Saturday, May 18, 2002

Consumer bankruptcy filings surge
Consumer bankruptcy filings soared 15.1 percent during the 12 months ended in March, raising fresh concerns about the strength of the U.S. economic recovery.

You need to act fast if your wallet is lost or stolen
NEW YORK -- When was the last time you took a good look at all the stuff you carry around in your wallet?

Kavanaugh's undergoing a major menu make-over
Kavanaugh's is reinventing itself through a major menu make-over that begins Friday, just in time for the start of the summer season.

But it's wise not to get too used to it
NEW YORK -- Tech stock believers got some validation this past week -- an analyst upgrade of Intel, an upbeat outlook from Dell Computer and promises of cost cuts at IBM. Investors welcomed the news by giving the battered technology sector its first five-session winning streak since early October.

A glorious decoration
Engineer Clem DeRosier adjusted a U.S. flag that decorated Potlatch's white switch engine following Sept. 11. The engine is stored inside a building that straddles the tracks. The General Electric, built in May 1945, is mainly used as a spare. (Dispatch Photo by Renee Richardson)

Good to the last switch
Potlatch's golden switch engine has a steady hum as it sits unmoving on the track. The cab vibrates as the diesel engine waits to work.

HIDDEN INSURANCE
NEW YORK -- When Florestella Torres died suddenly at 58, she left behind three daughters, two sons and eight years as a clerk in the cosmetics department at the local Wal-Mart.

Good question
Q. My girlfriends and I have no idea what our clothing size is these days. Our body types and weights haven't really changed, but the clothing sizes we wear varies depending on the store or the designer. What gives?

DVD movies, digital and delicate
Q: Sometimes when I play DVDs, the picture freezes at a certain scene. In some cases I can skip past the scene, but it's still annoying. What's going on?

Budget Rent-A-Car goes out of business at regional airport
Budget Rent-A-Car will not be giving out vehicle keys much longer.

Business notes
Consolidated Telephone Co., an independent telecommunications and Internet company based in Brainerd, recently announced that Doug Hennum was named manager of the company's Northland Communications subsidiary.

Cruise industry's summer business looks to be ship-shape
For months, Trudi and Philip Borhaug were dreaming about a weeklong summer vacation with their two teen-agers in Hawaii. But cost, airport hassles and a nagging feeling that the island was too far from home eventually convinced the Sylmar, Calif., couple to take a different route: They booked a four-night cruise to Mexico instead, for less than $2,000.

He's married, with a church
WASHINGTON -- James Paris, who was a banker and financial analyst for eight years before realizing his true calling as a priest, said most Greek Orthodox seminarians "take for granted they will all find young ladies and get married."

Rabbis' human rights group stresses moral obligations of Israel
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Rabbis for Human Rights, an advocacy and education group in Israel, and its North American sister organization, have expressed concern for the "moral well-being" of the Jewish state as Mideast violence drags on.

Man pleads guilty in attack on Seattle mosque
SEATTLE (AP) -- A man charged in an attack on a north Seattle mosque two days after Sept. 11 has pleaded guilty to reduced charges.

Methodists, Lutherans tackle gay issue
BLOOMINGTON (AP) -- Two mainline Protestant denominations are moving forward with discussions on the divisive issue of homosexuality.

Judge: 'Lord's Prayer' can't be sung at Woodbine graduation
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- A federal judge has ruled the Woodbine High School choir cannot sing "The Lord's Prayer" at graduation ceremonies because the tradition violates the separation of church and state.

St. Francis Catholic School to host reunion
Alumni from St. Francis Catholic School in Brainerd will gather June 8 and 9 for an all-school reunion.

Catholic bishops' lawyer thinks more credit deserved for efforts at countering sex abuse
WASHINGTON (AP) -- From the first major clergy sex abuse scandal nearly 18 years ago, attorney Mark Chopko has publicly defended and privately advised America's Roman Catholic bishops.

Bridges of Hope names coordinator
Tami Lueck, a Nisswa resident, has been named coordinator of Bridges of Hope, an organization formed to help families in need by coordinating area social service and faith community assets.

Greek church, unlike Catholic church, allows priests to marry
WASHINGTON -- Before his ordination four years ago, James Paris was getting pressured by his mentor, the Rev. George Papaioannou.

Church World Service aims to remove prejudice against those with AIDS in Africa
NEW YORK (AP) -- The international humanitarian arm of the National Council of Churches is joining religious leaders in South Africa for a campaign to remove the stigma of AIDS.

Churches
In celebration of the gift of the Holy Spirit, all people attending worship Sunday at Trinity Lutheran Church, Brainerd, are encouraged to wear red. Services are at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Angry Catholics speak out at archdiocese 'listening sessions' held in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Hundreds of parishioners who attended "listening sessions" held by the Milwaukee archdiocese to gauge response to the sex abuse scandal gave church officials an earful.

Evangelical advocacy group consolidates offices in Washington
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The National Association of Evangelicals plans to close its California office and consolidate operations in its Washington office.

Was Jesus a teetotaler?
A dentist's invention 133 years ago changed the way millions of Americans worship.

BHS Students of the Second Semester listed
The following students at Brainerd High School were named Students of the Second Semester 2001-2002.

Scoring of statewide exams delayed
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Schools and parents will have to wait until October to learn the scores of statewide tests that grade school students took in early March.

Kinship Partners has a fishing buddy for you
"Opening fishing!"

Son misinformed about effects of marijuana
QUESTION: My son has recently begun running around with some tough kids who have introduced him to marijuana. He doesn't deny what he is doing because he says it is harmless. Can you give me the facts?

HINTS FROM HELOISE
Dear Heloise: Please help! I have new vinyl flooring in my kitchen that is becoming yellow under my rugs. What can I do? -- Joyce Ridley, Langdon, N.D.

HINTS FROM HELOISE
Dear Heloise: With the summer almost here, it is so important to keep a pet's water bowl filled with fresh water every day. My dog used to knock over his bowl quite frequently, and going without water here in hot Texas can be dangerous.

DEAR ABBY
DEAR ABBY: I am a 36-year-old single man who has boomeranged between living on my own and with my parents during the past three years. Finally, I'm planning to move to a permanent place of my own.

DEAR ABBY
DEAR ABBY: The letter from "Stephanie in Delaware," regarding the compliment she received in high school, reminded me of a compliment that changed my life.

Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Thursday cattle estimated receipts: 300. Last Thursday: 373. Year Ago Thursday: 543. Wednesday actual: 659.

Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Friday cattle estimated receipts: 500. Last Friday: 646. Year Ago Friday: 584. Thursday actual: 274.

Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Thursday 107, a year ago 150.

Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Friday 166, a year ago 267.

Crime
Lakes Area Drug Investigative Division officers seized nearly 27 grams of psilocybin mushrooms executing a warrant Thursday in Brainerd, the Brainerd Police Department reported.

Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Friday.

Can't settle your dispute?
The Minnesota News Council is an independent organization that examines citizens complaints alleging inaccuracy, unfairness or unethical conduct by the media.

Agendas
Policy committee meeting Meets 6:30 a.m. Monday

Births
Curt and Amy (Cline) Albertson, Duluth, a girl, Ashley Anne, 6 pounds, 12.5 ounces, April 5, 2002. Grandparents are Allan and Nancy Albertson, Merrifield, and Paul and June Cline, Mesa, Ariz. Great-grandparents are Eugene and Alvina Kennedy, Pequot Lakes.

Court
The following recently appeared in Crow Wing District Court:

School lunch menus
BRAINERD/PILLAGER

Marriage licenses
Brian N. Gardner, 29, Pillager, and Kristine M. Oman, 31, Wadena.

Marriage licenses
Troy S. Verkennes, 32, and Theresa M. Williams, 27, both of Brainerd.

Births
Angela Opsal, Staples, a girl, Mackenzie Lila, 7 pounds, 10.5 ounces, May 1, 2002.

State lawmakers' addresses
Area legislators and how to contact them.

Agendas
Meets 7:30 p.m. Monday, City hall council chambers

Information hotline set up
Potlatch workers have a hotline to call to answer questions on TAA/TRA benefits, unemployment and insurance. The number is the most direct way to get information on benefits.

Senior activities
Lutheran Social Service Senior Nutrition Program, Mississippi Terrace and Oakcrest

Warrior girl golfers finish fifth in conference
ALEXANDRIA -- The Brainerd Warriors girls' golf team finished fifth in the Central Lakes Conference after the final two meets of the regular season Thursday.

Three Raiders to compete in national golf tournament
As much as Mother Nature has tried to keep golfers indoors this spring, three Central Lakes College women will travel south to put their games to the test next week in the National Junior College Athletic Association tournament at Shawnee, Okla.

Brainerd takes third in CLC boys' showdown
ST. CLOUD -- The Brainerd Warriors shot their lowest round of the year, a 313, just seven shots off the pace of Central Lakes Conference champion Alexandria in a boys' golf meet Thursday.

Grieme leads W-DC to second place at Mid-State
WADENA -- Wadena-Deer Creek's Mike Grieme shot a 5-over-par 77 for individual medalist in the Mid-State Conference boys' golf meet at the Wadena Golf Course Friday.

Golden Bear eager to see golf museum devoted to his life
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- The Jack Nicklaus Museum doesn't open until Tuesday but its namesake is already pleased. He was able to find a place for tons of memorabilia without having a garage sale.

Pequot increases lead in Mid-Minn Conference
MENAHGA -- All five Pequot Lakes girls' golfers shot rounds below 50, including medalist Jackie Heslop's 40, as the Patriots expanded their lead over Crosby-Ironton and the rest of the Mid-Minnesota Conference Thursday.

Cardinal boys win conference title
FIFTY LAKES -- The Staples-Motley Cardinals, behind Cory Wilson's 78, won the Mid-Minnesota Conference boys golf title Thursday by three shots over Pequot Lakes.

Congress endorses NATO expansion, security aid
WASHINGTON -- Congress sent President Bush a bill Friday that endorses expanding NATO and authorizes security assistance for seven nations that hope to join the military alliance.

St. Joseph's Foundation awards health grants
St. Joseph's Foundation recently awarded Community Health Initiative Grants.

Workman falling through ceiling starts home renovating horrors
When the air conditioning installation man fell through Bonnie Krois' ceiling -- luckily without injuring himself -- it should have been enough.

Tulips need coaxing for repeat performance
Tulips often disappoint after their first show of blooms. That first show reflects the skill of the commercial bulb grower because the flower buds form the season before blooms open.

Avoid planting non-native, invasive flower varieties
PINE RIVER -- The Leech Lake Reservation Division of Resources Management and Chippewa National Forest compiled the following information about which common wild plants are non-native and invasive versus which are native.

Home is open and livable
High ceilings, inviting window arrangements and complementary outdoor living areas contribute to the livable openness of this home, Plan K-18, by the Homestore Plans and Publications Designers Network. Its floor plan covers 2,184 square feet of living space.

What's hot in outdoor grills
Outdoor grills aren't just for flame-broiled burgers and steaks anymore.

Housing briefs
The Greater Lakes Association of Realtors and the Multiple List Service received certificates of gratitude from the National Association of Realtors for contributions and support of the Realtor Housing Relief Fund.

'Tankless' water-heating system does not store heated water
Q. Raymond asks: I currently have a gas water heater. I was thinking of replacing it with what I believe is called a set system, which is basically a set of heating coils that attach to your main water feed. The system gives you hot water only when it is needed. This would eliminate the need to heat water continuously. Where can I find such a system? Is this system more economical?

Use turpentine and salt to scrub shower panes
You were about to take a shower, but after closer observation of the fiberglass pane, decided it needed cleaning more than you did.

Start small, and be patient to see what works
PINE RIVER -- Start small and expand in succeeding years, David Moe recommended for starting a wildflower area. If it's too much work, it isn't fun.

Outdoor furniture looks like it belongs inside
After years of designers bringing nature indoors, this spring's trend does the reverse: furniture for the outdoors mimicking indoor living.

Famous architect's different works shown in book
Some titles on the home front:

Design K-18 has room for several generations
Design K-18 could be a "multi-generational" house if you converted the garage to a studio apartment. It already has a separate entrance.

Go wild -- plant your own wildflower garden
PINE RIVER -- Native wildflowers have been around thousands of years, surviving the climate where they grow, remaining pest free.

Tips to avoid renovating horrors
About to take on a home remodeling project? To prevent a possible problem, check out the following tips offered by the DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen company:

High-quality seedlings grow into high-quality plants
Almost everywhere you turn, flats of seedlings are crying out to be bought -- from drugstores, from supermarkets, from department stores, and, of course, from nurseries.

Don't use fresh manure in garden
Uncomposted animal manures can carry bacteria that cause food poisoning.

Tomato and basil go together
WASHINGTON -- There is no happier marriage in the garden than that of basil and tomato.

Dealing with textured ceilings
When we were kids the ceilings in our turn-of-the-century Mediterranean-style home were 12 feet high. They were made of f

Local briefs
A Brainerd High School marketing teacher was honored with a 2002 Teacher of Excellence Award at BestPrep's annual luncheon recently.

Top cop
It's been one year since Brainerd Police Chief John Bolduc took the post as Brainerd's top cop. Find out how his year has been in Monday's Dispatch.

Life vests help save couple in water
A 56-year-old Pillager woman struggled to shore after the canoe she was in capsized Friday morning, starting a chain reaction that saved her husband's life.

Legislative briefs
FORT RIPLEY -- A fund-raiser for state Sen. Don Samuelson, DFL-Brainerd, is scheduled for 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Fort Ripley Community Center/Pavilion.

This was Brainerd
MAY 19 - 80 years ago (1922) - Friday evening the Water & Light Board addressed the people of West Brainerd. The people of West Brainerd are enthusiastic for water. Some people from other parts of Brainerd have said that they should not have water and resentments are running very strong.

This was Brainerd
MAY 17 - 20 years ago (1982) - Rose Vierzba, the former head cook at Franklin Junior High School, will be honored at an open house on Thursday, May 20, in the school cafeteria.

Potlatch switch engine, its engineer take last ride on plant's two-mile track
For years, the golden switch engine has traveled countless miles without leaving northeast Brainerd.

Civil Air Patrol holds conference in Breezy Point
BREEZY POINT -- Minnesota WING Civil Air Patrol conducted its 55th annual conference May 3-5 at Breezy Point Resort with more than 395 members attending.

End of the line
It's the end of the line for the Potlatch switch engine and its engineer after years of moving railcars on two miles of track. Look for the story in Sunday's Dispatch.

Graduation wave
As they entered the Brainerd High School gymnasium Thursday night, Central Lakes College accounting graduates Zanetta Borchert (left), Joy Kliewer and Christina Witucki waved to familiar faces in the audience at graduation ceremonies for students at the Brainerd campus of CLC. (Dispatch Photo by Steve Kohls)

Clarification
A crime brief on Page 5A Thursday should have said two men arrested Wednesday on drug charges in Baxter were arrested after a vehicle was stopped on Highway 210 east of the Golf Course Road intersection.

Seat belt enforcement push set May 24-June 2
BAXTER -- More than 350 state law enforcement agencies will participate in May Mobilization from May 24 through June 2, the largest yet state-wide effort for seat-belt enforcement.

Sviggum to speak Monday in Brainerd
Speaker of the House Steve Sviggum, R-Kenyon, and state Reps. Dale Walz, R-Brainerd, and Bill Kuisle, R-Rochester, will have a news conference Monday in Brainerd to discuss the conclusion of the 2002 legislative session.

Correction/clarification
In an obituary for Dona Mae Reed on Page 5A Wednesday, her husband, John Mims Reed, and a sister, Betty Ann, died earlier.

Scheeler finds suspicious item in mailbox
A small, plastic devise resembling a hand grenade was discovered in Brainerd City Council member Gary Scheeler's mailbox Friday morning.

Local briefs
Sixth- through ninth-grade choir students at Mississippi Horizons will perform a spring concert at 7 p.m. Thursday at Tornstrom Auditorium, Washington Middle School, Brainerd.

Nesheim to run for House
Brainerd City Council President Lucy Nesheim has announced she'll run for the House District 12A legislative seat now held by Rep. Dale Walz, R-Brainerd.

From the ashes, hope
Today was expected to be the end of an era in northeast Brainerd, but a state lawsuit was the topic of conversation and rising expectation.

Hair-cutting experience
Morgan McKenzie couldn't do much to help her grandma as she battled cancer this spring.

Potlatch says Hatch lawsuit won't help find buyer for Brainerd mill
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Potlatch Corp. said Friday that a lawsuit filed by Minnesota's attorney general isn't likely to help efforts to find a buyer for the paper mill it closed in Brainerd last week.

Bin Laden plan was awaiting Bush's OK Sept. 10
WASHINGTON -- The White House acknowledged Friday it had a battle plan to topple Osama bin Laden awaiting President Bush's approval in the days before the Sept. 11 attacks. The administration accused Democrats of seeking political gain by suggesting that Bush ignored warning signs of an attack.

Work requirement urged for federal help to pay for housing
WASHINGTON (AP) -- People who get federal help to pay for housing should be required to work, and rules that discourage them from marrying and pursuing higher-paying jobs should be changed, a commission created by Congress will recommend.

Solutions sought for flaw in airport security
WASHINGTON (AP) -- While passengers and pilots pass through tightened airport security checkpoints, baggage handlers and other workers still bypass screeners and metal detectors by using identification cards that open locked doors.

Kmart probed by FBI
DETROIT (AP) -- Kmart Corp. is under investigation by the FBI for possible criminal wrongdoing -- the latest setback for the retailer as it tries to emerge from bankruptcy.

Fed seeks shift in its operations as lender of last resort
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Federal Reserve on Friday unveiled a significant shift in its operations as the nation's lender of last resort. It proposed making it more expensive for banks to borrow directly from the Fed.

Navy ship to be sunk to create artificial reef goes down early
KEY LARGO, Fla. (AP) -- A retired Navy ship set to be scuttled with explosives to create an artificial reef sank unexpectedly ahead of schedule Friday, forcing workers to abandon ship and landing at an odd angle still sticking out of the water.

White House goes on offensive to contain criticism over pre-Sept. 11 warnings
WASHINGTON -- The White House dug in for a protracted political battle as new details emerged about a pre-Sept. 11 warning to U.S. intelligence that terrorists might try to fly airliners into government buildings.

Priest accused of sexual misconduct commits suicide at psychiatric hospital
SILVER SPRING, Md. -- In the latest tragic turn in the abuse scandal that has embroiled the Roman Catholic church, a priest was found hanged at a psychiatric hospital less than three weeks after resigning from his parish amid allegations of sexual abuse.

Seminary set to shutter doors for good
ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Teen-ager Thomas Rehagen told his dad last year that he was exploring becoming a priest and thought he found the perfect place to be groomed for the job.

Washington briefs
WASHINGTON (AP) -- America's trade deficit showed a slight improvement in March as sales of American products overseas outpaced an increase in imports, which were driven higher by the biggest one-month jump in crude oil prices in nearly 12 years.

First-in-nation bill lets Internet consumers block disclosures
BYLINE3: ST. PAUL -- Minnesota would become the first state to give Internet users control over whether their service providers disclose or sell customers' personal information under a bill headed to the House and Senate for final votes.

Study: Asteroid impact may have helped dinosaurs dominate world
WASHINGTON -- The reign of the dinosaurs may have ended 65 million years ago with the massive impact of a mountain-sized rock from outer space. Now a new study suggests that a similar impact millions of years earlier may have helped dinosaurs dominate the animal world.

States still gloomy about economy
WASHINGTON -- The national economy may be on the mend, but the outlook for a speedy recovery in states remains gloomy despite hefty spending cuts, layoffs and early retirements among state workers and dipping into so-called "rainy-day" funds for more than $15 billion.

National briefs
BALTIMORE (AP) -- Cardinal William Keeler apologized for the first time to those sexually abused by Roman Catholic priests and said he regrets reinstating a priest who was shot this week by an alleged abuse victim.

Bishop says accused priests need church's support, prayers
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (AP) -- A Roman Catholic bishop said Friday he is praying for and reaching out to priests accused of sexual misconduct after a diocese priest committed suicide at a psychiatric treatment center.

Pioneer of baseball integration dies of cancer
PHOENIX (AP) -- Joe Black, the Brooklyn Dodgers right-hander who became the first black pitcher to win a World Series game, died Friday of prostate cancer. He was 78.

Seattle overcomes deficit to beat Boston
Jeff Cirillo's two-run single off Rolando Arrojo (2-1) broke a sixth-inning tie as visiting Seattle (29-12) overcame a 3-0 deficit and beat Boston 6-3 (27-11) in the opener of a three-game series between baseball's best teams. Ichiro Suzuki's two-run double started the comeback.

Nets must stop Pierce; he says New Jersey can't
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- One thing is certain heading into the Eastern Conference finals: Either the Nets or Celtics will accomplish something the NBA hasn't seen since 1978.

Durazo hits three homers, knocks in nine
Erubiel Durazo packed a week's worth of production into one magnificent game.

Preakness favorite to arrive fashionably late in Baltimore
BALTIMORE (AP) -- The Preakness favorite will arrive in Baltimore a mere 14 hours before the race. It hardly sounds like a formula for success, but trainer Bobby Frankel wouldn't have it any other way.

Donald E. Lybeck Jr.
Donald E. "Donnie" Lybeck Jr., 54, Brainerd, died Friday, May 17, 2002, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.

Dorothy Serena Hanson
CLARISSA -- Dorothy Serena Hanson, 80, Clarissa, formerly of Little Falls and Brainerd, died Thursday, May 16, 2002, at the Central Todd County Care Center.

Zona G. Hines
MOTLEY -- Zona G. Hines, 57, Motley, died Wednesday, May 15, 2002, at Greater Staples Hospital.

Zona Hines
MOTLEY -- Zona G. Hines, 57, Motley, died Wednesday, May 15, 2002, at Greater Staples Hospital.

Mary Hubner
LITTLE FALLS -- Mary Hubner, 89, Little Falls, died Friday, May 17, 2002, at St. Otto's Care Center.

Dora S. Larson
Dora S. Larson, 87, Brainerd, died Wednesday, May 15, 2002, at St. Joseph's Medical Center.

David Thompson
STAPLES -- David Thompson, 74, Staples, formerly of Austin, died Tuesday, May 14, 2002, at Greater Staples Hospital.

Richard G. Johnson
LAKE SHORE -- Richard Glenn Johnson, 75, Lake Shore, died Wednesday, May 15, 2002, at home.

Shirley A. Emerson
DEER RIVER -- Shirley Ann Emerson, 75, Deer River, died Wednesday, May 15, 2002, at St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth.

Marcella Broman
AITKIN -- Marcella "Marcie" Marguerite Fabel Broman, 89, Aitkin, died Thursday, May 16, 2002, at home.

Ashcroft is right
Gun control advocates are upset over Attorney General John Ashcroft's declaration last week, outlined in a legal brief before the Supreme Court, that the Second Amendment to the Constitution protects an individual's right to keep and bear arms irrespective of any ties to a state militia.

What we're watching
If TV is that vast wasteland, there are a lot of people out there.

Vox Pop
Vox Pop, voice of the people, publishes Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. To call in a comment, dial 829-2900 or 1-800-547-2909 then enter code 8008. To e-mail a comment, write to voxpop@brainerddispatch.com.

After Castro
Carter called for an end to the U.S. trade embargo. That was ear candy for Castro, but he knows as well as Carter that the Bush administration won't do that.

Anti-tobacco funds
The Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco, which faced off with state Attorney General Mike Hatch in court today, certainly has its critics. MPAAT's foes say it has overstepped its authority and veered away from its proper mission of funding smoking cessation programs.

Wellstone's challenge
MINNEAPOLIS-- Twelve years ago, he was a cage-rattling professor who came out of nowhere, crisscrossed the

Sharing or stealing?
A friend passed through town the other day, a young writer I've mentored. He is traveling to take the pulse of Americans and write a book.

Open Forum
I am writing this letter in regard to the proposed zone change on Wise Road in Brainerd.

DNR seeks nominees for motorized trail task force
Under legislation recently signed into law, the DNR is seeking nominees for a motorized trail task force to advise the agency and Legislature on future off-highway vehicle policy in Minnesota.

Youth Walleye Expo to be featured at PWT tournament in Walker
Walker will roll out the red carpet when the Professional Walleye Trail comes to town May 22-24. But the action won't be limited to the pro anglers battling it out on Leech Lake.

North Country calendar
18-24 -- National Safe Boating Week

May 11 was big day for kids at Northland Arboretum
"Wood duck. Mallard. Lesser Scaup. Any other ducks?"

Outdoor notes
Applications for the new Minnesota critical habitat license plate are being accepted at moto

Fargo fisherman wins PWT Western Pro/AM
CHAMBERLAIN, S.D. -- After five seasons on the trail, Tom Backer, Fargo, N.D., claimed his first Professional Walleye Trail victory May 10 when he weighed 42.37 pounds, beating Gil Mollet, Jefferson, S.D. by 8 pounds.

Fishing report
Despite less-than-favorable weather conditions, anglers found enough walleyes to stay satisfied over opening weekend. Round Lake and Gull Lake produced quite a few walleyes, as did the Gull Dam and the Bar Harbor Fishing Pier.

Shallow tactics not working? Try going deep in the grass
Opening day often finds anglers fishing depths of less than 15 feet and grumbling about "no fish" because "it's too early." But guide Greg Bohn has discovered an overlooked pattern that yields big walleyes from opening day through July.

Seven learn unique characteristics of handguns
PEQUOT LAKES -- Seven people assembled at Wild Acres Gun Club recently to learn more about handguns.

Tournament fisherman finally meets goal
Two years ago tournament fisherman Charlie Johnson was at a crossroads.

Solberg: DNR shouldn't close Brainerd, Rochester offices
State Rep. Loren Solberg said the DNR's proposed closing of its Brainerd and Rochester regional offices is taking the agency "further away from the Minnesotans it serves."

Itasca State Park to open new visitor center
Itasca State Park will officially open the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center on Saturday.

Engagement announced
Patricia Oseland and Fred Turner announce their engagement. Parents are Leonard and Karen Oseland, Baxter, and Fred R. and Judi Turner, Ellwood City, Pa. An August wedding is planned.

50th anniversary
Donald and Pearl Hellen, Pillager, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house from 2-5 p.m. Saturday at the Eagles Club in Brainerd. No gifts please.

Engagement announced
Jennifer Leigh Joseph and Scott Simons Johnson announce their engagement. Parents are Brenda Lisbeth Brown, Wichita, Kan., and Charles Alan Joseph, Wichita, and Sherry Wickliff Johnson, Palm Desert, Calif., and Cathy Sue and Charles Simons Johnson, Mission Hills, Kan. An Aug. 31 wedding is planned at Gull Lake.

Engagement announced
Sara Omtvedt and Josh Miles announce their engagement. Parents are James and Sylvia Omtvedt, Brainerd, and Mark Miles, Brainerd, and Julie Miles, Brainerd. An Aug. 10 wedding is planned at Church of the Nazarene in Brainerd.

RAY AND SHANNON BRYANT
Shannon Hartwig and Ray Bryant were married July 21, 2001, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Pequot Lakes with Pastor Frank Milo officiating.

CHAD AND JENNIFER NANGLE
Jennifer Arvidson and Chad Nangle were married Sept. 29, 2001, at First Lutheran Church in Pine River with Pastor John Twiton officiating.

CHAD AND DINA ANDERSON
Dina Sorenson and Chad (Barnard) Anderson were married Dec. 7, 2001, in Kasson.

BLAIR AND TRACY ECKER
Tracy Furney and Blair Ecker were married July 14, 2001, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Backus with Pastor Norman Sincebaugh officiating.

Much obliged
The American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 255, Brainerd, would like to thank everyone who participated in our annual Poppy Day on May 10.

Engagement announced
Jill Sorenson and Marty Weiland announce their engagement. Parents are Dennis and Diane Sorenson, Bemidji, Ken and Peggy Saumer, Brainerd, and Dan and Karen Weiland, Brainerd. A Sept. 28 wedding is planned at First Lutheran Church in Bemidji.

50th anniversary
Ken and Lois Rohl will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house from 2-5 p.m. June 1 at the First Baptist Church in International Falls. Cards may be sent to 2585 CR 103, International Falls, MN 56649.

40th anniversary
Jim and Marylee Falconer, Baxter, will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary from 7-11 p.m. Friday at the American Legion Club in Brainerd.

50th anniversary
Bob and Mickey Fitzsimmons will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house from 1-4 p.m. May 26 at the Brainerd VFW.

ROBERT AND CONNIE MUDGETT
Connie Larson and Robert Mudgett were married April 20, 2002, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Pequot Lakes with Pastor David Stevens officiating.

JAMES AND MINDY BALL
Mindy Nelson and James Ball were married April 10, 2002, at Nachi Cocom Beach Club in Cozumel, Mexico.

Kenseth takes Winston pole, Mayfield earns qualifier pole
CONCORD, N.C. (AP) -- Matt Kenseth got a lot of help from his crew to continue his strong start to the season, earning the pole for NASCAR's all-star race in record fashion Friday night.

Protein Design Labs to build $200 million plant in Brooklyn Park
BROOKLYN PARK (AP) -- A California-based biotechnology company will build a $200 million plant here over the next three years.

State releases 2002 pollution prevention report
The Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance recently released the 2002 Pollution Prevention Evaluation Report evaluating the state's progress in preventing pollution in Minnesota.

It might be do-or-die for Twins at Legislature
ST. PAUL -- A few loose ends and a clock-watching foe forced postponement of a key committee vote on a Twins stadium bill early Saturday.

St. Cloud diocese paid victims of abuse, plans new policy
ST. CLOUD (AP) -- The St. Cloud Diocese for the first time on Thursday said it has made payments to victims of alleged or proven sexual misconduct. But a spokesman would not disclose the number of people or the amounts paid.

Ventura will push to bring Rolling Stones back to Minnesota
ST. PAUL (AP) -- You can't always get what you want, but Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura hopes if he tries, he can lure the Rolling Stones back to Minnesota.

Ventura may ride mighty Mississippi
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Gov. Jesse Ventura says he may promote Minnesota this summer by leaving it in his wake.

U of M student newspaper apologizes for cartoon
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The University of Minnesota's student newspaper apologized Friday for a published cartoon that black student leaders say was racist.

Sun Country creates financial incentive for travel agents
MENDOTA HEIGHTS (AP) -- Sun Country Airlines doubled travel agent commissions to 10 percent, marking the carrier's latest effort to increase bookings and fill seats under new ownership.

Audit finds Minnesota Zoo lax in contract procedures
ST. PAUL (AP) -- A legislative audit concluded that the Minnesota Zoo spent $118,000 more than necessary to complete a recent construction project and needs to review its contracting procedures to prevent future problems.

Stadium bill awaits its fate
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Lawmakers pushing for a new baseball stadium have decided to generally stick with the financing proposal crafted by a Ventura administration official earlier this year.

Court to decide reallocation of some tobacco settlement money
ST. PAUL -- A Ramsey County district judge was asked Friday to replace the Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco as administrator of $202 million in tobacco settlement money.

Edina middle school student apologizes for posting hate list on Web
EDINA (AP) -- An Edina eighth-grader who posted a list of people he hates and a couple possible threats on his personal Web site has sent apologies everyone on the list, his principal said Friday.

Ventura in position to shape bond bill
ST. PAUL -- Gov. Jesse Ventura is loving this.

Area events Saturday
Stock Car Racing

Scoreboard
high school BASEBALL

Boyer's triples lead Rangers over PR-B
CROSBY -- Mike Boyer was 2-for-3 with two triples and three RBI and Eric Holmvig was 3-3 with a double and a RBI as the Crosby-Ironton Rangers beat the Pine River-Backus Tigers 6-3 in non-conference baseball Friday.

Warriors settle for second place
COLD SPRING -- Needing to win both games in order to share the Central Lakes Conference softball title, the Brainerd Warriors split a doubleheader with the Rocori Spartans, losing the first game 4-3 and winning the nightcap 3-2 Thursday.

Keefe finds success in baseball despite injury
PINE RIVER -- Nick Keefe was on the track and field team as a junior, but hasn't lost any speed in switching to baseball.

YMCA offering free swim program
Brainerd Community Education and the Brainerd Family YMCA are offering a free learn-to-swim program for area elementary students.

Gladden baseball camp planned
Dan Gladden's former Twins teammates called him "Wrench" for his aggressive play and blue-collar work ethic.

Warriors win first tennis match
SARTELL -- The Brainerd Warriors finally picked up their first tennis victory of the season with a 6-1 trouncing of the Sartell Sabres on Thursday.

Tigers race to conference title
PILLAGER -- Phil Primmer of Pine River-Backus won the 100- and 200-meter dashes and the long jump to lead the Tigers to the Park Region Conference boys' track and field team championship Thursday.

Verndale blanks Nevis 36-0
VERNDALE -- Led by Steph Tomte's no-hitter and Raya Kern's 5-for-6 day at the plate, including two home runs and 10 RBI, the Verndale Pirates dismantled the Nevis Tigers 36-0 in softball Thursday.

Aitkin cruises to victory
AITKIN --The Aitkin Gobblers won their eighth dual meet of the season with a 7-0 boys' tennis victory over the Mora Mustangs on Thursday.

Pillager pummels NY Mills in baseball
PILLAGER -- Travis Buckingham went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBI to lead the Pillager Huskies past New York Mills Eagles 11-4 in Park Region baseball Thursday.

Hasselberg, C-I win Mid-State
WADENA -- Mary Hasselberg shot a 78 to win the individual medalist and Crosby-Ironton won the team portion of the Mid-State Conference girls' golf championship Friday at the Wadena Golf Course.

Tautges, Chad Weiss lead Brainerd
SARTELL -- Joe Tautges and Chad Weiss each hit home runs to power the Brainerd Warriors baseball team past the Sartell Sabres 6-1 Thursday in Central Lakes Conference action.

AREA ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
PEQUOT LAKES -- Jackie Heslop has been to four Class 1A state individual golf tournaments. She doesn't want to go alone this year.

CLC wins state title
THIEF RIVER FALLS -- The Central Lakes College Raiders won two games Thursday to capture their first Minnesota Community College Conference state softball championship since 1985.

Raiders lose in first round
John Reese went 2-for-4 including a double and one RBI for the Central Lakes Raiders College Raiders baseball team as they lost the first game of the double-elimination Minnesota Community College State Tournament to Fergus Falls 5-2 Friday.

Local sports shorts
Brainerd High School graduate Derek Owen of Bemidji State University has been named to the All-NSIC baseball team.

Little Falls tennis sweeps Apollo
ST. CLOUD -- The Little Falls Flyer tennis team shut out the St. Cloud Apollo Eagles 7-0 in the final match of the regular season in Central Lakes Conference.

Arns throws complete game for first win
Normally Megan Arns plays shortstop for the Brainerd Warriors softball team, but she showed off her versatility pitching a complete-game 11-1 victory over the Moorhead Spuds Friday in her first starting pitching performance.

Monnier leads Pequot to softball win
PEQUOT LAKES -- Amanda Monnier was 3-for-3 with three runs scored and Kari Daudt was 2-2 with two doubles and two RBI to lead the Pequot Lakes Patriots softball team past New York Mills 13-3 Friday.

Twins flush Royals
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Tony Pena will be a great manager if he can just get the Royals to play as well in Kansas City as Minnesota does.

Gophers supporters halfway in fund-raising
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Nearly half the money needed to save three sports at the University of Minnesota has been raised, leaders of the fund-raising committee said Thursday.

Gopher player charged with drunk driving
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Prosecutors on Thursday charged a University of Minnesota football player with drunk driving in connection with an incident at the Twin Cities airport last week, KSTP-TV reported.

Grand game
NEW YORK (AP) -- Jason Giambi sent home the few fans remaining at Yankee Stadium with a dramatic hit they'll remember forever.

They're off!
Shannon's Delight, second from right, ridden by Derek Bell, came out of the gate on the way to victory in the first race of the night Friday, the opening day of live racing for the season at Canterbury Downs in Shakopee. (AP Photo)

Moe Williams returns to Vikings
EDEN PRAIRIE (AP) -- Running back Moe Williams signed with the Minnesota Vikings Thursday, returning to the team he was a part of for five seasons.

Group evaluates Web sites on privacy issue
Technology is the source of many concerns involving personal privacy. Does it make sense to suggest that technology also can respond to those concerns?

PRINTING WARS
NEW YORK (AP) -- Brian Evans thought he'd gotten a good deal on a Canon inkjet printer -- until it ran out of ink.

Sites to see
www.sittercity.com: Nothing can throw a monkey wrench into the best-laid plans of leisure-activity-deprived parents more than the lack of a baby-sitter. For a $5 monthly fee this site brings parents in need of extra baby-sitting help together with local college students in need of extra income.

Better harmony in version two of collaboration software
NEW YORK (AP) -- Imagine working on a business proposal on your computer. While you're typing, somebody else's text also appears, paragraphs away from your cursor.

Affordable electronic 'friend' has limited knowledge
NARITA, Japan (AP) -- Even if we don't grow emotionally attached, we humans have a way of personalizing our machines.

Videogame reviews
SPIDER-MAN: THE MOVIE, Activision/Treyarch

New policy nothing to Yahoo! about
If you're one of the millions who use Yahoo! e-mail, you'd better check your messages now, or you could be getting a lot of mail you don't want -- and maybe even a few phone calls from telemarketers.

State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Variable cloudiness west...Mostly sunny east. Highs in the mid 50s to mid 60s.

Minnesota state forecast
Today...Mostly sunny. Highs from the middle 40s northeast to near 60 southwest.

Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Partly sunny...Then mostly cloudy with a chance for afternoon showers. Continued cool with highs from the mid 40s north to the mid 50s southwest.

Minnesota state forecast
Today...Partly sunny and cool. A slight chance of afternoon showers far southeast. Highs from the middle 40s north to middle 50s south.

Iowa state forecast
Today...Mostly cloudy south a chance of rain this morning. Partly sunny north. Isolated to scattered afternoon showers. Highs in the mid 50s to lower 60s.

Get outside
Weather drawing by Travis DeRosier in the Lowell School fourth-grade class of Mrs. Holbrook.

State forecast for North Dakota
This afternoon...Mostly sunny. Highs from the upper 50s east to near 65 southwest.

State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Mostly cloudy west with isolated showers southwest this morning. Partly to mostly sunny east. Highs from 50 to 60.

Iowa state forecast
This afternoon...Partly sunny east. Sunny west. Highs in the upper 50s to mid 60s.

Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Mostly cloudy east and south. A chance for rain showers or sleet far northeast. Partly cloudy elsewhere. Cool with highs from the mid 40s northeast and southeast to near 60 southwest.

I love Friday
Weather drawing by Luke Surma of Mrs. Brenny's third grade class at Baxter school.

State forecast for North Dakota
Today...Mostly sunny west. Partly cloudy east. Highs from near 60 west to the upper 40s and lower 50s east.

What's doing
5:30 p.m. Tuesday, birthday dinner, real turkey and trimmings, $6.

Support groups
Victims of clergy abuse

What's doing
Brainerd -- Trinity Lutheran Church from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. the second Wednesday.

What's doing
There will be a clean-up project at 1 p.m. Saturday at Gull River Cemetery.

Chemical dependency and AA groups
Adult Children-Chem.Dep.

Organizations
Brainerd Jaycees

Names and faces
NEW YORK (AP) -- A woman accused of stalking Richard Gere avoided jail Thursday when she pleaded guilty to aggravated harassment, agreed to return home to Germany, and promised to leave the actor alone.

Foreign briefs
HAVANA (AP) -- Ending his landmark trip to Cuba, former President Jimmy Carter said Friday he would send the Bush administration a report challenging both countries to change after more than four decades of enmity.

Foreign briefs
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) -- An unmanned U.S. spy plane returning from a mission crashed Saturday near a remote village in southwestern Pakistan, not far from a military base being used by U.S. forces, U.S. and Pakistani officials said.