Wednesday, June 19, 2002
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Tuesday 194, a year ago 124.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Monday 182, a year ago 131.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Monday cattle estimate: 400. Last Monday: 396. Year ago Monday: 305. Friday actual: 251.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Tuesday cattle estimate: 850. Last Tuesday: 901. Year ago Tuesday: 806. Monday actual: 489.
Contact your federal lawmakers
Sen. Paul Wellstone
Fire Danger
The fire danger level for today is high, and with high winds in the forecast fires could start and spread easily, the DNR reported.
Fire danger
Light, after Tuesday night's rain
Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Tuesday.
Golf shorts
The top of the leaderboard for Men's Twilight League at Pine Meadows has changed again.
Tip from a pro
The U.S. Open just finished and if you haven't noticed by now the top players in the world, led by a guy named Tiger, all have one thing in common: Power.
Woman who coached men's team serves at Madden's this summer
EAST GULL LAKE -- Carrie Wood picked up the game of golf late in high school but caught on quickly.
Gophers promote Jones to golf coach
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Two months ago, it looked like there would be no need for a head coach of the Minnesota men's golf team anymore.
Getting the right clubs
Graphite or steel, forged or cast, length, weight and feel are just a couple of the things golf club consumers must consider when attempting to find the right golf clubs.
Open brings top ratings
NEW YORK (AP) -- Tiger Woods' victory at the U.S. Open on Sunday delivered the highest overnight television ratings ever for the second of golf's Grand Slam events.
Holes in one
Greg Heinen of Minneapolis aced the 118-yard eighth-hole at Madden's Pine Beach East Course using a sand wedge June 16.
It's just Tiger's time
Jack Nicklaus, great as he was, was chased and pushed, sometimes caught and surpassed. He had worthy rivals, whether it was Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Lee Trevino or Tom Watson.
Mental health care for youths in crisis getting harder to find
CHICAGO (AP) -- Demand for mental health treatment for young people has reached unprecedented levels, yet cutbacks in several states are making it more difficult than ever to get care, experts say.
Too many fish
When DNR conservation officers Bob Mlynar and Brent Speldrich pulled up to a boat on Mille Lacs recently to make a routine license check, something unusual caught their attention: An inordinate amount of blood was spattered on the boat's floor.
Wadena Youth Asset Program receives award
WADENA -- Jostens Inc. has awarded the Wadena County Youth Asset Program a Jostens Our Town Rising Star Award.
Area residents appointed to National Guard panel
CAMP RIPLEY -- Dewey Tautges of rural Brainerd and Wendy Zylka of Little Falls were appointed to the National Guard Citizen's Committee by Gov. Jesse Ventura to assist in recruitment and training.
Blanding's turtle
Bob Perleberg, DNR Forester, held a Blanding's turtle that had roamed onto the DNR air tanker base last week at the Brainerd-Crow Wing County Regional Airport. The turtle was moved to safe location away from the runway.
Phosphorous: A friend or foe to our waters?
Phosphorous is the primary water pollutant associated with the degradation of water resources, and it is perhaps the greatest threat to the quality of Crow Wing County's lakes and rivers.
Cass OKs terms to extend agreement with Stockman
WALKER -- The Cass County Board on Tuesday approved terms to extend the county's agreement with Stockman Transfer to operate the garbage and recycling transfer station north of Pine River through 2012.
Cass discusses out-of-home child placements
WALKER -- Cass County Human Services expenditures were 41 percent after 42 percent of the year at the end of May.
Space for charter schools dwindling in Twin Cities, delays several openings
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Plans to open four new charter schools, including three in St. Paul, this fall have been temporarily scuttled because of tight space in the Twin Cities area.
Roseau residents back to clean up
ROSEAU (AP) -- Floodwaters continued to recede this week in this far northwestern Minnesota town as residents returned to their homes to clean up.
Kids' fishing contest
The first week of the kids' fishing contest in Hackensack attracted 104 children who caught and released 266 fish. Grand champion was Shawn Cope, who won a rod and reel plus a tackle box full of tackle.
Crops in northwest hit by flooding, while other parts of state too dry
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Crops in northwestern Minnesota have been hard hit by flooding, while many other parts of the state are still too dry, the Minnesota Agricultural Statistics Service said in its weekly crop weather report.
Apprenticeship puts CLC grad in driver's seat
FRIDLEY -- Even in tough times, the well-trained college graduate finds work.
Cass County Board approves comprehensive plan
WALKER -- The Cass County Board approved a comprehensive plan Tuesday after six months of public hearings on the plan throughout the county.
Staples woman granted Bush Leadership Fellowship
STAPLES -- Gloria Contreras-Edin, Staples, was one of 23 Minnesota recipients of the Bush Leadership Fellowship for 2002.
Flag retirement ceremony
American Legion Post 202, Hackensack, and American Legion Post 134, Walker, held a joint flag retirement ceremony on Friday, Flag Day, in the city park in Hackensack, where 139 flags were retired.
State FFA selects national FFA officer candidate
Mark Jewell of Long Prairie was chosen to run for the Minnesota national FFA officer candidacy.
Centennial 4-H families to be recognized
LITTLE FALLS -- In recognition of the centennial 4-H year, three-, four- and five-generation 4-H families will be recognized at the Morrison County Fair. In addition, four- and five-generation families will be recognized Aug. 27-29 at the State Fair.
Event to raise money for basset hounds set in Scandia Valley
SCANDIA VALLEY -- The first Minnesota Basset Splash for basset hounds will start at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Scandia Valley Community Park behind the fire hall on Morrison County Road 3 (between Fishtrap Lake and Lake Alexander).
Cass, Leech Lake officials to meet July 23
WALKER -- The Cass County Board will meet at 11:30 a.m. July 23 with the Leech Lake Tribal Council.
Team Rardin wins Golf Classic
Team Rardin, which consisted of Todd Ringler, Jon Rardin, Robert Rardin, J.J. Lavinski and Doug Campbell, won the 29th annual Camp Confidence Golf Classic last Friday at the Legacy Courses at Cragun's with a 56.
Anglers, golfers help Camp Confidence
EAST GULL LAKE -- Eighty-two boats competed in the annual Fishing Classic on Saturday to benefit Camp Confidence. Two-person teams competed for the biggest three-fish catch of walleye, northern pike, bass or mixed bag.
Humphrey sees Ventura exit as help for DFL
Minnesota Secretary of State candidate Buck Humphrey described the exit of incumbent Jesse Ventura from the governor's race as good news for Democrats in a campaign stop in Brainerd Tuesday.
Lilyquist wins vacant Cass board seat
WALKER -- Rusty Lilyquist of Trelipe Township defeated Ted Mellby of Hiram Township in Tuesday's special election to fill the unexpired Cass County District 3 commissioner term left vacant when Commissioner Glenn Witham died April 22.
This was Brainerd
JUNE 18 - 20 years ago (1982) - With more than 50 species of flowers and several rare bushes and shrubs flourishing, Birney Wilkins' fields of flowers are something to boast about.
Seniors offer feedback for Wellstone
Sen. Paul Wellstone, D-Minn., was right about the Brainerd senior citizens he visited Monday at a campaign stop at the Lakes Area Senior Activity Center.
Rental rehab grants, loans may be available
Loans and grants for rehabilitating southeast Brainerd rental properties could be available next year.
Too many fish
DNR conservation officers are busy catching anglers on area lakes who are keeping over their limit of fish. Look for the story Wednesday in Neighbors.
Shock, but not really surprise, is area take
Gov. Jesse Ventura may have shocked the world with his 1998 election but he didn't surprise many Brainerd area people with his decision not seek a second term. Many of those questioned today said they saw it coming.
GOP ticket will visit Brainerd, Wadena
The newly endorsed Republican state candidates' fly-around and bus tour will take them to Brainerd at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Brainerd City Hall council chambers.
Council favors use of TIF for 96-house plan
A developer hoping to build 96 single-family houses on Oak Street in Brainerd is looking for help from the city.
Price set for parcel
Prices have been set for the 61 acres of land the city of Brainerd purchased from the state on the west side of the Brainerd Regional Human Services Center.
Baxter man's death ruled a suicide
BAXTER -- The death of 39-year-old James Veith on Sunday has been ruled a suicide, the Baxter Police Department reported today.
Local news
The Coordinating Area Resources Effectively Children, Youth and Families Committee will meet at 8 a.m. June 25 at the Sawmill Inn in Brainerd.
At long last -- rain
A severe thunderstorm swept through the Brainerd area early today, dropping almost 3 inches of rain and knocking out power to several areas in and around the city.
Baxter approves fireworks ordinance, rebuffs church bid to sell them
BAXTER -- Fireworks are expected to be the next big bang and Baxter city officials approved a fireworks ordinance Monday night.
Cass hiring moratorium continued
WALKER -- Cass County Board decided upon the advice of the county budget committee to continue the hiring moratorium for any new positions through the remainder of 2002.
Feeding the ducks
Chuck Zaleckis fed the ducks corn Monday along the shore of the Mississippi River near Kiwanis Park in Brainerd. (Dispatch Photo by Steve Kohls)
East Gull Lake residents pack hall to debate wastewater project
EAST GULL LAKE -- They stood in bathroom doorways and trailed out to the front porch at the East Gull Lake City Hall Tuesday night to talk about the city's proposed wastewater treatment project.
Council to deal with superstore issue through comprehensive plan
Discussion on limiting superstores in Brainerd will be part of the city's comprehensive planning process.
Baxter council says no to alcohol use permit
BAXTER -- Baxter City Council members sent a request for a permit to sell alcohol back to the planning commission but in the process gave an indication to city staff they would not welcome those types of conditional use permits.
Council seeks to ease airport tax share
The city of Brainerd is formally asking Crow Wing County to exclude city taxpayers from the county's portion of the cost airport operations.
This was Brainerd
JUNE 19 - 30 years ago (1972) - The Brainerd Trades and Labor Assembly at a meeting last night endorsed Marvin Rau, presently serving as city council president, to succeed the late Ed Heikkenen as county commissioner.
Bids sought to demolish old school
WALKER -- Cass County Land Commissioner Norm Moody obtained county board approval Tuesday to advertise for bids to demolish the old Hackensack School, now a tax-forfeited property.
Stop-sign request starts Baxter road use debate
BAXTER -- A request for a four-way stop had Baxter City Council members debating road use tension between through traffic and neighborhood concerns Monday night.
North Fourth construction
The sidewalk and street have been removed in preparation of a major remodeling and resurfacing of North Fourth Street in Brainerd. Tuesday.
Local briefs
Brian Losos, 18, a Brainerd High School senior, was upgraded from serious to good condition at St. Cloud Hospital today. Losos was critically injured May 29 after he dove into shallow water on Round Lake the night before graduation ceremonies.
Cass mulls jail expansion plan
WALKER -- Robert Ogdahl, of Architecture One in Brainerd, presented options to the Cass County Board Tuesday for expanding the present courthouse and law enforcement center and for developing property at Ah-Gwah-Ching.
S.C. governor banned from blocking plutonium shipments
AIKEN, S.C. (AP) -- Gov. Jim Hodges said he would abide by a ruling barring him from blocking a federal shipment of bomb-grade plutonium bound for South Carolina, but his anger was evident.
Man turned in by 'Dear Abby' pleads guilty to charge
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- A man who was turned in by "Dear Abby" after asking for advice on dealing with his child sex fantasies pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography Tuesday and was given eight years on probation.
Supreme Court clears way for doorstep politicking, proselytizing
WASHINGTON -- The Constitution guarantees religious groups, politicians, Girl Scouts and others the right to knock on their neighbors' doors without stopping at town hall for permission, the Supreme Court ruled Monday in a broad endorsement of free speech rights.
Waitresses tackled kerosene-spraying gunman, saving lives
NEW YORK (AP) -- Annie Hubbard was three sips into a glass of wine when her night out turned into a nightmare.
Man guilty of Sluti kidnapping
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- A jury has found Anthony Steven Wright guilty of kidnapping teenager Anne Sluti.
Top Enron employees reaped $744 million in the year leading up to bankruptcy filing
NEW YORK (AP) -- In a disclosure that outraged former employees, Enron Corp. reported that its 144 senior managers were paid $744 million in the year before the energy company's collapse, including more than $150 million for former chairman Kenneth Lay.
Shuttle can't land in Florida
SPACE CENTER, Houston (AP) -- Uncooperative weather in Florida on Wednesday forced flight controllers to set their sights on returning space shuttle Endeavour to Earth at NASA's backup landing site in California.
High court upholds police bus searches
WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court ruled Monday that police officers seeking to search and question passengers on public buses do not have to tell them they have the right to refuse to cooperate, a decision that gives law enforcement more latitude in combating security threats in the U.S. ground transportation system.
Abductor of missing Utah girl didn't threaten her little sister, police now say
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- The little sister who shared a bed with a 14-year-old girl who disappeared two weeks ago wasn't threatened by the kidnapper, police said, in a shift from what they initially reported.
GAO: Air traffic controller shortage looms
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Thousands of air traffic controllers hired after the 1981 strike are getting ready to retire, and the Federal Aviation Administration isn't readying their replacements, congressional investigators say.
Washington briefs
WASHINGTON (AP) -- As federal election officials debate how to enforce the upcoming ban on six-figure campaign contributions, Republicans are anticipating their biggest take yet at a congressional fund-raising bash: $28 million or more.
Skilled librarians are reaching expiration dates
ARLINGTON, Va. -- Jennifer Stacy never thought about becoming a librarian until she stopped by the library to visit a former professor who worked there.
Grand jury calls for new laws in New York to criminalize cover-up of abuse by priests
NEW YORK (AP) -- A grand jury has accused the Roman Catholic Church of protecting priests from sex abuse claims and called for new laws making it a felony for church officials to fail to report such allegations.
Judge clears way for Lindh to stand trial, dismisses challenges to indictment
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) -- A judge has cleared the way for American-born Taliban John Walker Lindh to stand trial in this city near the Pentagon, and is giving early signs about the type of juror he would accept.
Martha Stewart defends shares sale
NEW YORK (AP) -- Deflecting speculation about possible insider trading, domesticity maven Martha Stewart again defended her sale of almost 4,000 shares of ImClone Systems Inc. in late December as "entirely proper and lawful."
Dog owner's murder conviction tossed
SAN FRANCISCO -- Friends and relatives of a woman mauled to death by two large dogs last year were stunned when the murder conviction of one of the dogs' owners was thrown out by a judge who said the evidence did not support the charge.
Bombing delays but doesn't derail Bush peace plan
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush stood by Israel Wednesday in its dramatic decision to seize Palestinian areas in response to the latest terrorist bombing in Jerusalem.
Thong check fallout: Educator demoted
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- A female assistant principal was demoted for lifting girls' skirts to make sure they weren't wearing thongs to a high school dance.
Moderate quake hits parts of Midwest, South
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) -- A moderate earthquake rattled church bells and nerves Tuesday in portions of the Midwest and South, but authorities had no immediate reports of serious damage.
Three killed in crash of plane fighting California forest fire
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. -- An air tanker lost its wings and crashed in flames while battling a wildfire in Northern California, killing all three crew members on a tumultuous day of firefighting.
Nickelodeon pressing ahead with special on same-sex parenting
NEW YORK -- Nickelodeon is going ahead with a children's special about same-sex parents, despite receiving so many e-mails that the network had to create a separate address to avoid a computer crash.
Toddler, alone for at least five days, survives beside remains of mother
ATLANTA (AP) -- A 22-month-old girl named Miracle was found standing beside the decomposing remains of her pregnant mother, surviving alone for at least five days before police broke down their door, authorities said.
So where's Al Michaels?
Where's Al Michaels when we need him? Or Andres Cantor?
U.S. players: Bring on Germany!
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- Bring on Germany!
A painful win for Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE -- Brewers outfielder Geoff Jenkins was on the ground at third base and howling, his right ankle twisted at a grotesque angle.
Transactions
American League
Sports briefing
ST. LOUIS (AP) -- One of most distinctive voices in sports has been silenced.
Notre Dame still alive in CWS
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) -- Notre Dame may give Northern schools a new reputation in the College World Series.
Violet I. Nelson Jensen
ALBERT LEA -- Violet Idora Nelson Jensen, 89, Albert Lea, died Tuesday, June 18, 2002, at the Albert Lea Medical Center.
Jack Thorn
ALDRICH -- Jack Thorn, 78, Aldrich, died today, June 19, 2002, at Greater Staples Hospital.
Lisa E. Wagner
PLYMOUTH -- Lisa E. Wagner, 31, Plymouth, formerly of Staples, died Thursday, June 13, 2002, of lung cancer at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.
James Veith
James Veith, 39, Brainerd, died Sunday, June 16, 2002.
Roman A. Sobania
FLENSBURG -- Roman Albert Sobania, 86, Flensburg, died Monday, June 17, 2002, at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls.
Roman A. Sobania
FLENSBURG -- Roman A. Sobania, 86, Flensburg, died Monday, June 17, 2002, at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls.
Marvin I. Sagli
Marvin I. Sagli, 78, Brainerd, died Tuesday, June 18, 2002, at St. Joseph's Medical Center.
Donna M. Mork
Donna Marie Mork, 70, Brainerd, died Monday, June 17, 2002, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Carl Bellamy
MOUNDS VIEW -- Carl Bellamy, 72, Mounds View, formerly of Cushing, died Tuesday, June 18, 2002, in Mounds View.
Albert C. Byers
PEQUOT LAKES -- Albert C. Byers, 79, Pequot Lakes, died Tuesday, June 18, 2002, at home.
James Veith
James Veith, 39, Brainerd, died Sunday, June 16, 2002.
Margaret R. Kloss
BUCKMAN -- Margaret R. Kloss, 89, Buckman, died Sunday, June 16, 2002, at St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls.
Dorothy J. Saenger
McGREGOR -- Dorothy J. Saenger, 72, McGregor, formerly of the Henriette and East Bethel areas, died Monday, June 17, 2002, at home.
Mathilda 'Tillie' Boser
PIERZ -- Mathilda "Tillie" Boser, 79, Pierz, died Tuesday, June 18, 2002, at St. Gabriel's Hospital.
Albert C. Byers
PEQUOT LAKES -- Albert (Bert) C. Byers, 79, Pequot Lakes, died June 18, 2002, at his home.
The Rev. Erick Schmiege
VIRGINIA -- The Rev. Erick Schmiege, 83, Virginia, formerly of Brainerd, died Sunday, June 16, 2002.
Pesky pledges
Be careful about the promises you make.
Richard Nixon and his demons
The 30th anniversary of an incompetent burglary in a building called Watergate is as good an excuse as any to speculate on the pathology that drove Richard Nixon and the personality that doomed his presidency.
We can't do it all ourselves
The real war in Afghanistan is over. The American role in crushing the Taliban and in promoting the subsequent effort at nation-building has been impressive.
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.
While we were sleeping
This editorial appeared in Monday's Los Angeles Times:
Bowing out Minnesota will always remember Ventura's reign
Although Gov. Jesse Ventura's musical tastes run more toward the Rolling Stones, a Grateful Dead song lyric immediately came to mind when Minnesota's feisty chief executive announced he wouldn't run for a second term: "What a long, strange trip it's been."
You're 64; We don't love you
They are shooting down Cabinet members. Infiltrating the White House. Disintegrating Congress. They have been found in possession of the most toxic biochemical arsenals known to man, and they maintain an alarmingly fanatical following.
80th birthday open house
Gene Hornby, Brainerd, will celebrate his 80th birthday with an open house beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday at Gene and Roberta Ramsdell's home, 22792 Cooley Drive, Brainerd. The event is hosted by his children. He was born April 24, 1922.
Tracy's appeal heard
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Deciding whether Helio Castroneves or Paul Tracy won the Indianapolis 500 is now the job of IRL president Tony George.
Campfire restrictions eased in BWCA blowdown area
'DULUTH (AP) -- Superior National Forest officials have eased some campfire restrictions in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area because of recent rain.
Blom seeking another trial in Poirier case
CARLTON (AP) -- The man convicted of kidnapping and killing Katie Poirier went back to court this week to plead for another trial, claiming his former attorney bungled his defense.
Court rules in favor of reporter
ST. PAUL (AP) -- A newspaper reporter cannot be compelled by a court order to reveal confidential sources in a defamation lawsuit, the Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday.
Former staffers describe mansion as 'party house'
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The governor's mansion, sometimes known as the "people's house," looked more like "Animal House" at times when Gov. Jesse Ventura's adult son entertained visitors, former staffers said.
Mesaba Airlines seeks mediation in talks with pilots union
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Mesaba Airlines said Tuesday it asked the National Mediation Board to appoint a mediator to supervise the airline's negotiations with a pilots union.
Man startled to learn of his death
WAUBUN, Minn. (AP) -- Les Trnka opened his mail and found some distressing news: He was dead.
Crops in northwest hit by flooding, while other parts of state too dry
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Crops in northwestern Minnesota have been hard hit by flooding, while many other parts of the state are still too dry, the Minnesota Agricultural Statistics Service said in its weekly crop weather report.
Former Lund Boats executive charged with embezzlement
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The U.S. Attorney's Office on Monday charged a former Lund Boats executive with embezzling more than $14 million from the company over an 18-year period.
Jesse won't run again
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Gov. Jesse Ventura announced Tuesday he will not seek a second term, saying his heart is no longer in the job.
Officer cleared
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The chief of police said Monday he has determined an officer who shot and killed the wrong man during a carjacking in December was acting in accordance with the law. Police Chief William Finney said the death of Charles Craighead, 46, was an "unfortunate situation with a tragic conclusion."
WHAT NOW?
MINNEAPOLIS -- Now it's back to politics as usual -- or is it?
Handful of Minnesota priests affected by new abuse policy
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Three priests serving in administrative duties at the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis have been stripped of their titles and jobs under the sexual abuse policy approved by U.S. bishops last week.
Impostor lived at governor's mansion
ST. PAUL (AP) -- A man who befriended Gov. Jesse Ventura's son and lived in the governor's mansion in the summer of 2000 was kicked out because he wasn't who he said he was, according to law enforcement, former mansion officials and Ventura's spokesman.
Gulls lose fifth straight game
How a baseball game is won or lost is definitely a matter of perspective.
Scoreboard
Basketball
Local sports shorts
RED WING -- Crosby-Ironton graduate Tony "the Bullet" Bonsante knocked out J.J. Corn in the third round of their super middleweight fight Sunday at Treasure Island Casino in Red Wing.
Legion, Alex split
Even though the high school baseball season is over with, the rivalry between Brainerd and Alexandria has spilled over to Legion baseball.
Local sports shorts
Carolina Panthers starting quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Chris Weinke will be at the Brainerd Family YMCA June 26 from 11 to 11:45 to sign autographs.
Wolves, youths mingle
The theme for the U.S. Bank/Minnesota Timberwolves caravan was believe in yourself no matter what anyone says.
Scoreboard
Northwoods League Baseball
Moondogs pin defeat on Gulls
After a seven-game road trip that saw the Brainerd Mighty Gulls go 2-5, the team had to be anxious to get back inside the friendly confines of Mills Field, where they went 2-1 to start the season.
Twins' energy sobers Mets
NEW YORK -- The New York Mets thought they heard echoes of Sunday night as they took batting practice Tuesday night. Or they hoped they did.
Twins' Reed to miss next start
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesota Twins right-hander Rick Reed has been scratched from his scheduled start Wednesday against the New York Mets because of a cut on his thumb suffered while opening his suitcase over the weekend.
Area briefs
CROSSLAKE -- To generate funds for the fireworks display in Crosslake, the Brainerd Lakes Area Chambers of Commerce is holding a Brainerd lakes area-wide raffle. A $5 ticket offers the chance to win an Arctic Cat 375 Automatic 4x4.
Wild flowers
Wild flowers growing near Hackensack
Thousands of snail deaths not cause for alarm
"Have you heard anything about a massive kill of snails recently?" asked Jim Lease, a reader from the Deerwood area.
Bike tour set in Walker to benefit Habitat for Humanity
WALKER -- Yikes! Bikes!, a Leech Lake area bike tour to benefit the Leech Lake Area Habitat for Humanity, will be July 20.
Wild blooms
The yellow lady's-slipper grows in rich woods, swamps and bogs between April and August.
Iowa state forecast
Today...Scattered thunderstorms and showers north and northeast...Some with heavy rain. Otherwise...Partly sunny with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 70s to mid 80s.
State forecast for South Dakota
Severe thunderstorm watch until 10 am for northeast south dakota...
Busy bee
Weather drawing by Grace Roeger of Mrs. Brenny's third grade class at Baxter school.
State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Partly cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the 80s...With lower 90s south central.
State forecast for North Dakota
Flood watch east tonight and wednesday...
Minnesota state forecast
Flood watch tonight and wednesday northwest...
Wisconsin state forecast
This afternoon...Chance of showers and thunderstorms northwest otherwise partly sunny and breezy. Highs from the mid 70s to mid 80s.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. A chance of afternoon showers or thunderstorms west. Highs in the lower 70s north to low 80s southwest.
Iowa state forecast
Severe thunderstorm watch until 10 am northeast and portions of central and north central iowa...
State forecast for North Dakota
Flood watch east today...
Minnesota state forecast
Severe thunderstorm watch southeast corner until 10 am...
Lots of trees
Weather drawing by Paul Anderson of Mrs. Holbrook's fourth grade class at Lowell school.
Names and faces
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- It's a boy for actress Tea Leoni and former "X-Files" star David Duchovny.
Local brief
Anyone interested in planning an event to honor Korean War veterans during the 50th anniversary of that war is invited to attend a planning session at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the American Legion in Brainerd.
U.S. troops exchange gunfire with rebels in southern Philippines
ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AP) -- U.S. Marines and Filipino soldiers guarding a road construction site exchanged heavy gunfire with 10 suspected Muslim rebels in the southern Philippines but escaped injury, a Philippine army commander said Tuesday.
Elvis is record sales king in Britain again
LONDON (AP) -- Elvis Presley returned to the top of the singles charts in Britain on Monday, rewriting pop history 25 years after his death and passing The Beatles as the artist with the most No. 1 tunes.
Saudis arrest al-Qaida linked suspects planning terrorism
JIDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) -- Saudi Arabia announced its first al-Qaida-related arrests since Sept. 11 and said Tuesday that it was holding 11 Saudis, an Iraqi and a Sudanese man who told authorities he had fired a surface-to-air missile at a U.S. military plane taking off from a Saudi air base.
Morocco arrests senior al-Qaida operative nicknamed 'The Bear'
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The senior al-Qaida recruiter known as "The Bear," in Moroccan custody since early last week, is believed to have a wealth of knowledge about al-Qaida operations and cell members, U.S. officials said.
Suicide bomber attacks bus filled with high school students; at least 20 killed
JERUSALEM -- A Palestinian man detonated nail-studded explosives on a Jerusalem bus crowded with high school students and office workers Tuesday, killing himself and 19 passengers in the city's deadliest suicide attack in six years. Fifty-five people were wounded.
Israel will reoccupy Palestinian areas as response to terrorism
JERUSALEM (AP) -- Israel will gradually reoccupy Palestinian areas until terrorism stops, the government announced Wednesday in a major policy change prompted by a deadly bus bombing. Israeli troops entered three West Bank towns from which dozens of terror attacks have been launched.