Wednesday, May 9, 2001
Likely pick for SEC chief stirs concerns
Harvey L. Pitt, President Bush's apparent choice to head the Securities and Exchange Commission, is a high-profile securities lawyer who is well-regarded on Wall Street and in Washington regulatory circles.
Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Tuesday.
CLC to host Swami during Indian Philosophy Week
May 14-18 is Indian Philosophy Week at Central Lakes College, where the Brainerd campus will host Swami Chidamananda, a popular Eastern spiritual leader acclaimed for his ability to unfold complex concepts with ease.
Educators introduced to Microsoft's new Office XP package
Microsoft presented an introduction to its new Office XP package and support services for educators May 1 on the Brainerd campus of Central Lakes College.
Working students gain more access to education
Going back to school isn't necessarily a full-time endeavor. Especially for working adults with families and lives full of activity.
College costs
According to the College Board's 2000 "Trends in College Pricing" report:
CLC cites top 45 students
Forty-five students who have earned the highest grade point average during their enrollment on the Brainerd campus of Central Lakes College received Academic Achievement Awards at the May 1 Awards Day on the Brainerd campus.
Minnesota college savings program to get up and running
ST. PAUL -- Four years after it was created by the Legislature and days after becoming the subject of Gov. Jesse Ventura's first veto of the year, a state college savings program may be ready to go.
College savings accounts popular, despite drop in returns
LANSING, Mich. -- Sandra Wade has watched the stock market gyrate wildly over the past six months, but she isn't worried about her son's college savings account.
Saving for education
A majority of states now offer parents a way to save for their children's college education. As of March 30:
Retiring instructors, president honored at CLC
Four Central Lakes College instructors and retiring President Sally Ihne were honored Friday for their combined 116 years of service to education in the region.
Superintendent: Aitkin schools are in good shape
AITKIN -- While many schools in the state are experiencing financial difficulties, the Aitkin School District is in good shape.
Teachers make a difference every day
Imagine having a bachelor's degree and being paid $10,100 less than individuals in other professions with comparable education.
Outstanding people honored at CLC, Brainerd
The Brainerd campus of Central Lakes College held its annual Awards Day on May 1 and recognized the following individuals, as well as others:
Donation of formal dresses make prom dreams come true
DEAR ABBY: When my daughter was in college, she worked part-time as a coach in a nearby high school. One of the girls on the squad confided that she wouldn't be attending her senior prom because she didn't have the money to buy a dress. My daughter immediately offered to lend her one -- with shoes and jewelry to go with the outfit. The kid was thrilled.
Flavored recipes
Dear Heloise: I used to have recipes for flavored coffee and cocoa. These were the types made with powdered milk and mixed with hot water.
Advances in technologies help farmers
FARGO, N.D. (AP) -- This is not your father's farming operation.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Tuesday 136, a year ago 184.
Farmer fancies native grass over corn, soybeans
OWATONNA -- Don Vogt isn't afraid to try new things.
String of children killed in farm accidents raises safety issue
MIDDLETOWN, Pa. -- Tom Williams raised four sons on the dairy farm where he spent his own childhood. To him, injuries are an unfortunate part of growing up on a farm.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Monday cattle: 250.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) (USDA) -- Tuesday cattle: 850 includes 50 feeder cattle.
How to reach federal lawmakers
Sen. Paul Wellstone
25th anniversary
David and Dorothy Bock, Brainerd, will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary today with their family. They were married May 8, 1976, in Brainerd.
Births
St. Joseph's Medical Center
Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Monday.
Nancy Lopez fails to qualify for U.S. Open
DULUTH, Ga. (AP) -- Standing above the 18th green at a country club north of Atlanta, Nancy Lopez matter-of-factly discussed her failure to qualify for the U.S. Women's Open when suddenly, without warning, the tears began flowing.
House medalist; Warrior boys second
LITTLE FALLS -- Ben House was the medalist as the Brainerd Warriors boys' golf team was edged out of first place by Alexandria at the Little Falls Invitational Tuesday.
Spring lessons offered
Community spring golf lessons are being offered at the Crosswoods Golf course in Crosslake. It's a five-session lesson and the cost is $25. For more information contact Jack Stone at (218) 692-3686.
Aitkin girls runners-up in golf
AITKIN -- The Aitkin Gobblers girls' golf team was runner-up in its invitational Monday at Cuyuna Country Club. Onamia was first with 205 strokes followed by Aitkin with 257 and Hinckley-Finlayson 264.
Warm-up time is important
I see it all the time a golfer pulls up to the bag drop, parks their car, rushes into the pro shop, and they are off to the tee.
Golf shorts
Thanks to a decisive win over Peoples Security, Dettbarn Construction launched itself into first place in the Men's Twilight Golf League at Pine Meadows May 3.
Eagles Landing has its own personality
FORT RIPLEY -- If you don't notice the new golf carts at Eagles Landing Golf Club don't worry.
Senate releases details of $609 million tax proposal
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Two weeks before the 2001 legislative ends for the year, the Senate released details on Monday of its $609 million tax plan -- in two chunks.
Bush coming forward with first judicial picks
WASHINGTON -- President Bush is nominating 11 conservatives to federal appeals courts, after scaling back the size of his first slate of judicial picks in response to Democratic objections.
Potty proposal
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Get your quarters ready -- for the first time since 1975, pay toilets and urinals would be allowed under Minnesota law.
Funding bill clears Senate with abortion measure intact
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Ignoring Gov. Jesse Ventura's veto threat, the Senate approved a $6.7 billion bill Tuesday that ties funding for nursing homes, hospitals and welfare programs with a measure that sets new guidelines for abortions.
Keep in touch with state legislators
Area legislators and how to contact them.
New Alzheimer's guidelines released
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- People diagnosed with persistent short-term memory loss have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and should be aggressively monitored by their physicians, according to new guidelines released Monday.
Sweet booze attracting teen drinkers, consumer group says
WASHINGTON (AP) -- "Hard lemonades" and other fruit-flavored malt drinks meant for adults old enough to drink are luring teen-agers, consumer advocates contend.
Antidepressant use soars in youth, study finds
NEW ORLEANS -- The use of antidepressants soared among children and teen-agers between 1988 and 1994, a study says.
Study shows contraceptive patch as safe and effective as the pill
CHICAGO -- The world's first contraceptive patch -- now awaiting U.S. government approval -- is as safe and effective as the pill, and easier to remember to use, research suggests.
Hasselberg leads young squad of Staples-Motley golfers
STAPLES -- Some may say Mary Hasselberg carries the weight of the world on her shoulders, but she wouldn't know what they are talking about.
Books can be guide to recreation
Some outdoors activities start vicariously indoors, with books:
Area briefs
CROSBY -- The Crosby-Ironton Senior Citizens Club will hold its monthly meeting and potluck at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in the Cuyuna Range Community Center, Crosby.
Baby-sitting class scheduled in Staples
STAPLES -- Lakewood Health System is offering a baby-sitting course from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday in the lower level classrooms at Greater Staples Hospital.
Pillager, S-M softball coaches look to build programs
Just west of Brainerd two softball coaches are beginning a building process that both hope won't take too long.
Compassionate Pierz teen helps children with disabilities
PIERZ -- It is difficult for many children with physical or developmental disabilities to make friends. They may not be invited to birthday parties or sleepovers. Once they become teen-agers, it can be more difficult finding friends to go to movies or to prom.
Pequot runner Jacobs hopes luck is on his side this year
PEQUOT LAKES -- To say Mike Jacobs has regrets would be an understatement.
Bus accident
A Four Seasons towing operator checked the damage of a Dodge pickup that had rear-ended a Brainerd school bus Monday afternoon. The driver of the pickup suffered a broken leg.
COMING THURSDAY
Four mystery writers will bring their "Minnesota Crime Wave" tour to Little Falls. Look for the story Thursday in Tempo.
Diane Peterson is presented national award
Diane Peterson, cheer program coordinator at Brainerd High School, was selected by the National Federation of High School Associations as the "National Distinguished Interscholastic Spirit Contributor of the Year" for 2000.
Council OKs buying TV cameras
The Brainerd City Council Monday approved the purchase of $22,000 in equipment designed to televise city council meetings.
Proposed mobile home closing ordinance fails
A proposed mobile home park closing ordinance failed to move forward before the Brainerd City Council Monday for lack of support.
Qwest seeks to be sold to Citizens
Whether a proposed sale of telecommunications will provide area residents with more services -- from voice mail to high-speed Internet access -- remains a question.
County adds support to water district
The Crow Wing County Board agreed Tuesday to support the establishment of a water district in the Cuyuna Range.
Council approves bringing on chief
The Brainerd City Council, by a 6-1 vote Monday, approved bringing on board a new police chief despite pending legal issues.
This was Brainerd
MAY 9 - 80 years ago (1921) Coolest place in town: New Lyceum theater today and Tuesday. 10 and 15. Double feature: Tom Mix in "Hands Off" and Buster Keaton in the "Haunted House."
CLC graduation ceremonies next week
Central Lakes College will hold graduation ceremonies next week for nearly 700 graduates from its Staples and Brainerd campuses.
Society to award area grants
Sen. Don Samuelson, DFL-Brainerd, announced recently that the Minnesota Historical Society has approved grants-in-aid to history projects in the Brainerd area.
Grants awarded
The Little Falls-based Initiative Foundation announced April grants and two area community service opportunities through Volunteers in Service to America.
Panel suggests creating county parks department
The Crow Wing County Land and Parks Committee suggested Monday the county establish a park department.
Missing Crosby man still sought
CROSBY -- Authorities today continue the search for Richard Charles "Charlie" Mills, a 63-year-old Crosby resident last seen walking on County Road 12 Monday afternoon.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1981)-Daily Dispatch staff photographer Steve Kohls won three awards at the annual Minnesota Associated Press photograph contest in Minneapolis Friday. Kohls was presented two first-place honors and a third place award.
Missing Crosby man found in Denver
CROSBY -- Nearly 48 hours after he was last seen walking near Crosby, Richard Charles "Charlie" Mills was found alive and well this morning in Denver.
YAR elects officers, seeks board members
Youth As Resources of Crow Wing County elected officers for the coming year.
Land trust hosts informational meeting
NISSWA -- The Heartland Lakes Chapter of the Minnesota Land Trust will host an informational meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Nisswa City Hall.
Friends are stunned by Charlie Mills' strange journey from Crosby to Denver
CROSBY -- Friends and family are stunned how Richard Charles "Charlie" Mills turned up in Denver about 48 hours after he was last seen in Crosby, but they're thrilled the Crosby man survived the ordeal.
14 children hurt
Fourteen children were injured after a bus they were riding was rear-ended by a truck Monday afternoon on Highway 210 north of Anderson Brothers Construction.
Anglers trashed lake
GARRISON -- It looked as if the remains of a shipwreck had somehow blown onto the shores of Mille Lacs Lake.
Building shows increased activity in Crow Wing
Residents and contractors in Crow Wing County were busy pounding nails last month.
Top commanders recommend review of air patrols over Iraq, mainly due to danger to U.S. pilots
WASHINGTON -- The two U.S. military commanders overseeing the no-fly zones in Iraq have recommended that the Bush administration sharply reduce the number of patrols conducted by American and British pilots, mainly because of the mounting danger that an allied plane could be shot down, a Pentagon official said Tuesday.
Study: Militia movement on decline
WASHINGTON -- Five years after it reached a peak, the anti-government militia movement has dwindled in numbers to "a shadow of its former self," according to a study released Tuesday.
Florida teen cross-examined on handling of gun before teacher shot
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- A prosecutor grilled Nathaniel Brazill on Wednesday on the actions the boy took before the fatal shooting of his favorite teacher.
Motorists in shock again as gas prices jump; $3-a-gallon may follow
CHICAGO -- Summer vacations are just around the corner, and once again soaring gasoline prices are driving some motorists around the bend.
Jews sue for restitution of treasures
MIAMI (AP) -- A group of Hungarian Holocaust survivors and their heirs have sued the United States seeking restitution for treasures allegedly stolen by the Nazis and later taken by U.S. troops.
U.S. productivity drops first time in six years
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Americans' productivity, a key measure of rising living standards, fell at a 0.1 percent rate in the first quarter as the economy weakened. The decline was the first in six years.
Four children stabbed at school
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- A man who rambled and said "stuff that made no sense" stabbed four children at an elementary school Monday before he was subdued by police, authorities and witnesses said.
Heat wave, blackouts hit California
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- As temperatures soared to record levels in parts of California, blackouts cut electricity to more than 100,000 customers in what power grid operators warned was a preview of summer.
Appeals court acts to delay Olson case
In a highly unusual move, a California appeals court has ordered the trial of alleged Symbionese Liberation Army member Sara Jane Olson delayed until September unless a judge in the case can convince it otherwise.
Probe of Robert Blake's wife's death continues
LOS ANGELES -- A few weeks before Robert Blake's wife was murdered, a stranger began showing up in front of the actor's Studio City home, according to his lawyer and a private investigator.
Peaceful protests follow misdemeanor-only charges in police shooting
CINCINNATI -- Misdemeanor charges filed against a white police officer who fatally shot an unarmed black man brought outrage from the victim's mother but mostly peaceful protests in a city scarred by racial tension.
Cheney hints at details of administration's energy plan
WASHINGTON -- President Bush's energy task force will recommend regulatory changes to encourage the construction of new power plants and tax credits for the purchase of cars that run on a combination of gas and electricity, administration officials said Tuesday.
Arkansas man executed for killing five
VARNER, Ark. (AP) -- The state executed a murderer Tuesday who said he wouldn't appeal his sentence because it would bring more torment to the families of his five victims.
Elton John guitarist's son drowns in pool
LOS ANGELES -- The 9-year-old son of a guitarist for Elton John drowned Monday evening when a small tent he was playing in fell into the family's swimming pool in Calabasas, authorities said.
Man dies after softball hits him
FUQUAY-VARINA, N.C. (AP) -- A father of two died after being hit in the head with a softball during a church league game.
Poll: Majority support closed-circuit execution telecast
WASHINGTON (AP) -- While few Americans say they would want to watch the execution of Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh, a slim majority in an Associated Press poll say they support allowing survivors and victims' relatives to witness it in a special closed circuit telecast.
Postal governors OK higher non-first class rates
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Postage rates are going up on July 1.
Rumsfeld unveils space defense plan
WASHINGTON -- Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld announced a Pentagon reorganization plan Tuesday that he called the first step toward protecting U.S. satellites from hostile attack, but critics charged that it is intended to project American power and weapons technology into orbit.
Tobacco companies to forfeit $709 million to appeal Florida verdict
In a surprise deal with anti-tobacco lawyers, three tobacco companies Monday agreed to forfeit $709 million even if they succeed in reversing an astronomical damage award in a class-action case in Florida.
Mass transfer creates crisis for Alabama's overcrowded prisons
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Alabama's prisons are full, and the county jails are so crowded that dozens of inmates have been left to sleep on tables and floors.
Father blames school play in suicide of second son
SWANZEY, N.H. (AP) -- The father of a student-athlete who killed himself 19 months after his older brother did says the younger teen should never have been given the lead role in a school play about suicide.
Study: New drugs fuel prescription spending
WASHINGTON (AP) -- New drugs aimed at controlling arthritis, high cholesterol and stomach ailments are helping drive increases in overall spending on prescriptions, a new study shows.
NBA's Sixth Man
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Aaron McKie, who helped the Philadelphia 76ers capture their first Atlantic Division title since 1990, won the NBA's Sixth Man Award.
Duncan leads Surs past Dallas for 2-0 lead
SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- The Dallas Mavericks trailed 2-0 against Utah and rallied for an upset. That time, they weren't facing a focused and hungry Tim Duncan.
Devils force series to 7th game
TORONTO (AP) -- Jason Arnott had a goal and an assist as the defending Stanley Cup champion New Jersey Devils forced a seventh game with a 4-2 victory Monday night over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Penguins force series to 7th game
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Martin Straka got the victory. Mario Lemieux got the save.
Shaq records amazing double
LOS ANGELES -- Wilt Chamberlain never managed to do what Shaquille O'Neal just did.
Johnson strikes out 20
PHOENIX (AP) -- Too bad it didn't end in nine innings for Randy Johnson.
Marjorie I. Vuchetich
Marjorie Isabel Vuchetich, 88, Brainerd, died Thursday, April 12, 2001, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Nancy M. Haglund
CLOQUET -- Nancy Marilyn Haglund, 56, Cloquet, died Monday, May 7, 2001, at Cloquet Community Memorial Hospital.
William B. Seep
AITKIN -- William B. Seep, 87, Aitkin, formerly of St. Cloud, died Tuesday, May 1, 2001, at the Riverwood Health Care Center in Aitkin.
Leona C. Roden
LITTLE FALLS -- Leona C. Roden, 79, Little Falls, died Monday, May 7, 2001, at home.
Leona C. Roden
LITTLE FALLS -- Leona C. Roden, 79, Little Falls, died Monday, May 7, 2001, at her home.
Dennis E. Conrad
BAXTER -- Dennis E. Conrad, 61, Baxter, died Sunday, May 6, 2001, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Glenn Bennett
CROSSLAKE -- Glenn Bennett, 80, Crosslake, died today, May 8, 2001, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Jennifer Ann Gates
EDINA -- Jennifer Ann Gates, 27, Eden Prairie, died Monday, May 7, 2001, at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina.
Glenn E. Bennett
CROSSLAKE -- Glenn Earl Bennett, 80, Crosslake, died Tuesday, May 8, 2001, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Evelyn Regnell
FLENSBURG -- Evelyn Regnell, 83, Flensburg, died Tuesday, May 8, 2001, at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls.
'Must-sleaze' TV?
Too bad the Hollywood writers didn't strike. It might have provided a respite from the air pollution some of them crank out which is inappropriately labeled ``entertainment.''
It's playtime - Dispatch Editorial
The verbal alarm about out-of-shape children was sounded a few weeks ago by Surgeon General David Satcher and it has the familiar ring of a recess bell waiting to be answered.
Asking the right questions
Maybe the most important question facing the Social Security reform commission President Bush appointed last week is deciding which question to ask.
Minnesota 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.
The Dispatch's editorial views
Editorial views in The Brainerd Dispatch represent a consensus of opinion by members of the newspaper's editorial board.
Open Forum
Sunday, May 13 is Mother's Day, a day to celebrate the cherished bond between mother and child. Unfortunately, American dairy cows, recognized throughout the world as the symbol of motherhood, are denied the opportunity to nurture their babies.
Teen pregnancies
That's not the case with the Crow Wing County Teen Pregnancy Prevention Coalition. More than a decade ago a cross-section of concerned individuals was stirred into action by the alarming figures that ranked Crow Wing County sixth out of 87 Minnesota counties in the number of teen pregnancies.
Open Forum
While there were many things to like about the Health and Human Services Omnibus Finance Bill that came before the House Health and Human Services Finance Committee last week, I voted against it because of what the bill didn't do.
House weighs in on Twins stadium
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The full House took its first vote on the Twins stadium issue this year, approving a procedural motion Monday that gives the ballpark bid new life two weeks before the session adjourns.
Dayton aims to close dairy export 'loophole'
WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. Sen. Mark Dayton introduced legislation Wednesday that would increase tariffs on milk protein concentrates, which the dairy industry blames for depressing milk prices.
Pastor convicted of criminal sexual conduct for affair with parishioner
FERGUS FALLS (AP) -- A jury has convicted a former pastor of criminal sexual conduct for having an extramarital affair with a parishioner.
92% of sophomores pass writing test
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The passing rate among Minnesota high school sophomores on a required writing exam shot up to 92 percent this year, a 6-point gain over last year's results for public school 10th graders.
Locks and dams close to opening
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Locks and dams on the Mississippi River from Minneapolis to northern Iowa are tentatively set to open on Wednesday, nearly two months after the start of an average navigation season.
Dalai Lama addresses Legislature
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The Dalai Lama told the Minnesota Legislature on Wednesday that human intelligence has created many of the world's problems, but it also holds the solution.
Study: Traffic congestion increasing, and Twin Cities getting stuck faster
WASHINGTON -- Drivers in Los Angeles spend an average of 56 hours a year -- more than a work week -- stuck in traffic. In Atlanta, the figure is 53 hours, double that of just seven years ago, says a report documenting America's nagging highway congestion.
Grand Marais man charged in wife's death
GRAND MARAIS (AP) -- A rural Grand Marais man who suffered from mental illness killed his wife in the belief that she had poisoned his dinner, according to murder charges filed Tuesday.
Walker Art Center may close for up to a year during expansion
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Walker Art Center may close for up to a year during its $90 million expansion, administrative director David Galligan said.
Northwest mechanics easily favor new contract
ROMULUS, Mich. -- Mechanics and cleaners at Northwest Airlines easily approved a contract proposal reached after more than four years of negotiations and a near-walkout, a union member confirmed Wednesday.
Flyers edge Willmar in tennis
WILLMAR -- The Little Falls Flyers tennis team nipped Willmar 4-3 in Central Lakes Conference competition Tuesday.
Junior Olympic boxing at Wadena
The Junior Olympic state boxing tournament, featuring Minnesota junior boxers ages 10-16, is scheduled at the Wadena Armory 7 p.m. Saturday, May 19, and 1 p.m. Sunday, May 20.
Brainerd JV tennis beats Apollo
The Brainerd Warriors junior varsity tennis team defeated St. Cloud Apollo 3-2 Monday.
Scoreboard
Tuesday
Cardinals third at Menagha-Sebeka meet
MENAGHA -- The Staples-Motley Cardinals boys' golf team finished third and the Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines placed ninth at the Menagha-Sebeka invitational at Blueberry Pines Tuesday.
Brainerd edges Sartell in softball
SARTELL -- Lindsey Thompson stole third base and scored on an error in the top of the seventh inning to give the Brainerd Warriors a 4-3 victory over the Sartell Sabres in a Central Lakes Conference softball game Tuesday.
Pequot boys, girls second in Patriots invitational
PEQUOT LAKES -- Jeremiah Duval and Teresa Parker each won two events to help the Pequot Lakes boys' and girls' track and field teams to runner-up finishes at the Patriots' Invitational Tuesday.
Scoreboard
GIRLS GOLF
Local shorts
The Brainerd Mighty Gulls announce the signing of three players for the 2001 Northwoods League season from Neosho County Community College in Kansas.
Sauk Rapids storms past Warriors
If Mike Zauhar and the Brainerd Warriors softball team received a dollar for every time they faced a great pitcher they would have $13.
Warrior tennis team stays perfect at 7-0
The Brainerd Warriors tennis team improved to 7-0 in the Central Lakes Conference and overall by edging the St. Cloud Apollo Eagles 4-3 Monday.
Grossman, Murray lead Cardinals
MENAHGA -- The Staples-Motley Cardinals won for the second straight week at the Mid-Minnesota Conference boys' golf meet Monday with a 214.
Warrior boys third, girls fourth in True Team section
ALEXANDRIA -- The Brainerd Warrior boys' team placed third and the girls' squad was fourth in the Section 8, Class 3A True Team track and field meet Tuesday.
Brainerd fourth in CLC golf
WILLMAR -- Lisa Renneke's 46 helped the Brainerd Warriors girls' golf team place fourth in Central Lakes Conference action Monday.
Bramer pitches Verndale past Pine River-Backus 5-2
PINE RIVER -- Chris Bramer pitched a complete game, allowing only five hits and no earned runs with six strikeouts, to lead the Verndale Pirates past the Pine River-Backus Tigers 5-2 in Park Region Conference play on Tuesday.
Anderson, Tuchscherer, Warriors reach 8-0
The Brainerd Warriors tennis team is rolling through the Central Lakes Conference, picking up momentum as it goes.
Bach, Flyers sweep Alexandria
LITTLE FALLS -- Shanna Bach pitched 15 innings in two games, struck out four and gave up just two runs on six hits to lead the Little Falls Flyers over the Alexandria Cardinals 2-1 and 6-1 in Central Lakes Conference softball Tuesday.
Lineup experiment pays off; Warriors dump Sartell
Even though the Brainerd Warriors baseball team had won nine of its first 12 games, head coach Lowell Scearcy tinkered with his lineup Tuesday in hopes of increasing productivity as the postseason approaches.
Raiders pull off sweep
WILLMAR -- Erin Thiesse of the Central Lakes College softball team played more like Sammy Sosa as she hit four home runs and had seven RBI as the Raiders ended the regular season with a doubleheader sweep of Ridgewater Monday.
Pequot Lakers knocks off Tigers in softoball
PINE RIVER --Emma Hoglund pitched a one hitter to lead the Pequot Lakes Patriots over the Pine River-Backus Tigers to improve their Park Region Conference record to 6-1 in softball Monday.
Milton stops Yankees with 4-hitter in series opener
NEW YORK (AP) -- Eric Milton stood on the Yankee Stadium mound trying to finish off his former team on a night he didn't have his best stuff.
Ugly fans aren't helping Twins
For nine years Minnesota sports fans have been embarrassed by the Twins.
Pierz wins again
CLEARWATER -- Mary Virnig led the Pierz Pioneers girls' golf team with a 47 as they won their fourth golf meet in a row Monday.
Verndale silences Rebels
VERNDALE -- Chad Christianson pitched seven innings and gave up four runs and struck out six as the Verndale Pirates defeated the Eagle Valley Rebels 6-4 in a non-conference baseball Monday.
Twins, Yanks meet in Big Apple
NEW YORK -- What happens when the Twins and Yankees meet tonight?
Backus senior housing clears hurdle
BACKUS -- The Backus City Council voted Monday to authorize the Backus Economic Development Authority to issue and sell up to $275,000 of general obligation revenue bonds for a senior housing project and to proceed toward construction.
Area briefs
PEQUOT LAKES -- A Parents/Children for Non-Violence Celebration will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Pequot Lakes.
Cuyuna trail plan explained to board
If the Cuyuna Lakes Trail Association plan for a trail system becomes a reality the Cuyuna Range area could see the system extend for 40 miles or more.
Stamp to herald opener
PEQUOT LAKES -- Stamp collectors can get a piece of history this weekend at the Governor's Fishing Opener.
Backus explores whether to adopt state building code
BACKUS -- The Backus City Council's exploration of whether to adopt the state building code will go back to a now-expanded study committee following Monday's public hearing on the issue.
Basshenge: A new monument to music in northern Minnesota
BIRCHDALE (AP) -- Egypt has its pyramids and the Salisbury Plains their Stonehenge. Now Highway 11 near Birchdale, located on the Rainy River about 40 miles west of International Falls, will have its own colossal monument -- Basshenge.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Partly sunny south and central. Mostly cloudy north with a chance of showers. Highs in the 60s to lower 70s.
Iowa state forecast
Today...Increasing cloudiness northwest with a chance of late day thunderstorms. Mostly sunny elsewhere. Highs in the 80s.
State forecast for North Dakota
Today...Partly to mostly sunny. Highs from the mid 50s northeast to the mid 70s southwest.
State forecast for North Dakota
Today...Partly cloudy. Widely scattered showers east. Possibly a thunderstorm southeast. Windy with highs in the mid 60s to mid 70s.
I love mom
Weather drawing by Summer Reyna of Sharon Jendro's first grade class at Lowell school.
Minnesota state forecast
Today...A chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Some thunderstorms could be severe. Highs from the middle 60s north to the lower 80s south.
Iowa state forecast
Today...Partly cloudy south with isolated showers and thunderstorms this afternoon. Mostly sunny north. Highs in the 70s.
Spring rainbow
Weather drawing by Cassie Walters of Mrs. Brenny's third grade class at Baxter school.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Becoming mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms northwest. Partly to mostly sunny elsewhere. Highs in the 70s. Cooler near lake michigan.
The Weather Elsewhere
Wednesday
Temperatures soar in Calif.; Rockies get rain
Showers were moving across the Rockies and into the northern Plains early Wednesday, while temperatures in the Southwest were expected to climb into the 100s for a second straight day.
The Weather Elsewhere
Tuesday
Minnesota state forecast
Today...Scattered morning showers northeast and north central. Decreasing clouds north this afternoon. Mostly sunny south. Highs in the 50s north and 60s south.
Regional Weather
HighLowPR
State forecast forSouth Dakota
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. A chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms overall but the northwest. Highs in the upper 60s northwest to the upper 80s extreme southeast.
State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Mostly sunny to partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 60s northeast to near 80 southwest.
Names and faces
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Her book deal was no more enduring than her TV show. Bette Midler won't be writing a tell-all detailing her failed bid to become a TV comedy star.
Study: Elderly Americans are enjoying more vigorous old age
WASHINGTON -- More than eight out of 10 elderly Americans are able to take care of themselves on their own, demonstrating that they are not only living longer, but also more vigorously, a study shows.
What's doing
The public is invited to participate in games, a silent auction, hair beading and a cakewalk. Food also will be available.
Research suggests positive attitude could prolong life
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- If you're happy and you know it -- you just may live longer.
Jealousy could grow into big problem
DEAR ABBY: In all of my 50 years, this is the first time I have felt compelled to write. It's about your response to "No Vacancy in Indiana," the mother whose 15-year-old son went to live with his father but wanted to keep his old bedroom. Your response was right on, but it didn't go far enough. That boy needs professional help in dealing with his jealousy of the 5-year-old sister from the second marriage. If his feelings remain untreated, it will poison all his future relationships.
A technical solution
Dear Heloise: As a technical-service representative for a satellite company, I get tons of phone calls every day in which people have difficulty identifying serial numbers and which cord goes to which device.
Names and faces
NEW YORK (AP) -- Lawyers for Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani's estranged wife have asked a judge to bar Giuliani's companion from Gracie Mansion, the mayor's official residence.
Two Israeli teens stoned to death on West Bank
TEKOA, West Bank -- Two 14-year-old Israeli boys were bludgeoned to death with rocks and their bodies discovered in a West Bank cave Wednesday. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said they were victims of "Palestinian terror."
China: U.S. spy plane will not be permitted to fly home
BEIJING -- China protested the resumption of American surveillance flights off its coast Tuesday and said it will not allow the damaged U.S. Navy spy plane detained after a collision with a Chinese fighter jet to fly home under its own power.
Twelve dead after gold mine explosion
It was not clear what had caused the explosion, said Marion Brower, spokeswoman for Gold Fields, the company that owns the mine. She did not know how many miners remained missing.
Jordan to resume regular flights to Iraq within month
AMMAN, Jordan (AP) -- Jordan's state airline plans to resume regular flights to Iraq within a month, Information Minister Taleb Rifai said Wednesday.
German school damaged by misfired U.S. Army tank rounds
BERLIN (AP) -- The U.S. Army said Wednesday it was investigating an incident in which two rounds fired by a Bradley armored vehicle hit the roof of a school in southern Germany, causing some damage.
In Iran, Castro says U.S. 'imperialist king' destined to fall like Iran's king
TEHRAN, Iran -- The United States is an "imperialist king" destined to fall, just as the U.S.-supported king of Iran fell in the 1979 Islamic revolution, Cuban President Fidel Castro told Iranians on Wednesday.