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Saturday, July 1, 2000

On-the-job
Q: The manager at the high-tech firm I work for is living with one of my co-workers. They like us to go drinking with them after work and have us socialize with them, with no distinction made between professional and private life.

Qwest, U S West complete merger
U DENVER (AP) -- Qwest Communications International said it completed its merger with U S West Inc. on Friday, creating an $85 billion company that will bear the Qwest name.

Wells Fargo rolling in
The Wells Fargo name will ride into Brainerd about July 10 as the much anticipated name change for Norwest becomes a visible reality.

Help wanted
Dear Help Wanted: Under what circumstances can a company ask for your Social Security number when you apply for a job? I thought it had to wait until it hired you. Some employers require you to fill out an application that asks for your Social Security number, even before you get an interview.

Minnesota Zoo's new exhibit provides glimpse into reality of farming
APPLE VALLEY (AP) -- Just before entering the Minnesota Zoo's newest exhibit, visitors pass between natural wetlands and bioengineered crops, introducing them to family farming through the ages.

They don't stay small for long; Russell 2000 index is reshuffled
NEW YORK -- Investors can count on several things come summertime. Traders slip off to the shore, the market makes a modest rally, and the Frank Russell Company reshuffles its index of 2000 smaller companies.

Sizzleless
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- It isn't hard for Amy Miele to put her finger on why Abercrombie & Fitch has lost the sizzle that made its clothes the hottest fashion among college students a few years ago.

Money talk
Question: I am 27 years old and work as a free-lance artist and writer. For a few years I did quite well, but during the last year consistent work has been hard to come by. As a result, I have amassed almost $20,000 in credit card debt. I held on too long to the belief that another lucrative free-lance job was just around the corner. If I don't do something soon, I am going to start missing payments, something I have never done before.

Business notes
KC Race Promotions is hosting the Brainerd Lakes Area Chambers of Commerce Business After Hours event from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. July 11, at the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds in Brainerd.

Privatization ideas are old hat, not the latest creation
NEW YORK (AP) -- Most ideas proposed as new in the U.S. political arena have been nurtured for years in academe and think tanks, and even put into practice. It is that way with Social Security privatization as well.

Earth Days
Every day is Earth Day.

Around the watercooler
NOT NOW, I'M READING THE MAIL: Americans' infatuation with receiving mail apparently is stronger than their love of television, talking on the phone and even (ahem!) reading the newspaper, a nationwide survey found.

McDonald's hopes new slogan makes investors smile
The ''We Love To See You Smile'' advertising slogan that McDonald's Corp. unveiled Friday just as easily could be aimed at shareholders who have found the company's stock as alluring as a tub of cold French Fries.

A summer move could produce good tax deductions next April
NEW YORK -- July traditionally is the peak month for moving. If you're among those relocating this summer, you might be in line for some nice tax deductions next April -- if you keep good records.

Glenville natives find niche in soap market, return home to run business
GLENVILLE -- When Karen Trow and her sister-in-law brought home nearly a hundred dollars worth of specialty soaps, her husband Tony thought they were crazy. When they started making soap in their laundry room, he didn't think much would come of it.

Second quarter is rough on mutual fund investors
NEW YORK -- Mutual fund investors took a beating in the second quarter as few fund sectors were spared from the carnage wrought by the big stock market downturn in early spring.

Earth Days
Every day is Earth Day.

Wells Fargo rolling in
The Wells Fargo name will ride into Brainerd about July 10 as the much anticipated name change for Norwest becomes a visible reality.

Influential 'Hymns Ancient and Modern' has new name for new edition
NORWICH, England -- ''Silent Night'' and ''Joy to the World'' at long last have won places in ''Hymns Ancient and Modern,'' the book that sets the tune for many an English parish church.

Churches
The Rite of Confirmation was recently held at Lutheran Church of the Cross, Sportland Corners, Nisswa.

Representatives worldwide sign charter for religious cooperation
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Worshippers wearing a rainbow of saris, robes and yarmulkes filed into a hall at Carnegie Mellon University, clapping and singing in praise of the world's religions.

Southern Baptist split? Texas moderates consider leaving
DALLAS (AP) -- The Southern Baptist Convention's largest state unit may sever ties with the denomination -- a move that would dramatically drain membership and financial support.

Freedom isn't free
As we approach Independence Day, we are reminded of the freedom we enjoy as a nation and as individuals.

You can't be too careful when protecting your kids
QUESTION: I have a friend who guards her kids as if they were in mortal danger. I feel like I should let mine spread their wings a little, even though they're only 9 and 11 years of age. Who do you think is right?

Spontaneous religious revival shows no signs of ending
MAYFIELD, Ky. (AP) -- A spontaneous religious revival in western Kentucky is in its eighth week and is prompting some comparisons to Pentecostal revivals in Toronto and Pensacola, Fla., which started in the mid-1990s and are still going.

Births
Margaret Kalis and Randy Kurowski, a girl, Emily Rose, 9 pounds, 9 ounces, June 3, 2000.

Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Thursday 331, a year ago 141.

Births
Archie and Jodee (Leyk) Cumberland, Backus, a boy, Tyler James, 8 pounds, 12.5 ounces, June 13, 2000. Grandparents are Ed and Isabelle Cumberland, Tarrs, Pa., and the late Alphonse and Maida Leyk.

Births
Brian and Terri Knox, Crosby, a boy, Brehndan Douglas, 8 pounds, 8 ounces, June 17, 2000. Grandparents are Barry and Nancy Knox, Coon Rapids, and John and Jan Young, Crosby. Great-grandparents are Harriet Johnson, Foley, Florence Sachs, Pine City, and Ruth Knox, Osakis.

Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Thursday.

Accidents
Two drivers suffered minor injuries in a truck/car collision Friday afternoon.

Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Thursday cattle: 300.

Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Friday cattle: 325.

Agendas
Brainerd City Council

Calcavecchia, Begay share GHO lead
CROMWELL, Conn. (AP) -- A late double-bogey by Notah Begay opened the door for Mark Calcavecchia.

Chemical dependency groups and AA groups
Adult Children-Chem.Dep.

Special delivery
DETROIT -- Dr. Marcia Caron is something of an old pro when it comes to delivering babies -- except, maybe, when it comes to her own.

Experimental impotence drug pulled from FDA consideration
WASHINGTON -- Faced with serious safety questions, the maker of the experimental impotence drug Uprima withdrew its application for government approval Friday, leaving its fate in limbo.

Two more HMOs dropping some Medicare customers
NEW YORK -- United Healthcare and Humana on Friday became the latest health maintenance organizations to announce cutbacks in their Medicare participation, changes expected to affect about 140,000 seniors and disabled Americans in 13 states.

Study learns how red wine fights cancer
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Researchers believe they have unlocked the mystery of how an antioxidant found in grapes and red wine fights cancer.

Support groups
Crisis Line-Referral Ser.

Secret government database keeps tab on doctors' problems
WASHINGTON -- Dr. Gary Hall says he doesn't mind if patients can see a secret federal database that shows he's had $5.3 million in malpractice payments and has been censured, fined and placed on probation by his state medical board.

Total calcium, partial disclosure
New boxes of reformulated Total, the popular cereal made by General Mills, note that a single serving now contains 100 percent of the Daily Value (DV) for calcium. Question is, is that enough calcium for you? And how much calcium does it contain, anyway?

Congress at an impasse on health care issues
WASHINGTON -- With medical care topping most lists of voter concerns, Congress hastily dealt with patient and doctor issues Friday before breaking for the Independence Day vacation. But the actions were more symbolic than substantive.

HMOs plan to cancel 700,000 enrollees due to lack of funds
WASHINGTON -- Health maintenance organizations, complaining that payments from the federal government are inadequate, are expected to cancel coverage next year for more than 700,000 people enrolled in Medicare HMOs.

Carbon monoxide now a suspect in brain, heart woes
A 36-year-old piano teacher can no longer get through concertos and etudes memorized years ago.

Breast cancer: What is the degree of risk?
Given the flurry of reports about the risks of breast cancer, nurse educators at Bethesda (Md.) National Naval Medical Center, in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute, are offering women a free class and personal assessment that provide information tailored to their situations.

Experts prescribe caution on Web medical advice
It's a face known to millions of Americans, that engaging smile sneaking out from behind a trademark beard.

HIV infections up sharply in San Francisco
New HIV infections in San Francisco increased sharply in 1999, primarily because of increases in sexually risky behavior, the San Francisco Department of Public Health said Friday.

Health care and medical services
Blood Pressure Clinics

Porches designed to let in light
An old-fashioned front porch may be the best place ever invented for chilling out on a sultry summer day.

Patriotic home
CROSSLAKE -- The red log cabins nestled amid flower beds with a bluff-top view of Trout Lake could inspire a patriotic card painter.

Crosslake tour of log homes set
CROSSLAKE -- The 10th annual Log Home and Cabin Tour sponsored by the Crosslake Area Historical Society will be July 27 and 28.

Grand Rapids company creates loader-digger for homeowners
Deprived of toys as a child?

Cultivate a healthy attitude toward pests
Some gardeners go to one extreme or the other in dealing with plant pests.

Control emerging bagworms now to prevent major damage later
Bagworms, so damaging to conifers, are just beginning to emerge, said J. Peter Deahl, of the Care of Trees.

Prevent common paint problems
Usually it's the paint itself that gets the blame for paint problems on your home's exterior. In most cases, the cause lies elsewhere. Here are some common problems and ways to prevent them.

Cheap, yet chic
NEW YORK -- Americans these days are just as interested in dressing their homes as they are in dressing themselves. But not everyone can afford the $50 throw pillows and $2,000 couches that fill the marketplace.

Americans lightening up with party accessories
For people who relish the fun, kitschy decor of the 1940s and '50s, a party just isn't a party without a goofy string of palm trees glowing somewhere in the background.

Tour of private gardens scheduled July 9
A public tour of private gardens will run from noon to 5 p.m. July 9 featuring six Brainerd lakes area gardens.

Add touches, save money with fishing cable
Have you wondered how you might add a switch, light or receptacle to your home with all those finished walls, ceilings and floors concealing the wiring?

Tips to repair and maintain leaky garden hoses
It's an unspoken law of yard work that a garden hose always stops just short of where you need it.

The target: Sen. Rod Grams
EAST GULL LAKE -- Four U.S. Senate candidates, three DFLers and one Independence Party member told a group of economic developers on Thursday why they want to defeat Republican Sen. Rod Grams this November.

Duluth's broken bell to be repaired
DULUTH (AP) -- When this city's Peace Bell -- a gift from the people of Ohara, Japan -- was rung at its rededication, the sound was anything but peaceful.

State driver exam stations get one-year reprieve
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Driver exam stations will remain open in nearly two dozen rural communities for at least another year.

Drive set for WW II vets
State Rep. Mary Ellen Otremba, DFL-Long Prairie, announced the kickoff of a $150,000 fund-raising drive for a World War II Veterans Memorial to be located on the state Capitol mall.

Otremba: Gas tax roll-back plan is risky
ST. PAUL --House leaders' calls for a temporary roll-back of Minnesota's gasoline tax may sound like a good idea as gas prices soar this summer, but the proposal is short-sighted and fraught with problems, said State Rep. Mary Ellen Otremba, DFL-Long Prairie.

This was Brainerd
July 2 -- 20 years ago (1980) -- Forty-five Burlington Northern employees at the Brainerd Reclamation Plant were laid off, effective today. The employees who were notified earlier of the layoffs, included mechanical workers, welders and general laborers.

Brainerd's July 4th celebration
Sunday

Orangutans die in zoo from eating poisonous plants
ST. PAUL (AP) -- A pair of orangutans at the Como Zoo died Thursday after chewing on pieces of a highly poisonous plant.

Blind lawmaker leads group of blind school kids
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Unlike traditional state Capitol tours, where children are hushed and ordered to keep their hands to themselves, about two dozen kids on Thursday were encouraged to touch the woodwork, hug the massive marble columns and chatter as loudly as they wanted.

No bull
Brainerd played host to a rodeo this last week.

New state laws at a glance
Some of the new laws and appropriations that take effect July 1, 2000.

Corrections/ clarifications
To clarify a Tuesday Page 1A story on the proposed Legacy at Cragun's nine-hole golf course addition, Cragun's Resort owns the land surrounding Stephens Lake e

Region 5 Board to meet July 13
STAPLES -- The Region 5 Board will meet at 9 a.m. July 13 in the Staples office.

Ciresi builds big cash advantage over other DFL candidates
WASHINGTON (AP) -- DFL Senate candidate Mike Ciresi poured $2 million of his own money into his campaign in the last three months, giving him a huge cash-on-hand advantage over other Democrats in the financial period that ended Friday.

Food, friends and fun at Right Friends picnic
The Right Friends annual picnic was the kick-off to the Fourth of July Celebration on Friday night at Camp Confidence, incorporating food, friends and fun.

Pets of the week
Daisy May is a 3-month-old female white Labrador dog. She's described as a bright dog that needs a firm but loving hand to teach her.

Air service in area expanded
Northwest Airlines is expanding summer and fall air service to the Brainerd lakes area.

Local briefs
An American Red Cross blood drive will be held from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday in the Thabes Room at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.

Report: Woman shot husband, nephew, herself on wedding anniversary
LITCHFIELD (AP) -- On her 18th wedding anniversary, Brenda Clifford fired 11 shots into her husband, six into her nephew and one into one of her cats before shooting herself.

WorkForce Center can help displaced workers
Dislocated workers who suddenly find their jobs are no longer there have several options for the future.

Widow of Timberwolves player files wrongful-death civil lawsuit
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The widow of Minnesota Timberwolves player Malik Sealy is suing the man who was driving the wrong way in the car crash that killed the basketball player.

Man faces trial in Cally Jo killing
WASECA (AP) -- A Waseca County grand jury has indicted Lorenzo Sanchez, initially only suspected in a string of home burglaries, on murder charges in the stabbing death of a 12-year-old Waseca girl.

Two found dead in Breckenridge fire were shot; police call deaths murder-suicide
BRECKENRIDGE (AP) -- The deaths of a former husband and wife whose bodies were found in her burned home were apparently the result of a murder-suicide, police said Thursday.

Retired engineer and wife donate $8 million to alma maters
FARGO, N.D. (AP) -- A retired engineer and his wife are donating nearly $8 million each to their alma maters -- North Dakota State University and neighboring Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn.

Airport gets $246,600 FAA grant
The Federal Aviation Administration has awarded $246,600 to the Brainerd-Crow Wing County Regional Airport to help begin engineering several safety devices.

Brainerd's July 4th celebration
Picnic for Developmentally Disabled -- 5 p.m. at Camp Confidence.

This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1980) - Advertisement Downtown Brainerd's 3rd Beautification Anniversary July 1, 2 and 3. * Shopping convenience * Over 100 stores * Free 2 hour parking. The Beautification Project included widening of streets, tree planting, etc.

DNA collection from convicts expands with new law
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Minnesota expects to quadruple the number of DNA samples it collects each year from convicts starting Saturday, when officials expand the state's database to include murderers, kidnappers and a broad range of offenders.

Two killed, one wounded at Austin motel
AUSTIN (AP) -- Two men were found dead and another was wounded early today at the Downtown Motel in this southern Minnesota city in what police were calling a double homicide.

Doctor profiles tough for consumers to access in Minnesota
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Minnesota, usually a trail blazer in health-care initiatives, is lagging behind other states in making useful information about doctors easily available to consumers.

Lewis and Clark water pipeline project clears Senate
WASHINGTON -- Congress Friday approved a spending package that authorizes the Lewis and Clark Rural Water Project, a $273 million system that would bring Missouri River water to 180,000 people in Sioux Falls and 21 rural communities in southeastern South Dakota, northwestern Iowa and southwestern Minnesota.

Correction/clarification
In Thursday's Tempo section, the wrong day was listed for the Brainerd Fourth of July celebration's Battle of the Bands. The event will run from 6 to 11 p.m. Monday at Don Adamson Field.

Workers who fell victim to Hunt, Potlatch cuts face adjustments
For people hit with job cuts at Hunt Technologies and Potlatch, this is a summer of transition and adjustment.

Four suspects in custody in shooting deaths at Austin motel
AUSTIN (AP) -- Four suspects were being held in the Mower County jail Saturday in connection with the fatal shooting of two roofers at an Austin motel, Police Chief Paul Philipp said.

Travel firm bringing 128 jobs to Ely
ELY (AP) -- A government and military travel reservation company plans to open a customer service center in this northern Minnesota town, bringing 128 jobs in the biggest economic development project here since the 1960s.

Wenzel to offer bill on Perpich portraits
ST. PAUL -- Rep. Steve Wenzel, DFL-Little Falls, will introduce legislation to allow two portraits of former Gov. Rudy Perpich to be hung in the state Capitol, in recognition of the fact the Perpich was the only Minnesota governor to serve two non-consecutive terms.

Minnesota Diversified Industries lays off 200
HIBBING (AP) -- Minnesota Diversified Industries, a nonprofit corporation set up to employ disabled workers, is laying off about 200 full-time employees in Hibbing and Grand Rapids because of the loss of a contract with the U.S. Postal Service.

Judges failed to disclose conservative junkets
WASHINGTON -- Twenty-two federal judges who took junkets paid for by major corporations failed to list the trips on financial disclosure forms, as required by law, an environmental law firm said Thursday.

High court makes history in tough term
WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court made its 1999-2000 term one of history's most consequential by tackling some of America's toughest legal and social issues. Decisions on abortion, school prayer, grandparents' rights, states' rights, police tactics and gay Boy Scouts captured the nation's attention.

Eight trampled to death at outdoor rock concert in Denmark
COPENHAGEN, Denmark -- Fans at an outdoor rock concert packed closer and closer to the stage where Pearl Jam was playing, ending in a crush that killed eight people and injured three more.

Government to launch airline maintenance checks
WASHINGTON -- Fresh from forcing Alaska Airlines to make significant changes in its maintenance programs, federal regulators are turning their attention to the nation's nine other major airlines.

Walter Matthau dies at 79
SANTA MONICA, Calif. -- Walter Matthau, the foghorn-voiced movie villain who became a master of crotchety comedy with his Oscar-winning ''The Fortune Cookie'' and followed with ''The Odd Couple,'' ''Grumpy Old Men'' and many other hits, died Saturday morning of a heart attack. He was 79.

Major airlines form new online company to sell discount tickets
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- A new online airline ticket service backed by six major carriers, including Northwest Airlines, plans to sell cheap seats that otherwise might have been left empty.

Murder-suicide at hospital leaves resident pathologist, supervisor dead
SEATTLE (AP) -- A resident pathologist who was about to lose his job fatally shot his supervisor and himself at the University of Washington Medical Center, police say.

Making it legal
BRATTLEBORO, Vt. -- Carolyn Conrad and Kathleen Peterson did something early Saturday two women in America have never done -- they essentially got married.

Lawyer who was having affair with judge convicted of killing his wife
PONTIAC, Mich. -- A lawyer was convicted Friday of killing his pregnant wife in a scheme that prosecutors said he concocted to further his affair with a judge.

Battle won, but the war?
NEW YORK -- The Boy Scouts of America triumphed in their legal battle over gay scout leaders, but the victory could prove costly.

Matthau made two movies in Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Character actor Walter Matthau is being remembered fondly in Minnesota, where he made the movies ''Grumpy Old Men'' and ''Grumpier Old Men'' with Jack Lemmon.

Clinton establishes medal for heroic public safety officers
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- A new presidential medal to recognize extraordinary heroism by the nation's public safety officers was established Friday by President Clinton.

Arkansas state court panel sues to disbar Clinton
WASHINGTON -- An Arkansas state court panel sued President Clinton Friday in an effort to strip him of his law license, charging that his dishonesty about his relationship with Monica S. Lewinsky damaged the legal profession and demonstrated his ''overall unfitness'' to practice law.

Senate OKs pork-laden spending bill
WASHINGTON -- The Senate Friday gave final approval to an $11.2 billion emergency spending package for Colombia, Kosovo and disaster relief -- but not until lawmakers had extracted hundreds of millions of dollars in special concessions for their states and pet interests.

Authorities assure Rev. Jackson that hanging of black teen is being fully investigated
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) -- The Rev. Jesse Jackson says he has been assured by federal and state authorities that sufficient manpower is being used to investigate the hanging death of a black Mississippi teen-ager.

Long shots
WASHINGTON -- One presidential candidate who'll be on ballots in most states this fall says the United States should have sent Transcendental Meditation experts, not bombers, to Kosovo.

Boy asks judge for life sentence for abusive father
EVERETT, Wash. (AP) -- The spelling may have been childish, but the 7-year-old boy was clear about what should happen to his father for beating him repeatedly.

Judge lifts gag Order in Sara Jane Olson SLA bombing case
LOS ANGELES -- Sara Jane Olson, who recently marched through the streets of Minneapolis with duct tape over her mouth to protest a Los Angeles judge's gag order, is now free to speak out about the 24-year-old bomb plot charges against her.

Government proposal could be boon for ethanol use
WASHINGTON -- The corn-based fuel additive ethanol would be easier and perhaps cheaper to use as an octane-booster in gasoline under a government proposal announced Friday that has been long sought by farmers.

Clinton attacks GOP on energy in radio address
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Clinton accused the Republican-run Congress on Saturday of ''drilling holes'' in progress being made to improve energy efficiency and lower gasoline prices over the long run.

Clinton signs e-signature bill into law
PHILADELPHIA -- President Clinton cemented a key building block of Internet commerce Friday, signing legislation that makes contracts signed by computer equal to those sealed in pen and ink.

M&M's are no longer plain; they're 'milk chocolate'
NEWARK, N.J. -- Say goodbye to plain M&M's.

Presbyterian leaders vote against ceremonies for gays
LONG BEACH, Calif. -- Religious ceremonies blessing the commitments of same-sex couples are one step closer to being banned in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Americans' incomes rise faster than spending in May
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Americans' incomes in May rose twice as fast as their spending, pulling the nation's personal savings rate up to its highest point since the beginning of the year.

Hopes of finding missing Indonesian ship are dashed
MANADO, Indonesia -- Hopes of finding a missing ferry with almost 500 people aboard were dashed Saturday after a sighting of the ship turned out to be false.

House approves bill to give doctors bargaining rights
WASHINGTON -- The House voted Friday to extend collective bargaining powers to doctors contracted to HMOs. Supporters said it makes doctors battling managed care cost-cutting stronger advocates for patient rights while opponents warned of rising health care costs and more uninsured Americans.

Bush cuts deal with conservatives on abortion
WASHINGTON -- Supporters of Texas Gov. George W. Bush have cut a deal with conservatives to preserve untouched the GOP's hardline anti-abortion plank in return for a platform that moves the Republican Party decisively toward the center on such issues as education, women's health, public transit and immigration.

Wildfires put nation's nuclear safety on hot seat
RICHLAND, Wash. -- ''One wonders,'' said Mike Vowels, frowning as he glanced past his son's Little League game toward the smoke-stained sky to the north.

Marriage experts say current approach to preventing divorce flawed
DENVER -- Saying they have taken the wrong approach to marriage counseling for three decades, more than 100 scholars, religious and civic leaders pledged to turn the tide on divorce.

TV producer Lear buys 1776 copy of Declaration for $8.1 million
NEW YORK (AP) -- Television producer Norman Lear and a partner paid $8.14 million for a 1776 copy of the Declaration of Independence, and Lear says he is going to make it the star of a patriotic road show.

Disney World hostage standoff ends peacefully
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- An armed man who held his 4-year-old son and a room service waiter hostage at a Walt Disney World hotel for 11 hours surrendered after a negotiator promised he could see his three other children.

Woman joins Buckingham Palace guards
LONDON (AP) -- Tourists watching the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace on Saturday saw history being made by a sentry named Cynthia.

Senate Republicans advance limited patient rights bill; Democrats critical
WASHINGTON -- Senate Republicans are on record for the first time in favor of giving patients a limited right to sue HMOs, but what they call a major concession Democrats dismiss as mere political cover in the run-up to the fall elections.

Spending bill blocks EPA from pursuing clean-water rules
WASHINGTON -- Legislation that received final congressional approval Friday would block federal regulators from moving forward with a program to curb runoff from farms and businesses that pollutes the nation's waterways.

Hanford fire dies out after scorching homes
RICHLAND, Wash. -- A fire that scorched nearly half the Hanford nuclear reservation and 20 homes as it crept within two miles of some of the most lethal nuclear waste on Earth was virtually out early Friday, Energy Secretary Bill Richardson said.

Police find five dead in Virginia home
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- Police acting on a telephone tip found five bodies -- at least some of them shot -- scattered throughout a suburban Richmond home.

Latino inmate is executed after Bush refuses to grant stay
AUSTIN, Texas -- Despite protests from civil rights and Latino advocacy groups, Texas Gov. George W. Bush refused on Thursday to grant a stay of execution in a death penalty case laced with charges of racial bias.

Good Ol' 'Charlie Two Shoes'
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- As a boy in a mud-hut village in China, he befriended a company of U.S. Marines, and later suffered under the Communists because of it.

Perot says he won't run as Reform Party candidate
With founder Ross Perot out of this year's presidential politics, the Reform Party's presidential nomination is shaping up as a fight between conservative commentator Pat Buchanan and Natural Law Party candidate John Hagelin.

Twins deliver third straight loss to Cleveland Indians
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Charlie Manuel wants less talk and more action from his players.

An ugly day at Wimbledon
WIMBLEDON, England (AP) -- The day began with an ominous medical report regarding Pete Sampras and ended with a nasty spill by Andre Agassi that left him angry.

Sosa's 15th inning double lifts Cubs over Brewers
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- For most other teams, it would have been a strange night. For the Cubs and the Brewers, it was business as usual.

Sosa gets his sleep as trade winds die down
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Sammy Sosa is sleeping better now, and not just because he's still a member of the Chicago Cubs.

It takes only 18 pitches
NEW YORK (AP) --Facing the fans he once called ''stupid,'' John Rocker r was in total command Thursday night -- with his mouth and his pitches.

Only woman in men's professional baseball retiring
ST. GEORGE, Utah (AP) -- Ila Borders, the only female player in men's professional baseball, has retired, ending a career in which her manager called her ''one of the most courageous people'' to play the game.

Vikings sign Tyrone Carter, Mike Malano
EDEN PRAIRIE (AP) -- The Minnesota Vikings on Friday agreed to contract terms with Tyrone Carter and Mike Malano.

Sampras overcomes shin, takes third-round victory
WIMBLEDON, England (AP) -- Pete Sampras overcame a sore shin and slow start Saturday, playing with his characteristic brilliance on grass to overwhelm Justin Gimelstob 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 at Wimbledon.

A contrite Rocker his Shea appearance
NEW YORK -- The first genuine-looking sign of conciliation came an hour before the first pitch Thursday night, when John Rocker was brave enough to face a furnace: a few hundred ranting, screaming, profane early-bird Met fans in leftfield wanting to pick a verbal fight.

Twins reach tentative deal with Radke
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Minnesota Twins have reached a tentative agreement with pitcher Brad Radke that would make the former 20-game winner the highest-paid player in franchise history.

Twins pick on rookie
CHICAGO (AP) -- Manager Jerry Manuel wants to keep Kip Wells in the Chicago White Sox rotation despite the rookie's struggles.

Season of free agents
I get a vacation, you get a vacation, Donald T. Sterling just came back from vacation and could leave again. But for Jerry West, Elgin Baylor and 27 other general managers, the fun (?) just started.

Transactions
BASEBALL

NHL free agent season dawns
After their busy past weekend at the NHL draft filled holes in need positions at center (Oleg Kvasha), right wing (Mark Parrish and Raffi Torres) and on the power play (Roman Hamrlik), the New York Islanders look to the NHL free-agency season, which opens Saturday, to fill what they believe is their last need: veteran help on defense.

Armstrong looks to past as Tour de France begins
FUTUROSCOPE, France (AP) -- Lance Armstrong's bid for another victory at the Tour de France began at a futuristic theme park dotted with space-age buildings and virtual reality stands.

Mets rock Shea stadium
NEW YORK (AP) -- Shea Stadium rocked Friday night, and John Rocker had nothing to do with it.

Texas Tech, UCLA, Arizona must return tourney revenue
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Texas Tech, Arizona and UCLA have been found guilty of using ineligible players by the NCAA and will have to return money to the organization received from basketball tournament games.

Guthridge to step down at North Carolina
Bill Guthridge took over as North Carolina's coach after the retirement of Dean Smith, the winningest coach in college basketball history. Guthridge followed Smith's tough act by leading the Tar Heels to two Final Four appearances in three seasons.

Off-court action heats up
WIMBLEDON, England -- Who knew the tennis court was such a dangerous, treachery-filled place? On a rain-truncated fourth day at Wimbledon that saw a few more big names tumble out, none bigger than French Open champion Mary Pierce, the big mouths took over the day anyway.

Lynx storm past Seattle
SEATTLE (AP) -- Seattle Storm coach Lin Dunn knew containing Katie Smith, the WNBA's leading scorer, was going to be a challenge, but containing two rookies was a surprise.

Milwaukee rookie Przybilla wants to bury his troubles with Gophers
ST. FRANCIS, Wis. (AP) -- Joel Przybilla plans to be known for what he will do in Milwaukee, not what he did in Minneapolis.

Kansas' Williams appears to be top candidate as Guthridge's replacement
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) -- The legacy started by Dean Smith at North Carolina is being passed on by Bill Guthridge, and all indications are that it will remain in the family.

Sylvia Larson
AITKIN -- Sylvia Larson, 90, Aitkin, formerly of Deerwood, died Friday, June 30, 2000, at the Hopkins Care Center in Hopkins.

Lowell A. Weir
HIBBING -- Lowell A. Weir, 81, Hibbing, formerly of Aitkin, died Friday, June 30, 2000, at the University of Minnesota Hospital in Hibbing.

Bruce Kist
Bruce Kist, 35, Brainerd, died Friday, June 30, 2000.

Rosemary Albrecht
MOTLEY --Rosemary Albrecht, 76, Motley, died Thursday, June 29, 2000, at home.

Freda E. Jensen
Freda E. Jensen, 95, Brainerd, died Thursday, June 29, 2000, at Woodland Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.

Pastor Raymond W. Schaible
BAXTER -- Pastor Raymond W. Schaible, 72, Baxter, died Thursday, June 29, 2000, at home.

Rosemary Albrecht
MOTLEY -- Rosemary Albrecht, 76, Motley, died on Thursday, June 29, 2000, at her home.

Freda E. Jensen
Freda E. Jensen, 95, Brainerd, died Thursday, June 29, 2000, at Woodland Good Samaritan Village of Brainerd.

Raymond W. Schaible
BAXTER -- Pastor Raymond W. Schaible, 72, Baxter, died Thursday, June 29, 2000, at his home.

David Lippert
David Lippert, 47, Brainerd, died Friday, June 30, 2000, at home.

An amazing word
Freedom.

Our appalling ignorance of history
WASHINGTON--A question for you before you set off your Independence Day fireworks: Who was the American general at Yorktown? You have four guesses: William Tecumseh Sherman, Ulysses S. Grant, Douglas MacArthur or George Washington.

Open Forum
On June 22, 2000 the DNR held a public hearing on its new Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Systems plan for state lands. OHVs include all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, motorcycles and 4x4 trucks. We're talking about 140,000 acres of state forest land in our area!

Watch your kids - Dispatch Editorial
It's parade and fireworks time once again in the Brainerd area. July 4 will be marked in several area communities with the usual procession of clowns, bands, horses, fire engines, followed by loud, colorful explosions at night.

Republicans hitch wagons to McCain's star
ORANGE PARK, Fla. -- The routine is one that became achingly familiar in more than 150 repetitions last winter. A few opening jokes, borrowed from the late Mo Udall. Self-deprecating remarks about the folly of intercepting an enemy missile over Hanoi. Some serious comments about Social Security and the obligation to the next generation. And a sermon about the need to cleanse the campaign finance system and cure the pervasive cynicism engulfing politics.

Open Forum
I read the article about the Nisswa Pickle Fest Parade. Jodie is right but she forgot something. Throwing candy

Give him his rights - Dispatch Editorial
When the TV cop show "Dragnet" first appeared in the fifties, it was praised for its grubby realism. For detective Joe Friday, played by Jack Webb, police work wasn't about shootouts and car chases. Friday spent most of his time slogging from place to place, slowly building a case by following leads and gathering facts.

Agate Lake bass misses state record by 7 ounces
LAKE SHORE -- Mike Ricci's fishing season follows a well-established pattern. Like many other Minnesotans the 37-year-old Lino Lakes resident starts the season fishing for walleyes. Then some time in late June, when the walleye bite gets tougher, he switches into what he calls "my bass mode."

Hunting forecast: Most game doing well
Even though most shotguns, decoys and deer rifles are presently retired in closets, now is when winter game survival assessments and spring breeding reports are tabulated and upcoming hunting seasons are set. In most cases the outlook for hunting 2000 is favorable.

Government delays taking bald eagle off endangered list
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is not ready to remove the American bald eagle from the endangered species list in time for the Fourth of July after all.

All aboard for fishing fun
LAKE MILLE LACS -- For 40 children from inner Minneapolis, it was a day they will never forget.

Mike Gofron breaks through for his first PWT victory in Michigan event
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. -- Heading into the Northeast Pro-Am on the St. Mary's River Mike Gofron had more top 10 finishes than any other angler on the PWT circuit, yet had never finished first.

Little is written about fragile, fetching Corydalils
It's a sensational season for wildflowers! I'm not sure if three straight mild winters has had a bearing on the bounty of flowers or not, but it's been years since I've seen such a plethora of blossoms.

Calendar
6 -- Rough Riders ATV club monthly meeting, Brainerd Moose Lodge, 7 p.m. Call 829-5598 for more information

Outdoor notes
An additional 56,165 antlerless deer permits will be available for firearms deer hunters this fall. The total of 233,545 permits is an increase of 31.6 percent over 1999.

57th anniversary
Francis and Ruby Koering, Brainerd, will celebrate their 57th wedding anniversary with their family. They were married June 29, 1943, at St. Mathias Church.

25th anniversary
Wayne and Lyn Carner, Pillager, will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary with an open house beginning at 1 p.m. July 9 at their home on Sylvan Town Hall Road. Call 746-3542 for directions. They were married Nov. 9, 1974.

Wedding planned
Heidi Sue Olson and Steven Paul Pachel announce their engagement. Parents are Robert and Linda Olson, Pequot Lakes, and Ronald and RuthAnn Pachel, Ponsford. A July 22 wedding is planned at St. John's Lutheran Church of Park Rapids.

Open house
Paul and Lavern Koosmann, formerly of Brainerd, will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary, 85th and 80th birthdays with an open house from 2-5 p.m. July 16 at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 1 North Road, Circle Pines.

Engagement announced
Stephanie Foote and Jeff Eckes announce their engagement. Parents are Tim and Cindy Foote, Merrifield, and the late Peggy Eckes and the late Louis Eckes. A Sept. 9 wedding is planned at Immanuel Lutheran Church of Crosby.

Pryor-Palmer
Stephanie K. Pryor and Christopher A. Palmer were married Jan. 29, 2000, at St. Francis Church of Brainerd with Father Seamus Walsh officiating.

90th birthday
Inis Hayes recently celebrated her 90th birthday in Hayward, Wis., with her family and friends. She was born June 17, 1910, in Brainerd.

Wedding planned
Devon L. Wilhelmson and Michael L. Amundson announce their engagement. Parents are Michael and LoAnn Wilhelmson, Lake Shamineau, and Darcy and Linda Amundson, Kerkhoven. A July 15 wedding is planned at St. Christopher's Church of Nisswa.

Miller-Svendsen
Jennifer Miller and Carl Svendsen were married on Sept. 18, 1999, at Salem Lutheran Church of Deerwood with Pastor David Anderson officiating.

Engagement announced
Amy Owen and Eric Gunderson announce their engagement. Parents are Bill and Pat Owen, Brainerd, and Doug and Mary Gunderson, Grand Rapids. An Aug. 26 wedding is planned at Trinity Lutheran Church, Brainerd.

Hollingsworth-Bennett
Jill Hollingsworth and John Bennett were married May 20, 2000, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Brainerd with Pastor Andrew Prin officiating.

80th birthday
Lorraine (Engel) Erickson will celebrate her 80th birthday with a surprise open house from 1-4 p.m. Saturday at Zion Lutheran Church.

Five generations
Five generations recently gathered were Nicholas Stout, son; Jamie Stout, mother; Glenna Falk, grandmother; Don McFarlin, great-grandfather; and Lena Wehrs, great-great-grandmother.

80th birthday
Vivian Warren, Brainerd, will celebrate her 80th birthday with an open house from 2-5 p.m. July 9 at her daughter's home. From Nisswa, go east on County Road 18 approximately 1.5 miles. Turn north on Middle Cullen Lake Road and it's the first driveway on the right. Watch for signs. No gifts please.

86th birthday
Ralph Enlund will celebrate his 86th birthday Thursday with a picnic in his yard with family and friends.

Engagement announced
Lana Supalla and Rick Jensen announce their engagement. Parents are Gary and Donna Feucht, Lakeville, and Joe Supalla, Eagan, and Lois I. Jensen, Nisswa, and Dick Jensen, Graham, Wash. A Sept. 30 wedding is planned at Lutheran Church of the Cross of Nisswa with a reception at Cragun's.

Wedding planned
Tressie Stiner and Joshua Schneider announce their engagement. Parents are Mr. and Mrs. David Stiner, Palisade, and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Schneider, Pequot Lakes. A July wedding is planned at St. Francis Church of Brainerd.

Earnhardt vents frustration with restrictor plates
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Gentlemen, start your tempers.

Franchitti finally making headway after difficult winter, takes provisional pole
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Dario Franchitti was beginning to think his season would never get started.

'Kickin'
A motocross racer performed a kick out after doubling, clearing two jumps in one jump, over the finish line tabletop jump during a practice session before the KC Race Promotions Supercross Series on Friday night at the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds.

Brainerd's Mighty Gulls overwhelm Woodchucks in 11-1 win
WAUSAU, Wis. -- The Brainerd Mighty Gulls swung mighty bats and had great pitching in a 11-1 victory over the Wausau Woodchucks on Friday.

Scoreboard
Northwoods League Baseball

Braves blast Bemidji in 18-6 slugfest
BEMIDJI -- The Brainerd Braves picked up their 20th win of the season as they defeated the Bemidji Mud Cats 18-6 in seven innings on Wednesday.

Legion keeps winning
With clutch hitting and strong pitching the Brainerd Legion team continued their dominance over Bemidji as they took both games of a doubleheader Wednesday.

Local sports shorts
PRINCETON -- Rookies Sye Anderson and Nick Musel, both of Brainerd, finished first and second, respectively, in the Midwest Modified feature at a sprint special at Princeton Speedway on Wednesday night.

Explaining the Wolves' draft choice
MINNEAPLOLIS -- Listening to Hubie Brown, Kenny Smith and Rick Majerus comment on the TNT telecast about various picks in the 2000 NBA draft, you'd think they were buttering them up to come play for their team.

Brainerd host family grows with Mighty Gulls
Keith and Theresa Grow have been housing players of the Brainerd Mighty Gulls since the franchise began three years ago.

Triple play saves game
A sixth inning rally was squelched in rare form as the Firesticks doused the Flames 8-3 in Brainerd Parks and Recreation Senior League softball action Tuesday.

Brainerd Parks/Recreation
Monday June 26

Area football players enjoy 'sweet' victory
Brainerd's Mitch Feierabend and Pine River's Brandon Schwegel had an experience of a lifetime playing in the annual high school football all-star game.

Gulls erupt for win over Wausau
WAUSAU, Wis. -- A four-run fourth inning for the Brainerd Mighty Gulls sparked an 8-6 victory over the WausauWoodchucks on Thursday.

Baxter parks/recreation
PETITE SOFTBALL

Scoreboard
Stock Car Racing

Fishing report
Lakes such as Gull, Edwards, Round, North Long, Hubert, Pelican, Whitefish and Lower Hay have all provided consistent walleye and northern pike activity.

Palm beats pocket PC hands down
What was once was Microsoft Windows CE is now Pocket PC.

How to create a CD photo album
Over the last year I've waxed poetic about online photo-sharing sites, which allow you to post digital snapshots in Web albums that your family and friends can view and download.

Web is cheap; it's the phones that are pricey
One of the things that makes the Internet so successful is its fantastically simple pricing structure.

Web notes
Microsoft has broken off its video-game partnership with Sega. The two companies had worked together last year on the Dreamcast game console, which offered an optional interface to Microsoft's DirectX technology running on a version of its Windows CE operating system.

Smile, you're on candid video
WOODBURY (AP) -- Workers at Fortis Financial Group will share the same view of western Woodbury the company's president sees from his office window.

Rebuilding a PC brings lessons
They say you learn more from failure than from success. Humph... they didn't spend two weekends trying to upgrade a computer and breaking it instead.

4th getting close
Weather drawing by Ashli Meyer of Mrs. Pelto's third grade class at Baxter school.

Around the nation
Albany,N.Y. 78 58 .01 cdy

Brainerd forecast
Tonight...A 30 percent chance for mainly evening showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy. Lows 55 to 60. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Around the nation
Los Angeles 80 64 clr, Louisville 79 62 clr, Lubbock 78 67 .03 rn

Around the world
Amsterdam 63 48 cdy

Brainerd forecast
Partly sunny with a 40 percent chance of thunderstorms. Highs from 75 to 80. Northeast wind 10 to 15 mph becoming east.

Around the world
Dublin 60 54 rn, Frankfurt 80 57 cdy, Geneva 82 58 cdy

Under the sun
Weather drawing by Kayla Jo Cluever of Sharon Jendro's first grade class at Lowell school.

Names and faces
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid have announced their separation after about 10 years of marriage.

What's doing
The Brainerd High School Class of 1980 reunion will be an informal get-together beginning at 7 p.m. July 7 at the Eagles in Brainerd. There will be an evening meal and program at 6 p.m. July 8 at the Brainerd Armory. Any questions, call Neal Spilman at 746-3489.

Organizations
Brainerd Jaycees

What's doing
PINE RIVER --The Bowman-Schultze family reunion will be 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the Pine River City Park. A potluck dinner will be served. Please bring a dish to pass. Buns, meat, beverages, utensils and plates will be furnished. Any questions, call 587-2569.

Waterproof window covering
Dear Heloise: I have a window in my bathroom in the shower/tub area, and I'm unable to find a WINDOW COVERING for it. I am going to have to create some kind of window dressing that will also be waterproof, and I need suggestions. -- V. Grawet, Omaha, Neb .

Stroke victim's harsh words directed at caretaker son
DEAR ABBY: Several years ago my father-in-law suffered a stroke. He is now able to live by himself, but my husband, ''Frank,'' and I deliver his meals, handle his finances and take him to his doctor's appointments.

Keep your distance from 4th fireworks
DEAR ABBY: Each year on the Fourth of July, thousands of adults and children are seriously injured by fireworks. Many burns and injuries affect eyesight, permanently damaging, and in some cases, blinding the victims. Because of this, the American Optometric Association has joined the Millennium Fireworks Safety Partners, a coalition of 35 national organizations, in urging people to avoid private fireworks and instead enjoy professional displays.

Much obliged
I would like to thank the following people and businessres for contributing to the Birney Wilkins Memorial Garden at the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds:

Senior activities
LAKES AREA SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER

Current weather

Saturday, July 1, 2000

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