Thursday, May 23, 2002
States join to praise benefits of inflation
Pumped up about traveling this Memorial Day? Keep an eye open for the new public service campaign that state attorneys general and consumer protection offices launched nationwide Monday. The
There's a story behind restored autos
Some people's classic cars are their first vehicles they restored or vehicles they purchased that already restored.
Suzuki Aerio SX joins hatchback bandwagon
Add another car to the growing list of new, small, five-door hatchbacks on the market.
A car that will expand
From Switzerland comes an experimental car that expands when more room is needed. Rinspeed Design showed the "Presto" at the Geneva Motor show earlier this year. What makes it unique is the ability of its body to telescope, increasing the vehicle's length from 118.1 inches to 147.2 inches (8.5 inches shorter than a Mazda Miata).
DEAR ABBY
DEAR ABBY: I am a pediatric nurse-practitioner. In the past few years, I have seen more and more car advertisements featuring teen-agers not wearing seat belts. The most blatant was one with four prom-goers standing with their upper bodies sticking out above the sunroof of a limo. I should think the insurance industry would be having a fit that the media could be so irresponsible about a serious safety issue.
DEAR ABBY
DEAR ABBY: For the past three months, I have had a long-distance relationship with a man I met through an Internet dating Web site.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Wednesday cattle estimate: 350. Last Wednesday: 659. Year Ago Wednesday: 642. Tuesday actual: 650.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Wednesday 131, a year ago 102.
Low-fat recipes can taste good, too
Is flavor the key ingredient that seems to be missing in most of the healthy recipes you've tried?
Cooking Light answers questions for calorie-conscious bakers
"Can I substitute applesauce or fruit puree for all of the butter in baked goods?"
Combine shrimp, spicy hoisin sauce
Sweet and spicy hoisin sauce combines with orange juice to give a sparkle to this savory, low-fat shrimp and spinach saute.
A tasty alternative to fresh figs
For those who love fresh figs, the season is sweet but frustratingly short.
Cherry shortcakes benefit from sweet flavor of the season
Bing Cherry Shortcakes are easy to bake, but make a colorful dessert and a sweet flourish with which to end a meal.
Crow Wing County court
The following recently appeared in Crow Wing District Court:
Cass County court
WALKER -- The following recently appeared in Cass County District Court:
Crime
BAXTER -- Two Brainerd area residents were arrested Saturday in Baxter for possession of chemicals and precursors used to make methamphetamine, the Lakes Area Drug Investigative Division reported.
Marriage licenses
Nathen C. Hochmayr, 22, Nisswa, and Patricia H. Porwall, 21, Brainerd.
Contact your state legislators
Area legislators and how to contact them.
Write to Washington
Sen. Paul Wellstone
Election judges wanted for Crow Wing County
Election judges are being sought throughout Crow Wing County for the Sept. 10 and Nov. 5 state elections, said County Auditor Roy Luukkonen.
Markets
NEW YORK (AP) -- Growing fearful of terror attacks, investors opted for safety Tuesday, securing profits and sending stocks sharply lower for a second day. The market's uneasiness wiped out early gains prompted by better-than-expected retail earnings and a settlement for Merrill Lynch.
Messerschmidt advances to state in girls' golf
MENAHGA -- Ashley Messerschmidt of Little Falls advanced to the Class 2A state girls' golf tournament by firing an 82 at the Section 8 tournament at Blueberry Pines Golf Course in Menahga Wednesday.
Reichert Bus takes lead
With a 9-3 victory over Mills Motors, Reichert Bus jumped into the men's Twilight Golf League lead at Pine Meadows May 16.
Raiders' Wilson in 10th place in national meet
SHAWNEE, Okla. -- Central Lakes College Raiders golfer Melanie Wilson carded a 10-over-par 82 and dropped a spot to 10th place overall in the second round of the National Junior College women's golf tournament Tuesday.
C-I girls advance to section golf finals
HINCKLEY -- Sam Welle shot a 93 and Sarah Uglem 94 as the Crosby-Ironton Rangers placed second in the Subsection 25, Class 1A girls' golf tournament Tuesday and advanced to the section.
Brainerd boys 10th at invitational
DETROIT LAKES -- Clinton Strother and David Meyer shot 88s to lead the Brainerd Warriors to a 10th-place finish as they wrapped up the regular season at the Detroit Lakes Invitational Tuesday.
Aulie, Hills, Harrington advance to section
HINCKLEY -- Crosby-Ironton's Ricky Aulie and Aitkin's Brian Hills and J.J. Harrington qualified for the Section 7, Class 1A boys' golf tournament following their performances in Tuesday's Subsection 25 meet.
Boser advances, Pierz places sixth
BECKER -- Chris Boser shot a 79 to place third while the Pierz Pioneers boys' golf team finished sixth at the Subsection 5, Class 1A tournament at Pebble Creek Golf Course in Becker Wednesday.
Plymouth dentist hits two holes in one during one round
GOLDEN VALLEY (AP) -- A Plymouth dentist has accomplished one of the rarest feats in golf -- he made two holes in one during one round.
Winds keep Raiders' Wilson down in National meet
SHAWNEE, Okla. -- Winds that gusted up to 60 mph produced high scores at the National Junior College women's golf tournament in Shawnee, Okla. Wednesday as Central Lakes College's Melanie Wilson dropped 10 places to 20th after the third round.
House GOP leaders hope to complete $29 billion anti-terror bill
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A popular House bill throwing $29 billion at the fight against terrorism has become the battleground for an election-year tussle over the burgeoning national debt.
Lack of insurance proves bad for health
WASHINGTON -- Health insurance does matter, a new study has found, and at least 18,000 Americans may die each year because they lack it. Even brief periods without it can be bad for your health.
Good news, bad news on Americans' health
CHICAGO -- Americans are doing more binge drinking, smoking and overeating than they were a decade ago, but they are also more willing to buckle their seat belts and get tests and shots to prevent disease, government research suggests.
Great River Family Weekend scheduled in Little Falls
LITTLE FALLS -- Great River/Great People will host the Great River Family Weekend June 1 and 2 in Little Falls, when cultural and heritage sites will be open to the public with free admissions and/or activities.
Graduation at CLC-Staples
Kenneth Mills, an Outstanding Alumni Award recipient last fall, gave the address at graduation ceremonies May 17 at the Staples campus of Central Lakes College.
Online database lists sources of Minnesota grants
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A database of more than 1,000 Minnesota grantmakers went online Tuesday, making it easier to get information on charitable grants.
CLC's Kellerman appointed to state library panels
Larry M. Kellerman, Central Lakes College information media specialist, was appointed to two statewide library committees.
Ten candidates vie for Cass County commissioner seat
A primary election will be May 29 to whittle the list of 10 candidates for the Cass County Commissioner District 3 seat.
Pequot Lakes showcases its rich history
PEQUOT LAKES -- Pequot Lakes is recognized for many things, like its bobber water tower, Bean Hole Days and the multitude of surrounding lakes and trees.
Camp Knutson to dedicate buildings on Saturday
CROSSLAKE -- For the past three years, Camp Knutson near Crosslake has been working on a $3 million plan to create a camp for children with special needs and their families.
Cass veterans services officer shares plans
WALKER -- Faye Dudley, the new Cass County veterans services officer who officially assumes the position June 1, told the county board Tuesday she plans monthly reports to the board.
Tower lease agreement OK'd
WALKER -- The Cass County Board approved a lease agreement Tuesday with Midwest Real Estate Properties LLC of Woodbury to place a communications tower on county land adjacent to the Walker-Hackensack garbage transfer site and former landfill.
CLC honor society expands philanthropic mission
The Upsilon Omega chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society at Central Lakes College has expanded its mission of nurturing academic opportunity. PTK has completed several community service projects.
Memorial Day 2002 Veterans honored in time of war against terrorism
A lot has changed in the past year.
More vandalism cases reported
Brainerd Police Chief John Bolduc said, upon investigation, his department has received more than 30 reports of vandalism to vehicles since the end of April, and he believes all might be related.
This was Brainerd
MAY 23 - 20 years ago (1982) - For the past year, congregation members of the Assembly of God Church in Pillager, have given a new meaning to the word "volunteer." They recently built their own church, and with the exception of a few finishing touches, they have almost completed it.
Baxter permit fees irk bowling alley owner
BAXTER -- Don McFarland is upset at what it's costing him to put an addition on his bowling alley in Baxter.
Naval appointment
Seth Owens was presented with a scholarship Monday at the Brainerd High School recognition night to attend the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. (Dispatch Photo by Steve Kohls)
Vandals breaking glass in vehicles
With spring here, area auto glass shops are seeing a lot of glass broken by vandals.
Colorado attorney takes LF position
LITTLE FALLS -- The Little Falls School District will soon have a new superintendent.
Hatch stresses quality of workers here
Potlatch employees' coated paper-making skills and reputation are the main points of discussion in the current legal battle.
This was Brainerd
MAY 22 - 100 years ago (1902) - Joe Gooler probably has a couple of broken ribs. His team ran the plow into a stump and gave Joe quite a shaking up, and a very lame side.
Cass board approves commissioner district map
WALKER -- Cass County commissioners Tuesday approved the new commissioner district map to comply with requirements reflecting population changes in the 2000 census. This will be used for the next decade.
Local briefs
The Brainerd Police Department will enforce the state's seat belt laws Friday through Sunday in a statewide mobilization offensive of the Safe and Sober campaign.
Fire destroys barn, burns hay bales
PINE RIVER -- One barn was destroyed and up to 225 bales of hay burned Tuesday at the Bruce and Barb Bengtson property off Cass County Road 1, 13 miles south of Pine River.
Five charged with killing protected birds near Bertha
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Federal prosecutors have charged five men and a pheasant-raising company with killing about 100 owls and hawks protected by federal law.
Maypole celebration
Whittier Elementary School second-grader Cassie Flanagan and "Grandma" Millie Gjertson prepared to start weaving the Maypole on Tuesday at the Lakes Area Senior Activity Center in Brainerd. Gjertson is a volunteer reader Tuesdays at the senior center for children who attend Camp Whittier, an after-school program. (Dispatch Photo by Steve Kohls)
Local briefs
The Brainerd School District's Building Committee will meet 12:30 p.m. June 6 in the district office.
Baxter council considers how to fund project to stop flooding
BAXTER -- Baxter will see how far $40,000 will go in finishing a project to alleviate the flooding problems on Kentwood Drive and Juniper Circle.
CORRECTION
In a Page 1A story Wednesday, the name of Arnie Johnson's former company should have said Universal Pensions Inc.
Local briefs
The Crisis Line needs phone volunteers.
No students seen wearing protest T-shirts
No ninth-graders at Mississippi Horizons school in Brainerd were seen this morning wearing a T-shirt to protest against the school for a suspension that was more severe for one student than other students.
All that jazz
A Brainerd High School graduate will return to her hometown in early June to conduct a vocal improvisational workshop. Look for the story Thursday in Tempo.
Fire up the grill
Using proper cooking methods when grilling is important to grilling safely and eating healthfully. Look for the story Friday in the Housing section.
FBI memo revealed
WASHINGTON -- A Phoenix FBI agent's request for a canvass of U.S. flight schools for al-Qaida terrorists was formally rejected within several weeks of his July 10 memo, after mid-level officials at FBI headquarters determined they did not have the manpower to carry out the task, sources familiar with the memo said Tuesday.
National briefs
DECKERS, Colo. (AP) -- Firefighters struggled to protect homes from a voracious, wind-whipped wildfire in a central Colorado forest that grew by eight times over a few hours and destroyed a home.
Report: Archbishop paid $450,000 to settle claim secretly
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Archbishop Rembert Weakland, who has adopted a zero tolerance policy toward abusive priests, agreed in 1998 to pay $450,000 to a man who accused him of sex assault, according to documents cited Thursday by ABC News.
New suits allege sex abuse in Louisville
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- A former altar boy has accused Lexington Bishop J. Kendrick Williams of abusing him 21 years ago, one of a dozen new lawsuits filed against the Archdiocese of Louisville alleging its priests sexually abused children.
FBI agent linked Arab students training at aviation schools to radical group and bin Laden threat
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Weeks before Sept. 11, an FBI agent connected several students at Arizona aviation schools to a militant Muslim group whose founder talked of attacking airports and received a letter from Osama Bin Laden encouraging the downing of commercial airliners, government officials say.
House approves bills to protect children
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Citing the recent death of a Connecticut child who apparently fell victim to a man she met online, the House voted overwhelmingly to establish a new domain for kid-friendly Web sites and to expand wiretap authority to target Internet predators.
Washington briefs
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Orders to U.S. factories for big-ticket goods jumped 1.1 percent in April, with demand especially strong for cars, communications equipment and machinery.
National briefs
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Supporters of arming commercial airline pilots are asking Congress to overturn the Bush administration's decision against allowing firearms in the cockpits.
Levy body found; Condit may be questioned again
WASHINGTON (AP) -- As forensic experts work to determine how Chandra Levy died, Police Chief Charles Ramsey said Thursday that investigators may again question Rep. Gary Condit, D-Calif.
New Yorkers take warning in stride
NEW YORK (AP) -- FBI reports of potential terrorist attacks against New York and some of its most popular attractions had law enforcement on high alert, but New Yorkers seemed to be taking the warnings in stride.
Bush administration defends talk of terrorist threat, disputes need for special inquiry
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Vice President Dick Cheney says a new series of public terror warnings is due to an increased threat and is not a political strategy to deflect criticism of how the Bush administration handled pre-Sept. 11 intelligence.
Inroads made on terror front
WASHINGTON -- In its first official survey since Sept. 11 of the worldwide terrorism threat, the State Department reported Tuesday that U.S.-led efforts have made significant progress in capturing terrorists and persuading some rogue nations to change their behavior.
Vote underscores fears of instability
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A $1.4 billion aid package for Afghanistan that passed the House will do little good unless President Bush moves quickly to improve the war-torn nation's internal security, lawmakers say.
Voting rights suit looms
The Justice Department, in a surprise disclosure that trains the spotlight once again on President Bush's victory in the 2000 election, said Tuesday that it will sue three Florida counties for alleged voting rights violations stemming from the hotly contested race.
Bush seeks backing for wider war
BERLIN (AP) -- President Bush on Thursday called Iraq's Saddam Hussein and his destructive weapons a threat to all civilization, and said it would be naive to "play like it's not there." Bush appealed to skeptical German leaders and lawmakers for help in waging a wider war on terrorism.
Bush seeks support
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Seeking to counter European doubts about the U.S.-led war on terrorism, President Bush opened his weeklong trip Wednesday by warning allies they too could face attacks and urging their continued support for military action.
Landmarks warning came from top bin Laden lieutenant
NEW YORK (AP) -- A top lieutenant to Osama bin Laden is the source of information that led to a warning of potential terrorist attacks against the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty, a law enforcement official said Thursday.
Weaver laments what might have been
Jeff Weaver was lamenting what might have been after the best start of his career.
Celtic defense stops Nets
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) -- Jim O'Brien stood in front of a board in the Boston Celtics locker before Game 2 and wrote the keys to winning. Most of them were about defense and rebounding.
Kennedy bolsters Tampa Bay
Thanks to Joe Kennedy, Tampa Bay pitchers now own a streak worth boasting about.
Gladys M. Rush
AITKIN -- Gladys M. Rush, 88, Aitkin, died Wednesday, May 22, 2002, at Aicota Nursing Home in Aitkin.
Ray E. Berg
LITTLE FALLS -- Ray Ernest Berg, 81, Little Falls, died Sunday, May 19, 2002, at the Lutheran Care Center in Little Falls.
Kenneth J. Wasnie
BAXTER -- Kenneth J. Wasnie, 64, Baxter, died Wednesday, May 22, 2002, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Irving G. Plante
PIERZ -- Irving G. Plante, 86, Pierz, formerly of Little Falls, died Monday, May 20, 2002, at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls.
Donna M. Christopherson
Donna M. Christopherson, 68, Brainerd, died Saturday, May 18, 2002, at St. Joseph's Medical Center.
Kenneth J. Wasnie
BAXTER -- Kenneth J. Wasnie, 64, Baxter, died today, May 22, 2002, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
George W. Johnson
LEADER -- George William Johnson, 84, Leader, died Tuesday, May 21, 2002, at home.
Corrections
In Donna M. Christopherson's obituary on Page 5A Tuesday, it should have been noted that her husband, Carrol O. Christopherson; her parents; and a brother, Leon "Chuck" Christopherson Jr., died earlier.
William Feakes
LEADER -- William Feakes, 65, Leader, died today, May 22, 2002, at St. Cloud Hospital.
Arvilla A. Trenary
AITKIN -- Arvilla A. Trenary, 87, Aitkin, formerly of Anoka, died Tuesday, May 21, 2002, at Sholom Home in St. Paul.
Hazel M. Doland
Hazel M. Doland, 89, Brainerd, died Monday, May 20, 2002, at home.
Phillip Dickman
STAPLES -- Phillip Dickman, 80, Staples, died Saturday, May 18, 2002, in Staples.
Bryce Kelsey
SARASOTA, Fla. -- Bryce Kelsey, 80, Sarasota, Fla., died Monday, May 20, 2002, in Sarasota.
Marvin A. Schimmelpfennig
Marvin A. Schimmelpfennig, 88, Brainerd, died Wednesday, May 22, 2002, at home.
Open Forum
Applause! ... For Mississippi Horizons School officials who stood firm and suspended the 40 misbehaving students, and for school officials who will have to stand firm with parents who will accuse them of excessive punishment, unfair treatment, and other assorted phrases.
Untimely warnings
The following editorial appeared in today's Washington Post:
Little help from Washington
WASHINGTON -- While Washington fixates on the question whether the Bush administration ignored warning signs of the Sept. 11 attacks, state capitals around the country are wrestling with a more down-to-earth dilemma: How to pay their bills.
One victim's perspective
It may be that the parents who object to the handling of their children's misbehavior at Mississippi Horizons might benefit from knowing the effects such behavior has on the victim. Then again, maybe not.
Open Forum
This week is Intergenerational Week in Minnesota.
Zero tolerance
Every child deserves a learning environment that's safe and free of harassment. That's why the Brainerd School District's zero-tolerance policy regarding harassment was devised.
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.
Park continues comeback during uncertain times
CONCORD, N.C. (AP) -- These times of uncertainty are when Steve Park misses his old boss the most. If Dale Earnhardt were here, Park would know exactly how secure his job was.
Rudd set to break record
Ricky Rudd will break the NASCAR Winston Cup record for consecutive starts Sunday when he takes the green flag for the Coca-Cola Racing Family 600.
NHRA data
The 2002 NHRA schedule, (winners, TF--Top Fuel; FC--Funny Car; PS--Pro Stock, PM-- Pro Stock Motorcyle, in parentheses) and driver point standings:
Murray wins season opener
Sixteen-year old Tom Murray, Brainerd, drove his junior dragster to a victory at the Interstate Dragways season opener in Sabin Sunday.
Fire burns as many as 100 acres in Chippewa National Forest
CASS LAKE (AP) -- A fire that broke out Tuesday in Chippewa National Forest consumed between 80 and 100 acres of jackpine, but it had been mostly contained by nightfall.
WHACKED!
Rural Minnesota got whacked by the vetoes Gov. Jesse Ventura issued Wednesday, state Senate President Don Samuelson said today.
Three weeks after fireworks law revamp, entrepreneur opens store
ANOKA (AP) -- Malcolm Trott wants to be Minnesota's first fireworks kingpin.
Ventura mostly says no
--Research lab at the University of Minnesota medical school that would help translate basic science into clinical applications, $24.7 million.
Pledge of Allegiance requirement vetoed
ST. PAUL -- Saying patriotism should come from the heart, Gov. Jesse Ventura on Wednesday vetoed a bill that would have required public school students to say the Pledge of Allegiance at least once a week.
$330 million Twins stadium bill signed
ST. PAUL -- Minnesota's fight to save the Twins got a big boost Wednesday when Gov. Jesse Ventura approved a financing framework for a $330 million ballpark.
Union, state officials work out interim agreement
ST. PAUL -- State and union leaders reached an agreement Tuesday that will keep pay and benefits flowing to about 50,000 state employees whose contracts the Legislature failed to ratify this session.
The 2002 session
Gov. Jesse Ventura has never shied away from criticizing lawmakers and he's often right on the mark. Ventura was correct when he said the Legislature should have done more to fix the projected deficit in the next biennium. He was right when he maintained that political considerations ruled their decisions.
U of M, Guthrie Theater among Ventura's victims
ST. PAUL -- Gov. Jesse Ventura on Wednesday vetoed dozens of projects to cut a $979 million capital improvements bill by more than one-third.
Local shorts
The Brainerd Warriors have been seeded second in the North Subsection 8, Class 3A baseball tournament and will host No. 5 Bemidji at 5 p.m. Friday.
On target
Brainerd third baseman Abby Rehberger threw out a runner at first base in the Warriors' 2-1 win over Thief River Falls in the North Subsection 8, Class 3A tournament Tuesday. (Dispatch Photo by Clint Wood)
Four Warriors advance to section tennis meet
ALEXANDRIA -- Paul Tuchscherer captured the North Subsection 8, Class 2A singles title Wednesday in an all-Brainerd Warriors final against teammate Chad Anderson 6-1, 7-5.
Bordell, Sawdey win triathlon titles
Melissa Bordwell and Stu Sawdey won the annual Brainerd High School Triathlon May 17.
Flyer duo plays for third
ST. CLOUD -- The Little Falls Flyers doubles team of Andy Spofford and Bud Godzala will compete for third place today after going 2-1 in the first day of the South Subsection 8, Class 2A Individual Tournament Wednesday.
W-DC whips PR-B
WADENA -- Tyler Neu struck out five while giving up only one run and three hits as the Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines romped past the Pine River-Backus Tigers 11-1 in non-conference baseball Tuesday.
Scoreboard
high school BASEBALL
Flyers fall in boys' tennis semifinals
ST. CLOUD -- The doubles team of Andy Spofford and Bud Godzala, along with singles player Matt Peterschick, were the only winners for the Little Falls Flyers in a 5-2 loss to Elk River in the South Subsection 8, Class 2A team tennis tournament Tuesday.
Scoreboard
BOYS TENNIS
Local sports shorts
The Brainerd Family YMCA and Brainerd Parks and Recreation Department once again will bring British Soccer Camps to the lakes area.
Warriors win on Platisha home run
Was it fair or foul?
Cardinals crush Wolves in softball subsection
STAPLES -- The Staples-Motley Cardinals, behind pitcher Michelle Honek's five shutout innings and nine strikeouts, posted a 14-0 victory over the Walker-Hackensack-Akeley Wolves in the Subsection 4, Section 8, Class 2A softball tournament Tuesday.
Warriors' tennis team is making history
As Paul Tuchscherer said, "We're the Mighty Ducks of tennis."
Warrior girls win subsection opener
Like the little brother that won't leave you alone, the Brainerd Warriors fought off a pesky Thief River Falls squad to win the opening game of the North Subsection 8, Class 3A softball tournament 2-1 Tuesday in dramatic fashion.
Verndale goes hitless in loss to Sebeka
SEBEKA -- Tony Meech pitched a five inning no-hitter to lead the Sebeka Trojans to an 11-0 win against the Verndale Pirates Wednesday.
C-I boys' and girls' both win subsection
CROSBY -- Parker Robinson won the 110-meter hurdles, high jump and the triple jump to lead the Crosby-Ironton Rangers to Subsection 25, Section 7, Class 1A title Wednesday.
WARRIORS' ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
While recovering from mononucleosis, Paul Tuchscherer has been tiring out opponents on the tennis court.
Rangers ride Rogers' pitching to 6-5 win
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Kenny Rogers has been the one pitcher this season the Texas Rangers could rely on for a streak-stopping start.
Twins down Texas
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Swept out of New York by the Yankees, the Minnesota Twins were happy to be home.
Paul Giel, former U of M star and athletic director, dies at 69
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Paul Giel, a two-sport star at the University of Minnesota who later became the school's athletic director, died Wednesday after collapsing in his car in Minneapolis. He was 69.
Humphries tells Krzyzewski he'll attend Duke
MINNEAPOLIS (AP)-- Kris Humphries, the Hopkins High School junior considered the best high school basketball player in Minnesota, made a verbal commitment Tuesday to attend Duke.
Taylor could buy either Twins or the Vikings
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Mankato printing billionaire Glen Taylor says he's interested in bidding on the Minnesota Twins or the Vikings, although he's not enthusiastic about either purchase in light of recent events.
Denver basketball coach turns down Gophers women's job
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Denver women's basketball coach Pam Tanner, the latest candidate for the vacant Minnesota job, said Wednesday she had withdrawn from consideration.
Vikings' Carter retires, joins HBO
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Cris Carter felt he had some football left in him. The NFL apparently didn't -- at least at the price he wanted.
Characters lying low in several new mysteries
It isn't unusual for the main character in a mystery to be hunting for a murderer -- unless the hunter is also the murder "victim."
Entertainment Guide
Live music
Fine Arts Student of the Week
Kris Sheehan has appeared on camera as a student news broadcaster and on stage as an actor. But he prefers working behind the scenes.
Nashville's wrestling Jarrett family starting new pay-per-view venture
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- If professional wrestling fans will pay $34.95 once a month, surely they'll pay $9.95 to see it once a week. That's what wrestling's Jarrett family is thinking by starting "NWA -- Total Nonstop Action."
Alicia Keys, Bonnie Raitt -- and Elvis -- to headline State Fair acts
FALCON HEIGHTS (AP) -- He died 25 years ago this August, but the king of rock 'n' roll will make an appearance at this year's Minnesota State Fair.
Surviving members of Grateful Dead to reunite for two-day concert in Wisconsin
NEW YORK (AP) -- The Grateful Dead have been reincarnated.
Humanistic theatre at CLC isn't just 'for actors only'
Dennis Lamberson, Central Lakes College theatre instructor and director of the summer production "Cabaret," said a course taught in conjunction with the show is open not only to performers.
Western swing band Asleep at the Wheel to play in Coleraine
COLERAINE -- On June 1, KAXE 91.7 FM will bring nine-time Grammy Award winning western swing band Asleep at the Wheel to the Greenway Auditorium in Coleraine for a concert at 7:30 p.m.
Brainerd graduate to come home to conduct vocal improvisational workshop
The photograph gracing her album cover depicts a pre-adolescent Mary Lofstrom at the wheel of a farm tractor, beaming from ear to ear about the prospects of life.
Artists, crafters sought for Menahga festival
MENAHGA -- Artists and crafters are being sought for the Menahga Midsummer Arts and Crafts Festival, which will run 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 13 in the Menahga High School gymnasium.
This month's new books treat readers royally
The queen of England and a former British queen of the seas, the Lusitania, are each portrayed in two new nonfiction books.
As Rosie O'Donnell makes her exit, she leaves behind a talk show genre that is suffering
NEW YORK -- Rosie O'Donnell waved goodbye Wednesday to the world of daytime talk. Unfortunately for television executives, much of the audience had already left.
NBC claims victory in 2001-02 TV season, led by 'Friends'
NEW YORK -- NBC and its hit sitcom "Friends" claimed championship trophies for the 2001-02 television season, which ends on Wednesday.
Tempo tidbits
The invitation asks, "What took 1,000 people, five years and 232,000 tiles to make?" The answer is a wall-sized ceramic mural at the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe's Nay Ah Shing Upper School. The mural was dedicated in ceremonies today at the school.
Wright's gas station might be built
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- A gas station that architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed 74 years ago -- which never was built because it was a fire hazard -- finally might be constructed.
Rosie bids farewell to her talk show after six years
NEW YORK -- Rosie O'Donnell made a brassy, sentimental farewell to daytime television on Wednesday, capped by a winking message from her not-so-secret crush, Tom Cruise.
'Insomnia' is an inventive crime thriller with spellbinding performances
This weekend marks the traditional start to Hollywood's big summer season, yet we've already had two of summer's biggest blockbusters ("Spider-Man" and "Star Wars") and two rock-solid "counterprogramming" films for adults ("Unfaithful" and "About a Boy").
Television's rush of nostalgia for old programming looks to have played itself out
NEW YORK -- The flood of nostalgia for television's old shows looks like it's becoming old news.
Live music
The Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer season, which means lots of opportunities for live music at your favorite nightspots.
Area briefs
NISSWA -- The Nisswa Historical Society's Pioneer Village Museum and Depot will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Crosslake to hold community visioning workshop June 3
CROSSLAKE -- The city of Crosslake will sponsor a community visioning workshop from 7 to 9 p.m. June 3 at the Crosslake Community Center, 14126 Daggett Pine Road in Crosslake.
Farmers make steady progress on row crop seeding; emergence very low
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Farmers have made steady progress on corn and soybean planting thanks to sunny and dry weather, but cool temperatures have held up emergence of several crops, the Minnesota Agricultural Statistics Service said Monday.
Hole-In-The-Day Bay
Hole-In-The-Day Bay on Gull Lake. -- Jodie Tweed
Mission Park to be site of summer activities
MISSION TOWNSHIP -- Registration for summer activities at Mission Park will run 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the park.
$66,000 grant will be used to develop interpretive plan for the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway
"A colorful and fascinating story."
Three area seniors receive scholarships from Nisswa Women's Club
NISSWA -- Two Brainerd High School graduates and a Pequot Lakes High School graduate each received a $1,250 scholarship from the Nisswa Women's Club.
Iowa state forecast
Wind advisory today western two thirds...
State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Mostly cloudy west and north...Partly sunny southeast. A small chance of snow showers northwest this morning. A chance of rain showers north central and northeast. Highs from the upper 40s northwest...To the upper 60s far southeast.
Sign of the times
Weather drawing by Luke Surma in the Baxter third grade of Mrs. Brenny.
One more week
Weather drawing by Kayla Blair in the Baxter School third-grade class of Mrs. Brenny.
State forecast for North Dakota
Today...Partly sunny and windy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Some storms possibly severe this afternoon east. Highs in the upper 60s and 70s.
Minnesota state forecast
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. A slight chance of showers north half. Windy and turning cooler statewide. Highs from near 50 northwest to near 75 southeast.
Minnesota state forecast
Wind advisory south and west central today...
State forecast for North Dakota
Wind advisory central north dakota this morning...
Wisconsin state forecast
Wind advisory for this afternoon into tonight west central and southwest...
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Mostly cloudy and breezy....With scattered showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 60s to middle 70s.
State forecast for South Dakota
Wind advisory far east today...
Iowa state forecast
Today...Showers and thunderstorms likely south. A chance of showers and thunderstorm north. Highs in the mid 60s northwest with 70s elsewhere.
Names, faces
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Director Sam Raimi was hoping to weave his web around the "Spider-Man" movie, but didn't think he'd get the chance.
Brooks & Dunn called entertainer of year at country awards dominated by patriotism
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. (AP) -- The country duo Brooks & Dunn have a brand new record.
Foreign briefs
KUPWARA, India (AP) -- India's prime minister told soldiers on the tense Kashmir frontier Wednesday to prepare for a "decisive battle" against Pakistan-supported Islamic insurgents, sending a warning to its nuclear-armed neighbor.
U.S. planes strike enemy mortar post
BAGRAM, Afghanistan (AP) -- U.S. warplanes struck enemy fighters who were digging a mortar position above a forward base of American and Afghan troops hunting for
Foreign briefs
MEDFORD, Mass. (AP) -- Drought and a lack of adequate food have led to an economic and social disaster in Afghanistan, where some girls as young as 7 are sold into marriage so their families can afford to eat, according to a report by a famine expert.