that the University of Minnesota golf programs are being dropped. Hopefully this is just the start of controlling the unnecessary waste in education in these times of budget deficits. Maybe there is some hope for the taxpayers after all.
Incriminating evidence
The Israeli military has documents seized from Yasser Arafat's compound in Ramallah which it says prove the Palestinian leader's direct involvement in the murder of Israeli civilians. While no amount of evidence would be sufficient to persuade most Europeans, the American left and Peace Now activists of Arafat's complicity in terrorism, these documents demand a verdict from virtually everyone else.
News council can help readers
The Minnesota News Council is an independent organization that examines citizens complaints alleging inaccuracy, unfairness or unethical conduct by the media.
Minnesota now wants a limited hunting season for prairie chickens
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- When the first white settlers rolled into Minnesota, they were delighted to discover flocks of tasty prairie chickens on the state's southern boundaries.
Snapping up starling proves no easy feat
As I sat on the couch reading, the blissful quiet was interrupted by an odd-sounding soft thud. I looked up at the fireplace wall. Biscuit, my petite ebony cat, made a beeline in the same direction. Her head bobbed as she peered into the black space behind the glass doors.
Tool can help keep anglers safe on ice
Every winter an average of six Minnesota fishermen die after their vehicles break through the ice. The latest victims were two St. Cloud men who went through the ice on Leech Lake on April 6. They each had a son along, but the boys escaped.
Fishing report
BRAINERD/NISSWA - Walking is the only means of travel advised on the lakes in this area. Lakes such as Gull, Upper Gull, Margaret, Nisswa, North Long, Round, and the Cullen Chain were producing panfish earlier this week. Check the ice by this weekend if you plan fishing this area.
Outdoors Calendar
April
Outdoor notes
The Custom Rod Builders Guild is hosting a "Cabin Fever Builders Get-Together" on Saturday, April 20 at the Pelican Lakes Conservation Club.
NORTH THROUGH ALASKA
It's called "the last great race" for good reason.
Expensive fishing gear is nice, but not necessary for good fishing
If you sigh and lament over your small, simple aluminum boat and dream of a fully decked out, 18-foot high powered fish-catching machine, don't fret. Almost everything you need to fish just as effectively, though probably not as comfortably, as the big boys is easy to get and not very expensive.
Randy and Teresa Baca
Randy and Teresa Baca will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary April 16.
90th birthday
Homer Dimmick will celebrate his 90th birthday with an open house buffet supper from 4-6 p.m. Saturday at the Riverside Villa Apartments in Pine River. No gifts please.
90th birthday
Sophie John, Long Prairie, will celebrate her 90th birthday with family and friends Tuesday at the Long Prairie Nursing Home. She was born April 16, 1912, in Browerville.
Shelly Kay Jensen and Daniel Francis Hoheisel
Shelly Kay Jensen and Daniel Francis Hoheisel announce their engagement. Parents are Carolyn Jensen, Fort Ripley, and Harvey and Phyllis Hoheisel, Pierz. An April 27 wedding is planned at St. Mathias Church.
Bauman-Kitzberger
Patricia Bauman and Brian Kitzberger were married Jan. 1, 2002, at the Chapel of Love at the Mall of America in Bloomington.
Klein-Larson
Jennifer Klein and Bucky Larson were married March 9, 2002, at the Ivy Chapel in Brainerd.
Jennifer Sims and Brian Houwman
Jennifer Sims and Brian Houwman announce their engagement. Parents are Vicki and Russell Wald, Brooklyn Center, and the late Michael Sims, and David and Trudie Houwman, Champlin. A June 8 wedding is planned at Faith Lutheran Church in Coon Rapids.
Sheila Schuller and Andrew Young
Sheila Schuller and Andrew Young announce their engagement. Parents are John and Kristy Schuller, Le Mars, Iowa, and Harlan and Pat Young, Backus. A June 7 wedding is planned in Le Mars.
Melissa Chitwood and Nathan Laposky
Melissa Chitwood and Nathan Laposky announce their engagement. Parents are Harold Chitwood and Kathy Chitwood, Backus, and Dr. David and Beverly Laposky, Pine River. A June 22 wedding is planned at Lakeside Baptist Church in Backus.
Fierst-Kowalke
Kathy Fierst and John Kowalke were married Feb. 9, 2002, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Brainerd with Father Seamus Walsh officiating.
NHRA update
Top Fuel
Gordon wins pole for Virginia 500
MARTINSVILLE, Va. (AP) -- Coming off his best showing of the season, defending Winston Cup champion Jeff Gordon was hoping to ride the momentum into this weekend.
Fans wait as Da Matta is fast in CART qualifying
LONG BEACH, Calif. (AP) -- As the clock ticked away the early part of the one-hour qualifying session, CART drivers sat in their cars waiting for someone to drive the first lap.
Laid-off workers treated differently in House bill
ST. PAUL -- A bill passed by the House would treat workers who lose their jobs in mass layoffs differently, depending on where they work.
Police chief charged
PRESTON (AP) -- The police chief of Lanesboro was charged with arson Friday for a fire that burned three historic buildings in the scenic southeastern Minnesota city. Authorities said John Tuchek apparently wanted to save and impress his ex-girlfriend, who lived the building where the fire started.
Ventura defends Target Market from critics
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Gov. Jesse Ventura used his radio show Friday to mock Republican critics of the state's youth anti-smoking campaign.
Bus accident injures kids
EAST BETHEL (AP) -- A school bus with about 35 children aboard rolled onto its side Friday morning.
Senate negotiators take step in budget talks
ST. PAUL -- It was a small step. But it ended a stalemate among legislators trying to fix the state's remaining budget deficit.
Northwest Technical faculty want president removed
Northwest Technical College faculty gave a vote of no confidence to the school's president and are calling for his removal, citing a lack of trust.
Yudof: Tuition will jump 16 percent at U of M
ROCHESTER (AP) -- University of Minnesota president Mark Yudof told regents Friday that tuition will rise 16 percent next year at the school's biggest campus in the Twin Cities.
Two more resign from arts board
MAPLE LAKE (AP) -- Two more members of the Central Minnesota Arts Board have resigned over disputes with the board's leadership.
Budget talks take grudging steps forward at Capitol
ST. PAUL -- Put enough of them together, and even baby steps can finish the budget-balancing marathon at the Capitol.
Eager for anti-tobacco funds, Pawlenty fires at Target Market
ST. PAUL -- House Republicans on Thursday stepped up their pressure on Target Market, an anti-smoking advocacy group funded with money they want to use to reduce the state's budget deficit.
Koochiching's cold-weather tests produce more money
INTERNATIONAL FALLS (AP) -- The economic impact of Koochiching County's cold-weather testing program was $396,000 this winter, up $20,000 from a year ago.
Harassment case against Tonya Puckett is resolved
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A judge has dismissed a case involving allegations that Tonya Puckett made harassing phone calls to a woman who owns a limousine service.
DNR imposes burning restrictions
GRAND RAPIDS (AP) -- Despite some April snow, the Department of Natural Resources is imposing burning restrictions on central and northern portions of the state.
Hero faces trial
ST. PAUL -- In 1987, Mark Samples was a hero, honored by the Navy for life-saving bravery aboard the U.S.S. Stark after it was hit by Iraqi missiles.
Warriors' boys sweep relay events
The Brainerd Warriors boys' track and field team has a tradition of being competitive in relays.
Reis leads Raiders to sweep of Hibbing
Jon Reis went 4-for-6 with two home runs, a double and six RBI to help the Central Lakes College Raiders baseball team sweep Hibbing 9-7 and 8-4 in North Division action Friday.
Szymanski's no-hitter leads Pequot Lakes
PEQUOT LAKES -- Todd Szymanski of Pequot Lakes pitched a 5-inning no-hitter as the Patriots cruised past Cass Lake 18-1 in non-conference baseball Friday.
Cori and Christina keep winning together
They don't look alike, but Cori Severson and Christina Roberts are identical athletes.
Platisha 'practices' on home runs
Baseball practice began March 18 for every Brainerd Warrior except J.P. Platisha.
Scoreboard
High school BASEBALL
Local sports shorts
The registration deadline for the Brainerd Parks and Recreation Department's Mustang, Bronco and Pony baseball leagues is Friday, April 19.
Verndale romps past Pillager
VERNDALE -- The Verndale Pirates erupted for 13 runs in the first inning and cruised past the Pillager Huskies 30-2 in Park Region Conference softball Thursday.
Pierz's Poepping wins 100 dash
SARTELL -- Mark Poepping sparked the Pierz Pioneers boys' track and field team by winning the 100-meter dash in 11.7 seconds at the Sartell Friendship meet Friday.
Lakers shut out Staples-Motley
DETROIT LAKES -- The Detroit Lakes Lakers won every match in straight sets and defeated the Staples-Motley Cardinals 7-0 in the Mid-State Conference opener for both squads Thursday.
W-DC's Asfeld heading for NDSU
Adam Asfeld is moving west next year.
PR-B's Primmer picks up points
Phil Primmer is primed to do some damage in track and field.
Schiller sets the pace
LEWISTON -- Tony Schiller, who will speak at the Lakes Area Prayer Breakfast in Brainerd, won the Fools Five Road Race for the 14th time in the event's 24 years on April 7.
Tomte leads Verndale past Pequot Lakes
PEQUOT LAKES -- Steph Tomte went 3-for-4 with four runs scored and two RBI as the Verndale Pirates beat the Pequot Lakes Patriots 12-3 in Park Region Conference softball Friday.
Area events Saturday
BOYS TENNIS
Bowling
PAUL BUNYAN BOWL
Parkers Prairie edges Pillager
PILLAGER -- The Parkers Prairie Panthers broke open a close game with three runs in the top of the third inning and went on to defeat the Pillager Huskies 6-1 in the Park Region Conference baseball opener for both teams Thursday.
Pillager 8th-grader clearing hurdles
Eighth-grader Laura Pace is considered a veteran on the Pillager Huskies girls' track and field team.
Twins box
TWINS 4, TIGERS 2
Indians sweep Twins
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Matt Lawton took great joy in helping Cleveland sweep the Minnesota Twins.
Gopher coaches try to save sports
MINNEAPOLIS -- Coaches in the threatened athletic programs at the University of Minnesota said Thursday they were disappointed and deserved more time to save their sports.
Minnesota goes before NCAA for women's basketball rule-breaking
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- So much for savoring a successful season.
This wasn't supposed to happen
MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota outfielder Torii Hunter sat at his locker after playing in front of his first sellout crowd at the Metrodome.
Regents approve Yudof's plan
ROCHESTER (AP) -- Men's and women's golf and men's gymnastics will be cut at the University of Minnesota, unless donors come forward with funding.
MINNEAPOLIS LAKERS REVISTED
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Seldom have the Los Angeles Lakers acknowledged that the franchise got its start in Minneapolis.
HOME SWEET DOME
MINNEAPOLIS -- The four-game sweep in Cleveland was all forgotten. The Minnesota Twins were finally back in the Metrodome.
Shaq and gang seem to like old Minneapolis uniforms
LOS ANGELES -- By next weekend, when the real defense of their two NBA titles starts, the Los Angeles Lakers will have played their final five regular-season games against Western Conference playoff teams, maybe enough to get them in the mood.
Coyotes gain playoffs after 7-1 rout of Wild
PHOENIX (AP) -- The Phoenix Coyotes didn't surprise themselves by qualifying for the playoffs -- just the rest of the hockey world.
'U' athletics: Football's the problem and the solution
MINNEAPOLIS -- A lot of glum gymnasts and golfers are wandering around the University of Minnesota campus this week.
Finally! Twins return home
The Brainerd High School Symphonic Band will perform during pregame ceremonies tonight at the Minnesota Twins season home opener at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis.
Netscape can help with Web setup
You don't need to spend a fortune to get a decent editor for Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), the lingua franca for creating Web pages. In fact, you don't need to spend a penny.
Space missions to Pluto and a moon of Jupiter are dropped
NASA's on-again, off-again mission to Pluto appears to be off. At least for now. And a Jet Propulsion Laboratory mission to Jupiter's watery moon Europa -- considered the most likely spot for extraterrestrial life -- also has been canceled for budget reasons.
Perfecting printing
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- While most of the high-tech world perpetually focuses on the next new thing, a familiar device quietly has gotten so good as to be almost stunning: the printer.
Credit card theft hits home
In the future, whenever I write about fraud or identity theft, I'll be able to do so in a more informed fashion.
Sites to see
A roundup of new and updated resources and services on the global Internet:
Grandpas go on spacewalk
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- The world's first pair of spacewalking grandfathers ventured outside Saturday to finish bolting a giant girder to the international space station.
NASA boss names next space teacher
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) -- Sixteen years after Christa McAuliffe and six other astronauts died in the Challenger explosion, NASA announced Friday that McAuliffe's fellow teacher and one-time understudy Barbara Morgan will ride aboard a shuttle in 2004.
Labors of love caught in the Web
I spend a lot of time griping about the Internet -- about pop-up ad windows that turn your PC into a porn billboard, about "spyware" that lets people you don't know put your surfing habits under a microscope, about spam, about e-mail virus attachments that can turn your computer into a doorstop.
Thumbs up for handheld device keyboards
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- Every weekday morning, Joseph To wakes up and puts his thumbs to work.
State forecast for North Dakota
This afternoon...Increasing clouds west and central. Scattered showers east early...Then partly cloudy. Highs from the upper 60s northeast to the lower 70s southwest and south central.
Iowa state forecast
Dense fog advisory northwest until 10 am...
State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Partly cloudy. Chance of thunderstorms. Mainly west this morning and in the east this afternoon. Highs mainly in upper 60s to mid 70s.
Showers and thunderstorms in East; unsettled weather in Pacific Northwest
Two separate storm systems were expected to bring scattered showers and thunderstorms to much of the East on Saturday, while unsettled weather was forecast for the Pacific Northwest and Rockies.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Partly or mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 50s to mid 60s. Cooler along lake michigan.
Worldwide Weather
Saturday
Regional Forecast
HighLowPR
State forecast for North Dakota
Today...Patchy morning fog east...Otherwise partly sunny statewide. Highs in the mid 60s to lower 70s.
Iowa state forecast
Dense fog advisory this morning east half...
State forecast for South Dakota
Dense fog advisory until 10 am cdt in the far east...
April
Weather drawing by Joshua Davis of Mrs. Gramer's second grade class at Riverside school.
Wisconsin state forecast
Dense fog advisory south this morning...
Minnesota state forecast
Dense fog advisory parts of the west this morning...
Cool sun
Weather drawing by Marissa Lueck of Gayle Kub's first grade class at Lowell school.
Minnesota state forecast
Dense fog advisory this morning southeast...
Names and faces
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- It's a girl for Oscar-winning actress Geena Davis.
What's doing
The Brainerd High School grad blast committee will meet from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday in room A-160 at the high school. Co-chairs are needed for the following committees: overall chair, food, entertainment (two are needed), decorations, clean-up and set-up. Anyone interested in helping with grad blast is welcome and encouraged to attend. For information call Sherri DeLaHunt at 963-2699.
Organizations
Brainerd Jaycees
Much obliged
Thank you to all the local businesses and individuals who donated cash, gift certificates and merchandise for prizes which helped to make our recent cancer benefit such a success. Thank you to those who don
What's doing
Mitchell Movement. North-South: Clayton Haglin and Mark Anderson, 80.5; Ray and Gladys Norrgard, 68.5; and Eldon Hegstrom and Gus Schlick, 49.5. East-West: Joyce and Roemer and Marcella Jensen, 53.5; Bruce Eastman and Patrick Spradlin, 53.5; and Ann Richardson and Chris Leininger, 51.5.
Venezuelan president resigns
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- President Hugo Chavez, the former army paratrooper who polarized Venezuela with his strongarm rule and whose friendship with Cuba and Iraq irritated the United States, resigned under military pressure Friday after a massive opposition demonstration ended in a bloodbath.
Dozens die in Afghan quake
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- An earthquake shook northern Afghanistan on Friday morning, leaving a village in ruins and killing more than 30 people, aid officials said. At least 100 others were injured.
Israeli assault on West Bank camp leaves Palestinians shaken
JENIN, West Bank -- Khadra Samara, her family and closest neighbors lived in three adjacent cinder-block houses on Rwabe Street, a relatively quiet corner of the Palestinian refugee camp here.
Gunmen fire on international peacekeepers in Kabul
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- Gunmen fired AK-47 assault rifles at international peacekeepers patrolling the Afghan capital of Kabul, provoking a firefight with the security force, peacekeepers said Saturday.
Another suicide bombing
JERUSALEM (AP) -- A female suicide bomber blew herself up at a bus stop in Jerusalem's crowded outdoor market Friday, killing six people and wounding about 50, police said.
Bush administration not sorry to see Chavez go
WASHINGTON -- In recent years, the U.S. government has celebrated the march of democracy up and down the hemisphere, often declaring that with the sole exception of Cuba, every government in the region has been democratically elected.
Powell to meet with Arafat
Secretary of State Colin Powell will press Yasser Arafat at their meeting Sunday for "effective action" to end Palestinian attacks against Israel. Powell also is demanding restraint from Israeli forces on the West Bank.