Saturday, June 29, 2002
Do I need insurance for my credit card?
Q. My credit card statements often come with offers to buy insurance in case my card is stolen, I become disabled or I lose my job. I typically charge more than $1,000 a month, and am wondering if the protection is worth paying a few extra dollars a month for.
Of mutual interest
NEW YORK -- With Wall Street mired in a steep and protracted decline, it's hard to believe that the mood of mutual fund managers has improved, as a survey from Merrill Lynch & Co. indicates. But it has, and the reason why is a turnaround in overseas markets including Japan.
Machinery currently in process of removal from paper mill is part of original sale deal with Sappi Limited
Passers-by have noticed recent activity at the Potlatch mill in northeast Brainerd.
Medtronic to acquire disc replacement developer Spinal Dynamics
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Medtronic Inc. said Friday that it will acquire Spinal Dynamics Corp., the Seattle-based developer of an artificial cervical disc, for $269.5 million in cash and stock.
Working overtime should mean extra pay
Q: I work for a small telecom consulting company as a full-time employee with salary and benefits. How can the company get away with making us work 10-to-12-hour days and weekends without overtime compensation? The company always says it makes up for it "in the bonus," but that really isn't the case at all. It's like a white-collar sweatshop. And the conditions we work in are terrible, with 18 to 20 people in one room and two of the four doors blocked. What do we do?
Business notes
Katherine Griffith was named program manager at the PORT Group Homes for boys ages 12-18.
Decorating for the love of it
Penney Fasching-Beutz took an interest in decorating, used those skills in her work and then took the next step -- creating her own gift shop.
Second-quarter problems may linger into third quarter
NEW YORK -- The end of the second quarter was welcomed this past week by a Wall Street eager to forget the accounting scandals and earnings concerns that have plagued the market. But there is little reason to think the next three months will be much better.
Consultant stresses that food safety is a business concern of vital consumer interest
Food safety issues can mean more than keeping the potato salad cold on a summer picnic.
Falwell's hoped-for legacy: A master-planned Christian community
LYNCHBURG, Va. (AP) -- The Rev. Jerry Falwell pulls the wheel hard right, sweat budding across his cheeks as he guides the Chevy Suburban around potholes in the dirt road.
Law could allow school prayer
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Students in South Carolina public schools may be able to lead their classmates in prayer under a law signed this week by Gov. Jim Hodges.
Flying solo: Living single with grace
In the past month, I've presided at three weddings, which always causes me to ponder the possibilities/limitations of marriage and of being single.
U.S. remains 'a Protestant nation,' two historians assert
If Americans take stock of their nation religiously, as well as politically and militarily, this first Fourth of July after 9-11, they might ponder the claim that "America is still in many ways a Protestant nation."
Classic Car Sunday
Crosslake Lutheran Church will have its fifth annual classic car service at 10 a.m. Sunday at the outdoor worship service on Daggett Pine Road across from the Crosslake Community Center. People may participate in this service by coming in a vintage, sports car, street rod or other specialty car.
Speaker at Pillager church
First Baptist Church of Pillager will have a guest speaker Sunday. The Rev. Dwight Johnson will speak at 11 a.m. at the worship service at Pillager School.
Online site lists Los Angeles cardinal as one of 'worst bishops'
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- A religion-themed Internet site has listed Cardinal Roger M. Mahony, archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, as one of the country's nine "worst bishops" for his handling of clergy sexual abuse cases.
Retired Kentucky priest pleads innocent to sex abuse allegations in indictment
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- A retired Roman Catholic priest pleaded innocent to felony sexual misconduct involving 15 alleged victims.
Churches
The Rev. Neal MacLachlan, former pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, Brainerd, will return to preach at 5:30 p.m. July 6 and 9 a.m. July 7.
Board vote unanimous to revise SAT
NEW YORK -- Trustees of the College Board voted unanimously Thursday to develop a new SAT, adding a writing test, beefing up the math section and making other major changes in the college admissions exam.
Today's mobile kids
A recent survey finds that many American adults with wireless phone service think it's a good idea for most kids between 12 and 18 to have their own cell phones.
Federal government starts ad campaign to try to teach kids to play
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A federal agency is spending at least $125 million to tell kids, nicely, to get outside and play.
Work vs. play
Work is a time-consuming affair, but it doesn't mean some people are devoting every waking hour to climbing up the next rung on the ladder of success.
CDC: Survey of teenagers find more using cocaine, still drinking and smoking
ATLANTA (AP) -- Injury and violence-related behaviors among teenagers have fallen, but more teens are using cocaine and regularly smoking and drinking, according to a recent survey.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Thursday 60, a year ago 218.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Friday cattle estimate: 250. Last Friday: 289. Year ago Friday: 311. Thursday actual: 512.
How will the crops do?
It is too soon to tell whether this year's late spring and dry spell will have a major impact on area farmers' harvests.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Friday 216, a year ago 279.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Thursday cattle estimate: 400. Last Thursday: 443. Year ago Thursday: 331. Wednesday actual: 536.
Accidents
One person was injured Monday after the car she was driving struck a tree on North Fifth Street, at Bluff Avenue, in Brainerd.
Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Thursday.
Brainerd building permits
Brainerd issued 122 building permits in May for a total valuation of $2,738,601 and $19,018.25 in permit fees.
Births
Eric and Toni (Westemeier) Schmidt, Belle Plaine, a boy, Andrew Michael, 9 pounds, 12 ounces, May 22, 2002. Grandparents are John Schmidt, Belle Plaine, and the late Liz Schmidt, and Mike and Eileen Westemeier, Aitkin.
Crime
Brainerd police
Accidents
MILACA -- A 36-year-old Zimmerman man was listed in critical condition Saturday at North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale after hitting a deer while on his motorcycle Friday.
Agendas
Council Chambers
House passes Medicare prescription drug bill; fate in Senate uncertain
WASHINGTON -- Republicans pushed a Medicare prescription drug bill through the House early Friday, capping a week in which the GOP also used its slim majority to allow the government to borrow more money and advance a trade bill.
Congress finally votes to raise debt limit
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Congressional approval of a $450 billion boost in federal borrowing authority spared the government from choosing between defaulting on the national debt and using "shaky ... or potentially fraudulent accounting devices," Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill said Friday.
Crow Wing County to offer health clinics
The Crow Wing County Health Department will offer public immunization clinics in July. There is a minimal charge for vaccine administration but no one will be denied if unable to pay. A parent or guardian with an immunization record must accompany each child under age 18.
Therapy service goes to a new and different level
This is an idea that could have been dreamed up by the hyper-neurotic Woody Allen: You go to a therapist, confess to being in a funk over your bad romantic luck, and your therapist tells you there's a way to fix you up with another person in counseling.
Treatments explored for cancer patients suffering fatigue
With advances in medicine making cancer a disease that many can live with, health-care providers face a new challenge: helping their patients avoid feeling dead tired.
Study of diabetic Canadian group paints a dire picture
In the first study to look at the long-term health consequences of a form of diabetes increasingly seen in children, a Canadian researcher found that the disease is taking a heavy toll when they reach adulthood.
Town tries to take a stand against childhood obesity
As parents, doctors and government officials debate how best to intervene in the epidemic of obesity among American children, a few schools are taking matters into their own hands -- to the dismay of some pediatricians.
MEMO to BOOMERS: Make your aging parents' home safer
Baby Boomers aren't getting any younger, and neither are their parents.
PARADISE UNDER PRESSURE
FRIDAY HARBOR, Wash. (AP) -- Susan and Laszlo Pal strolled along the tranquil beach fronting their San Juan Island cabin and paused before the nearly completed 3,500-square-foot home next door.
Cut and trim your blooms
The first flush of summer bloom is fading: the iris, the peonies, the poppies, the first roses are finished for the season. The phlox, the daisy-flowered astroemas and fall flowering chrysanthemums and asters, the lilies and daylilies, and so many others are in bud.
Housing briefs
Mid-Minnesota Home Builders Association members built an intricate indoor playground for the Brainerd Family YMCA. The effort is part of Home Builders Care, a nationwide community service program.
Q & A
Q. What do you recommend for washing and finishing a wood deck?
Aging homeowners stay put, seek to remodel the place they've called home
DENVER -- Alan and Julie Stewart converted their kitchen cabinets into drawers to hold pots and pans. They widened the doorways and eliminated all stairs in the house.
Horseradish is a good root for your garden
NEW MARKET, Va. (AP) -- Consider the common horseradish. With its gnarly white root and boarding house reach, the plant isn't exactly the glamour girl of the modern-day garden.
Briefs
Dave Botten, Stephanie Hoefs and Polly Olson joined the Edina Realty sales staff, Brainerd.
Streamline Design K-24, save money
Design K-24 is a Craftsman version of a ranch design (Design J-89) that appeared last year. It's a compact plan, except for some excess space in the long bedroom hall and entry areas.
Design K-24 has timeless appeal
Craftsman accents, including stone, shingles and a shed dormer, lend timeless appeal to the exterior of this home, Plan K-24, by the Homestore Plans and Publications Designers Network. Its floor plan has 1,725 square feet of living space.
Area road projects under way; some include detours
BAXTER -- Several state road projects are under way this summer, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation is advising drivers to allow extra driving time over the Fourth of July holiday because of possible detours or closed lanes.
Brainerd School District committee OKs middle school concept plan
The Brainerd School District's Building Committee selected a concept plan Thursday for the new middle school in Baxter.
Filing period for state, county political offices starts Tuesday
Voters who've already grown weary of political charges and counter-charges may be surprised to learn the official political season doesn't start until Tuesday.
More racing
Look for final results of the superbike races at Brainerd International Raceway in Sports Monday.
Demgen to seek re-election in Cass county
Cass County Commissioner Jim Demgen, who was first elected in 1988, announced this weekend he'll run for re-election to the Cass County Board in District 1.
Vets have reason to be proud
Many families throughout the Brainerd lakes area will attend Fourth of July parades and marvel at the fireworks, but some residents find a deeper meaning behind the festivities.
Local briefs
Congressman Jim Oberstar announced Wednesday that airports in Brainerd and St. Cloud will share a $1 million grant to help the communities enhance their airline service.
Pequot Lakes man drowns
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Three men apparently drowned last week on Minnesota lakes, authorities said.
Correction
A Page 6A story Friday on the Brainerd School District's new middle school incorrectly listed the owners of property east of the school. Potlatch owns the land.
3-year-old recovering from mowing accident
Nearly a month after 3-year-old Cody Dryburgh was run over by a riding lawn mower, he was able to put weight on his injured leg Thursday for the first time.
Franklin committee may get more public members
More citizens may be able to take part in determining the future use of the Franklin Junior High School building.
Toman to challenge Sluss for county board
The first race for a Crow Wing County Board post developed Friday as Karen Toman of Brainerd announced her candidacy for the District 3 seat currently held by Commissioner Terry Sluss.
Bear search
Brainerd police officer Tom Pfingsten (left) and animal control officer Don Hannahs searched a wooded area near Graydon Avenue and Buffalo Hills for an injured black bear that was spotted Friday morning on the south side of Brainerd. The bear hadn't been found as of Saturday morning. (Dispatch Photo by Steve Kohls)
Planning, zoning panel approves conditional use permit for a liquor lounge at BIR
A new lounge will open mid-July at Brainerd International Raceway.
Nystrom is American Diabetes Association National Youth Advocate
Quinn Nystrom, 16, Brainerd, is the American Diabetes Association 2002-2003 National Youth Advocate.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1982) - The biggest single weekend of the year is about to arrive in Brainerd. Thousands of folks are expected here to take part in the activities that is the Johnny Inkslinger Fourth of July Celebration, something for everyone -- from a big parade to fireworks and a rodeo.
Framework collapse injures 7
WALKER -- Seven construction workers were injured Thursday when the truss framework on which they were working collapsed.
How to reach your state lawmakers
Rep. Dale Walz, R-Brainerd, District 12A
Cash for Cody
Cody Dryburgh, 3, Brainerd, was run over by a lawn mower June 2. Trinity Lutheran Church is planning a Cash for Cody benefit to help cover his medical costs. Read more about his recovery in Sunday's Dispatch.
Countywide transit system to begin Monday
Crow Wing County's first transit system will be in full operation Monday.
Whodunit?
Junior Detective Club is one of more than 60 different Summer Adventure classes and activities offered each summer by Brainerd Community Education.
This was Brainerd
JUNE 28 - 20 years ago (1982) - Brainerd School Superintendent Bob Gross forfeited about a $2,800 salary increase yesterday in an effort to make the public see that school leadership is not exempt from the financial sacrifices that must be made to maintain quality education.
Local brief
IRONTON -- Senate District 4 candidate Stan Nagorski will conduct a fund-raiser dinner to kick off his campaign at 5:30 p.m. July 9 at Gary's Sports Bar in Ironton.
Court puts maligned Pledge of Allegiance ruling on hold
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- A much-maligned ruling on the Pledge of Allegiance is on hold while a federal appeals court decides how to deal with calls for a rehearing in the case.
Arizona fire crews ready to shift some efforts away from Show Low
SHOW LOW, Ariz. (AP) -- Firefighters are ready to shift some of their emphasis in battling a monster wildfire now that this mountain community seems closer to safety.
The Who bass player John Entwistle dies
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- The Who's John Entwistle, the virtuoso bass player who co-founded the band and helped make it one of the biggest in rock history, was found dead Thursday in his Hard Rock Hotel room of an apparent heart attack. He was 57.
Fires cloud Denver's air
DENVER (AP) -- The smoky, brown haze was back, dropping ash like snowflakes. Denverites were coughing again, rubbing their eyes and blowing noses.
Manson follower Van Houten denied parole for 14th time
FRONTERA, Calif. (AP) -- Former Manson disciple Leslie Van Houten was denied release for the 14th time after a parole board concluded she has not shown sufficient remorse for her role in the cult killings that shocked the nation in 1969.
Boeing supplier found liable in lawsuits over 1994 US Airways crash
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- A Boeing Co. supplier is mostly to blame for the 1994 crash of a US Airways jet that went into a nosedive and slammed into a hillside, killing 132 people, a jury decided.
Economist sees prolonged recovery
The U.S. economy has found the footing for a prolonged, if not robust, recovery, Alan D. Levenson, the chief economist for T. Rowe Price, said Thursday.
Arizona fire evacuee: 'It's hard to see your dreams go up in smoke'
SHOW LOW, Ariz. (AP) -- Doug and Lana Page spent three years building their dream house -- a log cabin in the pine forest. They only enjoyed one weekend there before a huge wildfire reduced it to ash.
Bush's blueprint
Bush called for removal of Yasser Arafat as president and for democratic reforms in the Palestinian Authority, definitely putting the onus on the Palestinians to get the march toward statehood started.
Deal solves Amtrak's budget woes
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Having sealed a deal to solve Amtrak's immediate budget crisis, the Bush administration and leaders of the national passenger railroad now must tackle differences over long-term reforms.
Bush hits corporate America
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush, striving to shield himself from public anger over a growing list of accounting scandals, promised Saturday not to let an unethical few in corporate America "tarnish our entire free enterprise system."
Control of Senate could hinge on any one of eight to 15 states
WASHINGTON -- The battle for control of the Senate is beginning to look like a doozy.
Supreme Court decision will do little to quickly boost stock of similar proposals
The Supreme Court decision Thursday allowing public funds to pay tuition at private religious schools removes the legal cloud that has hung over such controversial programs, but not the political one.
Man says he has no knowledge of girl's whereabouts
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- A man police say tops their list of potential suspects in the disappearance of Elizabeth Smart said he is being targeted because of his criminal past.
Possible fallout from WorldCom feared
As WorldCom Inc. faces investigations and possible bankruptcy proceedings, regulators are concerned about the fate of a company that carries half the United States' Internet traffic and about the health of the reeling telecommunications industry.
Powell upbeat on support for Bush stand on Arafat
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Secretary of State Colin Powell says President Bush may have "jarred some nerves" with his strong stand against Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, but he believes international support for the new policy is solid.
Congress subpoenas top WorldCom officials
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Subpoenas are going out to top officials of WorldCom Inc. as Congress delves into the latest corporate scandal to shake investors' confidence and heighten political leaders' nervousness about the economy.
Stamp price now 37 cents
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The post office is delivering a 3-cent increase in the cost of sending a letter.
High court agrees to hear prescription drug case next year
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Supreme Court agreed Friday to decide how far states can go in negotiating lower prescription costs for the poor, accepting drug companies' challenge of a pioneering Maine law.
U.S. insists its peacekeepers be exempt from prosecution by new war crimes court
UNITED NATIONS (AP) -- The United States stuck to its demand that American peacekeepers be exempt from prosecution by the new international criminal court, putting at risk U.N. peacekeeping operations in Bosnia.
Judge refuses to grant bail for Robert Blake
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- A judge refused Thursday to grant actor Robert Blake bail until a preliminary hearing reveals details of the evidence against him in the slaying of his wife.
WorldCom begins laying off 17,000
CLINTON, Miss. (AP) -- WorldCom Inc. began laying off 17,000 employees worldwide after disclosing accounting irregularities that could force the nation's No. 2 long-distance company into bankruptcy.
More airports to get new passenger checkpoints
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Pressing for improved airline security, the Bush administration says it will begin overhauling more than 130 airports next month.
Bush transfers power to Cheney
WASHINGTON -- President Bush transferred the powers of the presidency to Vice President Dick Cheney for more than two hours Saturday while under sedation for a routine colon screening.
Pilots blamed for deaths
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A joint U.S.-Canadian inquiry into the mistaken bombing of Canadian troops in Afghanistan last spring concluded that two U.S. F-16 pilots failed to exercise proper caution, an American officer said Friday.
Morrison is Wimbleldon's top underdog
WIMBLEDON, England -- The crisp grass of Wimbledon's Centre Court isn't exactly like the West Virginia sewage pipe yard where Jeff Morrison spent his childhood summers. Then again, there's not much at the All England club that one can find in West Virginia, starting with elite tennis players.
Eaks' magic number is 64
OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- You've never heard of R.W. Eaks. Some golfers are famous. He's not even a rumor. But he shot 64 in the first round of the U.S. Senior Open on Thursday. And that ties the record for lowest number.
Rookies learn the hard knocks of pros -- even before camp opens
CARLSBAD, Calif. (AP) -- Sitting in a ballroom overlooking a gorgeous golf course, 260 rookies hear about the pounding they could take playing in the NFL.
Mets pitcher admits pot use before seizure
NEW YORK (AP) -- Mets pitcher Mark Corey admitted he smoked marijuana shortly before he had a seizure and collapsed on a street near Shea Stadium after a game Wednesday night, according to a newspaper report.
The waiting's over: Brazil at last meets Germany
YOKOHAMA, Japan (AP) -- It took half a century to happen, but this World Cup final could be worth the wait.
Leo W. Thielen
LITTLE FALLS -- Leo W. Thielen, 79, Little Falls, died Wednesday, June 26, 2002, at St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls.
Fredrick Gerhardt
TAYLORSVILLE, Utah -- Fredrick B. Mason Gerhardt, 67, died Thursday, June 13, 2002, at the home of a sister in Utah.
Loren E. Freeberg
McGREGOR -- Loren E. Freeberg, 72, McGregor, formerly of Glencoe, died Wednesday, June 26, 2002, at Waconia Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Waconia.
Mark Young
HOPKINS -- Mark Duane Young, 42, Hopkins, died Thursday, June 27, 2002, of cancer.
Leslie Mudford
PEQUOT LAKES -- Leslie "Les" Mudford, 83, Pequot Lakes, formerly of Brainerd, died Tuesday, June 25, 2002, at Country Care Homes in Pequot Lakes.
Father Thomas Meyer
CUSHING -- Father Thomas Meyer, 73, Cushing, died Thursday, June 27, 2002, at his home.
Ron 'Ronnie' Myers
PEQUOT LAKES -- Ron "Ronnie" Myers, 45, Pequot Lakes, died Thursday, June 27, 2002, in Lake County.
One nation under....
The following editorial appeared in Thursday's Washington Post:
Open Forum
In support of "Fireworks & Fires" by Steve Masimore, June 13, 2002; history shows us that not only "kids," but also irresponsible adults are to blame for many forest fires. Hasn't anyone learned a lesson fr
Open Forum
Last weekend I met Paul Koering, candidate for state senate, at the Motley fair. I was impressed with his interest in the people and issues of this area. As the only candidate or elected official to visit the fair all three days, he showed his commitment to this area.
OTHER OPINIONS
The failure of many public school systems around the country to offer any semblance of an education to millions of children is not a matter of serious dispute.
Remembering our past
Freedom, the Fourth of July and the Founding Fathers' efforts to create a new nation conceived in liberty will resound with greater measure next week and not just because some fireworks are legal.
Outdoor notes
Lake Shore is offering an advanced bowhunting instructor certification course July 16 at city hall. The class begins at 6 p.m. Phone 963-2148 to sign up or for more information.
Rewards that go beyond catching fish
Many agree that Superior National Forest, home to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, is Minnesota's most famous outdoor destination. Wilderness lakes, endless stands of pine and aspen, along with moose, deer and other wildlife make this an exceptional place to visit. Yet fishing may be the single biggest draw to this destination.
Fishing report
BRAINERD/NISSWA
Creating a mixed media underwater world
Look closely at the images on this page. Artwork or photography?
How to derail a northern freight train
What hits like a freight train and never gives up? Ask Ron Kobes of Nature Vision, makers of Aqua-Vu fish cameras. He's an expert northern pike fishermen and has three over 20 pounds to his credit. His heaviest stretched 45 inches and weighed 21.3 pounds.
Record number of antlerless deer permits to be available this fall
Firearms deer hunters will have access to 80,000 more antlerless permits this season over last season.
Summer wildfires take their toll on young wildlife
Late spring and early summer are the seasons when life renews itself in the wild. Leaves burst from their buds, wildflowers break through the forest floor to carpet it in colors and the blessing of babies award the birds and animals for their courtship ardor.
Wedding planned
Jacquelyn Stoll and Kyle Nornberg announce their engagement. Parents are Philip and Joan Stoll, Brainerd, and Ken and Kathy Nornberg, Brainerd. A July 13 wedding is planned at the Assemblies of God Church in Brainerd.
62nd anniversary
Walter and Helen Lord will celebrate their 62nd wedding anniversary. They were married July 4, 1940, in Crosby.
50th anniversary
Fran and Donna Perlinger, Brainerd, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Their seven children and their spouses and 13 grandchildren will celebrate with them in August. They were married June 28, 1952, in Brainerd.
50th birthday
Mike Smude will celebrate his 50th birthday with an open house from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday at Jr.'s Junction in Pine Center. The event is hosted by his family. No gifts please.
Pederson-Kaikkonen
Tiffani Jade Pederson and Jamie Daryl Kaikkonen were married May 3, 2002, at the Ivy Chapel in Brainerd.
55th anniversary
Willis and Lois Haugene, Brainerd, will celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary with their family today. They were married June 28, 1947, in Brainerd.
50th anniversary
Tom and Marge Keller, Baxter, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house from 2-5 p.m. Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church in Brainerd. The event is hosted by their children. They were married July 6, 1952.
40th anniversary
Don and Pat Rogers, Brainerd, will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary today. They were married June 30, 1962, in Brainerd.
40th anniversary
James and Maudre (Miles) Dosh, Fort Ripley, will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary today. They were married June 30, 1962, in Brainerd.
60th anniversary
Chet and Bettie Snyder will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. They were married July 3, 1942, in Lakehurst, N.J. A celebration is being planned.
Aguirre-Jordan
Patricia Aguirre and Matthew Jordan were married June 8, 2002, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd.
Wedding planned
Jessica Gustason and Michael Weinhandl announce their engagement. Parents are Craig "DJ" and Tammy Wilson, Staples, and Steven and Tracy Gustason, Brainerd, and Evonne Weinhandl, Staples, and the late Thomas Weinhandl. A July 26 wedding is planned at Sacred Heart Church in Staples.
Wedding planned
Chelsie VanMoer and Josh Tatge announce their engagement. Parents are John and Wendy VanMoer, Brainerd, and Doug and Pat Tatge, Alexandria. An Aug. 16 wedding is planned at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria.
Celt-Clemens
Julie Celt and Dwayne Clemens were married May 28, 2002, at Castaway Island in the Bahamas.
45th anniversary
David and Beverly Bisek, Brainerd, recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. They were married June 29, 1957.
Young racer finds success
The DiSalvo family of Buffalo, N.Y., arrived at Brainerd International Raceway 10 days before the Hitching Post Motorsports AMA Superbike Classic, which started Friday.
Hayden leads the field in Friday qualifying
Nicky Hayden read the infield crowd wrong at Brainerd International Raceway Friday.
Cycle engine builder also gets to be a racer
Shane Clarke has the best of both worlds.
Minnesota governor's race scrambled with Penny's entry
ST. PAUL -- When Jesse Ventura huffed his way out of Minnesota's governor's race last week, most assumed the ripples would fade from the state's political waters.
Worry about sparklers, not terrorists this Fourth of July
ST. PAUL -- Public safety officials took to the steps of the Capitol on Friday in two news conferences and delivered these messages: Don't worry about terrorists over the Fourth of July holiday. Do worry about sparklers.
Grand Rapids attorney to seek judgeship
GRAND RAPIDS -- Grand Rapids Attorney David Kuduk has announced he'll run for the Ninth Judicial District judgeship chambered in Itasca County.
Ventura will donate his campaign funds to Penny
ST. PAUL -- Retiring Gov. Jesse Ventura said Friday he's not only giving Tim Penny his support, he's giving him cold, hard campaign cash.
Simonson retires after 40 years as state's sports moneyman
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Since the first year the Twins and Vikings arrived in town, hundreds of players and coaches and a handful of owners have come and gone. On Friday, Roger Simonson also went.
Shoo, fly
GRAND RAPIDS (AP) -- The DNR office here is getting a lot of calls because there are a lot of flies.
Poll: Coleman, Wellstone are still neck and neck
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A statewide poll shows support remains virtually equal for Senate candidates Paul Wellstone and Norm Coleman in one of the nation's more closely watched races.
Supreme Court decision could give new life to voucher debate in Minnesota
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The U.S. Supreme Court's approval of a school voucher program in Ohio could revive a debate in Minnesota over whether the state should subsidize parents who send their children to private schools.
Woman charged in baby's death denied knowing she was pregnant
MARSHALL (AP) -- The woman accused of giving birth to a boy and leaving him to die in a grocery store restroom told police she didn't know she was pregnant until she gave birth, according to court records.
People watch rising water in Warroad
WARROAD (AP) -- City officials and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers met Friday to discuss a response to the rising level of Lake of the Woods, which threatens to flood this town on the Canadian border.
Holiday week brings crackdown on drunken drivers
ST. PAUL (AP) -- As the July 4th holiday looms, safety officials are preparing an aggressive effort to get drunken and impaired drivers off the road.
Ventura bowing out is 'a good thing,' poll reveals
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Most Minnesotans think Gov. Jesse Ventura's decision to not seek a second term in office is a "good thing" for the state, according to a statewide poll released Thursday.
Lastrup sweeps Braves
The Lastrup Lakers swept the Brainerd Braves 5-0 and 10-0 in Victory League play Wednesday.
Scoreboard
Hockey
Kennedy named All-American
Brainerd diver Shaun Kennedy has many titles that can be placed by his name. He can be called conference and section champion. He's a three-time Minnesota all-state pick due to his fifth, fourth and third place finishes at the past three state meets.
Local sports shorts
Bill Baker of Brainerd and Chip Lohmiller of Pequot Lakes will be among nine others inducted to the University of Minnesota Hall of Fame on Sept. 13.
Wild contingent travel state meeting fans
Even though it's now summer and the weather is finally feeling more like the hot, sticky Minnesota weather that we all know and love, it's never too early to think about hockey.
Bees rout St. Joseph
Jake Francis was 3-for-3 with four RBI as the Brainerd Bees thrashed the St. Joseph Saints 13-3 Wednesday night in Lakewood League baseball action.
Baxter Parks/Recreation
MAVERICK BASEBALL
Mighty Gulls fall to Honkers
ROCHESTER -- The Rochester Honkers held the Brainerd Mighty Gulls to three hits Friday to eke out a 5-4 win in Northwoods League play.
Brainerd Parks/Recreation
Mens MS1
Brainerd derails Honkers
ROCHESTER -- The Brainerd Mighty Gulls got back on the winning track as they took the first game of the two-game series by downing the Rochester Honkers 6-3 Thursday night in Northwoods League baseball action.
Local sports shorts
Cuyuna Running Track and Field Club members Andrea Borden and Lia Seidl came away with championships at the USATF Minnesota Junior Olympics Outdoor Championships at Hamline University on June 22 and 23.
Area events Saturday
Stock Car Racing
Chisox narrow Twins' lead Twins, White Sox have 15 more games to figure out who's best
MINNEAPOLIS -- This Twins-White Sox matchup is turning into quite the rivalry -- especially now that Chicago is actually winning a few.
Santana's arm lifts Twins over Brewers
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- When the Minnesota Twins' entire pitching staff is healthy, they'll have a tough decision to make.
Play offsets ultraviolence
If video games were like the mafia, Grand Theft Auto 3 would be the Godfather.
Despite roaring success, eBay struggles to keep die-hard users happy
SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -- Twelve eBay users from around the country have been invited to company headquarters to give the Internet auction site's executives pieces of their minds: Customer service is lousy. The search engine is weak. Pop-up ads are deplorable.
Christmas in July? This may a good time to buy a PC
In October and November, I start getting calls and e-mail asking me what's the best computer to buy, which is natural considering that so many PCs are sold during the Christmas shopping season. But the same thing happens in May and June, and it's hard to say why.
I love fishing
Weather drawing by Luke Surma of Mrs. Brenny's third grade class at Baxter school.
Iowa state forecast
Today...Mostly sunny...Hot and humid. Highs from the upper 80s to mid 90s.
Sizzling hot
Weather drawing by Natalie Brown in the Baxter School third-grade class of Mrs. Brenny.
State forecast for North Dakota
Today...Sunny and hot. Highs 92 to 99.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 80s to low 90s. Cooler near lake michigan.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Mostly sunny. Highs in the 80s to around 90. Cooler near lake michigan and superior.
Minnesota state forecast
Today...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 80s to the lower 90s.
Minnesota state forecast
Heat advisory this afternoon northwest...
State forecast for south dakota
Today...Very hot...Especially central and west. Partly cloudy west with isolated thunderstorms in the black hills. Sunny central and east. Highs in the 90s east...And 100 to 110 central and west.
State forecast for north dakota
Heat advisory east today...
State forecast for South Dakota
Today....Mostly sunny and hot. Isolated thunderstorms in the black hills. Highs in the lower to mid 90s east...And 95 to 105 in the central and west.
Iowa state forecast
Today...Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 80s to mid 90s.
Support groups
Victims of clergy abuse
Chemical dependency and AA groups
Adult Children-Chem.Dep.
What's doing
Clifford Boeder will celebrate his 85th birthday Sunday from 2-7 p.m. Sunday at his daughter, Wanda Pulak's home, 5 miles west of Brainerd on Hwy. 210, 1339 Hwy. 210 SW. Watch for signs.
Organizations
Brainerd Jaycees
Much obliged
Thank you to all those businesses and individuals who supported the golf scramble for area scholarships. The Brainerd branch of American Association of Unive
Senior activities
LAKES AREA SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER
What's doing
Kris Sheehan and Art Tuttle will celebrate their graduation from Brainerd High School with an open house from 1-4 p.m. today at Barrows Town Hall.
Israeli army destroys Palestinian compound in Hebron
HEBRON, West Bank (AP) -- With a pair of thunderous nighttime explosions, Israel destroyed the hulking Palestinian municipal and security headquarters in this West Bank city Saturday, but mystery surrounded the fate of 15 armed Palestinians that Israel said were holed up inside.
G-8 approves aid package for Africa
CALGARY, Alberta -- The world's seven leading industrial democracies and Russia agreed Thursday to a "new deal" to help lift African countries out of poverty, but sidestepped appeals to firmly commit at least half of pledged increases in foreign aid to pay for it.
Palestinian mediator enters besieged Palestinian Authority building -- finds no one
HEBRON, West Bank -- A former Palestinian Cabinet minister entered the besieged Palestinian Authority headquarters in the West Bank on Friday to negotiate the surrender of 15 wanted men after a four-day standoff but said he could not find anyone inside.
Chinese officials reject U.N. report warning of 'explosive' AIDS epidemic
BEIJING (AP) -- Health officials on Friday rejected a United Nations report criticizing the government for not doing enough to steer China away from an AIDS epidemic.
North and South Korean warships exchange fire, killing four
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- In a blow to Korean reconciliation efforts, a North Korean navy boat sank a Southern patrol boat in the Yellow Sea Saturday, killing at least four South Korean sailors, wounding another 20, and leaving at least one missing.
Afghan ammo dump blast blamed on rocket attack; death toll rising
SPINBOLDAK, Afghanistan (AP) -- The death toll from a series of explosions at an ammunition dump near the Pakistani border rose to 19 Friday, and a local Afghan commander said the blasts were caused by a rocket attack.
Soldiers clear live munitions from Afghan border town
SPINBOLDAK, Afghanistan (AP) -- Afghan soldiers began clearing unexploded bombs and ammunition Saturday after a massive blast at a munitions depot scattered rockets, mortars and bullets throughout this southern Afghan border town. At least 25 people were confirmed dead and dozens hurt.
U.S. military plane crashes, pilot killed
PARIS (AP) -- A U.S. Air Force A10 on a training mission crashed Thursday in a forest in eastern France, killing the pilot, the Air Force said.
Philippine president says major battle under way
MANILA, Philippines (AP) -- A major battle was under way Friday against the al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf group in the southern Philippines, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said.