Saturday, May 13, 2000
Business notes
PEQUOT LAKES -- Pequot Lakes Community Education is offering an Access MN - E-Commerce Workshop from 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday and again May 23 & 24 at Pequot Lakes School.
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the best airline?
EAGAN -- Northwest Airlines took a close look at the competition and then held up a mirror to itself.
Biz buzz
Northeast Brainerd's business district may be changing if plans announced last week for an East Brainerd Mall update follow through to action.
Resorters taking summer off
Gilbert Lake Resort boats will stay on shore this opening day.
Police bicycles
Brainerd Police Department officer Terry Cocker (left); Roger LaPointe, Mid-Minnesota Federal Credit Union; Jim Hartman, Jim Kron, both with Credit America; Rollie Smith, Eagles Club; and Troy Schreifels, Brainerd Police Department, look over the two new professional police bicycles donated to the department in cooperation with the Brainerd Eagles Club, Mid-Minnesota Federal Credit Union and Credit America.
Fed expected to raise interest rates
NEW YORK -- The Federal Reserve's slow and steady approach to cooling the economy hasn't worked, leaving most analysts convinced that when central bankers meet on Tuesday, they will raise interest rates a half-percentage point, the steepest increase since February 1995.
Duluth businesses aim to help save earth, one cup at a time
DULUTH (AP) -- New business owner Jason Wussow harbors no illusions his small coffee shop will stunt America's growing glut of garbage.
Around the watercooler
RISING GAS PRICES: With the price of gasoline rising, Americans are changing the way they drive and the way they live, according to a survey by Progressive, an Ohio-based auto insurance company.
Potlatch facility to receive generator
Minnesota Power and Potlatch Corp. have agreed to install a 24-megawatt turbine generator at the Potlatch facility in Cloquet.
Borgwarth receives MTGA's Ranelius Award
NISSWA -- Hanspeter Borgwarth, Nisswa, is the 2000 recipient of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association Ranelius Award.
History of Gilbert Lake Resort
History for the Gilbert Lake Resort traces back through Crow Wing County's early years.
High fuel costs prompt Continental to raise fares
DALLAS (AP) -- The rising cost of fuel has forced Continental Airlines to raise fares again, the company said.
Wisconsin auto parts supplier relocating to state
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- A company that manufactures truck frames told 400 Milwaukee employees Thursday it plans to transfer production to the Twin Cities.
Smart shoppers fight higher credit card rates
NEW YORK -- As the Federal Reserve pushes interest rates higher, many consumers are seeing the interest they pay on credit card balances moving up. But with some smart shopping, they might be able to pay less to use plastic.
USDA forecasts big crops, falling prices this year
WASHINGTON -- Prices for many crops are likely to fall again this year, the government said Friday, but federal subsidies and an expected multibillion-dollar bailout from Congress will more than make up the difference.
Continental raises fares; Northwest matches some, but not others
DALLAS -- Continental Airlines has raised fares again, but most other carriers did not match the increases immediately, and analysts said the outcome might not be clear until Monday.
Survey: Gas prices expected to rise in summer
LONDON -- Greater crude oil supplies helped ease gasoline prices in April, but a surge in the number of people driving during the summer is expected to push up prices at the pump soon, a respected industry survey said Thursday.
Churches
St. Paul's Church will have its annual plant sale from 8 a.m. Saturday until all plants are sold. There will be many types of indoor and outdoor plants.
Four-day Catholic Church conference symbolizes stronger role in Mexican life
MEXICO CITY (AP) -- Thousands of Mexicans attended a Mass for the sick, culminating a four-day national religious conference designed to claim a larger public role for the Catholic Church after 150 years of marginalization.
Parents' tough love is one answer to teen's rebellion
QUESTION: You have recommended that parents be willing to apologize to their kids when they are wrong and to ''stay on your child's team'' even when it's a losing team. This is difficult for me because my son is in full-blown rebellion at this time. He's using drugs, flunking his classes and giving us fits at home. Is there a time to forget the nicey-nice stuff and get tough with a teen-ager?
New Ohio motto proposed, after court ruling outlawing biblical motto
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Readers of The Plain Dealer have offered many nominations -- some sarcastic -- for a new Ohio state motto.
Area Christian camp enters 68th season
Since 1932, attendance has grown from 90 to as many as 1,200 campers a summer who benefit from the fun, friendships and Christian teaching included in the area Camp JIM experience.
CBS offers a post-Superstar Jesus
It's nostalgia time again on Broadway, with revivals of two period pieces: ''The Music Man,'' which fondly recalls Iowa circa 1900; and ''Jesus Christ Superstar,'' which is set in New Testament times but evokes the nothing-sacred America of the 1970s.
Fire
The Brainerd Fire Department responded Thursday to a cut gas line in front of Northern Waste in the Baxter Industrial Park.
Agendas
Nisswa City Council
Accidents
MILLE LACS -- The State Patrol reported one child was injured Friday in a two-vehicle accident on Highway 169, 11 miles north of Onamia.
Crime
VANDALISM --Theresa Zimpel, 10000 block of Cooley Drive Southeast, Wednesday reported vandalism to her vehicle while it was parked at Barnaba's Health Care.
Court
WALKER -- The following recently appeared in Cass County District Court:
Accident
AITKIN -- The State Patrol reported two people were injured Thursday in a two-vehicle accident on Highway 169, about 15 miles north of Aitkin.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Thursday cattle: 500.
Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Friday.
Agendas
Brainerd City Council
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Friday 200, a year ago 48.
Marriage licenses
Jeffrey C. Arns, 19, Merrifield, and Laura L. Kramer, 18, Brainerd.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Friday cattle: 600.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Thursday 208, a year ago 101.
School lunch menus
MONDAY -- B-Cereal, bread, fruit. L-Stuffed crust pizza, salad/dressing, pears, cookies.
Love in hunt again, this time with lead
IRVING, Texas (AP) -- The problem for Davis Love III is finishing second.
Hurst credits concentration
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (AP) -- Pat Hurst has the perfect remedy for playing a course new to the LPGA Tour: a caddie who is a quick study.
Johnson leads PR-B golfers to 4th
DETROIT LAKES -- Micah Johnson of the Pine River-Backus Tigers boys' golf team shot a 79 to lead them to a fourth place finish at the Wildflower Invitational Friday.
Support groups
Crisis Line-Referral Ser.
The rewards of parenting in the slow lane
WASHINGTON -- It has become many a parent's mantra, a near-unanimous whine of the affluent who multitask on either coast: We are too busy.
A mother's tale
NAPERVILLE, Ill. -- She was the nurse who would always tend to the sickest child, the one who couldn't walk or talk or breathe on his own. But something about the frail little boy in the corner crib scared her.
Health care and medical services
Blood Pressure Clinics
Chemical dependency groups and AA groups
Adult Children-Chem.Dep.
Wisconsin enacts law to help patients fight HMO decisions
OSHKOSH, Wis. -- People who are denied medical coverage will have their appeals heard by state review boards rather than insurance companies under a new Wisconsin law.
Area Habitat for Humanity marks 10 years
The Lakes Area Affiliate of Habitat for Humanity is celebrating 10 years of service to families in the lakes area.
Trade secrets to attaching decks
Wood decks, long popular with homeowners, are relatively easy to build.
Healthy plants grow in organic gardens
Organic gardening is becoming very popular. Just what is it?
Here's how to prevent condensation from developing inside home's porch
Question: I built a porch with a metal roof on it. We enclosed it using storm windows, but have not installed heat. The problem is that in the summer with the windows open, condensation forms and runs off the inside of the roof. What is the best way to stop the condensation. Will installing plywood and shingles over the metal help?
Ceiling detail
Sometimes in home design, less is more, as is the case with this interesting ceiling detail.
Water heaters are fairly easy to service
Water heaters have relatively few components and are fairly easy to service. When problems do arise, a water heater can send out a mixture of confusing signals.
Gardeners still must keep an eye out for frost
Many gardening books have lists of the average date of the last killing frost for each area of the country.
Auditing home's energy can save dollars
An energy audit of your home is one of the best ways to ensure that you're getting the most out of your heating dollars.
Log home emphasizes efficiency
LAKE HUBERT -- A cozy log home is one of interesting visual elements with an emphasis on efficiency.
Clinton to visit family farm near Shakopee
MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota farmers could export another $8 million worth of products to China each year if Congress approves the permanent normalized trading status that President Clinton plans to tout here today, a state economist said.
City officials air sewer line options
Brainerd city officials met Thursday at city hall to discuss routing options for an East Gull Lake sewer line.
Valuable lost police dog sought
BACKUS -- Joe Jasicki, Backus, needs help in finding a valuable police dog that belongs to the Toronto Police Department.
Man admits shooting teen in the back
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A young White Bear Lake man who said he hated black people has been found guilty of attempted first-degree murder for shooting a teen-ager in the back on Martin Luther King Jr. Day more than two years ago.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1980) - A special Benefit Concert featuring the talents of Paul Lagergren and Linda Eder is scheduled for 8 p.m. May 23, in Tornstrom Auditorium. Proceeds from the show will be used to help raise money for the Brainerd High School Choir's trip to Europe.
Pets of the week
Little Bear is a small mixed breed male who has been neutered. He's an older dog but is in good heath and is active. He would make a wonderful companion.
A chilly start for fishing opener
Darrel Pearsson of Minneapolis (left) struggled to keep his boat's motor running as northwest winds gusting to 27 mph toss the boat into the shoreline of Crow Wing Lake south of Brainerd on Saturday morning, Minnesota's annual walleye opener.
Ventura ready for his walleye
CRANE LAKE (AP) -- Gov. Jesse Ventura knows there's a walleye out there just waiting to jump on his hook.
Veto override strategy up in air
ST. PAUL -- The clock started ticking Thursday for Gov. Jesse Ventura, who must decide whether to sign or veto the bills lawmakers sent his way during a marathon session this week.
Ventura tries his hand at hatchet throwing
VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK (AP) -- The 10th time was the charm for Gov. Jesse Ventura who tried his hand at a little hatchet throwing before casting his fishing line.
One is not enough
Three's usually a crowd, but there's plenty of room at the top if you're an academic all-star.
Regents approve $66 million hike in operating budget
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Board of Regents has approved the University of Minnesota's $1.6 billion operating budget for the 2000-2001 school year, an increase of $66.4 million over the current operating budget.
Local briefs
The Red Cross is urging all first-time and repeat blood donors to remember the need for blood knows no season. Hospital patients need blood transfusions for elective and emergency surgeries and for the treatment of chronic illnesses every day of the year.
Officer, dispatcher suspended in Winona police probe
WINONA (AP) -- A Winona police officer and a part-time dispatcher for Winona County have been placed on administrative leave during an investigation into possible possession of stolen property, Police Chief Frank Pomeroy said Saturday.
Adoption stamp design depicts childhood hopes
ST. PAUL (AP) -- In his design for a new postage stamp to raise awareness of adoption, Greg Berger returned to childhood.
3 named to BHS Hall of Fame
Two inventors and an attorney who blazed a trail for women in the legal field have been named to the Brainerd High School Hall of Fame.
Ventura to sign tax bill
ST. PAUL -- Gov. Jesse Ventura will sign a bill providing more than $1 billion in tax relief, his office announced today.
AREA COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES PLANNED
Here is a look at the times and dates of area high school graduation ceremonies, as well as a listing of the valedictorians and salutatorians who have taken top honors in the Class of 2000.
Hasskamp praises creation of domestic violence office
State Rep. Kris Hasskamp, DFL-Crosby, said the creation of a new office of domestic violence and sexual assault prevention will help the many groups and organizations combating this type of violence against women work together more efficiently.
High school student charged with making terroristic threats
BENSON (AP) -- A 16-year-old Benson High School student has been charged with a felony count of making terroristic threats after allegedly voicing plans to enter the school with guns to shoot students and teachers.
Competition for casino traffic spurs construction
THIEF RIVER FALLS (AP) -- The race to attract casino traffic in northwestern Minnesota is heating up.
Twin Cities consumers could be among first to buy irradiated meat
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Meat products treated with low levels of radiation could soon land in Twin Cities grocery stores, according to state health officials.
Shops see shiner shortage
On most fishing openers, when the water is still relatively cold, minnows are the bait of choice for walleye anglers. Many insist shiners -- specifically spottail shiners -- perform better than fatheads and rainbow chubs in cold water.
Wenzel: Education funding bill brings needed money to area districts
The education funding bill passed as the Minnesota legislative session ended this week will send more than $4 million in new revenue to schools in central Minnesota, said Rep. Steve Wenzel, DFL-Little Falls.
Music makers
Harrison Elementary School is offering a rare program.
Governor repairs relations with religious leaders
ST. PAUL -- Gov. Jesse Ventura soothed some hurt feelings over past comments on religion in a meeting Thursday with more than two dozen religious leaders.
Two bodies discovered after fire
BROWERVILLE (AP) -- Todd County authorities were awaiting results of autopsies to determine whether two people whose bodies were found after a house fire died in the fire or by other means.
Business gives session mixed report card
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, the state's chief business lobby, is giving the Legislature a mixed review on its 2000 session.
Dowson to retire as Cass sheriff
WALKER -- Cass County Sheriff Jim Dowson announced this week his intention to retire effective June 30.
This was Brainerd
May 14 -- 100 years ago (1900) -- H.P. Dullum sold a 400 pound hog in the Brainerd Market Tuesday at 6 1/2 cents per pound. Mr. Dullum never goes to market empty handed.
Midwest storms kill two, injure dozens more
Residents in the Midwest were cleaning up after a storm packing tornadoes, high winds and baseball-sized hail cut a swath from Texas to Michigan, killing one person in Texas and injuring at least two dozen others.
Los Alamos firefighters take hope
LOS ALAMOS, N.M. -- Slackening wind and increased humidity today gave firefighters a boost as they struggled to hold the line against a fire that destroyed 280 homes and forced 25,000 people from the town where the atomic bomb was built.
Lots of smoke, but no radioactivity from Los Alamos fire
SANTA FE, N.M. -- At a checkpoint on the main road leading into fire-ravaged Los Alamos, officers turning back evacuees and sightseers wore white air-filter masks today as they worked through thick smoke that has settled in the Rio Grande Valley.
FBI report on spying worries Albright
WASHINGTON -- Secretary of State Madeleine Albright says she will look into an FBI disclosure that foreign spies working under cover as news correspondents are able to move about the State Department unescorted.
Gun sales halted nationwide by internal FBI computer problem
WASHINGTON -- A nationwide halt in firearms sales entered its third day today as FBI employees worked to fix an internal software problem in the bureau's criminal history database that halted instant background checks of gun buyers.
Polls: Bush erases Gore's edge in support among women
WASHINGTON -- George W. Bush has pulled even with Al Gore in women's support, helping the Republican edge ahead in a broader survey of likely presidential voters. Americans say they also feel Bush is more charismatic, has a better sense of humor and is more inspiring.
Getting the news
LOS ALAMOS, N.M. -- As flames that have charred tens of thousands of acres across northern New Mexico slowed their advance Saturday, residents learned for the first time whether their homes were among the scores reduced to ash and melted rubble.
Controlled burns seen as useful
As federal forestry officials have retreated from the ''Smokey the Bear'' philosophy that fire is the enemy, they increasingly have turned to small, controlled fires to thin dense growth on public lands.
Giuliani tries to quell doubts about his Senate bid
His health precarious and his marriage on the rocks, New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani testily tried to stamp out speculation Thursday that his personal problems have taken his heart out of running for Senate against first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Agreement directs klansman to apologize to housing activist
WASHINGTON -- For eight months, the former grand dragon of the Pennsylvania Ku Klux Klan sat menacingly on a bench outside housing activist Bonnie Jouhari's office window almost every day.
Tornadoes strike Iowa, Kansas
DUNKERTON, Iowa -- Tornadoes swept through this northeastern Iowa town, damaging homes, City Hall and a nursing home. At least three people were injured, one critically.
Olson case won't go to trial until 2001
LOS ANGELES -- Former Symbionese Liberation Army member Sara Jane Olson won't be going to trial until next year, to give her new lawyers the time a judge agreed they need to prepare her defense.
21 Asian-American veterans to receive Medal of Honor
WASHINGTON -- Twenty-one Asian-Americans who fought in World War II for a country that doubted their loyalty next month will be awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation's highest award for valor, by President Clinton.
Michigan man steps forward as lottery co-winner
LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- The winner of half the largest jackpot in U.S. lottery history stepped forward today with his wife and three children, saying he put down a $100 bill Tuesday for 98 tickets and a hot dog.
President supports 'Million Mom March' in his radio speech
WASHINGTON -- President Clinton said Saturday the gun lobby is ''no match'' for the tens of thousands of American mothers who will march in support of stiffer gun control legislation Sunday on the National Mall and in 70 other sites nationwide.
NAACP: Boycott will continue despite Confederate flag compromise
COLUMBIA, S.C. -- As South Carolina lawmakers put the finishing touches on a bill to remove the Confederate flag from atop the Capitol dome, some flag opponents insist the measure isn't a satisfactory solution.
Fighting reported in Sierra Leone; more troops arrive in capital
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone -- Rebels from the Revolutionary United Front attacked the eastern city of Port Loko twice during the night but were driven back by government forces, state-run radio reported Saturday.
March organizer vows gun control battle
WASHINGTON -- The leader of Sunday's ''Million Mom March'' for gun control says the Internet will help her movement take on groups like the National Rifle Association and its vast financial resources.
Mystery of No Gun Ri deepens
A West Point history instructor and Pentagon investigators have raised questions about the credibility of a key witness to an alleged massacre of civilians by U.S. soldiers during the Korean War, which was the subject of extensive media coverage last year, including a Pulitzer Prize-winning article by the Associated Press.
Iraq reports eight rockets explode in Baghdad, killing girl
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Eight missiles exploded in the Iraqi capital before dawn Saturday, killing a girl and wounding four of her relatives, the official Iraqi News Agency reported.
Officials make plans to avoid Los Alamos-type inferno in BWCA
GRAND RAPIDS (AP) -- Controlled burns -- the kind of fires being prescribed over the next five years for the blowdown area in an around the Boundary Waters Canoe Area -- can be a double-edged sword, says a fire expert with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
House votes to fund environmental projects Los Angeles Times
WASHINGTON -- The House voted overwhelmingly Thursday to channel billions of dollars each year to a new fund for land conservation, recreation programs and a host of environmental projects, brushing aside objections from an irate minority of fiscal conservatives and private-property advocates.
Methodists reaffirm anti-homosexual stand
CLEVELAND -- The United Methodist Church, torn by internal dissent and confronted by gay rights advocates, Thursday reaffirmed its prohibition against homosexual ministers and again declared that homosexuality is contrary to Scripture.
Lawmakers move to block Army engineer corps changes
WASHINGTON -- Congress is moving to block the Clinton administration's effort to break up the cozy relationship between Capitol Hill and the Army Corps of Engineers, which is battling charges that top officials rigged data to justify a costly Mississippi River construction project.
Judges predict quick ruling in Elian case
ATLANTA -- The senior judge in the Elian Gonzalez case predicted lawyers won't have to wait long before he and two other federal judges rule on the Cuban boy's appeal for asylum.
Model from India wins Miss Universe crown
NICOSIA, Cyprus -- Lara Dutta gave a dream birthday gift to her father: the Miss Universe crown, which she was awarded for her beauty, poise and an eloquent defense of the pageant.
Report: Minority women less likely to seek prenatal care
ATLANTA -- Though more women are seeking early prenatal care, a new study shows that black and Hispanic women are less likely to see a doctor in the early stages of pregnancy, leading to more health problems for minority mothers and their infants.
Clinton hails trade deal
SHAKOPEE (AP) -- President Clinton, surrounded by grain bins and hay bales on a farm here, said farmers stand to benefit the most from a bill that would grant China permanent normalized trading status.
Police: Student opened fire on officer, both wounded
PRAIRIE GROVE, Ark. -- A 12-year-old boy armed with a shotgun and headed toward his junior high school was shot after he opened fire on a police officer, authorities said.
U.S. team defeated but not down
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) -- Following a 4-1 quarterfinal elimination at the hands of Slovakia, the United States came off the ice defeated but not down.
Official apologizes for torch relay flap
LONDON (AP) -- Kevan Gosper got the message and did what he had to do: say he was sorry.
Dodgers rout Cards
The Los Angeles Dodgers needed just one inning against Darryl Kile to shake their slump.
Parker ignores the pain
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (AP) -- Kristal Parker can only hope she can ignore the pain in her neck for three more days.
Lakers take commanding lead in series with Suns
PHOENIX -- By a whisper, by a flinch, by a fingertip, the Los Angeles Lakers took command of this series in a game that was defined and controlled by the thinnest of margins.
Happy times are here again?
MINNEAPOLIS ) -- Eddie Guardado knew better than to hang his head and the meager crowd of 9,505 at the Metrodome knew better than to head to the exits.
Angels' Mercker hospitalized
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Angel pitcher Kent Mercker went from what seemed like a severe headache to a potentially life-threatening condition late Thursday night, when a hemorrhage was discovered on the surface of his brain.
Love, McCallister share lead
IRVING, Texas (AP) -- If Davis Love III manages to end his PGA Tour winless streak at 53 this week in the Byron Nelson Classic, he might chalk it up to time spent with his 6-year-old son and with David Duval.
Carter's shot puts Heat over the top
NEW YORK -- Only Pat Riley can consider a game in which his team shot 36.5 percent -- its second consecutive sub-40 percent shooting performance -- a thing of beauty.
Oakland's Jason Giambi taking comfort in brother's presence
With brother Jeremy Giambi around, Jason Giambi is making AL pitchers cry uncle.
It's time for Bobby Knight to go
Indiana University's trustees should fire Bobby Knight on Sunday. He's not fit to coach college kids. Then, on Monday, the Washington Wizards can add Knight to the list of coaching candidates that Michael Jordan plans to interview.
Knight support fading
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) -- Bob Knight's once rock-solid support at Indiana University might be eroding amid an avalanche of accusations that he has long intimidated students, staff and school officials.
Blazers have upper hand
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- The Portland Trail Blazers, solid at every position, are solidly in control of the Utah Jazz.
Trustees to huddle Sunday on Knight
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- After three decades, Bob Knight's explosive temper may finally have engulfed his career as the controversy over his behavior grows.
Agassi leaves Italian Open
ROME (AP) -- Andre Agassi had a tradition to uphold at the Foro Italico.
Martinez returns with a bang
Once again, Pedro Martinez proved an extra day of rest only makes him stronger.
Twins beat White Sox on Koskie's single in 10th
CHICAGO -- Jacque Jones crashed into the wall twice to make great catches for the Minnesota Twins. For three straight games, they've done whatever it takes to win.
Alvin "Turk" Soderman
Alvin "Turk" Soderman, 55, Brainerd, died Friday, May 12, 2000, at home.
Wayne E. Hobbs
MERRIFIELD -- Wayne E. Hobbs, 65, Merrifield, died Wednesday, May 10, 2000, at his home.
Gerald Skrock
ROYALTON -- Gerald Skrock, Royalton, 88, died Saturday, May 13, 2000 at St. Otto's.
George Bigalke
LITTLE FALLS -- George Bigalke, 85, Little Falls, died Thursday, May 11, 2000, at his home.
George Bigalke
LITTLE FALLS -- George Bigalke, 83, Little Falls, died Thursday, May 11, 2000, at home.
A good son - Dispatch Editorial
A recent, tragic example is Joe DiMaggio Jr., who died alone and homeless last year only a few months after his rich and famous father.
Close the curtain on the Elian drama
The following editorial appeared in Friday's Los Angeles Times:
The arboretum - Dispatch Editorial
It's ironic that Baxter and Brainerd city officials have been almost tripping over themselves this spring as they express interest in the Northland Arboretum.
A deadly roll of the dice
BALTIMORE--Before he was elected mayor of Baltimore, Kurt Schmoke spent five years as state's attorney. In that time, he authorized his prosecutors to seek the death penalty in 12 murder cases and saw nine juries impose the capital punishment he had sought. ''Society is entitled to exact the ultimate penalty for the ultimate crime,'' he told me. ''But by the time I finished my second term as mayor, all nine of those cases had been overturned for one reason or another, all relating to the penalty phase.
Mom's small talk
A mother's life is one of constant interruptions.
Open Forum
I keep reading such negative Open Forum messages about Planned Parenthood. I used their services for many years. They are not a rich organization, the funding they do receive comes with exacting standards that must be upheld. Like any NPO, they also receive private funding.
Millennium Memorial Day
Millennium Memorial Day. A time to remember, reflect and honor our war heroes. Veterans are all heroes of sorts. For we all had a part in making this country what it is today, free. Whether we saw actual combat or stayed in the rear as support personnel we all contributed. For that we take this day to honor all veterans. We say "thank you" to the veterans and to their families.
Tower talk
Over the last few months, there have been several letters to the editor and articles that contain inaccurate information concerning the proposed Nation-wide Differential Global Positioning System tower site in Mission Township. My purpose here is to address only the printed information concerning two main issues. The first is the relationship between NDGPS and the U.S. Air Force Ground Wave Emergency Network system. Secondly, I would like to cover what are perceived as harmful effects of the NDGPS tower.
News council looks at complaints
The Minnesota News Council is an independent organization that examines citizens complaints alleging inaccuracy, unfairness or unethical conduct by the media.
Trail improvements begin in Crow Wing County
FIFTY LAKES -- Improvements to Wolf Lake and Pistol Lake trails are currently being made by the Crow Wing County Land Commissioner's Office.
North Country calendar
1-31 -- Arbor Month
Roach leads local anglers at PWT event
Gary Roach, Merrifield, was in 17th place heading into the final day of competition at the Professional Walleye Trail's Lowrance Midwest P
Voyage to the bottom of the lake
Minnesota's lakes, the focal point of the state's tourism and recreation industries, soon will host a new industry. As with any new venture it's impossible to know how profitable it will be but this much is certain: it's a quest for a non-renewable resource.
IN 82nd trout season, Harvey still 'fishing fly'
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) -- It's a glamorous photograph, circa 1940: Wearing a fedora and a letterman's sweater, a fly-fisherman stands beside a spring creek and admires a fish stretching from chin to waist.
Low water frays Lake Huron island's link to mainland
BOIS BLANC ISLAND, Mich. -- For those who carry people and goods by commercial vessel -- and for those who depend on that transportation -- the falling Great Lakes levels are big trouble.
Council urges better protection of riparian areas
The Minnesota Forest Resources Council recently adopted a plan stressing the need to tread lightly when managing forests in riparian areas and seasonal ponds.
Q. and A. on Great Lakes water levels
Q. How far have the waters fallen?
When water runs low, dredging bails many people out
Though man can't make it rain, there is a way to deepen small parts of the Great Lakes when water levels slump: dredging.
FLY FISHING St. Cloud crowd says it's fun
ST. CLOUD . (AP) -- Denny Murphy has a confession to make. When he heads off with fly rod in hand, you'd expect him to fish in some pristine stream or mountain lake, pursuing rainbow trout or brook trout.
Facts about the Great Lakes
--Covering more than 94,000 square miles, they are larger than New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire combined.
Celebrating a millennium of bird migration
The new millennium is truly a time to celebrate our efforts in bird conservation and to focus our attention on ways of protecting more bird species in the years to come. This year, the International Migratory Bird Day features a success story -- the recovery of the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus).
Great Lakes are thirsty
ELBERTA, Mich. -- Kris and Marge Mills bought a marina and fishing shop last year for half a million dollars. They've spent tens of thousands more fixing it up. Now they desperately need something money can't buy: water.
As Great Lakes dip, pilots grit teeth and cut it close
DULUTH -- Water ebbs and water flows on these capricious Great Lakes, and the colossal carriers can only obey.
'Bear Cam' makers focus on fish with new project
DULUTH (AP) -- The people who brought you live, 24-hour coverage of a bear hibernating near Ely are turning their attention, and cameras, to fish in Lake Superior.
50th anniversary
Johnny and Margaret Anderson, Crosby, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary from 1-4 p.m. May 21 at the Deerwood American Legion. Cake and refreshments will be served. They were married May 23, 1950, in Minneapolis.
Engagement announced
Kristen Nokleby and Mike Doll announce their engagement. Parents are Jim and Sandy Nokleby, Rosemount, and Melvin and Mardis Doll, Garrison. A July wedding is planned at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church of Apple Valley.
Wedding planned
Katrina Fritel and Thomas Bueckers announce their engagement. Parents are Robert and Diane Fritel, Wolford, N.D., and John and Marilyn Bueckers, Pine River. A June 17 wedding is planned at St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center of Grand Forks, N.D.
80th birthday
Catherine M. Eide will celebrate her 80th birthday from 12:30-2:30 p.m. May 21 in the dining hall of the North Star Apartment building in Brainerd. She was born May 22, 1920.
Wedding planned
Sara Anderson and James Loschko announce their engagement. Parents are Greg and Mary Anderson, Brainerd, and James and Judy Loschko, Brainerd. A June 24 wedding is planned at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
50th anniversary
Marlen and Nadine Sasse, Backus, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house beginning at noon Saturday at the Sasse farm.
40th anniversary
Don and Mayva Kottke recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with a weekend in the Wisconsin Dells with their family. They were married April 16, 1960, in Monson Township in Wheaton.
Retirement party
Carol Demgen will celebrate her retirement after 31 years of service from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Pillager School elementary gym.
Engagement announced
Veronica Rose Warner and Gary Scott Jensen announce their engagement. Parents are Diane and Wilbert Gildart, Brainerd, and the late Ron Warner, and Gary and Gloria Jensen, Deerwood.
Engagement announced
Jennifer Kane and Ryan Monasmith announce their engagement.
40th anniversary
Gene and Janet Rowland will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary with an open house from 1-4 p.m. May 21 at their home. The event will be hosted by their children. They were married May 20, 1960.
Wedding planned
Rachel Reppart and Bryan Barnacle announce their engagement. Parents are Jim and Laura Reppart, Fresno, Calif., and Bill and Lynda Barnacle, Brainerd. A July 29 wedding is planned in Custer, S.D.
25th anniversary
Chuck and Cathy Pickar, Brainerd, will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary Wednesday. They were married May 17, 1975, in Mankato. An open house will be announced at a later date.
Engagement announced
Kara Pratt and Eric Frome announce their engagement. Parents are Rick and Sue Pratt, Brainerd, and Wayne and Pauline Frome, Spencer, Wis. An Oct. 7 wedding is planned at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Nisswa.
Wedding planned
Christina Miller and Jay Landree announce their engagement. Parents are Joseph and Donna Miller, Woodbury, and David and Doris Landree, Crosby. A June 24 wedding is planned at St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Crosby.
Wedding planned
Mandy Johnson and Norm Gallant Jr. announce their engagement. Parents are Paul and Geno Johnson, Thief River Falls, and Norm and Celeste Gallant, Staples. A June 17 wedding is planned at Evangelical Covenant Church of Bemidji.
Youngest of the racing Pettys dies in crash
Only three years ago, the Pettys of NASCAR, Lee, Richard and Kyle, sat on the dais and introduced motor racing's first fourth-generation driver, Adam Petty, to the racing fraternity on the eve of the Daytona 500.
Race fans mourn death of Adam Petty
The death Friday of Adam Petty, NASCAR's first fourth-generation race-car driver, bought tragedy to a family that has known very little and left race fans mourning the loss of a bright young star.
Aitkin trips C-I
HINCKLEY --The Aitkin Gobblers scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the second inning to defeat the Crosby-Ironton Rangers 3-1 in opening round action of the Hinckley baseball tournament Friday.
Pioneers' Vernig shoots 40 at Isle
ISLE -- Doug Virnig shot a 40 for the Pierz Pioneers as they went on to defeat Isle 167-186 at the Fiddlestix Golf Course Thursday.
Area events Saturday
High School Baseball
Scoreboard
High School Baseball
Warrior boys finish 3rd in CLC meet
COLD SPRING --The Brainerd Warriors boys' golf team finished third with a score of 326 In a Central Lakes Conference Meet Friday.
Brainerd beats Apollo in softball
ST. CLOUD -- The Brainerd Warriors snapped a 4-game losing streak by defeating the St. Cloud Apollo Eagles 8-4 Thursday in Central Lakes Conference softball.
Apollo hurler foils BHS again
To say Josh Krogman has the Brainerd Warriors' number is an understatement.
Sitzman shoots 39 for Pioneers
ISLE --Amber Sitzman of Pierz shot a round of 39 to help the Pioneers defeat Isle by 41 strokes in a girls golf dual meet at the Fiddlestix golf course in Isle Thursday.
Simon's homer ignites Raiders in region tourney
Friday could have been a whole lot different for the Central Lakes baseball team if it weren't for Terry Simon.
Pierz rocks Kimball 6-3
KIMBALL -- Brad Bednar hit a grand slam for the Pierz Pioneers in the third inning to put them up 6-3.
Warriors lose two in a row
WILLMAR -- The Warriors rallied back in the seventh inning with seven runs but it wasn't enough to overcome the 10 runs of Willmar.
Local sports shorts
The Brainerd Parks and Recreation Department will conduct its boys' and girls' softball skills clinics Saturday at Memorial Park Fields 1 and 2.
Bowling champions
Champions of the Women's Country Pool League were, front row: Judi Vopatek (left), Darlene Ross, Shirley Schroeml. Back row: Brenda Anderson, Wendy Neugebauer.
Area softball
STAPLES --The Pequot Lakes Patriots overcame a 17 strikeout performance by Staples-Motley Starting pitcher Sarah Berg to defeat the Cardinals 5-2 in non-conference softball Friday.
Homerdome? It's more like Loserdome now for Twins
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Metrodome has been transformed from a stadium that once gave the Twins the most feared home field advantage in the American League into a stale, boring and mostly empty ballpark.
Staples-Motley edges Ottertail Central
STAPLES --The Staples-Motley Cardinals scored two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning and held on for a 7-6 victory over the Ottertail Central Bulldogs Thursday.
Local shorts
The Aitkin women's slow-pitch softball classic is scheduled June 17-18.
What generation gap? Father and son playing for the Bees
Thirty-two years separate them.
S-M netters beaten
LONG PRAIRIE -- The Long Prairie-Grey Eagle Thunder took all four singles matches to defeat the Staples-Motley Cardinals in tennis Thursday.
BMX racers are ready for 2000 season in new facility
Brainerd Lakes BMX Association track director Mark Sheflo (right) stands with his wife, Chris, on the new Brainerd Lakes BMX track near the Brainerd Regional Human Services Center on Highway 25. He said the track's layout is better and more secluded.
Special Olympics meet set
Area 5 Special Olympics meet is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Brainerd High School track.
E-love means having to say you're sorry
I love you, I love you, I love you. From the first time I saw you, I loved you.
The wave of the future for pieces of the past
LOS ANGELES -- Los Angeles interior designer B.J. Peterson is testing her wings as an antiques shopper on the Internet. The ability to search the entire world is almost irresistible.
A need for talking e-calendars
I send e-mail to you. You send e-mail to me.
EA Sports brings racing to life with 'Superbike 2000'
EA Sports last year released its first ''Superbike'' racing simulation for PC with little fanfare. The title received universal praise but wasn't much more than a blip on the sales charts.
As machines improve, security risks grow
NEW YORK -- The latest computer virus has exposed technology's dark side: As machines get better, smarter and more popular, the security risks multiply.
There may be some static ahead for digital TV
Stay tuned: The switch to digital television may be a rocky one.
Some question value of computers in classroom
One of Gary Bloom's first doubts about the new era of educational technology arose the day he visited a school computer lab in San Juan Bautista, Calif. He was the new superintendent, hired in part for his computer savvy, but he felt uneasy seeing students drilling on keyboards while a teacher sat in the corner with nothing to do.
Brainerd forecast
Partly sunny and warmer. High around 60. Northwest wind 10 t0 15 mph.
Happy Mother's Day
Weather drawing by Megan Griggs of Mrs. Brenny's third grade class at Baxter school.
Sure sign summer is coming
Steve McFarland, vice president of the Paul Bunyan Amusement Center, removed a wood plank that covered the animated Paul Bunyan statue at the center on Friday.
Playing in the puddles
Weather drawing by Claire Surma of Mrs. Brenny's third grade class at Baxter school.
Around the nation
Albany,N.Y. 63 54 .40 rn, Albuquerque 67 45 clr, Amarillo 67 37 clr
Around the nation
Albany,N.Y. 67 51 .01 cdy
Brainerd forecast
Tonight...Mostly cloudy with scattered showers. Lows around 40. Northwest wind 10 to 20 mph. Precipitation chance is 40 percent.
Around the world
Amsterdam 77 55 clr, Athens 82 63 cdy, Auckland 70 63 rn
Around the world
Amsterdam 74 56 cdy
What's doing
Bar bingo at Brainerd American Legion now has higher payouts on every game, up to $150 on cover all.
Organizations
Brainerd Jaycees
Much obliged
We at the Pillager Area Family Center gratefully acknowledge The Home Depot for their generosity in donating 10 units of shelving to the Pillager Area Food Shelf. Their community mindedness is appreciated very much. We welcome them to the Brainerd lakes area.
Volunteer activities
MAY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Senior activities
LAKES AREA SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER
Volunteer of the month
Name: Fred Holmquist
What's doing
Don Hauck was recently elected commander of the Brainerd American Legion. He replaced Dr. Charles Extrand as the Legion's chief officer. Other officers elected were Norm Nelson, 1st vice commander;
Lift your glasses high in honor of all mothers
DEAR READERS: It's Mother's Day, a fitting occasion to share a toast to all mothers, submitted by June Cotner, author of ''Family Celebrations, Prayers, Poems and Toasts for Every Occasion'' (Andrews McMeel, 1999).
Names and faces
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- Minnesota Vikings owner Red McCombs now has his name on the business school of his alma mater.
Son struggles for right words for mom's wedding
DEAR ABBY: I have been asked to speak on behalf of my family at my mother's wedding. She is 75 and her future husband -- whom I've never met -- is 77. I am 42 and the youngest of three children.