Names and faces

ST. CLOUD (AP) -- Gov. Jesse Ventura is pleased that Minnesota's newest city is his namesake.

A judge's decision Friday created the city of Ventura -- formerly St. Augusta township -- outside of St. Cloud with a population of about 3,000. The township board must still give its final approval.

Ventura spokesman Paul Moore said the governor is delighted.

''He's humbled, too, but he got a kick out it,'' Moore said.

Chief Administrative Judge Ken Nickolai ruled that St. Cloud can annex about 7 square miles of St. Augusta township. The remaining township land, about 30 square miles that includes the hamlets of St. Augusta and Luxemburg, also can incorporate into the city of Ventura.

Township officials had argued that becoming a city would give them the taxing ability they need to provide city services. St. Cloud officials opposed the move, worrying it would block expansion potential.

Both sides have 30 days to file an appeal.

City clerk Harlan Jopp said the St. Augusta Township Board chose the name Ventura because of the governor's stand against special interests and to honor his wish to return the political process to the people.

Basketball ball star accused of starting riot

NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Charlotte Hornets player Anthony Mason has been released from jail after being accused of starting a riot and assaulting a police officer in the French Quarter.

Mason, 33, was arrested Monday night after being sprayed with pepper by officers, police spokesman Joseph Narcisse said. He was released Tuesday.

Two officers noticed two groups of men arguing over women on Bourbon Street, Narcisse said. When the officers tried to separate the groups, Mason allegedly hit one of the officers and began rallying the crowd.

The officer who had been hit tried to subdue the basketball player with pepper spray, but with little effect, Narcisse said. Other officers arrived and some in the crowd threw bottles and shouted slurs at police.

Mason later was arrested and taken to a hospital for treatment. He was booked with inciting a riot, battery on police officers and resisting arrest. Prosecutors will decide whether to formally charge Mason.

Christian singer Chapman ties the knot

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (AP) -- Christian singer Gary Chapman married Jennifer Pittman in a ceremony at his Williamson County farm.

Chapman, who was divorced from Christian singer Amy Grant last year, was the host of ''Prime Time Country'' on TNN until the show was canceled last year.

Chapman's dog, Simon, was the ring-bearer at Saturday's ceremony. Chapman waved a raw hot dog to attract the ring-bearer's attention.

''Even Apostle Paul said, 'Bear with me in my folly,''' said Chapman's father, Texas preacher Terry Chapman. He performed the marriage ceremony.

Chapman and Grant were married for 16 1/2 years and have three children.