Saturday, April 14, 2001
Tax form 1040 can be good financial planning tool
NEW YORK -- Each year after the rush of tax-filing season, financial planner Gary Schatsky likes to sit down with his clients to study their federal income tax returns and find ways to improve their spending, saving and debt management.
Retailers report disappointing sales in March
NEW YORK -- The nation's largest retailers said their March sales figures fell far short of expectations in another sign of a worsening slowdown in consumer spending.
Tax code more complicated than ever
WASHINGTON -- Some evidence that the tax code is getting impossibly complicated: More than half a million taxpayers paid the federal government an average of $610 apiece more than they owed in 1998 because they chose the standard deduction when they could have itemized.
Tech workers left with huge tax debt after stock option buys go sour
Thousands of rank-and-file technology workers are facing huge tax bills by Monday's income tax filing deadline because of company stock they purchased last year that has since plummeted in value.
Looking at the city with an outsider's vision
Getting a visitor's perspective to a city can be invaluable.
Report: After staff cuts, IRS letting many tax cheats slide by
NEW YORK (AP) -- The Internal Revenue Service has virtually given up trying to go after more than a million tax delinquents -- a move that effectively wrote off more than $2.5 billion in taxes owed to the government last year alone, The New York Times reported Friday.
Ivy Room grows into eatery
An idea for a coffee house grew into a full-fledged sandwich and dessert shop in downtown Brainerd.
Inventories post biggest drop in almost five years
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Inventories of unsold goods held by U.S. businesses in February registered the biggest decline in almost five years.
A parent's penny saved is a child's lesson learned, study suggests
An increasing number of kids are getting into financial trouble -- and their parents are largely to blame, according to a survey designed to determine how parents teach their kids about money.
How to not be overpowered by summertime energy problems
NEW YORK -- Amid warnings that some states could encounter power problems similar to those in California, small business owners should start thinking now about their energy strategies for the peak usage periods of the summer.
Newspaper industry pores over long-awaited study on readership decline
NEW YORK -- At long last, the newspaper industry has received something it was hoping to get for many years: A comprehensive study of its most tenacious and threatening problem, a long-term decline in newspaper readership.
Financial planners busy in market downturn as investors seek direction
NEW YORK -- Investors' bear market-ravaged portfolios haven't kept them away from financial advisers -- Wall Street's recent fluctuations have many people looking for suggestions about their next move.
Newly privatized KB Toys focusing on long-term gains
PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- When he needs a break, KB Toys CEO Michael Glazer goes for a drive -- in the sit-down arcade-style racing game that occupies a corner of his office.
Business notes
Marvin C. Nicolai, general manager of Consolidated Telephone Co. and Northland Communications since 1995, announced his plans to retire on Aug. 1.
The rest of the story
Paul Harvey has become famous for introducing us to "the rest of the story." He has made a career of giving us details of many a story where all looked lost until we heard the rest of the story. When we know all the details, we can see that good can come of the darkness.
Children's temperaments reflect their parents'
QUESTION: I have two children who are as different as night and day. In fact, they conform perfectly to your descriptions of "strong-willed" and "compliant" children. One is a spitfire and the other is a sweetheart. I am very interested in knowing more about what this means for them long-term. Beyond everyday issues of discipline and relating within a family, what can you tell me about these kids?
Churches
Students who were recently confirmed at St. Christopher's Catholic Church in Nisswa
A season of joy
This is the season of pure joy for Christians, even for Jesus knowing what He was in for in the next few days. Heb 12:2 tells us, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
This Easter marks return to church for some, thanks to Alpha course
CINCINNATI -- During a lifetime cut off from organized religion, Aubrey "Mac" McCray had gone through three failed marriages and three desperate tries with Alcoholics Anonymous before he reached sobriety. An A.A. friend invited the retired auto worker to visit the suburban Vineyard Community Church, and there he reached a turning point.
Just try to listen to the sound of silence
I got up early the other day and looked outside. Here and there on the dark lawn, the silent, falling mist formed droplets that sparkled in the filtered moonlight. It was a perfectly silent morning. I hopped in the truck and drove away, radio off, to my favorite health center. Once there, it didn't take long to break the mood.
Crosby-Ironton High announces third-quarter honor roll
10th Grade
Execs find no link between SAT scores and success in business
Business executives put little stock in the ability of standardized tests such as the SAT to predict success in business, according to a survey released Thursday by the National Urban League.
St. Francis honor roll
A honor roll 4-7 Second tri-mester
Tape tip
Dear Heloise: After using cellophane (or any sticky tape) each time, bend a small portion of the tip inward.
Much obliged
Thank you to everyone who helped make the Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale our most successful book sale ever with a total of $2921. Thanks to everyone who donated books, volunteered at the book sale, purchased books and joined Friends of the Library.
Add family reading time to daily agenda
NEW YORK -- The "to-do" list for busy parents is about to get a little longer.
Volunteers of the month
NAME: Winnie Larson
Youth volunteer
NAME: Kristin Turcotte
Co-worker's wedding is no cause for celebration
DEAR ABBY: One of my co-workers is being married next month and has invited most of the office to her wedding. I had planned on buying her a gift, but probably won't attend. We are not close. She has been very difficult to work with. She's possibly the most two-faced person I have ever known.
The joys of getting bumped
The airlines really don't want you to know this. But the upcoming summer travel season could be a boon for savvy travelers looking to get more for their airline tickets than just trips.
Constant chatter bothers customers
DEAR ABBY: I manage a small branch office with one subordinate, an older man named "Maury." Until I was hired a few weeks ago, he worked for several years with almost no supervision. Now I'm trying to deal with his many bad habits -- the worst being his endless conversation.
Child in need
Brothers, Chad, 8 1/2 and Brent, 10, of Pequot Lakes need adult partners. They are energetic boys who have a variety of interests. Chad li
Bedtime might be the best family time of day
Parents who find themselves working late may miss out on homework help and family dinners but if they make it home before the lights go out, they can enjoy one of the day's best bonding opportunities: reading a bedtime story.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Thursday 200, a year ago 7.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Thursday Cattle: 250.
Fires
The Brainerd Fire Department responded to a false alarm at 11:21 a.m. Friday at the electrical room at St. Joseph's Medical Center.
Court
WALKER -- The following appeared in Cass County District Court:
Births
Dean and Rachel Schilling, Fort Ripley, a girl, Mariah Anne Maree, 8 pounds, 6.5 ounces, March 30, 2001. Grandparents are George and Pat Schilling, Fort Ripley, and Rita Skwira, Little Falls.
Accidents
PEQUOT LAKES -- A Brainerd man was injured Thursday in a single-vehicle accident on Highway 371, about 2.5 miles south of Pequot Lakes.
CORRECTION/CLARIFICATION
A Crow Wing County restaurant was omitted in a Page 1A story Friday listing smoke-free establishments.
Transportation panel meets Tuesday
The Brainerd Transportation Committee will conduct a meeting at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the city hall conference room.
Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Thursday.
Agendas
Brainerd City Council
Crime
BURGLARIES -- Nila Patrick reported Thursday VIP Floral, 712 Laurel St., was broken into.
School lunch menus
MONDAY -- NO SCHOOL. Teacher In-Service.
Births
Lisa Sherman and Brian Noe Jr., Randall, a boy, Dustin James Noe, 8 pounds, .5 ounces, April 2, 2001. Grandparents are Barb and Steve Sherman, Randall, Brian Noe Sr., Malvard, Ark., and Ruth Noe, San Marcos, Calif.
Tewell extends lead
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Doug Tewell's idea of a pick-me-up is seeing his name among the leaders.
Hurst takes LPGA lead
LOS ANGELES -- The players making moves to get in contention during Friday's second round of the Office Depot Hosted by Amy Alcott were about as sparse as the crowd at Wilshire Country Club.
Lehman's iron play lifts him to lead
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (AP) -- Tom Lehman, chasing his first victory in more than a year, used accurate irons to shoot a 4-under 67 Friday for a one-stroke lead over Vijay Singh, Billy Andrade and Billy Mayfair at the WorldCom Classic.
Tewell takes lead
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- All the talk about opening the spectator-hungry Senior PGA Tour to 45-year-olds leaves Doug Tewell cold.
Ventura warns legislators not to let voters break the bank
ST. PAUL -- Pointing to a pessimistic new economic report, Gov. Jesse Ventura warned lawmakers not to simply leave it to voters to decide whether to spend new money, an approach the state's economist says could be a "time bomb."
Chemical dependency
Adult Children-Chem.Dep.
Health
Blood Pressure Clinics
Support groups
Crisis Line-Referral Ser.
Real estate Q & A
Looking for a home?
Rubba Duck designs 12 ducks as collectible items
A duck even Calvin Klein could love.
Places to find back products on the Web
Back Be Nimble:
Many homebuyers in Brainerd are first-timers
First-time homebuyers face competition as they collectively make up about one-third of the Brainerd market, according to a central Minnesota housing report.
Tuning in to inveterate collectors
Attention, antiques lovers and flea-market habitues: "The Incurable Collector" has joined the ranks of television shows aimed at the nation's hunter-gatherers.
Clear up mildew
Q. Elroy L. asks: I have built a closet around my water heater. Since doing so, I have noticed mold on the walls inside the closet and the smell of mildew. What do you recommend to correct this problem?
Products to make life easier range from fans to flooring
InstaLoc Ceiling Fans (about $50 to $100), made by Angelo Brothers Co., don't come with a bag of screws or a telephone book-sized instruction manual.
Metropolitan Home captures its first 20 years in digestible issue
Although retrospective issues are to be approached with caution -- too many ponderous, and often inaccurate, musings about the Era That Has Ended -- Metropolitan Home has done an admirable job of capping its first 20 years in the designer-eat-designer world of shelter magazines.
Nor-son breaks ground on camp cabins
Construction on lodging units at Camp Confidence is under way.
Meet spring right at the door
Springlike weather at last, and there's no better place to welcome the season than right at the front door. Making over a front entry gives a home an immediate fresh look and adds to its curb appeal. The project doesn't have to cost much and can be accomplished in a weekend. It's almost too good to be true.
Tip of the week
What's new in kitchen appliances for 2001? These days many people seem to have more money than time. Manufacturers are responding with new kitchen technology that saves time and cooks food that tastes good, with space age bells and whistles, too.
Interesting ceilings
Modern home design is doing away with cathedral vaulted ceilings that tend to lose their sense of scale and intimacy at 18 feet.
Brick paving can dress up a pool
It's your call: For the same price, you can have a pool deck of brick paving stones or one of concrete.
How building codes protect you
Lots of folks think that a building permit is just another way for local politicians to collect taxes. And to some extent the permit fee is a tax, but in most communities it pays for a staff of experts who provide an important layer of protection for you and your family.
Tailor your evergreen pruning to kind of plant
Evergreen plants require less pruning than deciduous plants, but they do need some. Pruning techniques can help make evergreens grow more densely and keep the plants from growing too large.
Tips for first-time home-buyers
-- Begin a savings account. Even a small amount can be helpful.
Take a look at an architect's simple house
You might expect a fashion designer to dress in high style, a doctor not to smoke, and an architect to live in a fancy home.
Street sweeping begins Wednesday
The Brainerd Street Department will begin street sweeping operations in downtown Brainerd from 4-9 a.m. Wednesday.
Local briefs
BAXTER -- Health care professionals and stroke survivors will head up a seminar titled "Stroke ... The Story" from 8:30 to 3:30 p.m. May 17 at Lakewood Evangelical Free Church at 3150 Fairview Road N., Baxter.
Smoke-free restaurants in county listed
About 11 percent of the restaurants in Crow Wing County are smoke-free.
Four BHS seniors are National Merit finalists
As high school graduation nears four Brainerd High School seniors' futures look brighter.
On target
Sometimes practice does not make perfect. Read the story of a champion archer Sunday in North Country.
Rising rivers challenge dams
As area rivers continue to flow above their flood stages, dams in the Mississippi are trying to keep up with the rising water.
Little Falls school officials testify at House hearing
LITTLE FALLS -- Little Falls school officials joined state Rep. Steve Wenzel at a hearing of the House K-12 Education Finance Committee on Wednesday night to testify in support of a bill that would make it easier for the district to repay an over-payment of state school aid.
Smoke-free dining goal of coalition
Dondee Murray was 5 when she encouraged her father to quit smoking for her and her 1-year-old brother, who are both allergic to smoke.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1981) - After a short-lived increase for one month the Brainerd area employment took a 36-job nosedive last month. Area employment went from 8,529 in February to 8,493 in March.
Rotary joins in effort to help students read better
Students at Brainerd's eight elementary schools now have a new ally to help them become better readers -- the Brainerd noon Rotary Club.
Local briefs
Brainerd Public Utilities will flush the water mains in various sections of the city from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through May 1.
Woman's body found
BREEZY POINT -- The body of an unidentified woman was found Friday afternoon in a roadside ditch along the northwest city limits of Breezy Point.
COMING MONDAY
The Paul Bunyan Toastmasters Club is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Look for the story in Monday's Dispatch.
This was Brainerd
APRIL 15 - 40 years ago (1961) - In the Brainerd area the freakish snowstorm glazed highways, knocked out telephone lines and piled up three and one-half inches of snow which drifted into foot-high wind rows in some areas.
Brainerd planning panel supports TIF plans 6-1
The Brainerd Planning Commission passed resolutions Wednesday stating the tax-increment financing plans for the East Brainerd Mall and Lexington Manufacturing, Inc., are consistent with Brainerd's plans for development.
Good Friday
Browerville parishioners entered the majestic Christ the King Catholic Church for Good Friday services. They will be going to the church today to celebrate Easter Sunday. (Dispatch Photo by Clint Wood)
Teen dies in two-car collision
LAPORTE -- A 17-year-old Lake George teen died Thursday following a two-car collision on Highway 200, one mile west of Laporte in Hubbard County.
Hundreds of post offices will be open late Monday for last-minute tax filings
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Hundreds of post offices will stay open late Monday to accommodate last-minute tax filers.
Diplomats offer chilling details of collision, aftermath
BEIJING -- As crew members raced to destroy classified information, heavily armed Chinese troops surrounded the crippled U.S. spy plane on a runway on Hainan island, shouting through megaphones and waving their arms to get the crew off, senior U.S. diplomats said Friday.
Curfew restores calm
CINCINNATI (AP) -- Scores of people were arrested overnight for curfew violations, but peace was restored to the city's streets after three days of rioting over the shooting death of a young black man by a police officer.
One actor injured, another arrested in barroom brawl
WILMINGTON, N.C. (AP) -- Actors Steve Buscemi and Vince Vaughn, in town filming a movie called "Domestic Disturbance," got into a barroom brawl with locals that left Buscemi bloody and Vaughn in jail.
Air Force base mourns day of tragedy, following day of triumph
HONOLULU -- Both groups flew from Asia in a C-17 military transport plane to a hero's welcome at the same Hawaiian base.
Africanized 'killer' bees having angry coming out party this spring
TUCSON, Ariz. -- From under logs, behind water meters and in the eaves of houses, they're swarming, mad as hell after two years of drought and not going to take it anymore.
Man indicted in road rage death of small white dog
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- More than a year after a dog's death in a road rage incident sparked outrage among animal lovers, a man has been indicted in the case.
Swimmers warned after 7 shark bites in a week along Florida coast
MIAMI (AP) -- At least seven people were attacked by sharks along Florida's east coast in a week as sharks hunted for fish along their northward migratory route.
Crippled spy plane's pilot hailed as hero
When Shane Osborn was in high school in Norfolk, Neb., he knew that his football coach, Dan McLaughlin, had been in the Air Force. Intensely interested in aviation, Osborn peppered McLaughlin with questions about how he joined the Air Force and what it was like.
Bush reports $894,880 in income; Cheney $36 million
CRAWFORD, Texas -- President Bush reported earning $894,880 last year, most of it from interest on investments, while Vice President Dick Cheney took in $36 million, the bulk of it from stock options and sales.
New energy standards to save billions in energy costs
WASHINGTON -- New efficiency standards approved by the Bush administration are expected to save billions of dollars in energy costs but significantly increase prices of new washing machines and water heaters.
Rapper Jay-Z arrested for alleged gun possession near Manhattan nightclub
NEW YORK -- Grammy-winning rapper Jay-Z and three other men were arrested early Friday outside a Manhattan nightclub and held on weapons charges after a plainclothes officer saw one of the men take a loaded handgun from the rapper's vehicle, police said.
Handgun industry shooting blanks
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- The American handgun market has dropped off so steeply that some industry experts worry it may never fully recover.
Bush thanks military for service in weekly broadcast
CRAWFORD, Texas (AP) -- President Bush paid tribute Saturday to the men and women of the armed forces who will be separated from their families this holiday weekend.
Park Service to ban some personal watercraft
WASHINGTON -- Only two more summers for personal watercraft in the national parks.
Cincinnati calm Friday night as police prepare for funeral of slain black teen
CINCINNATI -- As family members prepared for the funeral of a young black man whose shooting by a police officer touched off three days of rioting, wary police made security plans in anticipation of large crowds.
Yahoo takes adult merchandise off site
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) -- Leading Internet portal Yahoo! Inc. will remove pornographic products from its shopping, auctions and classifieds Web pages.
Admiral weighs sub collision discipline
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii -- When he ordered a naval investigation into the USS Greeneville's sinking of a Japanese fishing vessel, Adm. Thomas Fargo promised a "full and open accounting to both the American and Japanese people."
Remains of Americans killed in Vietnam helicopter crash flown home
HANOI, Vietnam (AP) -- In a poignant echo of earlier services for long-lost soldiers, U.S. officials held a repatriation ceremony Friday for seven Americans killed last weekend while searching for the remains of Americans missing since the Vietnam War.
Spy plane pilot says no apologies are needed to Chinese
HONOLULU (AP) -- The pilot of the U.S. spy plane forced down in China said Saturday no apologies were needed to the Chinese, who treated the crew well during their 11-day captivity.
Gun deaths drop dramatically
ATLANTA -- Gun deaths in the United States dropped more than 25 percent during the mid-1990s to the lowest level since 1966, the government said.
Administration adopts harder line on China
WASHINGTON -- With the 24 crew members of a U.S. spy plane safely back on American soil and being debriefed, the Bush administration Friday adopted a much harder line toward China, asserting that a reckless Chinese pilot caused the midair collision and dismissing Beijing's version of the incident as propaganda.
7 die in row house fire
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Seven people were killed Friday in a fire at a trash-filled row house where many of the residents were elderly and disabled.
Kidnapped girl goes home
KEARNEY, Neb. -- Kidnapping victim Anne Sluti came home Friday, a week after the 17-year-old was whisked away from a local mall parking lot and kept hostage hundreds of miles away in Montana.
Former TV star Todd Bridges saves paraplegic from drowning
LOS ANGELES -- Todd Bridges, the 35-year-old former star of the TV sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes," may have saved a paraplegic woman from drowning Thursday when her wheelchair rolled into a lake in the San Fernando Valley area, according to the victim and authorities at the Department of Recreation and Parks.
Study blames man-made gases for global warming
WASHINGTON -- Computer models developed independently by two teams of researchers give new evidence that global warming is influenced by man-made gases.
Devils looking for more success
The New Jersey Devils are looking to repeat last year's playoff performance. The St. Louis Blues are trying to reverse theirs.
Who owns the faces? Disupte over baseball photos a sign of growing battle over content
Major League Baseball's attempt to restrict how media companies use photos shot during games marks the latest salvo in a wide-ranging battle over who controls information.
Grading the draft? Wait a few years
NEW YORK -- Rick Mirer was the second player taken in the 1993 NFL draft, right after Drew Bledsoe.
National sports briefs
BOSTON (AP) -- Silvio Guerra considers running a marathon even more taxing than doing a biathlon, Guerra's favorite event.
2001 NFL draft order
NEW YORK (AP) -- The order of the first round for the 2001 NFL Draft
NBA scramble intensifies
The jockeying for postseason seeding intensified as the NBA's regular season reached its final days.
NBA moving into a zone of its own
Going where it had never gone before and never expected to, the NBA announced Thursday it will legalize zone defense -- the latest attempt to revive offensive basketball, as well as attendance and television ratings.
Major League Baseball owes it to the teams to build a level playing field
Camden Yards opened in 1992. Within three years, the Orioles were second in the majors with a $48.7 million payroll, trailing the Yankees by less than $10 million.
Leading a new Golden Age of Sports
Tiger Woods' methodical march through golf is an exclamation point for a new Golden Age of sports, an era of excellence perhaps unparalleled in the rich history of athletic achievement.
Toronto's Sundin provides scoring
OTTAWA (AP) -- Mats Sundin got Toronto off to a fast start in its playoff rematch with Ottawa.
Arena Football up to 47 -- yes, 47 -- teams
If success in sports is measured by staying power, it would be difficult to beat Arena Football. And if success is measured by rapid growth, well, Arena Football deserves credit in that area, too.
Red Sox win the first round in Yank rivalry
BOSTON (AP) -- Manny Ramirez made his first game as part of the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry a memorable one.
Here's another Jordan might return story
CHICAGO -- Make no mistake: Michael Jordan is more serious about a comeback than anyone suspects.
Sanchez-Vicario upsets Hingis
AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. (AP) -- Unable to hide her frustration, Martina Hingis bounced her racket off the spongy, green clay. She rolled her eyes. She slammed a ball into the ground, popping it onto the other side of the court.
Game ppd., roof panels (?)
TORONTO (AP) -- One game is already lost, and Friday's meeting of the Toronto Blue Jays and Kansas City Royals was in jeopardy after chunks of the retractable roof at SkyDome fell to the field.
Winfield shuns pinstripes
George Steinbrenner's attempts to get back into new Hall of Famer Dave Winfield's good graces by retiring his Yankees' No. 31 and giving him a day at Yankee Stadium weren't enough to convince Winf
Dallas owner Cuban fined again
NEW YORK (AP) -- Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban passed the half-million dollar mark in fines this season when the NBA charged him $100,000 Friday for making a derogatory gesture during a game earlier this week.
National Football League 2001 schedule
All Times Eastern
Raymond Kuschel
Raymond Kuschel, 90, Brainerd, died Thursday, April 12, 2001, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Frances M. Dickmann
LITTLE FALLS -- Frances M. Dickmann, 88, Randall, died Friday April 13, 2001, at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls.
Gary A. Brown
LAKE SHORE -- Gary Anthony Brown, 61, Lake Shore, died Sunday, April 8, 2001, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Dale E. Evans
CROSBY -- Dale Edward Evans, 77, Crosby, died Thursday, April 12, 2001, at the Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby.
Marjorie Vuchetich
Marjorie Vuchetich, 88, Brainerd, died Thursday, April 12, 2001, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Paul B. Howard
Paul B. Howard, 90, Brainerd, died Friday, April 13, 2001, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Raymond R. Kuschel
Raymond R. Kuschel, 90, Maple Grove Township, died Thursday, April 12, 2001, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Mary Ann Patrick
AITKIN -- Mary Ann Patrick, 73, Aitkin, died Friday, April 13, 2001, at the Riverwood Medical Center in Aitkin.
Kathleen A. Melde
Kathleen A. Melde, 77, Mission Township, died Friday April 13, 2001, at Woodland Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
John B. Jacobson
REDWOOD FALLS -- John B. Jacobson, 76 died Thursday April 12, 2001, at the Redwood Area Hospital in Redwood Falls.
Aaron M. Magnan
LITTLE FALLS -- Aaron Michael Magnan, 17, Little Falls, died Tuesday, April 10, 2001, as the result of a motor vehicle and bicycle accident.
Verna J. Pikus
CROSBY --Verna Julia Pikus, 88, Outing, died Saturday April 14, 2001, at the Cuyuna Regional Care Center in Crosby.
Kathleen A. Melde
MERRIFIELD -- Kathleen A. Melde, 77, Merrifield, died Friday, April 13, 2001, at Woodland Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Harvey E. Andersen
LITTLE FALLS -- Harvey E. Andersen, 94, Sauk Rapids and formerly of Little Falls, died Friday, April 13, 2001, at the Good Sheperd Lutheran Home in Sauk Rapids.
Dale E. Evans
CROSBY -- Dale E. Evans, 77, Crosby, died Thursday, April 12, 2001, at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby.
Vilma (Benson) Lundgren
SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. -- Vilma (Benson) Lundgren, 71, San Clemente, Calif., formerly of Brainerd, died Tuesday, April 3, 2001, in San Clemente.
Robert W. Connett
FORT SNELLING -- Robert W. Connett, 75, Merrifield and formerly of St. Paul, died Thursday, April 12, 2001.
Open Forum
Recently one of our community members "stepped across the line" at Fort Benning, Georgia and was arrested for trespassing. She has made a personal commitment to help close the notorious School of Americas. She is fully aware of the potential personal consequences of her act. But what are some of the consequences of this "school's" graduates?
Olson speaks out on his letters
Because of what has taken place at the Brainerd City Council meeting on Monday, April 2, I will explain to the citizens of Brainerd information about the two letters I wrote to state and federal officials.
Helping a vulnerable population
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcoho
Worth keeping - Dispatch Editorial
Self-reliance is a good concept. But sometimes Gov. Ventura pushes things too far.
Open Forum guidelines
The Dispatch encourages readers to contribute to the Open Forum.
Open Forum
Thank you to The Dispatch for the article about the School of the Americas in Georgia, where our tax money pays for training Latin American soldiers in the art of murder, torture and other human right abuses.
He is risen! Matthew 28:1-10 (RSV)
Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb.
A raid to remember
This week marks an event that may not have the infamy of Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, but does mark a moment that occurred not long after Brainerd residents were still dealing with the fall of Bataan.
Outdoor notes
Tommy Skarlis, winner of the PWT Mideast Pro-Am on the Detroit River, will speak at Bonanza Restaurant on Highway 371 in Brainerd at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
State archery shoot finds Brainerd hospitable host -- indoors
On the first weekend in April, as high winds and rain swept through Brainerd, 559 archers shot 33,540 arrows and not one missed the target.
Fishing report
BRAINERD/NISSWA - Shoreline ice conditions vary from lake to lake, but for the most part, you can still get on most of them. Crappies, sunfish, and perch continue to hit best on the Gull Lake Chain. As a general rule, look for active fish in 30 to 40 feet of water during the day and in 12 to 20 feet during low light periods.
Albinism has many phases, variations found in nature
Last week I wrote about color phases in birds and animals and touched briefly upon abnormal coloration. The topics were prompted by an e-mail from Tim Brown, a reader who told me about an albino squirrel that visits his home in St. Joseph.
Cure cabin fever by preparing for opening day now
Stubborn snow banks persist, rivers are raging at flood level, rain continually threatens to turn to snow, but the walleye and northern opener is only about a month away.
Pressure? What pressure? Repeat champion thrives in archery's most intense arena
Whether in the form of a buck deer in the woods or the X-ring on a target, all archers face pressure. How it's dealt with separates the successful from those who must wait 'till next year.
Time on the river gave Skarlis the knowledge he needed to win his first PWT title
Fish a river all your life, the saying goes, and it still will teach you something new every time out.
PWT records broken on Detroit River
Several PWT big-fish records were set at the recent Mideast Pro-Am April 4-6 on the Detroit River.
Trip to southern Illinois stokes warm feelings of spring
Doris and I registered for an Elderhostel scheduled for the last week in March, sponsored by Southern Illinois University, near Carbondale, Ill. Our daughter Carla offered to drive us there, as she wanted to spend some time sketching the wildflowers that grow in that area.
Silitz-Aldridge
Michelle Silitz and Gabe Aldridge were married March 10, 2001, at Faith Baptist Church in Brainerd with Pastor Jim Goodew officiating.
Engagement announced
Angie Collins and Brian Smolke announce their engagement. Parents are Mary Collins, Morris, the late Judge Terry P. Collins, and Edward and Nancy Smolke, Brainerd. A July 14 wedding is planned at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis.
Wedding planned
Taunya Merdan and Trevor Poser announce their engagement. Parents are Leonard and Janet Merdan, Avon, and Leonard and Diane Poser, Pierz. An April 28 wedding is planned at St. John's Abbey Church in Collegeville.
Wedding planned
Bethany Rachel McMillen and Richie Allan Bean announce their engagement. Parents are D. Dane and Judy McMillen, Pequot Lakes, and Mona Bean, Backus. A May 19 wedding is planned at Mildred Bible Chapel in Backus.
Wedding planned
Jennifer Thesing and Aric Caughey announce their engagement. Parents are Debra and Joe DeRosier, Fort Ripley, and Kevin Thesing and Dorothy Pohlkamp, Brainerd, and Debra and Thomas Caughey, Brainerd. A May 26 wedding is planned at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Brainerd.
Engagement announced
Patti Brand and Shawn Barclay announce their engagement. Parents are Carol and Ed Brand, St. Paul, and Ken and Judy Barclay, Merrifield. A July 14 wedding is planned in Brainerd.
Gehrls-Strole
Heidi Gehrls and Olov Strole were married Feb. 24, 2001, at Lakewood Evangelical Free Church in Baxter with Pastor Randy Ahlberg officiating.
Engagement announced
Christy Marie Schraut and Brian Allen Hormann announce their engagement. Parents are Mary Schraut, St. Cloud, Allen Schraut, Pierz, and Beverly and Gary Hormann, Rosemount. A June 23 wedding is planned.
Wedding planned
Amy Langteau and Jim Falconer announce their engagement. Parents are Don and Jan Langteau, Holcombe, Wis., and Jim and Marylee Falconer, Baxter. A June 23 wedding is planned at First Lutheran Church in Brainerd.
89th birthday
Sophie John will celebrate her 89th birthday Monday at the Long Prairie Nursing Home with her family and friends. She was born April 16, 1912, in Browerville.
Early accident doesn't deter Indy 500 rookie
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Nicolas Minassian had hoped his first day of the rookie orientation program at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway would be a little less eventful.
NASCAR adds to Earnhardt crash investigation
NASCAR, under scrutiny for its handling of the investigation following the death of Dale Earnhardt, has commissioned a comprehensive accident-reconstruction review by outside experts.
Rivers keep rising across state, but forecasts lowered
The irony has not escaped residents of Granite Falls.
Zappa's mother begged him to surrender
KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) -- The mother of a man accused of kidnapping a 17-year-old girl from outside a local mall says she spent hours on the telephone with her son before he surrendered to police.
Lighter rain lowers crest projections
FARGO, N.D. -- Red River Valley flood fighters are relieved to hear the river will not peak as high as earlier expected, but they plan to remain vigilant.
Newspaper poll: Ventura's approval rating dips 14 points
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Gov. Jesse Ventura's job-approval rating has fallen from a near-record high to its second-lowest level since he became governor more than two years ago, according a poll conducted by the Star Tribune of Minneapolis.
State survey says traffic congestion considered big problem for most people
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- About nine of 10 Minnesotans said reducing traffic congestion should be one of the Legislature's top priorities, according to a poll released Thursday from the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Union Pacific stops testing on workers
ST. PAUL (AP) -- A railroad company has agreed to temporarily halt a plan to employ a battery of tests on its employees -- including an optional blood test -- after a court hearing.
Nightlong negotiations to capture Zappa recounted
ROLLINS, Mont. -- The 17-year-old honor student relayed instructions, information and reassurance to her captor through an entire night. Then, in the stillness of a snowy, lakeside morning, with the cabin surrounded by police, Anne Sluti finally made the man take the phone and agree it was time to give up.
Judge to allow TV cameras at Olson SLA trial
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Television cameras will be allowed at Sara Jane Olson's trial on charges of trying to bomb police cars in 1975 to avenge the shootout deaths of Symbionese Liberation Army members, a court spokesman said Friday.
Warriors to induct 6
Five former athletes and one former community member will be inducted into the Brainerd Warriors Hall of Fame at the all-sports banquet April 30.
Women's pool championns
Ninth Street II won the Women's Country League pool championship this season. Team members include, Judi Vopatek (left), Shirley Schroeml, Darlene Gates, Wendy Neugebauer, Brenda Anderson. Not pictured: Wendy Tibbetts.
Bowling
THROUGH SUNDAY
Local sports shorts
Brainerd High School graduate Ally Graham of Augustana College won the 400-meter dash as the Vikings hosted the Midwest All-Lutheran track and field meet last week.
Local sports shorts
The Brainerd Area Lakers are practicing track and field each Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the gym at Brainerd High School.
Area events
COLLEGE BASEBALL
Scoreboard
COLLEGE BASEBALL
When it rains it pours Big innings doom Raiders as they lose a double-header to Itasca
It was a promising start. Bright, sunny, nothing on the horizon but blue sky. Then, the winds switched around and clouds moved in darkening the outlook for a pleasant day. After that, a little downpour turned into a shower that completely dampened the day's prospects.
Pioneers third in CMC indoor track meet
BECKER -- The Pierz Pioneers finished third in the Central Minnesota Conference boys' and girls' indoor track and field meets Thursday.
Detroit Lakes defeats S-M in tennis opener
STAPLES -- Seniors Luke Grandlund and Bob Anglin scored the only Staples-Motley wins in the Cardinals' 5-2 loss to Detroit Lakes in a season-opening Mid-State Conference tennis meet Thursday.
Raiders anxious to hit the links
Most golfers in the lakes area are warming up for the season in our own, uniquely northwood's style. That means idling past still barren golf courses and watching warmer golf climes on the tube. But, the Central Lakes College Raiders men's and women's golf teams are getting into their season in a more serious way.
U coach has been in trouble before
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Cheryl Littlejohn, the University of Minnesota women's basketball coach on paid leave while the school investigates possible NCAA violations in her program, has been in trouble before for breaking rules.
Guzman grows up Twins' shortstop is an emerging star
BYLINE3: MINNEAPOLIS -- Cristian Guzman is getting comfortable.
Player says Minnesota coach gave her $200
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesota women's basketball coach Cheryl Littlejohn gave former player Natea Motley $200 in possible violation of NCAA rules, a newspaper reported.
Twins capitalize on break, beat White Sox
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Manager Tom Kelly wants to give his Minnesota Twins the message that if they play aggressively, they'll start to get breaks.
Kobe, Shaq finding their groove
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The Combo is back in full force. And the supporting cast looks pretty good, too.
Clippers rise above crowd, defeat Timberwolves
LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Clippers established a franchise record with their 10th sellout Friday night and in the process entertained a Staples Center crowd of 18,964 with another stellar performance.
USA Baseball national team to play Northwoods League All-Stars
The Northwoods League, a summer-collegiate league entering its eighth year of operation in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa, will send its top players against the USA National Team 7:05 p.m. July 10 at Dick Putz Field in St. Cloud.
Thoughts on how computing should evolve
--The Windows-Menus-Mouse "desktop" interface, invented by Xerox and Apple and now universal, was a brilliant invention and is now obsolete. It wastes screen space on meaningless images, fails to provide adequate clues to what is inside the files represented by those blurry little images, forces users to choose icons for the desktop when the system could choose them better itself, and keeps users jockeying windows (like parking attendants rearranging cars in a pint-sized Manhattan lot) in a losing battle for an unimpeded view of the workspace -- which is, ultimately, unattainable.
Fantasy sports bring tangible profits
They're called fantasy sports, but there's nothing imaginary about the bottom-line appeal that these games hold for Web sites and online marketers that need to attract consumers.
New software aims to render obsolete old folder model
NEW YORK -- The way we compute today is wrong-headed. Commercial software is on the whole poorly designed, ugly and counterintuitive. It doesn't leverage even a fraction of the tremendous computing power now available.
Motivations for visiting sports sites vary
Of the many reasons people cite for going to Internet sports sites, fantasy sports is becoming a strong draw.
PC drivers can drive you crazy
There are many things about Windows PCs that can drive you crazy. One of them is a big group aptly called "drivers."
Iowa state forecast
Today...Sunny this morning...Increasing cloudiness later today. Highs 60 to 70.
Minnesota state forecast
Today...Partly sunny. A chance of showers or thunderstorms...Mainly west and north late. Highs from the 50s to lower 60s.
State forecast for North Dakota
Today...Partly sunny. A chance of afternoon rain showers west and central...Possibly a thundershower south central. Highs 50 to 60.
Wisconsin river residents brace for flood
LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) -- Volunteers worked under sunny skies Friday to build dikes and sandbag homes in low-lying areas along the Mississippi River, which was running a foot and a half above flood level and rising.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Partly to mostly sunny. A chance of afternoon showers far northwest. Highs in the 50s and 60s.
State forecast for south dakota
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy and breezy. A chance of light showers central and east. Highs in the mid 40s and 50s.
State forecast for north dakota
Today...Mostly cloudy. Morning snow northwest. Scattered rain and snow southwest. Rain showers likely east. Highs 45 to 55.
River cities wrap up flood preparations, take break and wait
Several Minnesota communities wrapped up the bulk of their floodfighting efforts Friday and took a breather as they waited for crests expected this weekend and next week.
Rural North Dakotans face continuing flood threat from Red River tributaries
FAIRMOUNT, N.D. -- The Bois de Sioux River's icy floodwaters encircle Arlen Spear's farmhouse and cover the floor of his shop. And the water is rising, as it did during 1997's record flood.
Easter is here
Weather drawing by Cassie Walters of Mrs. Brenny's third grade class at Baxter school.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Mostly sunny...Then increasing cloudiness west during the afternoon. A chance of afternoon showers far northwest. Highs mainly in the 50s. Turning cooler along lake michigan in the afternoon.
The Weather Elsewhere With Tomorrow's Temperature Forecast
Saturday
The Weather Elsewhere
Friday
Happy Easter
Weather drawing by Stacy Buscher of Mrs. Meyer's third grade class at Riverside school.
Minnesota state forecast.
Today...Cloudy west. Becoming cloudy east during the afternoon. A chance of rain or snow showers north. A chance of rain showers southwest and central. Highs from 40 north to the upper 50s southeast.
Iowa state forecast
Today...Sunny...Then increasing cloudiness across the west this afternoon. A chance of showers western half by late in the day. Highs in the mid 50s to mid 60s.
State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the mid 50s to mid 60s.
What's doing
The American Legion and Auxiliary will meet at 7 p.m. Monday for their regular meetings. The Legion and Auxiliary will have dinner at 6:30 p.m. There is a $2 donation for dinner.
Senior activities
LAKES AREA SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER
Organizations
Brainerd Jaycees
What's doing
North-South: Clayton Haglin and Mark Anderson, 120; Clif and LuVerne Johnson, 110.5; Ann Whalen and Phyllis DeRosier, 95; and Ray and Gladys Norrgard, 91.5. East-West: Al and Carol Kline, 99; Tom and Carol Vind, 92.5; Bruce Eastman and Bill Black, 87; and Don Rasmussen and Gordon Becker, 84.
Russian independent TV station taken over
MOSCOW -- Russia's gas giant Gazprom took control over Russia's only independent nationwide television network Saturday by kicking out journalists who refused its authority and installing a new team.
China ends search for missing pilot; mutes criticism of United States
BEIJING -- After almost two weeks of intense searching, China on Saturday ended its hunt for the pilot elevated to the status of national hero after his fighter jet collided with a U.S. spy plane.
Taiwan president urges U.S. to sell weapons to Taiwan
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) -- President Chen Shui-bian on Saturday urged Washington to sell his country high-tech weapons, saying advanced arms can help the island maintain a crucial military balance with rival China.
Boatload of children destined for slavery turned away
COTONOU, Benin (AP) -- A boat carrying scores of children believed to be destined for slavery was headed back to Benin after being turned away from two African ports, government officials said Friday.
Aviators face difficult South Pole trip to rescue sick doctor
WELLINGTON, New Zealand -- Twenty-four-hour darkness shrouding a runway carved out of ice and temperatures that turn airplane controls sluggish face U.S. aviators heading to the South Pole to try and rescue a sick American doctor.
Bomb explodes at Bangladesh New Year's celebrations, kills nine
DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP) -- A bomb exploded during a New Year's celebration early Saturday, killing nine people and injuring dozens of others at an open-air concert in Bangladesh's capital.
Alleged Jamaican-led narcotics ring kingpin arrested in Brooklyn
NEW YORK (AP) -- Police arrested an alleged drug kingpin who they say masterminded a Jamaican-led narcotics ring that used Federal Express employees to distribute 170 tons of Mexican marijuana on the East Coast.
French evacuate zone around WWI munitions
VIMY, France (AP) -- Police and psychologists worked Saturday to persuade a few dozen holdouts to leave an area near a dangerous stockpile of World War I munitions that officials fear could explode or leak toxic chemicals such as mustard gas.
British peacekeeper killed, two wounded in Kosovo
PRISTINA, Yugoslavia (AP) -- A vehicle manned by British peacekeepers on patrol near a Kosovo village bordering Macedonia struck an anti-tank mine that exploded, killing one soldier and wounding two others, NATO said.