Thursday, May 17, 2001
Well-executed Escalade delivers large luxury, dreadful mileage
With gasoline prices seemingly headed for new heights this summer, the timing of the 2002 Cadillac Escalade's arrival on the market might seem unfortunate. But the execution of the vehicle itself is quite good.
VW Passat passes to upscale look
The best-selling German mid-size, family car just got better.
NY governor proposes ban on cell phone use in car
NEW CITY, N.Y. (AP) -- Gov. George Pataki has proposed a statewide ban on driving while using a handheld cellular phone -- a move other states are also considering amid concerns about whether chatting drivers are more easily distracted and more likely to crash.
Program to boost car mileage to take a back seat
Soaring gasoline prices make the concept more attractive than ever, but a program to produce a family car that can go 80 miles on a gallon is being de-emphasized and its funding cut by the Bush administration, even as it announces its long range energy plan Thursday.
Fixing an aluminum-pot mishap
Dear Heloise: Is there anything that I can get to clean a heavy aluminum pot and lid that were left on the burner about two hours while cooking some turnip greens?
Controlling man drains woman's personality
DEAR ABBY: I am writing in response to the letter from "Been There in Texas," the woman who was married to a very controlling husband.
Sweet stain remover
Dear Heloise: The best spot remover for olive oil-based stains on clothing is that stuff in artificial sugar packets! -- Your fan the cook, A. Rebori, Houston
Ex-husband's taste in women tests first wife's tolerance
DEAR ABBY: I have lived in this town for 40 years. My ex-husband and I divorced 34 years ago. Our children are adults, and we have four grandchildren, ranging in age from 4 to 10. I have many friends, but there are two women in this town I cannot tolerate. One has been my ex-husband's wife for 25 years. They are now being divorced. Wouldn't you know -- his current "main squeeze" is the other woman I can't stand.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Tuesday 120, a year ago 188.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Tuesday cattle: 700.
Warm, dry weekend allows planting to proceed across state
Warm, dry conditions throughout the weekend allowed planting to proceed throughout Minnesota.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Wednesday cattle: 400.
Get the best from your asparagus
Here are some guidelines for buying, storing and cooking asparagus:
Have muffins on hand at all times
Muffins are my weakness. I like to make a batch of muffins, wrap them individually in saran wrap and freeze them in a large freezer bag.
Garnish low-fat chicken dish with gremolata
Gremolata is a classic Italian garnish, according to "Weight Watchers Great Cooking Every Day" (Hungry Minds, $24.95). It usually consists of parsley, garlic and lemon zest, and it is used for rich dishes such as osso buco.
Stir-fried pork is quick and easy Chinese meal
"Foolproof Chinese Cooking" (DK, $19.95) must be one of the most encouraging cookbook titles ever devised. And the book's easily made stir-fried pork with scallions is a recipe for even the most faint-hearted to try -- it can be ready to serve in about half an hour.
Accident
LITTLE FALLS -- Two people were injured in a two-vehicle accident Wednesday on Highway 10 at County Road 34 in Morrison County.
Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Wednesday.
Court
WALKER -- The driver of a car where a Cass County Sheriff's Department K-9 dog found cocaine received a stay of adjudication of sentence in Cass County Court on May 14.
Crime
BURGLARY -- Dustin Morgan, 400 block of College Drive, reported Tuesday his residence broken into.
Add Golden Eagle to area golf menu
FIFTY LAKES -- Imagine being sequestered from civilization while being surrounded in a deep, scenic forest with only 14 sticks and a white ball as your defense against the elements.
Simple stroke mechanics are putting key
The fundamentals of successful putting are twofold. Simply stated, the ball must be rolled on a correct line with a proper pace.
A quick look at the pros
PGA TOUR
Twilight League
Lions Club grabbed a decisive three-point lead over second-place Reichert Bus in the third week of the men's Twilight Golf League at Pine Meadows May 10.
Chip shots
The third annual Habitat for Humanity Golf tournament is scheduled June 3 at Irish Hills Golf Course.
Bush tilt on energy policy may widen nation's political rift
WASHINGTON -- By proposing major increases in domestic energy production, President Bush threatens to widen the geographic and cultural chasm already reshaping the landscape of U.S. politics.
Bush declares 30 counties eligible for disaster relief
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush announced Wednesday that damage from severe winter storms, spring flooding and recent tornadoes warranted a major disaster declaration for 30 Minnesota counties.
Budget talks reach critical stage
ST. PAUL -- Chances for a budget resolution by a Monday midnight deadline appeared dim Thursday, after late-night, high-level talks failed to yield an agreement and no new negotiations were scheduled.
Conservatives try to reshape education bill
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Conservative lawmakers are trying to reshape President Bush's education plan as it heads to the House floor, pushing a bevy of amendments from private-school vouchers to blocks on birth control.
House votes to keep ban on aid to foreign pro-abortion groups
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Staving off Democratic opponents, the House voted to preserve President Bush's order barring $425 million in U.S. aid for global family planning from groups that advocate abortion rights.
Texas House votes down life without parole option
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- The Texas House has voted against reconsidering a bill that would have given juries a new sentencing option for murderers: life without parole.
Senate opens debate on tax cut proposal
WASHINGTON -- The Senate opened debate Thursday on an 11-year, $1.35 trillion tax cut modeled after President Bush's proposal that Democrats say is far too large and provides the greatest benefits to the wealthiest Americans.
Fed cuts rate, may do it again
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Federal Reserve, which has already cut interest rates more aggressively this year than at any other time under Chairman Alan Greenspan, may not be through yet.
Senate panel endorses football stadium task force
ST. PAUL (AP) -- In spite of a lull in budget negotiations, a football stadium task force proposal got the endorsement of a key Senate committee Thursday.
Bill Shuster wins father's old seat in U.S. House
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Bud Shuster gave his former congressional district one final legacy: his son.
Wellstone urges Bush to pressure oil refiners on gasoline costs
Sen. Paul Wellstone, D-Minn., Wednesday called on President George W. Bush to use his "bully pulpit" to call for oil refiners to bring down gasoline costs when the president promotes his energy policy in a visit to St. Paul today.
Bush unveils energy plans in state visit
WASHINGTON -- President Bush outlined an ambitious recipe Thursday for increasing the nation's supply of energy including expanded oil and gas drilling on public land and rejuvenating nuclear power.
Samuelson comments on abortion snag over health and human services bill
The delicate political dance surrounding Gov. Jesse Ventura's veto this week of a $6.3 billion health and human services bill resumed today as the Legislature faced a deadline of midnight Monday to complete its work.
Democrats lose bid to hire thousands of public school teachers
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The sponsor of a narrowly defeated Democratic proposal to hire thousands of new public school teachers said the 50 Republican senators' votes against it will haunt them on Election Day.
Tax cut plan ready for Senate floor debate
WASHINGTON -- Racing to get a tax cut to President Bush by Memorial Day, a bipartisan coalition pushed through the Senate Finance Committee an 11-year, $1.35 trillion tax relief bill containing the core elements of the president's tax-cutting plan.
House bill designed to contain spread of animal diseases
ST. PAUL -- The House overwhelmingly approved a bill Wednesday that would allow the state to act swiftly if an animal disease such as foot-and-mouth made its way into Minnesota.
Side benefit found for some on cholesterol drug
SAN FRANCISCO -- Women 69 and older who take statin drugs to lower cholesterol may gain the added benefit of reducing their risk of breast cancer, according to an unusual body of research reported here this week at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Breast-fed babies less likely to be fat later
WASHINGTON -- Babies who are breast-fed are less likely to become severely overweight as they grow through childhood, according to a major study released Tuesday.
EPA committee agrees dioxin poses cancer risk
WASHINGTON -- A scientific advisory committee voted unanimously Tuesday to send federal regulators a long-stalled report that concludes dioxin causes cancer in laboratory animals and possibly in people.
Cold virus endangers heart transplants in children, study says
BOSTON (AP) -- Many heart-transplant failures in children appear to be caused by a common cold virus that infects the organ, scientists say.
Cass buys more space in Pine River Shopping Block
WALKER -- The Cass County Board voted Tuesday over objections from Commissioners Glenn Witham and Virgil Foster to buy two more interior units and a porch on the Pine River Shopping Block.
Garrison Lions to celebrate their 25th anniversary
GARRISON -- The Garrison Lions, spouses and other guests will join the Mille Lacs Lake Lions on Monday to celebrate their 25th anniversary.
Aitkin's Hills is quiet leader on links
AITKIN -- Brian Hills probably wasn't listening to Theodore Roosevelt when the former president said, "Speak softly and carry a big stick," but that's exactly what Hills does on the golf course.
Equipment, costs change drastically in 20 years
WALKER -- Twenty years ago, Cass County's newest road graders were models bought in 1975 and 1978 for $59,684 and $98,751.
All Cass residents soon should have access to severe weather warnings via radio
WALKER -- NOAA weather radio emergency reports finally may become available in Cass County this summer.
Road grader operators go back to school
WALKER -- Operating the modern hydraulic articulated blade on a road motor grader takes a lot more skill than moving a pin one notch over to shift the blade on a garden or older farm tractor.
Cass County faces immediate need to expand jail
PINE RIVER -- The Cass County Board met Monday in a planning session about county buildings.
Road construction costs skyrocketing, Cass engineer says
WALKER -- Most blacktopped Cass County roads were paved between 1950 and 1990, said County Engineer David Enblom.
CLC students brighten neighbors' lives by helping three charities
Twenty Central Lakes College students have completed class projects that made a difference in the lives of their neighbors and themselves.
Little Falls fills five spring coaching vacancies
LITTLE FALLS -- Nametags almost were needed to figure out all the new spring head coaches at Little Falls High School.
Area Athletes of the Week
PINE RIVER -- Becky Gravdahl has a love of diamonds that is unmatched by many other high school seniors.
Sponsors provide circus tickets for Cuyuna Range area children
Every student at Cuyuna Range Elementary School and Emily Charter School has a ticket for the Carson and Barnes Circus, thanks to the support of area sponsors.
Cass commissioners take up sales of state leased lots
WALKER -- The Cass County Board on Tuesday discussed the sale of state leased lots the county now owns and how values are set for county leased lots.
Cass working toward safer railroad crossings
WALKER -- Cass County Engineer David Enblom obtained board approval Tuesday for Cass County to begin a program to improve railroad crossing safety.
Military police in the making
CAMP RIPLEY -- Sgt. Marie Cobbs, a U.S. Army active duty reservist, was just happy to find a school to become a military policeman.
Area briefs
CROSBY -- Senior Day at the Hallett Community Center will be Wednesday, May 30. Following is the schedule of events.
Students dress up community
Aaron Meyer of Richmond wore protective gear that included a breathing mask as he textured the ceiling of a fourth-floor office in the former Kingwood Care Center in Brainerd. The building, soon to be home to several non-profit agencies, has been given new paint, wall coverings and trim with help of Meyer and other Central Lakes College painting and drywall students. (Photos by Steve Waller)
Volunteers clean up Cuyuna State Recreational Area
CROSBY -- About 190 community volunteers turned out to clean up the Crosby mine pits, now the Cuyuna State Recreational Area, during the 16th annual mineland cleanup last week near Crosby.
Croquet, anyone?
EAST GULL LAKE -- Often viewed as a backyard family game, croquet may have lost its appeal for generations of adults set on finding other challenging and social sporting competitions, like golf.
Baxter adds support to housing study
BAXTER -- The Baxter City Council Tuesday approved helping fund, up to $1,000, a housing market study.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1981) - The proposed Highway 371 bypass around Brainerd apparently is slipping in priority. Transportation Advisory Committee has recommended that the proposal be dropped into the 11-20 year program period.
Local briefs
Children will have the chance to see a variety of service vehicles Wednesday at the Hoot 'N' Toot Vehicle Fair from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Lum Park.
Remap may put all Cass board spots up for election
WALKER -- All five Cass County commissioners likely will have to seek re-election in 2002, because the county's population has shifted significantly since 1990, Auditor-Treasurer Sharon Anderson reported Tuesday.
Ihne, Plut in spotlight at CLC commencement
At Central Lakes College's graduation ceremony in the Brainerd High School gym Wednesday, several longtime faculty members took the stage for the final time, including CLC President Sally Ihne.
Colorful walk
Paul Lazorik walked out of the Brainerd Post Office under canopy of flowering trees Tuesday. The recent warm weather has promoted the blooming of ornamental trees in central Minnesota. (Dispatch Photo by Steve Kohls)
County, city discuss second runway
About eight years in the making, a proposal for a second runway at the Brainerd-Crow Wing County Regional Airport moved closer to decision makers Tuesday.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1981) - The world's largest animated man will start welcoming visitors May 23 with tall tales of robust lumbering days in Minnesota at the center named in his honor. The Paul Bunyan Fun Center opens the season with a galaxy of magicians, jugglers, humorists and ventriloquists to back up Paul and his legendary friends.
Spring blooms
Green thumb enthusiasts have flocked to garden centers in the summer-like temps. Look for what's new in Friday's Housing section.
Inmate medical costs increasing
WALKER -- Costs for medical services for Cass County jail inmates have increased to the point the entire 2001 budget will be expended before the month's end.
C-I building closed over air concerns
CROSBY -- School was closed in the Crosby-Ironton School District today after about 90 students and staff members experienced headaches and dizziness throughout the week.
Local briefs
Sen. Don Samuelson, DFL-Brainerd, criticized the House omnibus tax bill that passed May 4 as one that favors the Twin Cities area and the wealthy.
Board supports care program
WALKER -- The Cass County Board voted Tuesday to support the effort of 55 churches in the county to seek a grant for volunteers to offer care services to people of all ages.
Cass commissioners meet in closed session on boundaries
WALKER -- The Cass County Board discussed in closed session Tuesday with County Attorney Earl Maus the status of determining the boundaries of Leech Lake Reservation.
Chief's first day
Tuesday was the start of what John Bolduc hopes is a long-term relationship with the city of Brainerd.
Baxter council tilts toward TIF for housing
BAXTER -- Baxter has taken a step into tax-increment financing for housing.
Two die in crash near Pine River
PINE RIVER -- The debris told the story of a two-vehicle fatal accident Wednesday afternoon on Highway 371, about one mile north of Pine River.
Discoveries from around our region...
Find a regional news story. Where was this news reported from? Can you mark the area's location on this map? What other cities, areas, landmarks is this area close to? Write what you know about this area in the spaces below. Do research to find out more.
Discoveries from around the world...
Find an international story. From what country in the world did the story originate? What did you learn about this country from reading the story? Fill out the column with your answers.
Discoveries in Asian Pacific American Heritage Month...
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.
Discoveries in numbers...
Find the comics page in your newspaper.
Teachers...
Do you have a Newspapers In Education idea that worked
Discoveries beyond the newspaper...
Do some research at our web site.
Discoveries from around Minnesota...
Find a state news story. Where in Minnesota was this news reported from? What county? Can you mark the area's location
Discoveries in percentages...
Use the sports section of your newspaper for this activity.
Discoveries in editorial cartoons...
Find the editorial cartoon in your newspaper.
Discoveries in reading...
Read, follow or get out of the way.
Discoveries in numbers...
In your newspaper find the weather section (page 2).
Discoveries in word usage...
In your newspaper,
Discoveries in summer...
Are you ready for the summer of 2001? What are you doing over the summer?
Army shows off new wheeled combat vehicle
WASHINGTON -- The Army is hoping an age-old invention will solve its need for a 21st-century combat vehicle capable of quickly transporting troops and supplying them with adequate firepower.
President Bush's daughter Jenna pleads no contest to alcohol possession charge
AUSTIN, Texas -- President Bush's 19-year old daughter Jenna pleaded no contest Wednesday to a charge of being a minor in possession of alcohol, and must attend alcohol awareness classes.
Industry sees worse-than-expected summer power shortages
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Power problems could spread into the Northeast this summer, electricity grids in Texas and the Pacific Northwest are being watched closely, and California could average 20 hours of blackouts a week, electricity industry experts say.
Blake adds second top lawyer to his defense
LOS ANGELES -- Actor Robert Blake added a second top criminal defense lawyer to his legal team Tuesday even though he has not been charged in the unsolved killing of his wife.
Teen convicted of murdering teacher, but jury balks at mandatory life term
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- A jury on Wednesday convicted a 14-year-old of walking into his school with a pistol and murdering his English teacher by shooting him between the eyes, a verdict that could send the boy to prison for the rest of his life.
Former Sunbeam exec faces SEC charges
MIAMI (AP) -- Sunbeam Corp.'s former chief Albert "Chain Saw Al" Dunlap, who made his reputation by slashing jobs, denied federal allegations that he helped cook the books to make the company look healthier.
Market's strong finish latest example of improving investor sentiment
NEW YORK -- After eight long, painful months, the Dow Jones industrials returned to levels not seen since September, and every indication is small investors -- however cautiously -- are helping it happen.
California electric rates jump to second highest in country
SAN FRANCISCO -- Beginning next month, residential customers of California's two largest utilities will pay the second highest electricity rates in the country to help the state recoup about $6 billion it has spent trying to keep on the lights.
Runaway train blamed on engineer's mistake
WALBRIDGE, Ohio -- An engineer whose error sent a train with hazardous cargo on a nearly 70-mile journey through Ohio without a crew desperately tried to climb on the locomotive and stop it, railroad investigators said.
Runaway train with hazardous liquids stopped
KENTON, Ohio -- The train rumbled through farm fields and cities, traveling nearly 70 miles with no one at the controls before Jon Hosfeld sprinted alongside the front car, jumped aboard and brought the wayward locomotive to a halt.
Lower interest rates create refinancing boom
WASHINGTON-- Americans are taking advantage of falling mortgage rates and refinancing their homes in droves -- a boom that is likely to make 2001 the second-biggest year ever for refinancing.
FBI director admits mistakes in McVeigh case
WASHINGTON (AP) -- FBI Director Louis Freeh acknowledged Wednesday a "serious error" in the bureau's failure to provide Timothy McVeigh's lawyers with evidence in the Oklahoma City bombing case.
York, Pa., mayor surrenders on murder charge in 1969 race riot
YORK, Pa. (AP) -- Mayor Charlie Robertson surrendered Thursday on charges of murder in the 1969 shooting death of a black woman during race riots. An affidavit quotes a co-defendant as saying Robertson gave him the ammunition he used to fire at her car and told him to kill blacks.
Student kills self despite teacher's efforts to stop him
ENNIS, Texas (AP) -- A 16-year-old student shot himself to death at a high school Tuesday despite a teacher's efforts to get him to give up the gun, officials said.
Surveys: Teacher salaries don't keep pace with inflation
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Teacher salaries have risen slightly in the past several years, but have failed to keep up with inflation, according to surveys released Thursday by teachers' unions.
HHS grant program restricted to religious groups
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush and others have long complained that religious groups are excluded from competing for government grants. But tucked inside the Department of Health and Human Services is a grant program that excludes secular groups.
Sears recalls 13,000 glue guns
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sears Roebuck and Co. is recalling 13,000 glue guns nationwide because the guns can overheat, burning people who try to use them and posing a fire hazard.
FBI agent Robert Hanssen indicted on spy charges
WASHINGTON -- Indictment of veteran FBI agent Robert Hanssen sets the stage for an espionage trial that would focus on some of the United States' most sensitive secrets and how the government says Hanssen passed them to Moscow.
Consumer prices up
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Consumer inflation rose 0.3 percent in April as gasoline prices posted the biggest gain in seven months and the cost of tobacco increased by the largest amount in a year. Clothing prices, however, took their biggest plunge in 52 years.
FBI director Louis Freeh calls documents problem a 'serious error'
WASHINGTON -- The FBI has unearthed still more documents in the Oklahoma City bombing investigation, despite ordering its agents 16 times in recent years to turn over "everything and anything" connected to the case, Director Louis J. Freeh disclosed Wednesday.
Leading economic indicators rise
NEW YORK (AP) -- An important gauge of future economic activity rose 0.1 percent in April, gaining after two consecutive monthly declines.
Iverson plays like an MVP
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Allen Iverson nailed a 3-pointer to surpass 50 points, grinned like it was too easy and danced his way down the court.
Blues prevail in double OT
ST. LOUIS (AP) -- It took the St. Louis Blues 60 shots to get to Patrick Roy, so they just kept firing.
Scoreboard
East Division
National sports briefs
Sammy Sosa got his 400th homer, but the Houston Astros ended up with another victory.
Iverson wins MVP award
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Some call Allen Iverson "A.I." Others refer to him as "Bubba Chuck." He's known as "The Little Kid," and, of course, "The Answer."
Agnes Ries
LITTLE FALLS -- Agnes Ries, 94, Little Falls, died Wednesday, May 16, 2001, at St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls.
Irene M. Kraus
LITTLE FALLS -- Irene M. Kraus, 90, Little Falls, died Wednesday, May 16, 2001, at Lutheran Care Center in Little Falls.
Sharon L. Todd
WILLMAR -- Sharon Lee Todd, 40, Willmar, died Monday, May 14, 2001, at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.
Vivian H. Novak
CROSBY -- Vivian Harriet Novak, 73, Crosby, died Wednesday, May 16, 2001, at Cuyuna Regional Care Center in Crosby.
Stanley W. Holmvig
DEERWOOD -- Stanley W. Holmvig, 68, Deerwood, died Wednesday, May 16, 2001, at home.
Kevin G. Eisenzimmer
PEQUOT LAKES -- Kevin G. Eisenzimmer, 49, Pequot Lakes, died Monday, May 14, 2001.
Virgil 'Muggs' Marvin Siegel
Virgil "Mugg" Marvin Siegel, 69, Brainerd, died Monday, May 14, 2001, at home.
Marvin W. Zeeb
NISSWA -- A memorial service for Marvin W. Zeeb, 76, Nisswa, who died Saturday, Feb. 3, 2001, in Largo, Fla., will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Savior Lutheran Church in Lake Shore with Pastor Frank Milo officiating. Burial will be in Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Camp Ripley.
Evaline Young
ST. CLOUD -- Evaline Young, 84, Foley, formerly of Pierz, died Monday, May 14, 2001, at St. Cloud Hospital.
William 'Frank' Dixon
CROSBY -- William "Frank" Dixon, 98, Crosby, died Monday, May 14, 2001, at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby.
Eldon L. Graves
LITTLE FALLS -- Eldon L. Graves, 53, Swanville, died Monday, May 14, 2001, at St. Otto's Health Care Center in Little Falls.
Open Forum
The Bush administration has declared that the U.S. is facing a bleak energy future. One that requires opening much of our remaining
OTHER OPINIONS
They may be part of a demographic that advertisers salivate over. But statisticians see them as potential rioters and vandals. Insurance actuaries view them as speed demons. Hollywood targets them for movies like "Dude, Where's My Car?"
Open Forum
The Veterans of Foreign Wars have been promoting "Buddy Poppies" since 1922. The V.F.W. Auxiliary being chartered in 1931 began joining their Post members in this promotion. The Poppy has been the symbolic flower of Memorial Day since then. V.F.W. "Buddy Poppies" are assembled by disabled veterans in hospitals throughout the United States.
Lessons from Bush I
WASHINGTON--President Bush may not be a scholar, but he is an avid student of politics. For understandable reasons, he has given especially close scrutiny to the lessons of his father's presidency--and what went wrong to deny him a second term in 1992.
Energy issues and Bush's political future
WASHINGTON -- Every sign at every gasoline station from Connecticut to California is screaming President Bush's political fate.
Vietnam revisited - Dispatch Editorial
The public wounds and divisions that the U.S. suffered as a result of the Vietnam war are profound and long-lasting.
A baffling drug czar choice
This editorial appeared in today's Los Angeles Times:
Jeff Gordon takes seat-belt issue head-on
Jeff Gordon has come of age. While most drivers and crew chiefs have ducked reporters in the wake of NASCAR's ongoing Dale Earnhardt seat-belt controversy, Gordon has occupied center stage. He's firing off concise and complete answers to whatever questions have been posed, and no subject is off-limits.
Super Gas racing is a gas at CBIR
The first time was a charm for the Colonel's Brainerd International Raceway last weekend.
ON TRACK
NASCAR
Racing memories
Frank Selisker (4) raced from the second inside pole position as a pack of six racers blazed down the front straightaway in this photograph taken of a race at the Heywood-Gull Lake Airport race track in 1954.
Female firefighting cadets sue city of St Paul
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Two women have filed a federal lawsuit against the St. Paul Fire Department and city officials on claims they conspired to make them fail firefighting training.
Son arrested in slaying of Bloomington couple
BLOOMINGTON (AP) -- Police said Tuesday they've arrested a 39-year-old son of the couple found dead Monday in their Bloomington home.
Nurses say they'll strike
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- If unionized nurses in the Twin Cities vote Thursday to walk off the job -- and then do so on May 31st -- the 13 affected area hospitals say they'll be prepared to stay open.
Grand jury clears Minneapolis officers
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A grand jury cleared four Minneapolis police officers and a Minneapolis park police officer Tuesday in the death of a mentally ill man who reportedly sped toward them in a car.
State jobless rate at '96 high
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesota's economy is not falling by the wayside even though a higher percentage of the population is unemployed than at any time since October 1996, state economist Tom Stinson said Tuesday.
Stadium plan keeps moving
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Differing proposals for a new Minnesota Twins ballpark rolled through House and Senate committees Tuesday, the latest actions in a surprising team turnaround at the Capitol.
U.S. Bancorp ups job cuts to 2,500 related to merger
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- U.S. Bancorp on Wednesday confirmed that the merger with Firstar Corp. means elimination of about 2,500 jobs, but said some people would be transferred to other jobs within the company.
Two inmates escape in one week in St. Cloud
ST. CLOUD (AP) -- A 16-year-old prisoner became the second inmate Wednesday to escape from Stearns County custody in less than a week.
Forest service to begin burning 75,000 acres in BWCA
DULUTH (AP) -- The U.S. Forest Service will begin burning about 75,000 acres of wind-ravaged forest in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness this fall as it strives to protect old and ecologically important trees.
Concealed-carry provision fizzles in Senate
ST. PAUL (AP) -- A move to make it easier for Minnesotans to carry guns in public appeared dead at the Legislature after the sponsoring senator, responding to a vote to water down her bill, pulled it from consideration.
Tick-borne diseases at record levels in Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesota reached a record number of diseases spread by deer ticks last year, prompting state health officials to warn people to stay on guard this summer.
Some schools shut down from heat
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Some schools in central Minnesota called off afternoon classes Tuesday as a result of hot weather that boosted demand for air conditioning.
An Olympics in state?
Happenings at the Minnesota Capitol:
Olson defense lawyer says he wants quick trial for himself
LOS ANGELES -- One of Sara Jane Olson's defense lawyers plans to demand a quick trial -- for himself -- when he appears for arraignment on misdemeanor criminal charges related to the case of the former Symbionese Liberation Army fugitive.
Library bans chess playing after unruly behavior
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Minneapolis Public Library is trying to keep unruly chess fans in check.
Boser medalist, Pierz boys second
BELGRADE -- Chris Boser shot a 39 and was one of three medalists as the Pierz Pioneers finished second in a Central Minnesota Conference boys' golf meet Tuesday.
Warrior boys second, girls sixth in CLC meet
COLD SPRING -- Victories by Mike Weiss in the discus and by the 4x800-meter relay helped the Brainerd Warriors boys' track and field team to second place in the Central Lakes Conference meet Tuesday at Rocori High School.
Local sports shorts
Bob Ehli, noted muskie and pike fisherman from Bemidji, will speak at the monthly meeting of the Fellowship of Christian Anglers Society 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Highway 371 access on North Long Lake.
Pierz's Swanson betters state qualifying mark
BIG LAKE -- Treg Swanson surpassed the Class A state qualifying mark by one inch in the shot put, throwing 52 feet, 8 inches, to win the Central Minnesota Conference title Tuesday.
Means' 1-hitter stymies Alex
ALEXANDRIA -- Senior right-hander Matt Means pitched a one-hitter to lead the Brainerd Warriors to a 3-0 Central Lakes Conference baseball win over the Alexandria Cardinals Tuesday.
Errors doom Warriors
Following two rain delays the Brainerd Warriors softball team probably wishes its game Tuesday against the Alexandria Cardinals was postponed.
BHS girls place 5th
ST. CLOUD -- The Brainerd Warriors girls' golf team finished fifth with 187 strokes and the Little Falls Flyers secured sixth place with 194 in a Central Lakes Conference meet Monday.
Raiders take their 20-5 mark east
This weekend, the sporting world will turn its eyes to Baltimore.
Pequot Lakes romps past Pillager 24-3 in area softball
PILLAGER -- The Pequot Lakes Patriots improved to 10-4 overall with a 24-3 Park Region Conference softball triumph over the Pillager Huskies on Tuesday.
Local shorts
MOORHEAD -- Staples native Amanda Hoffert helped the University of Minnesota-Duluth women's track and field team capture its eighth straight Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Outdoor Championship last weekend.
Flyers shut out Sartell in tennis
SARTELL -- The Little Falls Flyers swept the Sartell Sabres 7-0 in a Central Lakes Conference tennis meet Tuesday.
House limps into the limelight
If a comeback player of the year award was presented to a high school athlete in Minnesota, Ben House would be one of the first in line for consideration.
Scoreboard
HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL
Scoreboard
TRACK and FIELD
Nelson, Pequot Lakes shut out Pillager 3-0
PEQUOT LAKES -- Chase Nelson allowed only five hits and struck out eight in the Pequot Lakes Patriots' 3-0 victory over the Pillager Huskies in Park Region Conference baseball Tuesday.
Mighty Gulls sign two Gophers
The Brainerd Mighty Gulls have announced the signing of two University of Minnesota players for the 2001 Northwoods League season.
Power surge causes delay in game
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A downtown power surge caused a bank of lights to go out in the Metrodome on Tuesday night, causing an 18-minute delay in the game between Boston and Minnesota.
Hillenbrand makes most of his chance
MINNEAPOLIS -- Every day brings new surprises for Shea Hillenbrand.
Littlejohn calls U probe flawed
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Cheryl Littlejohn, who was fired Monday as Minnesota's women's basketball coach, denied findings of a university investigation and called it an attempt by the school to avoid paying the remainder of her contract.
Hunter's catch saves victory for the Twins
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Minnesota Twins seem to pull off at least one outstanding defensive play every day.
'A Knight's Tale' is humorous, light-hearted
It can be said that "A Knight's Tale" is to medieval manhood, sport and class warfare as "The Mummy Returns" is to archeology and Egyptology.
Coens, Lynch are back at the festival that loves them
CANNES, France -- Frances McDormand has some favorite routines when she comes to Cannes with her husband and brother-in-law, aka the Coen brothers: She strolls through the old section, visits the fruit market, suns on the topless beach.
Harry Potter books attract students to CLC class
With 100 million copies of the Harry Potter children's books circulating around the world in 42 languages, Janet Bedard knew the timing was right for a college course on the works of Joanne Kathleen Rowling.
Best music
Weekly charts for the nation's best-selling recorded music as they appear in next week's issue of Billboard magazine. Reprinted with permission.
Entertainment Calendar
For week of May 17-23; bands perform from 9 p.m. to close with no cover unless otherwise noted.
Capsule reviews of films in area
"Angel Eyes" -- A curious concoction with its fingers in way too many pies: Urban malaise, buddy-cop drama, family estrangement, the torment of guilt and promise of new romance. Jennifer Lopez and Jim Caviezel star as emotional cripples
Spring Expos to feature indoor sale of artworks
The Brainerd Area Art Club isn't taking any chances on the weather during this year's second annual "tent sale."
Meet the stars of the upcoming Harry Potter movie
Harry Potter fans already have Nov. 16 circled on their calendars.
Statewide summer tourism events listed
Following are tourism events around Minnesota, as provided by the Minnesota Office of Tourism. For more information, visit http:www.exploreminnesota.com or call (800) 657-3700 or (651) 296-5029 in the Twin Cities area.
Mississippi Horizons choir students to perform
The choir students of Mississippi Horizons school will be featured in a Spring Concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 24, in Tornstrom Auditorium, Washington Middle School, Brainerd.
Off-Broadway play 'Late Nite Catechism' to be staged June 14 in Brainerd
The off-Broadway play, "Late Nite Catechism" will be presented at 8 p.m. June 14 in Tornstrom Auditorium at Washington Middle School, Brainerd, with proceeds going to St. Francis School.
'The Mummy Returns' hits $118 million in just 10 days
LOS ANGELES-- "The Mummy Returns" continued to produce spectacular revenues with an estimated $33.7 million in its second weekend, for total box office receipts of $118 million in just 10 days.
Best books
Wall Street Journal best-sellers
Brainerd High School orchestras to stage concert
The Brainerd High School orchestras will present their Spring Concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in Tornstrom Auditorium, Washington Middle School, Brainerd.
Rare ratings win for ABC's evening news
NEW YORK -- ABC's "World News Tonight" snapped a 53-week winning streak enjoyed by "NBC Nightly News," according to Nielsen Media Research figures released Tuesday.
Broadway's 'Seussical,' 'Jane Eyre' closing Sunday
NEW YORK (AP) -- "Seussical" and "Jane Eyre," two of this season's more prominent new musicals, will close Sunday, at a combined loss of more than $17 million.
Student theater company to present 'Godspell'
The newly formed Starlight Student Theater Co. will present the musical "Godspell" at 7 p.m. May 25, 26 and 27 in the Starlight Student Lounge at First Presbyterian Church on Eighth Street South in Brainerd.
Stroia Ballet Co. members to perform recital
LITTLE FALLS -- Stroia Dance Studios of Little Falls, Brainerd and St. Cloud will present a combined dance recital at 6:30 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Saturday in Charles D. Martin auditorium, Little Falls Community High School.
Tempo tidbits
Little Falls artist Charles Kapsner and his crew are nearing completion of "Beginnings," the 18- by 41-foot fresco at Lindbergh Elementary School in Little Falls.
Crime Wave
Mystery fiction readers take note. The Minnesota Crime Wave is coming to Little Falls tonight, in the form of some of the state's most popular whodunit novelists.
Piano players
Piano students of Helen C. Anderson recently had a recital at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Brainerd.
Mystery writer wins acclaim for gay, lesbian fiction
LITTLE FALLS -- Since 1987, mystery writer Ellen Hart has churned out 15 critically acclaimed novels from her Twin Cities roost, emerging as one of the nation's leading figures in gay and lesbian fiction.
Comedy Central picks up BHS grad's show
EDEN PRAIRIE -- Tune in to the Comedy Central cable channel later this summer and you'll see a former Brainerd resident at play and (some would say) work.
Best videos
Weekly charts for the nation's most popular videos as they appear in next week's issue of Billboard magazine. Reprinted with permission:
Fine Arts Student of the Week
Sarah Shipman is wrapping up her sophomore year with a flash of literary achievement.
Francis Lee Jaques' works to be shown in Aitkin
AITKIN -- If you missed the Francis Lee Jaques exhibit at the University of Minnesota this spring, you'll get another chance to view the famed naturalist's works, this time closer to home.
Kids and adults alike enjoy fishing opener
Pequot Lakes student Arley Lewis watched as Minnesota First Lady Terry Ventura unhooked a sunfish from his fishing line Saturday at Breezy Point Resort.
Area briefs
An angelic theme is planned for the 18th Luncheon and Style Show sponsored by the Nisswa Women's Club.
State forecast for north dakota
This afternoon...Mostly sunny west and partly sunny east. Windy with highs 65 to 75.
Regional weather
HighLowPR
Minnesota state forecast
Today...A few morning showers southwest. A chance of showers and thunderstorms far northeast. Partly to mostly sunny elsewhere. Highs from the middle 60s to upper 70s.
State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Mostly cloudy statewide. Scattered showers and thunderstorms west and central. A few sprinkles or light showers east. Highs 70 to 80.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Partly to mostly sunny. Highs in the 70s to lower 80s. Cooler near the great lakes.
Minnesota state forecast
Today...Partly sunny. Cooler with highs in the 70s and lower 80s.
Iowa state forecast
Today...Partly cloudy north with isolated showers northwest. Partly sunny south. Highs in the upper 70s to mid 80s.
State forecast for North Dakota
Today...Partly sunny west with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Becoming windy southwest. Mostly sunny east. Highs 70 to 75.
State forecast for south dakota.
This afternoon...Sunny to partly cloudy skies. Highs mostly in the 70s.
The Weather Elsewhere
Wednesday
Fishing
Weather drawing by Patrick Wrubel of Sharon Jendro's first grade class at Lowell school.
Summer is coming
Weather drawing by Amanda Finstad of Mrs. Meyer's third grade class at Riverside school.
Wisconsin state forecast
Dense fog advisory parts of northeast and east central wisconsin this morning...
Iowa state forecast
Flash flood watch southeast iowa today...
Names and faces
BOSTON (AP) -- Massachusetts' first family has two new additions -- twin girls.
Names and faces
WAUKESHA, Wis. (AP) -- Milwaukee Brewers radio announcer and former sitcom star Bob Uecker and his wife have gotten a divorce.
What's doing
The first campout for the season of the Rollin' Rangers will be held at Crosslake Campground May 21-23. Hosts will be Ed and Ella Mae Jensen and Ray and Etta Flicek.
After School Snapshots
What do you get when you combine snow tubing and swimming?
Lincoln installs first elementary climbing wall
Thanks to one teacher's dream for her students matched with financial help from the community, students at Lincoln Elementary School are now climbing to new heights. Literally.
...vrooom
The fact they aren't old enough to drive real cars yet didn't hinder the adrenaline rush of racing.
Whistler whiz... bits and 'bytes' of what's going on in our schools
Logan Mohs, Paige Northway, Lisa Holte, Sam Walker and Cameron Holmes, sixth grade students at Washington Middle School, participated in the regional Math Masters of Minnesota Challenge at Bemidji State University on Friday, April 6, 2001.
Summer is just around the corner
The end of the school year is already upon us. And so are the ISD #181 Community Education summer classes for students.
Turkish military plane crashes, killing 37
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) -- A Turkish military airplane with 37 people aboard crashed in southeastern Turkey on Wednesday, and officials said there were no survivors.
Easing of sanctions on Iraq proposed
UNITED NATIONS -- In a major policy shift expected to get U.S. backing, Britain has proposed lifting U.N. sanctions on civilian goods entering Iraq but toughening enforcement of the decade-old arms embargo against Saddam Hussein's government.