Sunday, June 24, 2001
Tax law provides new and improved breaks for parents
Under the new tax law, parents will find new and improved tax breaks to help with expenses ranging from adoption to college.
More companies offering pet insurance as benefit
AT&T isn't usually out in front of the corporate culture curve. So when Ma Bell offers health benefits not only for workers' families but also for their pets, something must be up. What's up actually down is unemployment, at least in historic terms. The jobless rate is still at 4.4 percent, with the rate for college-educated workers at 2.1 percent, less than half the overall figure. Companies thus are facing a continued shortage of well-educated, technologically savvy workers even as the economy cools.
Information and advice not fit to be believed
NEW YORK (AP) -- One day last week a high-tech company whose stock had collapsed from more than $170 to $3 and change in little more than a year, revealed that conditions were even worse than he had anticipated.
Stocks fall on Merck warning
NEW YORK -- An earnings warning from Merck sent stocks sliding Friday as Wall Street got another demonstration of how weak the business environment remains.
Business notes
About 2,500 people attended the Crow Wing Power customer appreciation day and annual meeting June 16.
Racy catalogue prompts boycott bid
Abercrombie & Fitch says its summer catalog is sexy in a wholesome sort of way: "Norman Rockwell of 2001." Critics from conservative Christians to liberal feminists call it soft porn, and now they've joined forces to boycott the trendy, youth-oriented retailer.
A taste of 'Survivor'
SALT LAKE CITY -- It took some prodding and a side of mint ice cream to get Regan Meyer to even agree to try the Cold Stone Creamery's new delicacy.
Cereal Adventure
BLOOMINGTON (AP) -- We've accepted that ballparks are named for retailers and electric companies. That it's not just a roller coaster we're riding at Mall of America, but the Pepsi Roller Coaster. We'll pay $9.95 for a plush Energizer Bunny. But how much more commercial can things get?
Ex-farmer Koering settles on new job after failed political bid
This spring Paul Koering traded his dairy operation for a pager and a fleet of white vehicles.
Cargill to cut jobs as demand softens
MINNETONKA (AP) -- Cargill Inc., the world's largest agribusiness company, says it plans to cut jobs because of weak markets for commodities and food ingredients.
Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Friday.
Soft real estate market might present opportunities for small business
NEW YORK -- Your small business has grown so large that your office or building is just too small. And maybe you're in a part of the country with a depressed real estate market. It might be a good time to consider buying or leasing bigger quarters -- after you've done a lot of business analysis and careful shopping.
Comair pilots going back to work after costly strike
HEBRON, Ky. -- Comair expects to resume service by the Fourth of July holiday now that the regional airline's pilots have ratified a new contract that ended a costly, three-month strike.
Help Wanted
Dear Help Wanted: My brother-in-law, who worked for the U.S. Postal Service, died of a heart attack. He was unmarried and had accumulated more than 1,500 hours of unused sick time, valued at $25,000. He also had more than $40,000 in pension money.
Brainerd High School honor roll released
Following is the second semester honor roll 2001 for Brainerd High School:
Child in need
Summer is here and we are trying to fit in all that we want to do while the weather cooperates.
CARE Children, Youth and Families meeting Tuesday
The CARE Children, Youth and Families will meet at 8 a.m. Tuesday at the Sawmill Inn in Brainerd.
American diner is making a comeback after being edged out by fast food
PITTSBURGH -- The arrival of the billion-burger-serving fast food chains seemed to clang the death knell for the American diner, but diner enthusiasts gathering in Pennsylvania this weekend are celebrating signs of a resurgence.
Mother's confession weighs on girl's conscience
DEAR ABBY: Recently when I dropped by my sister "Judith's" home for a visit, I found my 13-year-old niece, "Libby," curled in a fetal position on the sofa. Her face was red and wet from tears. After half an hour of coaxing, she confided what caused her to be distraught.
Keaton no longer searching for a man
NEW YORK (AP) -- Diane Keaton says she's given up her search for Mr. Right.
Simple steps can help protect homes from summer burglaries
NEW YORK -- It's no coincidence that July and August are busy months for burglars. That's when a lot of Americans take their vacations, often leaving their homes as inviting targets for thieves.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Friday cattle: 300.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Friday 185, a year ago 270.
Accident
McGRATH -- One person was injured in a three-vehicle accident Friday on highways 18 and 65 in Aitkin County.
Agendas
Little Falls School Board
Births
Mark and Debra (Cameron) Sisson, Lake Shore, a girl, Macie Mae, 7 pounds, 14 ounces, May 22, 2001. Grandparents are Robert and Bonny Cameron, Bloomington, and Lowell Sisson, Danbury, Wis.
Classic winners crowned
The 28th annual Camp Confidence Golf Tournament took place June 15-16 at Pine Meadows. The event drew 36 teams despite soggy conditions.
Golf scoreboard
Friday
Webb zeroes in on slam
WILMINGTON, Del. -- The fortunes of Karrie Webb turned around quickly.
Cink back on track
HARRISON, N.Y, -- They clapped a little harder when he walked up to the tee and shouted a little louder every time he rolled in a birdie putt.
Samuelson doesn't embrace tax plan compromise, but expects to support it
Senate President Don Samuelson wasn't happy with Gov. Jesse Ventura's compromise tax plan but expected he would support it when it comes before the Senate this week.
Democrat pushes patients' rights bill
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Declaring that families have been left in the waiting room by health maintenance organizations, Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, urged passage of a patients' rights bill he said would ensure quality health care.
Bush urges Supreme Court to take up voucher case
WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration urged the Supreme Court to take up school vouchers Friday, arguing that an Ohio school choice program does not violate the Constitution's ban on government promotion of religion.
What all sides agree on, and what issues still need to be negotiated
Ventura, House Republicans and Senate DFLers generally agree on:
Minnesota officials look at government shutdowns past
ST. PAUL -- When the clock rolled passed midnight and Florida entered fiscal year 1993 without a budget, a prankster flicked off the lights in the state House chamber to mark the arrival of a government shutdown.
Some nosebleeds more serious than others
DALLAS (AP) -- Nosebleeds can be a nuisance. Or something more serious.
Kids and summer: Remember safety first
Most people think of summer as a carefree time for children, but the days between May and August are when kids face the greatest risk of injury.
Chemical dependency and AA groups
Adult Children-Chem.Dep.
Support groups
Crisis Line-Referral Ser.
Health
Blood Pressure Clinics
Evaluating the effectiveness of angioplasty
Each year, doctors snake catheters through the circulatory systems of about 600,000 Americans and open obstructed arteries in their hearts.
Brainerd Red Cross helping storm victims
While federal disaster help is on the way, residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed in the June 13 tornado can also seek help from the Brainerd Red Cross.
Newlyweds lose all but the wedding dress in tornado
Life between Russ and Heather Jensen's wedding and reception has not been as dreamy as most newlyweds' lives.
Local briefs
NISSWA -- The Nisswa Police Department earned first place at the 2001 International Police Vehicle Design Contest in the municipal -- less than 50 officers category.
This was Brainerd
JUNE 24 - 80 years ago (1921) - This story is on James H. Alderman. His wife told Jim to put poles in the string bean patch, and to train up the beans in the direction they should go. Jim got mixed up on the vegetables and put the poles in the cucumber patch.
Any homes, buildings damaged in storms this spring may be eligible for federal aid
With the inclusion of Crow Wing County on President Bush's major disaster declaration, county residents with storm damage will be eligible for federal funds.
Shutdown planning
The Brainerd License Office would remain open if the state government shuts down July 1.
Mighty series
The Brainerd Mighty Gulls begin a three game home-stand against Mankato tonight. Look for the story in Sports Monday.
Prosecution of terrorism suspects could be daunting task
WASHINGTON -- Bringing Khobar Tower bombing suspects to justice in the United States could prove difficult, particularly in the face of criticism from Saudi Arabia where 19 U.S. servicemen died in the blast.
San Diego police prepare latest anti-protester weapons: Pepperball guns
SAN DIEGO -- Police preparing for a wave of demonstrations at this week's biotechnology industry convention have a new weapon in their arsenal, but some protesters say it's an example of non-lethal force taken too far.
Bush seeking $18.4 billion more in defense budget
WASHINGTON -- President Bush intends to ask Congress for an $18.4 billion increase in defense spending for the coming budget year. But little of the money is earmarked for the military modernization that Bush, during his campaign, said would be one of his administration's top priorities.
Defense wants delay in Sara Jane Olson trial
LOS ANGELES -- An attorney for Sara Jane Olson says the defense may need more time to get ready for the former SLA fugitive's attempted murder trial. It is now scheduled for Sept. 4.
Kentucky pays welfare recipients to move away to find work
PIKEVILLE, Ky. -- As a single mother, Dawn Woodard found it hard to make ends meet on welfare and her meager paycheck from her job as a waitress.
Bush: U.S. should ban genetic discrimination
CRAWFORD, Texas -- Acting to curb the harmful side effects of a scientific breakthrough, President Bush asked Congress for legislation banning genetic discrimination in employment and health insurance.
Attorney visits mother accused of drowning her five children
HOUSTON -- An attorney hired to represent a mother accused of drowning her five children says the woman had a very personal and supportive visit with her family Friday.
Umpire is ruled out
NEW YORK (AP) -- Umpire Al Clark is out of a job, terminated by the commissioner's office for improperly using plane tickets in violation of his union's contract.
Gonzales passes Cepeda on HR list
Juan Gonzalez was filled with pride as he pondered his game-winning home run for the Cleveland Indians.
Sampras goes for No. 8
WIMBLEDON, England (AP) -- Pete Sampras knows the ball can't always bounce his way, not even on grass. One of these days he'll misfire with his serve, an opportunistic opponent will play the match of his life, and Sampras will lose at Wimbledon.
McGwire impressed
ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Mark McGwire is impressed by Barry Bonds' homer binge this season.
Bonds gets win; Big Mac gets homer
The St. Louis Cardinals didn't let Barry Bonds beat them. Armando Rios and Livan Hernandez did the job for the San Francisco Giants instead.
Tigers look like Twins
DETROIT (AP) -- The Detroit Tigers finally beat Minnesota and looked like the Twins while doing it.
Powell fails to make team in long jump
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) -- Mike Powell didn't make the U.S. team for the World Championships in his return to the long jump.
Postseason success, not home run record important to Bonds
SAN DIEGO -- Maybe this is his way of defusing the pressure and expectation that will escalate in company with his home run total, but Barry Bonds sits quietly in a corner of the visitor's clubhouse at Qualcomm Stadium and insists he is not pursuing any regular-season records. The goal is postseason redemption.
Braves trade Rocker to Indians Now maybe we'll find out what he thinks of Cleveland
NEW YORK -- John Rocker slipped away so quickly into the New York night, a lot of his Atlanta teammates never even got a chance to say goodbye.
Smith leads Lynx to win
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- With Betty Lennox out of the Minnesota Lynx lineup, the Miami Sol had one less worry.
Helen L. Good
Helen Good, 86, Brainerd, died Friday, June 22, 2001, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Harriet J. Ballou
RANDALL -- Harriet June Ballou, 71, Randall, died Thursday, June 21, 2001, at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls.
Alfred H. Nelson
TOWNSEND, Mont. -- Alfred H. Nelson, 89, Townsend, Mont., died Wednesday, June 20, 2001, at the VA Medical Center in Helena, Mont.
Dennis Kagel
CROSBY -- Dennis Kagel, 57, Crosby, died Thursday, June 21, 2001, at his home.
Russell Henry Putz
GHENT, N.Y. -- Russell Henry Putz, 93, Ghent, N.Y., died Tuesday, June 19, 2001.
William J. Schmidt
LITTLE FALLS -- William "Bill" Joseph Schmidt, 76, Lincoln, died Friday, June 22, 2001, at St. Otto's Health Care Center in Little Falls of cancer.
Katherine Rice
BACKUS -- Katherine Rice, 77, Backus, died Friday, June 22, 2001, at her home.
Helen Marie Ost
GOLDEN VALLEY -- Helen Marie Ost, 77, Golden Valley, died Thursday, June 21, 2001, at her home.
Open Forum
The letter of June 10 claims that Cragun's course expansion, as approved by the city of East Gull Lake, is "ridiculous." We are very proud of our environmental stewardship and leadership as only the second "Audubon Signature Sanctuary Resort Course" in the entire U.S. We have established an excellent working relationship with the DNR, Audubon Society and numerous local, state and federal agencies.
What legacy? - Dispatch Editorial
The Sunday before Oklahoma City bomber TImothy McVeigh's execution June 11, there was much hand-wringing in the national media about his legacy, as if this killer were some sort of trailblazer. But by the Sunday after, he was old news. Now it seems McVeigh is well on his way to becoming an historical footnote.
Sustaining democracy
SALZBURG, Austria--They came from 34 different countries on six continents, drawn to the baroque Schloss Leopoldskron that was once the home of the prince-archbishop, for a week-long conversation on the topic of "sustaining democracy in the modern world."
Neighbors helping neighbors
Neighbors across town and across the street may barely wave to each other on regular busy days, but add a disaster and people often surprise you.
Anglers can keep 30-inch walleyes on Mille Lacs
Anglers now can keep walleyes 30 inches or larger and between 16 and 18 inches on Mille Lacs. The 30-inch-or-larger provision is expected to add just 1,000 pounds to the harvest for the remainder of the year.
Visualize structure and watch your success soar
It's easy for fishermen to fall victim to the notion their world is two-dimensional. The water's surface is flat. Lake and river maps are flat. The sonar screen is flat. But, like the dry world above, the watery world below is filled with peaks and valleys.
A Father's Day gift to remember
As another round of Father's Day gifts find their way into drawers, closets and odd corners of the basement where they never will be seen again, Bob Hanson's recent Father's Day gift has been placed at the top of his trophy wall, where it will stay for years to come.
Diving is the pits
When he's scuba diving, Tom Mattsen says, he's not thinking about work, car repairs or the lawn that needs mowing.
Fishing report
MILLE LACS - In the east, the shallow rocks are kicking out a lot of fish during the early evening hours and well into the night. Slip bobbers and leeches are working best.
Big gun for a little guy
Ian Murrey, a junior fur trapper, show's off a fine rifle at the Crow Wing Muzzleloaders annual rendezvous in Crow Wing State Park on Sunday, June 3.
Now's the time for sunfish fun
The first hot days at the beginning of June always get the big sunfish spawning. It's the best time of year to catch a mess of slab sunnies. Later, when big sunfish move to deeper water, they become harder to find and more difficult to catch.
Clay shooters scoreboard
Wild Acres sporting clays top shooters for May:
Outdoor notes
The Cuyuna Range Whitetails are scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. on June 27 at Gary's Sports Bar in Ironton. C
60th anniversary
Lloyd and Geraldine Sams will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary from 1-4 p.m. July 1 at the home of Roddy and Jan Sams. Wear cowboy hats, denim or anything western.
Beck-Leon
September Beck and Gabe Leon were married May 6, 2001, at Old Greenfield Hill Congregational Church of 1725 in Fairfield, Conn.
Woodhouse-Stephenson
Stacey Lea Woodhouse and Matthew James Stephenson were married April 28, 2001, at North Garden of the Como Conservatory in St. Paul with the Rev. Hugh Stephenson officiating.
50th anniversary
Ken and Sandra Pederson will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house from 2-4 p.m. July 1 at the new town hall in Barrows. No gifts please. They were married Feb. 17, 1961.
Wedding planned
Autumn Nelson and Chauncey Hanson announce their engagement. Parents are Tony and Karin Nelson, Deerwood, and Wayne and Cheryl Hanson, Strathcona. A July 14 wedding is planned at Brainerd Assemblies of God Church.
Engagement announced
Kara Keller and David Kicker announce their engagement. Parents are Robert and Joyce Keller, Waite Park, and Laurence and Pat Kicker, Baxter. An Aug. 18 wedding is planned at First Baptist Church in St. Cloud.
Gordon going for Sears Point win
SONOMA, Calif. (AP) -- The twists and turns of road courses weren't always easy for Jeff Gordon.
NASCAR cheats: It's hard to get away with illegal moves
LONG POND, Pa. -- The stars of the show walk through the gate leading to the NASCAR garage about three hours before the race. It is a time when drivers steal a few minutes of solitude and make last-minute preparations before driving their cars 180 mph against 42 of the bravest competitors in sports.
CART drivers grapple with new engine rule
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Gil de Ferran spun out three times, and Penske teammate Helio Castroneves complained that he could only go 183 mph on the back straightaway.
Budget deal may be on hand
ST. PAUL -- House and Senate leaders reached a shaky agreement Friday on most elements of a budget package they hope could avert a government shutdown this week.
Girl goes missing due to connecting flight mix-up
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Tanya Bendlin put her daughter on an AirTran flight from the Twin Cities so the girl could visit her father in Florida. But when the passengers got off, the 9-year-old was nowhere to be found.
Three suspects to face charges first in Wisconsin
RED WING (AP) -- Two men and a boy charged in the death of a Twin Cities man will face first-degree murder charges in Wisconsin before being tried in Minnesota on related charges, authorities said Friday.
Tentative agreement reached in nurses strike
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A tentative agreement was reached just after midnight on a contract proposal that could end a 3-week-old strike by about 1,350 nurses at two Twin Cities hospitals, a spokeswoman said Saturday.
Brainerd Parks & Recreation
Results
Baxter Parks & Recreation
Schedule for June 25
Bouzos' luck fuels Gulls' comeback
Maybe it was the piece of tape in Niko Bouzos' sock.
Local shorts
Nick Weiland of the Brainerd Warriors baseball team was named to the All-State baseball team.
Northwoods League standings
North Division
Area events Saturday
NORTHWOODS LEAGUE BASEBALL
Tech briefs
Thirty-three women from 20 communities in central Minnesota attended the second of two free Technology Experience clinics at Central Lakes College in Brainerd and Staples June 4-8.
Breakdown of animals used in labs
Roughly 1.2 million laboratory animals were used in 1999, excluding rats, birds and mice:
Sorting a database has its uses
I had to wrack my brain to figure out how to explain, to those of you who are absolute beginners, why you'd want to sort and filter a database of names designed to address holiday cards.
Scientist sees lab animal protections within reach
WASHINGTON -- For two decades, scientist John McArdle has tried to improve the lives of laboratory animals, and it looked like he finally hit pay dirt last year. The Department of Agriculture had agreed to settle his lawsuit by establishing minimum care standards for rats, birds and mice -- long a rallying cry for the animal rights movement.
Green Thumb aims to plug workers into technology jobs
Green Thumb has been the organization that helps older workers bring their experience to a labor force hungry for more employees.
Ways to block those annoying Web tricks
Once upon a time, advertising was going to be the engine that drove the Internet economy. But somewhere along the line, the car broke down.
Minnesota state forecast
Today...Mostly sunny and warmer. Highs in the 80s.
State forecast for North Dakota
Today...Partly sunny...Warm and humid. A chance of late afternoon and evening thunderstorms west and north central. Highs 80 to 90.
Worldwide Weather
Saturday
Storms along Eastern Seaboard; central states sunny and dry
A line of showers stretched across the Northeast on Saturday, and rain was forecast for much of the Eastern Seaboard during the day.
The Weather Elsewhere
With Tomorrow's Temperature Forecast
Iowa state forecast
Today...Sunny with highs in the upper 70s to mid 80s.
State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Mostly sunny. A chance of thunderstorms far northwest. Highs in the lower 80s northeast to the mid 90s southwest and south central.
Regional Weather
HighLowPR
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Mostly sunny. Highs in the middle 70s to lower 80s. Cooler near lake michigan.
Much obliged
As you know Confidence Learning Center recently held its biggest fundraiser of the year. As a volunteer, I have been involved in this every year but one for the past 15 years. This year, I was the honored recipient of the Ralph Klapperich Volunteer of the Year Award.
What's doing
Brainerd American Legion Auxiliary will have a luncheon from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday at the American Legion Club, 708 Front Street. French Dip sandwich, salad, dessert and beverage will be served for $4. Take out orders welcome. Call 829-2249 for information. Proceeds benefit nursing scholarship fund.
Brainerd Legionnaires hold 6th district offices
American Legion Post No. 255 members were elected to offices for the 6th District American Legion at the 6th District Convention in Aitkin. Dan Schoonover will serve as chaplain and Don Hauck as sergeant-at-arms.
Organizations
Brainerd Jaycees
Headless bodies of two hostages found in Philippines
ISABELA, Philippines -- Muslim rebels who kidnapped about two dozen hostages, including three Americans, on Saturday dumped the beheaded bodies of two of their captives near a highway outside the capital of a remote southern island, police said.
Terrorist threat scrambles U.S. troops, ships in Mideast
WASHINGTON -- In response to a terrorist threat, a Marine Corps contingent in Jordan cut short its training session and returned to its ships, while the U.S. 5th Fleet sent its ships out of port in Bahrain.
Pope arrives in religiously divided Ukraine
KIEV, Ukraine -- Pope John Paul II pleaded Saturday for inter-church understanding in Ukraine, a predominantly Orthodox country where the papal visit has cast a spotlight on bitter religious division, and offered an apology for Catholic contributions to the strife.
Price tag on embassy security makes U.S. think twice
WASHINGTON -- When truck bombs laid waste to two U.S. embassies in Africa in 1998, Congress clamored for more guards, more walls, more armored vehicles and, above all, more money to protect U.S. outposts.
Milosevic extradition decree approved
BELGRADE, Yugoslavia -- The Yugoslav government adopted a decree Saturday that clears the way for Slobodan Milosevic's extradition to the U.N. war crimes tribunal -- a key condition for billions of dollars in Western aid.
Chiapas mayors protest modified Indian rights bill
SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS, Mexico -- Seventeen mayors and thousands of residents from Mexico's southernmost state gathered to protest changes to an Indian rights bill aimed at restoring peace to the troubled region.
City leaders seek to polish York's image amid race riot fallout
YORK, Pa. -- Small white posters have begun appearing in the windows of downtown businesses in this racially mixed city, advertising "Diversity, Equality, Non-Violence."
Powell rules out Mideast peace moves until violence abates
WASHINGTON -- The Arabs are seeking a quick end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but "nothing starts" until the level of violence goes down sharply, Secretary of State Colin Powell says as he prepares for a burst of personal on-site diplomacy.