Thursday, June 22, 2000
Up in smoke
Carl Specht's dream of drag racing a fast Dodge went up in smoke 26 years ago.
Audi's new sedan offers rear comfort
They sure don't build back seats like they used to.
Pickup pilgrimage
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- Wylie W. Sensing Jr. died of lung cancer before he could realize one of his lifelong dreams -- to visit the Alaskan wilderness.
The 2000 Catera: A comer for conservative tastes?
NEW YORK -- I am familiar with the Cadillac Catera, there being one in my family. It is a 1999 sedan that spends much of its time in this city, the home of its driver, my eldest daughter.
Bending of fuel economy goals driven by consumers or automakers?
WASHINGTON -- Here is a wake-up call for those of you who believe CAFE is where you drink coffee. It's not. It's an acronym for Corporate Average Fuel Economy, and it's very expensive.
Black box for cars on the horizon
SALT LAKE CITY -- A car rolls on the highway in the middle of the night and a signal is sent to the nearest 911 center. Within seconds, emergency workers know how fast the car was going, where it crashed, who was inside and whether they were wearing seat belts.
GM plans to emphasize production of large vehicles in coming years
BRESCIA, Italy -- Reflecting the demand of increasingly affluent American consumers, General Motors Corp. is planning to emphasize production of large vehicles such as pickup trucks and sport-utility vehicles in the coming years, according to top company executives.
Grandma made great lemon cake
When I was a kid one of my favorite desserts Grandma made was Lemon Pound Cake.
Sandwiches are handy for picnic or quiet lunch at home
Sandwiches are American classics when it comes to fast food. But classics can adapt to suit different occasions and tastes.
Strawberry party piece boasts gingersnap crust
Warm weather parties call for desserts that temper their richness with light and delicate flavors.
Advice offered on buying perfectly ripe fruit
Fresh local fruit is increasingly available in many regions.
Crime
THEFT -- The Todd County Sheriff's Department reported a theft of $700 in cigarettes and merchandise at Hewitt Grocery Store at 5:43 a.m. Wednesday.
Crimes
BURGLARY --Crow Wing Deputy James Peterson reported Wireless World in Brainerd had been broken into.
Fire
The Brainerd Fire Department responded to a Northern States Power gas line cut at 8:29 a.m. Wednesday on Birch Lane off County Road 77 in Unorganized Territory. No one was injured.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Tuesday 158, a year ago 124.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Wednesday 162, a year ago 187.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Wednesday cattle: 450.
Accidents
One person was injured in a single-vehicle accident on Highway 200, east of Whipholt in Cass County.
Accidents
BAXTER -- The Baxter Police Department responded to a two-vehicle accident at 5:47 p.m. Wednesday on Highway 210 that resulted in injuries.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Tuesday cattle: 900.
Let your ball flight be your teacher
Do any of these swing suggestions sound familiar?
A course with imagination
EAST GULL LAKE -- Cragun's Resort has found that one course can be an alternative to a lot of things.
An effort to attract Tiger wanna-be's
EAST GULL LAKE -- During the U.S. Open you may have heard the USGA program "For the Good of the Game." Local courses are also doing their part "For the Good of the Game."
Golf shorts
Country Club Estates increased their lead on the pack with a 10-2 win over the Lions team Thursday. With a total score of 63.5 Country Club Estates built a 2.5 lead over Dettbarn Construction who jumped into second place with a 12-0 win over Mills Motors.
Chicken pox vaccine study shows dramatic decline in disease
The country's first community-wide study of the chicken pox vaccine -- conducted in the California's Antelope Valley -- suggests that inoculations led to an 80 percent reduction in cases over five years and could end the disease's long run as a painful, itchy and occasionally dangerous rite of childhood.
U.S. ranks only 37th in health care report
The United States spends more than any other country on health care -- yet its health system ranks only 37th in the world, according to a report on the quality of health systems released Wednesday by the World Health Organization.
GOP's Medicare prescription drug plan goes to House floor
WASHINGTON -- Republican legislation to offer prescription drug insurance under Medicare is headed for the House floor after a contentious committee session that underscored the political stakes involved less than five months before elections.
Backus council to take up wages Thursday
BACKUS -- The Backus City Council will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday to discuss wages for 2001 and membership in MCFOA.
Area briefs
Project Together has planned an afternoon at Camp Confidence in Brainerd on Saturday.
Trespassing charges dropped against 13 protesters at St. Cloud State
ST. CLOUD (AP) -- Trespassing charges have been dropped against 13 protesters arrested following a sit-in at St. Cloud State University.
Indian students enjoy First Americans in Flight aeronautics camp
Aeronautics campers Georgia Allen (left), Sherry Deyhle and Ana-Lise Aune from Nay-Ah-Shing School on the Mille Lacs Reservation celebrated their first flying experience at the Brainerd-Crow Wing County Regional Airport last week.
More than 1,000 crime victims helped
WALKER -- Victim crime services have helped 1,389 crime victims through the Cass County court system since it was initiated in 1998.
Cass Sheriff's Department to patrol at Moondance Jam
WALKER -- Chief Deputy Randy Fisher, who will become sheriff July 1, obtained county board approval Tuesday for four proposals.
Careers explored at college day camp
STAPLES -- Central Lakes College opened the first of two Career Exploration day camps Monday on the Staples campus, where hands-on opportunities offered those ages 14 and up an introduction to technical education and skills needed in promising fields.
Central Lakes College Agriculture Center in Staples gets $116,300 grant
STAPLES -- The Central Lakes College Agriculture Center at Staples will develop "living legacy gardens" over the next three years with the help of a $116,300 grant from the University of Minnesota.
'Eat Yourself Thin Like I Did'
GARRISON -- Most people are skeptical when told they can eat eggs, cheese and bacon and still drop pounds.
Cass attorney to look into alleged trespassing by Cellular One for communications tower
WALKER -- The Cass County Board on Tuesday referred to the county attorney for prosecution Cellular One's alleged trespass of county land for a communications tower.
Annual auto show and fly in-drive in set in Aitkin
AITKIN -- Country Road Classics Car Club of Aitkin and Aitkin Flyers Club Chapter 965 will present their annual Auto Show and Fly In-Drive In breakfast and lunch Sunday at the Aitkin Municipal Airport, one mile east of Aitkin on Industrial Park Road.
Aitkin trucker jazzes up life on the road
AITKIN -- A trucker's life revolves around long hours and lots of road, but one area trucker keeps her drive interesting by taking along company and safety -- her dog, Jazz.
Meeting set on maintaining Roosevelt Canal
WALKER -- The Cass County Environmental Services Department will host a meeting at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Cass County Courthouse in Walker concerning maintenance of Roosevelt Canal between Agency and Traders bays of Leech Lake.
Older computers to operate faster from remote sites
WALKER -- Cass County employees will be able to access information faster by using older computers from remote locations through a new system the county board authorized buying Tuesday.
Hackensack's canoe races a family affair
HACKENSACK -- Bruce Bebe of San Diego, Calif., spent his Father's Day paddling in his first competition canoe race with his 5-year-old grandson, Sasha, in Hackensack this year.
Central Lakes College to host second Exploring Agriculture Camp in August
Central Lakes College announces its second annual Exploring Agriculture Camp on Aug. 7-11.
Cass wrestles with laws targeting older mobile homes
WALKER -- Four of the five Cass County Commissioners decided Tuesday they don't want to see new special zoning laws targeting older mobile homes.
Project slated for 2002 to make 210 a safer highway
Drivers tired of congested traffic and accidents on Highway 210 will be happy with the construction scheduled to begin in the spring of 2002, from the Washington Street bridge crossing the Mississippi River in Brainerd to Highway 371 in Baxter.
Junior achiever
After being involved with the Junior Achievement program, one student left with many career goals and a scholarship.
State briefs
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Flooding has caused at least $543,000 in damage to state trails, parks and other state Department of Natural Resources facilities in southeastern Minnesota, the DNR estimated.
Pequot attendance outlined for board
PEQUOT LAKES -- The vast majority of Pequot Lakes students are attending classes regularly and on time, but high school students' attendance records have slipped in the past five years.
Penny gives his thoughts on aging in community forum
We're all getting older. We're living longer and there are more of us.
Woman killed in house fire
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Authorities were investigating a fatal house fire on the city's north side Wednesday morning.
Bush, Gore in statistical dead heat in state
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Minnesotans are divided nearly evenly in the presidential race between Vice President Al Gore and Texas Gov. George W. Bush, according to a poll published Thursday.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1980) - Kathy Borgwarth, former Brainerd High School track standout now performing for the University of Wisconsin, was among the competitors Thursday at the first All-Comers Track meet at Don Adamson Field in Brainerd. Borgwarth ran a 14.9 to win the 100 meter hurdles in her age group and a 13.8 to win the 100-meter dash.
Two more jurors seated in Blom trial
VIRGINIA (AP) -- A judge on Wednesday gave Donald Blom's defense attorneys more chances to excuse prospective jurors in the murder and kidnapping trial, citing extensive media coverage and a little-known legal precedent.
Bagley firm ponders locating in Baxter park
BAXTER -- A day after Baxter City Council members learned the city received a $500,000 federal grant for infrastructure costs to develop the newest phase of the Baxter Industrial Park, they learned more about the park addition's first prospective client.
Poll finds no clear favorite in DFL Senate race
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Ahead of the pack in the DFL Senate race to unseat Republican U.S. Sen. Rod Grams, according to a new poll: Undecided.
Clydesdales are here and ready to roll
BAXTER --The Budweiser Clydesdales are here.
Area code switch glitches lead to high phone bills
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Thousands of Sprint long-distance customers have been overbilled because of glitches in switching over to the new Twin Cities area codes 763 and 952, according to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.
Fargo flood recovery slow but steady
FARGO, N.D. (AP) -- Her photo albums and personal belongings gone, Debbie Poitra cried at the thought of flooding that filled her apartment with 6 feet of water.
Flood waters recede in Fargo
FARGO, N.D. -- Interstates around this city reopened Thursday after floodwaters receded, and officials were busy totaling up the damage.
Local briefs
The Crow Wing County Senior Citizens Picnic, sponsored by the Crow Wing County Council on Aging and Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union, will offer lunch, live music and dancing from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. July 20 at Mission Park.
Gore brings campaign to state
ST. PAUL -- Vice President Al Gore swung his campaign through Minnesota on Wednesday, meeting briefly with DFL loyalists while reserving most of his time for the politically independent Gov. Jesse Ventura.
Partisan judicial races draw criticism
Minnesota Supreme Court Associate Justice James H. Gilbert minces no words about the state Republican Party's decision to make endorsements in non-partisan judicial races. He's against it.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1980) - Kavanaugh's Restaurant on Sylvan Lake was recently featured in "Ford Times," a nationwide publication of the Ford Motor Co. Claude Holden of Mills Motors presented a plaque to Sherm and Mae Kavanaugh, owners of the restaurant.
Menards,Baxter reach accord
BAXTER -- Menards has entered into a pre-annexation agreement with Baxter to pave the way for the building supply store to build on the Tank property north of Baxter as quickly as possible.
State DFLers seek to contain prescription drug costs
Democrats in the Minnesota House have unveiled plans for legislation that will require pharmaceutical manufacturers to dramatically cut the cost of prescription drugs for the 1.2 million Minnesotans who don't have drug insurance, State Rep. Mary Ellen Otremba, DFL-Long Prairie, announced today.
Baxter expanding city hall wings
BAXTER -- Baxter City Hall has turned into a construction zone since the city began its plans this week to expand the east and west wings of city hall.
Local briefs
Several state representatives met Tuesday and Wednesday at the Brainerd Public Library for the Land Conservation Management Resources meeting.
Cass told to expect accessibility crackdown
WALKER -- Counties will be required to enforce the handicapped accessibility sections of the uniform Minnesota building code, Environmental Services Director Paul Fairbanks told the Cass County Board on Tuesday.
Correction
The name of Emilie Trask was omitted from the list of students who qualified for the Brainerd High School B honor roll for the second semester.
Compromise reached on CSAH 19 along Mission Lake
After years of debate, the road along Mission Lake is moving toward a construction start date in 2001.
Murder rate up in U.S. big cities
NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- A week after Mayor Marc Morial received a national award for overhauling the city police department and a coinciding drop in crime, two teen-agers were murdered after leaving a weekend party in an upscale neighborhood.
U.S. Embassy in Jordan warns it may be target of terrorist attack
AMMAN, Jordan (AP) -- The U.S. Embassy in Jordan announced Thursday that it may be a target of a terrorist attack and warned American citizens in the Arab kingdom to be vigilant.
Witnesses: Skakel admitted involvement in murder of Moxley
STAMFORD, Conn. -- Tears rolled down Michael Skakel's face as the first of two former classmates testified that the Kennedy family nephew confessed 20 years ago to killing a teen-age neighbor.
Nation's spotlight on Texas execution
HUNTSVILLE, Texas -- There's no question Gary Graham was a street punk responsible for a crime spree 19 years ago. But he insists his weeklong rampage of robbery, rape and theft did not include the fatal shooting of an Arizona man outside a Houston supermarket.
Three government inspectors shot dead at sausage factory
SAN LEANDRO, Calif. -- A man who protested government inspections of his sausage factory was in custody Thursday after allegedly shooting three inspectors to death and chasing a fourth with a gun after they showed up for a visit.
Documents: former church youth worker admitted molesting boys
BOSTON (AP) -- A church youth worker accused of molesting boys admitted ''he knew what he did was wrong'' after investigators discovered videos of boys and sex toys in his home and church office, according to police affidavits and court records.
Poll: Bush doubles lead over Gore
WASHINGTON -- George W. Bush has built a double-digit lead over Al Gore in a new bipartisan poll, getting more credit as the presidential candidate who would keep America prosperous and showing strength among groups Gore needs to win.
OPEC members reach informal agreement to boost crude oil output
VIENNA, Austria (AP) -- OPEC members informally agreed Wednesday to boost daily crude oil production starting in July, according to the oil minister of Saudi Arabia, the group's biggest producer.
Two guards shot and killed at county jail in Missouri
HUNTSVILLE, Mo. (AP) -- A man and woman opened fire in a county jail early Thursday, killing the supervisor and a jail guard before fleeing, authorities said.
FTC to open formal probe of gas prices
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A preliminary Federal Trade Commission inquiry found nothing to explain why drivers in Chicago and Milwaukee are paying as much as 65 cents more for a gallon of gas than other parts of the country, prompting the agency to open a formal investigation that will involve subpoenaing oil companies.
Woman charged with murdering niece, baby
SACRAMENTO (AP) -- A Sacramento woman accused of killing her pregnant teen-age niece, then surgically removing the girl's nearly full-term baby, was charged Wednesday with two counts of murder.
Condemned man strapped to gurney reprieved
STARKE, Fla. (AP) -- Ten minutes before he was to be executed by injection, an inmate strapped to a gurney with intravenous needles in his arms won a reprieve from a federal appeals court.
Richardson takes drubbing on Capitol Hill over security breach
WASHINGTON -- For Bill Richardson, his two worst nightmares have come true: $2 gasoline and another security scandal at a nuclear weapons lab. Still, he continues to have the confidence of his boss, the president.
Germany gives rogue financier Frankel three years in prison
HAMBURG, Germany (AP) -- A state court convicted eccentric American financier Martin Frankel on Wednesday of failing to pay custom taxes on smuggled diamonds and carrying falsified passports, and sentenced him to three years in jail.
Richardson: No sign of spying on nuclear secrets
WASHINGTON -- The FBI has found no evidence of espionage or indications that missing computer disks containing nuclear secrets ever left the Los Alamos weapons lab, Energy Secretary Bill Richardson said Wednesday.
Washington briefs
WASHINGTON -- The House Tuesday reversed course and agreed to shift $4 million of Department of Veterans Affairs funds to help finance the Clinton administration's litigation against tobacco companies.
Dozens injured in New York subway train derailment
NEW YORK -- Subway service in densely populated Brooklyn was delayed early Wednesday after a subway derailment sent jolted passengers skidding along the floors of their cars. Nearly 90 people were injured.
Clinton vows aggressive inquiry into gas prices
WASHINGTON -- President Clinton, confronting a political firestorm over soaring gasoline costs, said Thursday ''there is no economic explanation I can think of for the run-up in the prices.'' He promised the government would wage an aggressive inquiry.
Senate agrees to widen federal definitions of hate crime
WASHINGTON -- A divided Senate on Tuesday approved legislation pushed by President Clinton that would expand the list of federal hate crimes to include violent acts motivated by a victim's sexual orientation, gender or disability.
Clinton sees huge surplus, coloring presidential race
WASHINGTON -- Both parties' presidential hopefuls are racing to take advantage of President Clinton's pending announcement that the federal surplus for the next decade looks a colossal $1 trillion larger than it did in February.
Dangerous to walk
WASHINGTON -- Walking may be healthy exercise, but going for a stroll in Florida can often be deadly.
Greenspan, administration oppose doubling of bank deposit insurance
WASHINGTON -- Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan and the Clinton administration voiced opposition Wednesday to a proposal to double the limit on bank deposit insurance to $200,000. Such a step would give ''increased subsidies to upper-income individuals,'' Greenspan said.
Woman who abandoned newborn, kept secret, convicted
BELVIDERE, Ill. (AP) -- A young woman who admitted she abandoned her newborn in a neighbor's snowy backyard and kept the secret for more than three years was convicted Wednesday of involuntary manslaughter.
22 Asian Americans belatedly honored for WWII heroics
WASHINGTON -- High in the mountains of Italy on June 24, 1944, Pfc. Kiyoshi Muranaga of the U.S. 442d Regimental Combat Team volunteered to stay behind as his squad, outnumbered and outpositioned by the enemy, abandoned its attempt to set up a cannon and retreated to safety.
Investors turn backs on Seagram, Vivendi deal
PARIS -- As executives Tuesday formally unveiled plans for one of the biggest media combinations in history, the $34 billion Vivendi acquisition of Seagram Co. was slammed by financial markets as skittish investors drove down the stocks of all companies involved.
Shooting victim watches convicted Florida killer die
STARKE, Fla. (AP) -- Sixteen years after a bullet fired by Thomas Provenzano left him paralyzed, Mark Parker watched the convicted killer die for killing a bailiff in a shootout in an Orlando courtroom.
Prolific Composer Alan Hovhaness dead at 89
SEATTLE (AP) -- Alan Hovhaness, a prolific composer who melded Western and Asian musical styles to create a unique melodic blend of his own, died Wednesday. He was 89.
House votes to curb Smith & Wesson pact
WASHINGTON -- White House officials are railing against a House vote to curb the administration's ability to bring more communities into the federal agreement with Smith & Wesson, the giant gun maker.
Happier Keim going back to the Olympics
FEDERAL WAY, Wash. (AP) -- Jenny Keim thought one trip to the Olympics was enough.
It's all about purple and gold
LOS ANGELES -- The votes came tumbling in Wednesday, from old men and little boys, from suits and shorts, from black and white and yellow and brown and mostly purple.
Home not so sweet for White Sox
The Chicago White Sox might have been better off staying on the road.
Pettitte out-pitches Martinez as Yankees blank Boston
As impressive as scoring 22 runs in one game is, getting three against Pedro Martinez might be even better.
Raptors begin new era with Wilkens
TORONTO (AP) -- Lenny Wilkens has won more games than any coach in NBA history, and the Toronto Raptors are giving him the chance to add to that total.
Lakers could be marching toward dynasty
LOS ANGELES -- The city's first victory parade in 12 years might be the first of many for Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant.
Bodysuits might be banned from trials
FEDERAL WAY, Wash. (AP) -- The bodysuit craze in swimming might take a hiatus at the U.S. Olympic Trials.
Lynx fall to Phoenix
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Briget Pettis spent much of the offseason working on her outside shot, an extra effort that showed as the guard scored a season-high 22 points in leading the Phoenix Mercury past the Minnesota Lynx 74-55.
Rangers' Rogers mows down Twins
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Once Kenny Rogers got adjusted, the Texas Rangers finally had something positive to talk about.
Rangers continue mastery of Twins
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Like the entire Texas Rangers team, Esteban Loaiza might be headed back in the right direction.
Emory 'Buck' Jones
Emory "Buck" Jones, 74, Brainerd, died Monday, June 19, 2000, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.
James E. Kuelbs
James E. Kuelbs, 73, Brainerd, died Tuesday, June 20, 2000, at St. Cloud Hospital.
Mary Ellen Lovelace
STAPLES --Mary Ellen Lovelace, 40, Staples, died Sunday, June 18, 2000, at St. Cloud Hospital.
Steven A. Schrader
CROSSLAKE -- Steven Allen Schrader, 48, Crosslake, died Monday, June 19, 2000, at his home.
James E. Kuelbs
James E. Kuelbs, 73, Brainerd, died Tuesday, June 20, 2000, at St. Cloud Hospital.
Ione C. Anderson
ST. CLOUD --Ione C. Anderson, 84, St. Cloud, died Tuesday, June 20, 2000, at the Benet Place in St. Cloud.
Norman R. Nelson
GALLATIN GATEWAY, Mont. --Norman R. "Stormin" Nelson, 65, Gallatin Gateway, Mont., died Saturday, June 17, 2000.
Madeline 'Tootsie' Strang
ONAMIA -- Madeline "Tootsie" Strang, 81, Onamia, died Monday, June 19, 2000, at the St. Cloud Hospital.
Mary K. Casper
SAUK RAPIDS --Mary K. Casper, 51, Sauk Rapids, died Monday, June 19, 2000, of cancer, at home.
A. Beatrice 'Bea' Burton
A. Beatrice "Bea" Burton, 93, Brainerd, formerly of Nisswa, died Tuesday, June 20, 2000, at Woodland Good Samaritan Village of Brainerd.
Rose T. Gelhar
PIERZ --Rose T. Gelhar, 95, Pierz, died today, Wednesday, June 21, 2000, at St. Mary's Villa in Pierz.
Ruth E. Lundgren
LITTLE FALLS -- Ruth E. Lundgren, 89, Little Falls, died Tuesday, June 20, 2000, at St. Gabriel's Hospital, Little Falls.
Emory 'Buck' Jones
Emory "Buck" Jones, 74, Brainerd, died Monday, June 19, 2000, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital of Minneapolis.
John C. Hanning
CROSSLAKE -- John C. Hanning, 86, Crosslake, died Tuesday, June 20, 2000, at St. Joseph's Medical Center.
A. Beatrice 'Bea' Burton
NISSWA --A. Beatrice "Bea" Burton, 93, Nisswa, died Tuesday, June 20, 2000, at Woodland Good Samaritan Village of Brainerd.
Steven Schrader
CROSSLAKE -- Steven Schrader, 48, Crosslake, died Monday, June 19, 2000, at home.
Rose Theresia Gelhar
PIERZ --Rose Theresia Gelhar, 95, Pierz, died Wednesday, June 21, 2000, at St. Mary's Villa In Pierz.
Protective stand needed on OHVs
On each of the past three weekends, I've gone to fish one of my favorite trout streams. Once there, however, concentrating on fishing has been difficult. On each of these visits I've discovered evidence of the passage of a four-wheeler (an all-terrain vehicle, or ATV). The driver has driven off the trail, smashing down vegetation, driven through the bed of the trout stream itself, left wheel scars on a long, steep, erosion-prone hillside next to the stream, and flattened a wooden barrier on which was mounted a sign prohibiting motorized travel.
President or fund-raiser?
Over the past seven years, President Clinton has traded in the bully pulpit of the presidency for the roast-master's podium at the $5,000-a-plate dinner. Since January 1997, Clinton has spoken at more than 350 fund-raising events, an average of one every three days. He is the most prodigious presidential fund-raiser in U.S. history, soliciting nearly a billion dollars in donations.
Crisis Line needs volunteers
It's a sad perspective on life but the more crowded that our lives and our neighborhoods become, the more detached we become from each other. What is the result? -- Extended families are no longer next door (we don't know who's next door); our best friends are too busy to talk after putting in a 25-hour day; we have to even schedule time to see our family. Where do people turn for help? -- The Crisis Line and Referral Service. The people that use our line are your neighbors, your friends, and your family that need someone to talk to. And we need more of these special friends -- our committed volunteers -- to continue to provide consistent coverage. We need an average of 60 volunteers to keep the commitment of time for each one at a reasonable level. Currently, we only have 26 volunteers. We need you to consider this opportunity to give a little back to your community today.
Keeping terrorists at bay
The National Commission on Terrorism was charged by the U.S. Congress with proposing measures that would make the United States safer. But the recommendations in its recently released report instead create new dangers for core American values.
Open Forum
My son is on the Warrior's "Varsity" Adapted floor hockey team. They have brought home two First Place Championships and one Second Place. We have yet to see their picture grace the front page. Why is that? In fact, if my memory serves me correct, the Championship of 1997 was the only First Place in the district that year.
Senseless violence - Dispatch Editorial
It's become a sad and all too common sequence that follows the winning of a national sports championship. The well deserved post-game celebration deteriorates into vandalism and rioting.
Open Forum
I want to make the taxpayers and farmers of central Minnesota aware that the deadline for filing to receive your 1999 sales tax rebates and 1999 farm-reli
School prayer - Dispatch Editorial
The U.S. Supreme Court this week reaffirmed lower court rulings on school prayer that go back nearly 40 years. It was a 1962 Supreme Court decision that outlawed organized, officially sponsored school prayer in a landmark case.
Montoya the magnificent
Juan Montoya learned to celebrate racing victories in his father's lap. The young Colombian with the dazzling smile then became a winner on his own.
New rear end helps Pontiacs get even
While chasing Tony Stewart's Pontiac Grand Prix in the final laps of the rain-shortened NASCAR race at Michigan Speedway in Brooklyn this month, Chevrolet driver Dale Earnhardt got an up-close look at the Grand Prix's redesigned rear end.
ON TRACK
NASCAR
Legion team becomes a target
At the Class 3A state baseball tournament last weekend, the Brainerd Warriors went to the Twin Cities hunting the likes of Cretin-Derham Hall and Mounds View.
Local sports shorts
KLIZ will replay the Class AAA championship baseball game between the Brainerd Warriors and Lakeville Panthers at 9 a.m. July 1.
Gulls start strong, finish quietly
The Brainerd Mighty Gulls split with the Rochester Honkers Tuesday at Mills Field.
Berg, Ericson get another chance to 'show' Cities
The Brainerd Warriors baseball team showed it could play with any Twin Cities team last weekend as they claimed the Class 3A state title.
Scoreboard
Northwoods League Baseball
Golfers, anglers boost Camp Confidence
More than $50,000 was raised June 17-18 during the Camp Confidence Classic Weekend.
Scoreboard
Northwoods League Baseball
Honkers storm past Gulls
The Rochester Honkers swept the Brainerd Mighty Gulls with scores of 12-1 a 5-1 in a double-header Wednesday.
The Granary Girls to perform in Little Falls' Concert in Park series
LITTLE FALLS -- The Granary Girls will perform a free Concert in the Park at 4 p.m. Sunday in Little Falls' Maple Island Park.
Who did it at the whodunit writers' convention?
What happens when five mystery writers convene?
It's hard to tell good guys from bad guys in 'Shaft'
John Shaft is back, in the form of Samuel L. Jackson, but there's something missing from the latest "Shaft," now playing at area theaters.
You may not recall the name ...
When the July 4th Celebration team went looking for a big-name entertainer to headline the event's free public concert, The Grass Roots name popped into mind.
Brainerd author Wendy Rosnau to speak at library
Wendy Rosnau, writer and owner of the CatTales Bookstore and Gift Store in downtown Brainerd, will speak and sign copies of her recently published book, "The Long Hot Summer," from noon to 1 p.m. Monday in the Brainerd Public Library's large meeting room.
New 'Shaft' film grabs box office lead from 'Gone in 60 Seconds'
LOS ANGELES -- The ''Shaft'' movie franchise of the '70s, updated in a new action film starring Samuel L. Jackson, was the weekend's biggest draw in North American theaters -- with $21.7 million in ticket sales.
Great River Arts Association offers Community Arts Calendar
LITTLE FALLS -- The Great River Arts Association's Community Arts Calendar for June, July and August is now available free oat the following locations:
Comedian turned author entertains Brainerd readers
Author Lorna Landvik came to town this week, toting a sheaf of one-liners and a litany of character impressions that entertained a band of loyal readers at the Brainerd Public Library.
Exodus of players prompts Heartland Symphony Orchestra to take action
FORT RIPLEY -- The Heartland Symphony Orchestra's board of directors is taking emergency steps to head off an organizational "mini-crisis," prompted by a mass exodus of players and others connected to the community group.
Entertainment Calendar
For week of June 22-28; bands perform from 9 p.m. to close with no cover unless otherwise noted.
Rock music to dominate lineup at this year's State Fair
FALCON HEIGHTS (AP) -- Minnesota State Fair officials have announced this year's musical lineup and -- no surprise -- an eclectic mix is planned, although rock music dominates this year's lineup.
Get nine novelists for price of one novel
Readers who have been waiting for new novels by Dave Barry or Tami Hoag or Les Standiford can find them now -- in one book.
Area woodworker a juried artist in Minnesota Crafts Festival
AITKIN -- Bob Carls, an artist from Aitkin, was selected to participate as a juried artist in the 28th annual Minnesota Crafts Festival on Friday through Sunday at the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul.
Swedish fiddler to give Performance in Park concert
A Swedish musician who has won her country's high accolade as a fiddler will perform June 29 at Brainerd's Performance in the Park series.
Tempo tidbits
This is a big weekend for powwow and rodeo audiences, as Grand Casino Hinckley hosts the ninth annual Grand Celebration and Rodeo. All activities are free.
Best books
Publishers Weekly best selling books
Lakes Area Artists to host Exhibition, Sale in Breezy
BREEZY POINT -- The Lakes Area Artists' fifth annual Exhibition and Sale will be held Friday through Sunday at Breezy Point Community Center.
Taste of Minnesota food, music festival to offer more family entertainment
ST. PAUL -- Taste of Minnesota organizers are promising expanded family entertainment and a special attraction for senior citizens at this year's installment on the State Capitol lawn.
What's real on the reel?
New computer technologies in the art of filmmaking are calling into question the old adage that seeing is believing.
Regional, national acts to raise money for historic church
MINNEAPOLIS -- Big Head Todd and The Jayhawks will headline the Basilica Block Party on July 7-8 in downtown Minneapolis.
'KARP' call letters picked up by another Hutchinson radio station
HUTCHINSON (AP) -- A Hutchinson radio station picked up the call letters KARP, just weeks after KARP-FM of Glencoe Hutchinson was sold and reborn as KTTB-FM, a Twin Cities urban station.
Top videos
Weekly charts for the nation's most popular videos as they appear in next week's issue of Billboard magazine. Reprinted with permission:
Donations sought for family center in Pequot
Total project purchase and estimated remodeling -- $552,000.
Lakes area events
Turtle Races, 2 p.m. Wednesdays, downtown Nisswa.
Lakes area news
CROSSLAKE -- Celebrate America Crosslake is a weeklong series of activities/events for the Crosslake community from June 30-July 6, including a street dance featuring the party band Lip Service on June 30; and Grandpa's Run for the Walleye 5k run/walk, flea market and fireworks on Sand Island of Cross Lake, all on July 1.
And they're off
People watched and cheered as their turtles headed toward the finish line last Wednesday at the opening day of the 35th annual Turtle Races in downtown Nisswa. Races run at 2 p.m. each Wednesday throughout the summer. (Dispatch Photos by Paul Burton)
Husbands move up as wives' careers go south
She has a great job. He has a pretty good job. Let's say they both get unrefusable offers that would involve moving cross-country. Which one will sacrifice salary, status and career ambitions to pack up and start over?
Around the nation
Albany,N.Y. 81 68 .45 cdy
Brainerd forecast
Tonight...Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of evening showers...Then partly cloudy. Breezy lows in the middle 50s. Gusty northwest wind diminishing to 10 to 20 mph.
Around the nation
Abilene,Tex. 88 76 .01 cdy
Around the world
Amsterdam 77 59 cdy
Brainerd forecast
Tonight...Mostly clear...Then increasing clouds late. Patchy fog possible. Lows near 55. Light and variable winds...Becoming south.
Around the world
Amsterdam 90 66 cdy
Rainy day
Weather drawing by Lacey Warta of Mrs. Larson's fifth grade class at Harrison school.
Fishing time
Weather drawing by Courtney Collette of Mrs. Zaffke's third grade class at Nisswa school.
Teen mom now wishes she had listened to her parents
DEAR ABBY: I just finished reading Roseann Hermann's letter about the importance of parents teaching their teen-agers everything they need to know about birth control so they can make informed choices.
Husband playing good guy makes his wife feel bad
DEAR ABBY: My husband, ''Jake,'' and I have been married eight years. We get along perfectly, except for his family. They have conned and cheated us out of thousands of dollars and spread vicious rumors about me.
Names and faces
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Four months after his death, Charles Schulz is getting an honor he always wanted.