Sunday, April 13, 2003

Reserve, National Guard troops called to active duty qualify for interest, tax breaks
NEW YORK -- Shortly after Yolanda Kilbride's husband was called up for active duty by the Marine Corps, she took advantage of a little-known law to shore up their finances.

Qwest, regulators in standoff as deadline looms
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and Qwest are in a standoff as the deadline looms for regulators to issue a recommendation on the telephone company's application to offer long-distance telephone service in Minnesota.

Jack's House to offer bowling and much more
Jack's House, a 24-lane bowling alley with restaurant, lounge and virtual reality games, is on the way.

Scam artists exploiting Iraq war
The Better Business Bureau issued a national consumer alert regarding scam artists who are using the war in Iraq to line their own pockets.

Business notes
WADENA -- Michael W. Ittner, Wadena, was appointed as an education counselor and area manager by the Olympic Institute for Leadership Development Inc. an Oregon-based nonprofit educational organization.

Moody's downgrades Northwest Airlines rating
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Moody's Investor's Service on Thursday lowered its long-term debt ratings for NWA Corp. and its Northwest Airlines subsidiary, citing higher risks for debtholders because of the drop in airline traffic.

Some districts putting state test scores on students' transcripts
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Two of Minnesota's largest school districts are trying a new strategy to get students to take the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment test seriously.

Budget woes hitting hard at colleges, universities
CHICAGO -- Facing their third straight year of lower state funding, public colleges and universities are finding it nearly impossible to shield students from the pinch this time around.

Experts say bonding critical in child development
Children aren't the only ones showing off at the playground. Parents are on display too: There are the playful moms and dads, swinging on the monkey bars; the bookworms and ce

Some game night favorites you can try
Wise and Otherwise -- A Games magazine "party game of the year" winner gives players the first part of an obscure adage and asks them to invent authentic-sounding endings. Players get points if others vote for their version.

It's no joking matter for him
Thank goodness April Fools Day is over.

For a fun night, many are thinking inside the box
Drew Barrymore playing host to Cameron Diaz, Matthew Perry and Robert Downey Jr. for Twister. Kathy Najimy, Hank Azaria, Kristen Johnson and Mike Myers competing at Celebrity. Julia Roberts and friends playing Cranium between takes on movie sets.

Give someone a smile
BAXTER -- Students at Baxter Elementary School got an education in trickery Thursday when magician Dick Oslund brought his act to the school gym. Students and teachers alike marveled at Oslund's trickery with handkerchiefs, golf balls, metal rings and coins.

Bridal beauty starts with skin
The following are skin-care and make-up tips for brides-to-be:

Never too early to teach saving
BAXTER -- The Deerwood Bank presented its fifth annual Teaching Children to Save Day Thursday at Baxter Elementary School. Bank representatives handed out activity sheets and coin pouches to first-graders and told them how they could join Buckaroo's Savings Clubhouse.

Pet of the Week
Cheyenne is a 6-year-old spayed domestic short-hair female who is very loving and affectionate.

Strange Situation helps clear up relationships
When Cammy Latimer and her 2-year-old child, Alyxandria, were placed in the Strange Situation laboratory, the video revealed a complex interplay. As her mother stepped out of the room, Alyxandria, though unsettled, continued p

Future brides are eager consumers of beauty products
In just one year, Robin Schisler has spent more than $1,000 on facials, gone to three makeup artists for makeovers and exhausted hundreds of dollars on cosmetics and skincare products.

Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Friday cattle estimate: 350. Last Friday: 680. Year Ago Friday: 267. Thursday actual: 494.

Agendas
Tues., April 15 -- 7 p.m. -- Human rights commission, Commissioners' room

Accidents
One person as injured in a single-vehicle accident Friday on Highway 25, two miles south of Crow Wing County Road 2.

Correction / clarification
A story about the Junior Bible Quiz in Friday's Religion section should have said there are 66 books in the Bible.

Fires
The Brainerd Fire Department Friday responded to what turned out to be a false alarm at 11:30 a.m. at Central Lakes College.

Births
Gabe and Carla Carlson, Zimmerman, a boy, Connor Thomas, 10 pounds, 11 ounces, March 26, 2003.

Agenda
Meets 7 p.m. Monday

Agenda
Meet 9 a.m.Tuesday

Agendas
Meets 7 p.m. Wednesday

Burk gets behind the bullhorn
AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) -- Martha Burk's supporters gathered outside Augusta National on Saturday, declaring that they have thousands of people behind them in the fight to force the elite golf club to admit a woman.

Pierz golfers finish second at CMC Meet
ROCKFORD -- Pierz's Alex Dinnebier shot a 35 to tie for the medalist spot and help Pioneers boys' golf team to a second place finish at the Central Minnesota Conference meet at Rockford. Nate Meyer was two strokes off the lead as he carded a 37.

Weir takes charge after marathon Masters session
AUGUSTA, Ga. -- The way Mike Weir was going in Friday's double feature at Augusta National Golf Club, he would have been happy if the 67th Masters Tournament had erected lights on the course. He would have gladly played on through the night.

Golf logic turns upside down
AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Tiger Woods went birdieless for the first time in 31 career Masters rounds, and he lost to an amateur by seven strokes.

All eyes are on Tiger
AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Now that Michael Jordan's era is down to days, no one in sports has

Red Cross agrees to meet blood safety standards, could stiff face fines if it fails
WASHINGTON -- The Red Cross is promising to upgrade its blood collection program to meet government safety standards and could face substantial fines if it fails to do so.

Study: heart attack victims cared for at VA hospitals have more deaths
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Heart attack victims who sought care at Veterans Affairs hospitals had higher death rates than Medicare patients treated at community facilities, according to a VA study released Friday.

St. Mary's/Duluth Clinic to lay off 200
DULUTH (AP) -- The number of layoffs planned by St. Mary's/Duluth Clinic, the city's largest employer, now is expected to reach 200, double the number of job cuts that had been announced in late January.

Web house calls
OMAHA, Neb. -- It takes less than a minute for health assistant Nancy Yount to power up the computer and activate the videoconference.

Compensation deal for smallpox vaccine injuries approved
WASHINGTON -- Congress and the White House approved a compensation package Friday for persons injured by the smallpox vaccine, ending months of delay and disagreement in hopes of jump-starting the government's stalled inoculation program.

Is it impossible to clone humans?
WASHINGTON -- It may be impossible to clone humans because primate cells do not divide properly, a "pothole in the process" that creates chromosomes too abnormal for a pregnancy to begin, scientists say.

COMING MONDAY
In Monday's Dispatch, read about two Brainerd area women who are pregnant and waiting for their loved ones to return from military service.

Dalquist case focus of events, searches
With hopes of keeping the Erika Dalquist disappearance case fresh in area residents' minds, two informational events and more searches are planned this week.

Grass fire claims tree stand
Brainerd firefighters fought a grass fire Friday off of Highway 371, about 13 miles south of Brainerd.

Local briefs
Program details for the Initiative Foundation's new Early Childhood Initiative via interactive television is set from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Tuesday at Central Lakes College Room 227 in Brainerd and Staples Technical College Room A113 in Staples.

Walking and waving the flag at BIR
Brainerd Lakes residents of all ages participated in Walk the Track Saturday morning at Brainerd International Raceway.

McFarland: Paul and Babe can be had for any area non-profit who'll pay moving costs
BAXTER -- If you move 'em, they're yours.

Registrations for Fun 'N' Friends program
Brainerd Community Education is accepting summer registrations for the Fun 'N' Friends program serving children in kindergarten through fifth-grade.

This was Brainerd
APRIL 13 - 30 years ago (1973) - Tim Warnberg took third place in the High Hurdles Wednesday at the Moorhead Invitational Track Meet to score the only points for the Brainerd Warriors.

Wendell S. Nix
AITKIN -- Wendell S. Nix, 89, Aitkin, died Thursday, April 10, 2003, at the Riverwood Health Care Center in Aitkin.

Leonard L. Stelzel
Leonard L. Stelzel, 73, rural Brainerd, died Thursday, April 10, 2003, at his home on North Long Lake.

Cari Molencamp-Blowers
PEQUOT LAKES -- Cari Molencamp-Blowers, 46, Pequot Lakes, died Thursday, April 10, 2003, at her home in Pequot Lakes.

Effie M Van Epps
LITTLE FALLS -- Effie M. Van Epps, 89, Little Falls, died Thursday, April 10, 2003, at her daughter's home in Little Falls.

Intemperate words
This editorial appeared in Friday's Los Angeles Times:

Bite the bullet - Dispatch Editorial
There's no question plans for possible city water and sewer installation on Riverside Drive have stirred emotions in Brainerd. The city council's decision will have a huge economic impact on the families living there.

Open Forum
Many letter writers have complained about war protesters' support for Saddam Hussein. I know of no one who protests the war who is a supporter of Saddam.

Good news
There is a theory readers are only interested in good news.

Vox Pop
I'm calling about Kirby Puckett's verdict last week. In all the announcements that came from Kirby's office and himself, I am amazed that he said several times that he had the best attorneys in Minnesota. Why didn't he say he was very sorry toward the victim and the whole situation? Kirby, you're star has been tarnished.

Ducks Unlimited chapter marks milestone
The Paul Bunyan Chapter of Ducks Unlimited celebrated its 30th anniversary Saturday night.

Kids poster contest aims to teach importance of keeping cats indoors
As long-time readers of my column know, I have a special fondness for cats. Through the years I have written about my city gentleman, Midnight, my window kitty, Leo, my frail feline, Ebony and my country rogue and traveling man, Rascal Bayfield, my companion for almost 19 years. I've written about their antics, the joy they bestowed on my life and the affection they afforded me in the depths of my despair. How I loved my boys!

DNR backs hunting bears with dogs
In a reversal of long-standing policy, the DNR said it will support legislation that would allow Minnesotans to hunt bears with dogs. But don't rally the pooch just yet.

Pawlenty, Merriam are willing to roll the dice
It isn't a gale force wind, but a breath of fresh air is blowing through the DNR these days.

Polaris finds new niche with ATP
MEDINA (AP) -- Polaris Industries Inc., praised by analysts for creating profitable niche products in its all-terrain vehicle ) and other recreational equipment lines, has rolled out a new ATV model aimed at a big segment of the sport-utility market.

Migrating bald eagles abundant in Duluth
DULUTH (AP) -- Some days they come in waves. They appear as black forms in the distance and slowly take shape before the discerning eyes of Frank Nicoletti and Dave Carman.

Fishing report
BRAINERD/NISSWA - The ice is going fast and it's time to fish from shore. On Gull Lake, try the pier by Bar Harbor, the ditch by Squaw Point, and the dam. Crappie minnows, wax worms, and crawlers all are worth trying in shallow water.

Outdoor notes
Anglers found low water in much of Minnesota on Saturday, the stream trout opener. The lack of snow and rain has resulted in light spring runoff.

Familiar names missing from PWT opener
When the Professional Walleye Trail begins its 14th season at Lake Erie this week some notable competitors will be missing from the field.

Get ready for best crappie fishing of the year
Most anglers know about early spring crappies. The ice goes out and schools of the tasty panfish invade the shallows, scrounging for food. They're not spawning at first. They're hungry and in the shallows to eat. That's why it's so easy to catch them.

Samantha Hanson and Michael Pfeifer
Samantha Hanson and Michael Pfeifer announce their engagement.

Amanda Bell and Wade Mortenson
Amanda Bell and Wade Mortenson announce their engagement.

Jessica Pallow and Kurt Waytashek
Jessica Pallow and Kurt Waytashek announce their engagement.

Amanda Moyer and Steve Willis
Amanda Moyer and Steve Willis announce their engagement.

Five generations
Five generations recently gathered were Blake Clark, grandson; Travis Clark, father; Brad Clark, grandfather; Eldora Clark, great-grandmother; and Violet Hengel, great-great-grandmother.

Wikelius-Christenson
Jodi Wikelius and Kyle Christenson were married July 20, 2002, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Aitkin with Pastor David Becker and Pastor Jerry Boldt officiating.

Crystal Jewel Siljander and David Nathan Lee
Crystal Jewel Siljander and David Nathan Lee announce their engagement.

MARY'S BOYS
OSHKOSH, Wis. -- Over the years, Mary Hamann's home served as a refuge for troubled teenagers, and many became like her own children. Now, six of her boys, including her own biological son, are deployed -- four in the Middle East.

Two men charged in beating death of St. Paul teen Ben Doran
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Two men were charged with unintentional second-degree murder in the beating death of a 15-year-old St. Paul boy who was attacked on March 31.

House GOP softens, mostly embraces, Pawlenty health plan
ST. PAUL -- Senior volunteers could keep their stipends but fewer parents would get help with child care costs under a tweaking of Gov. Tim Pawlenty's plan for human services programs that House leaders described Friday.

Local sports shorts
Brainerd High School graduate Cori Severson was named athlete of the week for the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire women's swimming and diving team twice during her freshman season.

Don Dravis to receive lifetime mat award
STAPLES -- Former Staples-Motley wrestling coach Don Dravis is one of five wrestling coaches who will receive a Lifetime of Service award from the National Wrestling Hall of Fame on April 26.

Rakow hopes hard work lands hockey career
All Eric Rakow wants is a chance.

Six Warriors to be added to Hall of Fame
The Brainerd High School Athletics Department, Brainerd Sports Boosters Club and Cub Foods invites the public to the annual all-sports banquet April 28 in the Brainerd High School gymnasium.

Swanson wins throwing events for girls
A year ago, Maria Swanson was in the shadows of two accomplished throwers on Brainerd girls' track and field team.

Fornshell shuts down Tigers
PILLAGER -- Eric Fornshell struck out seven and drove in a run to lead the Pillager Huskies past the Pine River-Backus Tigers in non-conference baseball Friday.

Grunewald leads the way for BHS
Maybe it's the hair.

Tommies take two from CLC
ST PAUL -- The Central Lakes College Raiders softball team ran into a tough St. Thomas junior varsity team losing both games of a double header 6-0 and 10-1.

Bowling
PAUL BUNYAN BOWL

Ranger boys and girls finish second
CROSBY--Parker Robinson won the 110 hurdles and the high jump to lead the Crosby-Ironton Ranger boys' track and field team to a second-place finish at the Ranger Anniversary Invitational in Crosby Friday.

Area events Saturday
COLLEGE SOFTBALL

Deerwood Devils capture Hallett Cup
CROSBY -- The Deerwood Devils men's hockey team recently finished the Lakes Area Hockey League with a 5-3 victory over Nisswa in the championship game of the Hallett Hockey Cup playoffs at the Hallett Community Center.

Roggenkamp powers Patriots past Pillager
PEQUOT LAKES --Mandie Roggenkamp made history in a 14-4 Pequot Lakes victory over the Pillager Huskies in non-conference softball Friday.

Twins find offense
TORONTO (AP) -- The Minnesota Twins won their first game in a week with a rare hitting display.

Wolves down Clippers, move into 4th place
MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Timberwolves are closing in on the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

Wild goalie? Lemaire knows, but he's not talking
DENVER -- Quick to embrace his team's underdog status, Minnesota Wild coach Jacques Lemaire is reluctant to give any edge to the enemy.

Timberwolves activate Strickland
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Minnesota Timberwolves activated guard Rod Strickland Friday and placed Igor Rakocevic on the injured list.

Gophers seek to defend title
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- Don Lucia believes New Hampshire is overdue to win its first NCAA hockey championship.

St. Paul Saints to offer "Randy Moss" hood ornament
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Randy Moss could soon be taking his own ride on the hood of a car -- as a hood ornament.

Penalty killing continues to plague the Avalanche
Penalty killing has been the Colorado Avalanche's Achilles heel all season, and it was again in the series opener.

Technology solves burning toast problem
Burning toast is a time-honored tradition in my household, so you can imagine how surprised I was to learn that getting toast, bagels and English Muffins toasted properly is now just another problem solved by technology.

AOL winds up a broadband pitch
Subscribers to America Online are getting new price options this week, along with souped-up audio and video content designed to appeal to users of high-speed Internet connections.

Fine-tuned foraging
NEW YORK -- It may be the best way to find stuff online, but most of us who use Google a lot still find ourselves wading through oodles of Web pages.

Sharp's digital amplifier sounds remarkably good
The world is going digital, so why not the plow horse of the modern audio system, the amplifier?

Pleasure of computers is worth the pain
I spend so much time writing about computer problems and how to solve them that I occasionally lose sight of why we use these gadgets in the first place -- or whether we should bother to use them at all.

Minnesota state forecast
Today...Mostly sunny. Highs from the lower 50s northeast to the lower 70s southwest.

Iowa state forecast
Saturday...Sunny. Highs mainly in the 70s.

Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Partly or mostly sunny. Highs mainly in the 50s east and north to near 70 west. Cooler near lake michigan and superior.

Regional Weather Forecast
HighLowPR

Rain in Northeast moves eastward, out to sea; sunny skies in the Southeast
Rain from a widespread storm system lingered over portions of the Northeast on Saturday, while high pressure was building over the Southeast and the Great Lakes.

State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Partly cloudy to sunny. Breezy central. Highs in the lower 70s far northeast to the mid 80s southwest.

Spring sun
Weather drawing by Anna Quincer of Mrs. Surma's third grade class at Baxter school.

Worldwide Weather
Saturday

State forecast for North Dakota
Today...Mostly sunny and windy. A slight chance of morning showers southwest. Highs in the upper 60s northeast to the lower 80s southwest. Tonight...Partly cloudy. Lows in the upper 30s to mid 40s.

What's doing
Encore Arts Association will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Senior Citizens Center. Program will be Little Falls artist Angela Beaumont demonstrating water color techniques.