Friday, July 6, 2001
Government investigating Jeep Grand Cherokees for gear shift problem
WASHINGTON -- A federal safety agency has opened an investigation into complaints that more than a million Jeep Grand Cherokees may have a safety problem that causes them to suddenly shift out of gear when in park position.
Time to start thinking Toyota when shopping for full-size SUV
Over the years, Toyota hasn't been the first name to come to mind for most shoppers of full-size sport utility vehicles. Ford and Chevrolet, yes. Toyota, no.
Feds investigate C/K pickup brakes
WASHINGTON -- The government has upgraded its investigation into the safety of 3.8 million General Motor Corp. C/K pickups after hundreds of people complained about the brakes.
Head of national evangelical group quits
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The president of the National Association of Evangelicals, the Rev. Kevin Mannoia, resigned abruptly at a meeting with the group's executive committee.
Woman joins convent after 20-year career as a Marine
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Mary Perrot suffered through boot camp on South Carolina's Parris Island. She learned to shoot straight enough to earn the rank of Marine gunnery sergeant. She served six months in Operation Desert Storm.
Conservative Judaism's leading thinker downplays historical fact in the continuing Exodus debate
What if the Exodus from Egypt never happened, despite what the Bible records? Are Jews fools if they continually recall God's saving deeds or celebrate the Passover each spring?
Prairie churches listed as endangered
DURBIN, N.D. (AP) -- More than 400 of North Dakota's 2,000 prairie churches are vacant and poorly maintained, and at risk of falling apart, according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Minnesota Christian music festivals on tap this month
Lakes area Christians will be among the flocks of Midwesterners heading to one or both of the Christian music and worship festivals happening in Minnesota this month, as they do annually in July.
Learn to do the best with the talents you do have
Mountaineers scoffed at the notion that Erik Weihenmayer, sightless since age 13, could climb Mount Everest.
Texas court: Jail religious program unconstitutional
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- A Christian-studies jail unit dubbed the "God Pod," violates the constitutional separation of church and state, the Texas Supreme Court has ruled.
'Leave all things behind': What is necessary; what is baggage?
I am standing in the parking area at a put-in point of Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada. My canoe is resting along side the shore, ready to carry me and whatever provisions I lug along out into the wilderness for a vacation of paddling, portaging and camping.
Group hopes to revise Bibles
DETROIT (AP) -- A national interfaith group wants to remove what it says are anti-Jewish phrases from a handful of children's Bibles.
Religious scholars: Bible, Quran indicate God wants people to conserve energy
Everyone knows the basics: don't kill, don't steal, don't commit adultery. Now, in this year of rolling blackouts and spiking gasoline prices, some think it may also be a sin to drive an SUV.
Churches
The Rev. Dale Kuglin will be the speaker Sunday at the Old Fire Hall in Crosslake. Kuglin is in charge of Brainerd Area Youth Ministries.
Census figures show the American family is in deep trouble
QUESTION: What do you think the Census 2000 figures mean for the two-parent family?
CLC tuition could rise nine percent this fall
Central Lakes College students could see a 9 percent increase in tuition this fall.
Mr. Wonderful may not be Mr. Right
DEAR ABBY: I just turned 21 and am about to graduate from college. I've been dating "Monroe," a wonderful guy who treats me like a queen. We laugh together and have a great time, and he seems to really respect me.
Gnat invasion
Dear Heloise: Help! I recently repotted some houseplants with a commercial potting soil. Within a few weeks, I noticed small, black gnat-type flies, and I cannot seem to get rid of them. I've tried insecticidal soap, but unless it is sprayed right on th e gnat, it isn't effective. Is there any other commercial or home-remedy hint to rid my houseplants of these annoying little pests? -- Araina Benedum, Cody, Wyo.
Angry dad may break more than dishes
DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have been married three years. We have a great relationship except for one problem: When "Chad" gets angry, he breaks things and punches holes in the walls. He eventually calms down and regains his composure, leaving broken dishes and cracked plaster.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Thursday 156, a year ago 158.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Thursday cattle: 250.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL. (AP) (USDA) -- Tuesday cattle: 350.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Tuesday 202, a year ago closed.
Ripe apricots give sweet-tart flavor to homemade ice cream
Fresh Apricot Ice Cream is a special summer treat.
Taste these meatballs and you'll want recipe
This week's recipe for moist meatballs topped with a tangy dill sauce comes from Cindy Zacher.
French toast satisfies almost any craving
A home cook covers all the bases with the recipe for Challah French Toast With Berry Sauce: There's something for the hearty-breakfast eater, something for the fruit-breakfast eater and something for the bakery-breakfast eater.
Accident
GARRISON -- Two people were injured in a two-vehicle accident Thursday on Highway 18 near Garrison.
Fires
The Brainerd Fire Department Thursday investigated what turned out to be a false alarm in Building 19 at the Brainerd Regional Human Services Center.
Cass court
WALKER -- A 19-year-old Remer woman has been charged with two counts of criminal vehicular homicide following the death of a 22-year-old Cass Lake man Sunday.
Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Thursday.
Accidents
CASS LAKE -- Three people died in two separate vehicle accidents Wednesday and today in Cass County.
Courts
The following recently appeared in Crow Wing District Court:
Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Tuesday.
Area crime
THEFTS -- It was reported Tuesday a Dodge Stratus was stolen from Tanner Motors, 620 Washington St.
Mickelson a shot off lead at Western as Woods struggles
LEMONT, Ill. (AP) -- Phil Mickelson wasn't looking to set any course records or put a stranglehold on the leaderboard. He just wanted a nice, solid round that would put him in contention for the weekend.
Golf shorts
Cragun's is offering a three-week introductory women's golf clinic starting July 12 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Twilight golf
Shep's on Sixth, which tied for the lead last week, moved into first place in the men's twilight league at Pine Meadows June 28.
Junior golf tourney returns to the Pines
NISSWA -- The American Junior Golf Association will conduct the fourth annual Compaq Junior Classic at The Pines at Grand View Lodge July 9-12.
Golf
Thursday
Golf equipment pioneer dies
Ely Callaway, who turned Callaway Golf Co. into the biggest clubmaker in the world with his "Big Bertha" drivers and a passion to make golf enjoyable for the masses, died early Thursday of pancreatic cancer. He was 82.
Off to a good start
EAST GULL LAKE -- One of the main people that you'll run into on a golf course isn't the pro, the owner or even the superintendent.
Golf tip from a pro
As club fitting has become more prevalent over the last several years, the area that the average golfer has taken the least advantage of is that of putter fitting.
Mueller named new FBI chief
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush nominated Justice Department veteran Robert Mueller on Thursday to head the FBI and try to help the agency rebound from a string of recent embarrassments that ranged from bungled documents to the discovery of a spy.
Costs of shutdown that didn't happen adding up
ST. PAUL -- The government may not have shut down, but it still cost the state a lot of money.
Steelworkers rally outside hearing to support reduction of imports
VIRGINIA (AP) -- As steel and iron ore leaders testified in front of a federal panel about the negative impact of imports on national security and their struggling industry, steelworkers rallied outside in support.
Lawmaker vows to return with Pledge of Allegiance bill
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The chief sponsor of a bill requiring regular recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in schools doesn't plan to surrender to a legislative defeat.
Europeans say U.S. is obstructing Kyoto global warming accord ratification
WASHINGTON -- Last month, when President Bush showed up in Sweden to explain his reasons for dropping out of a global agreement on climate change, he promised European leaders he would not interfere with their efforts to carry out the accord.
Leaders testify imports damaging struggling steel industry
VIRGINIA (AP) -- Reducing imports of iron ore and semi-finished steel slab is the only hope for the struggling American steel industry, Minnesota mining officials, steel workers and politicians testified to federal officials Thursday.
Man who received first self-contained artificial heart described as doing well
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- The man who received the world's first self-contained artificial heart was back on a ventilator to assist his breathing but was still doing well, one of his doctors said Thursday.
Study: Cloning with stem cells causes abnormalities in mice
WASHINGTON -- Experiments show that genes used in cloning often fail to work properly, causing serious abnormalities in mice, a finding that confirms the belief of many researchers that the method used to clone Dolly the sheep should not be used on humans.
Study: Women who try labor after Caesarean increase risk of uterine rupture
Mothers who have had a Caesarean section increase their chances of rupturing their uterus if they attempt vaginal delivery during their next pregnancy, especially if labor is induced, according to a new study.
The Gardener's Guide: Renew your strawberry bed to protect the fruit
Your home may or may not need renovation, but your strawberry bed definitely does. Renovating strawberry beds staves off disease and insect problems and keeps the planting productive. Do it every year right after the plants finish bearing their spring crop.
Picture this: Self-cleaning glass
Could the end of Windex and squeegees be in sight?
Smart appliances on horizon
Refrigerators that diagnose their own ills and microwaves that download recipes and cooking instructions from the Internet? Ready or not, here they come.
Design J-72 living room isn't too cozy
Design J-72, a ranch featuring both a living room and a family room, gets me thinking about how much living rooms have changed over the centuries.
Book notes that pool should add cool, not color
"Is the water in your pool supposed to be green?"
Tip of the week
Do you have a door that won't stay open? Like the swinging door down at the old saloon? Closes before you're in? Hits you in the backside on the way out?
Buying the right house at the right price can stump many homebuyers
The puzzle of how to purchase the right house in the right place for the right price stumps many people, especially those on a budget. But thanks to new construction techniques and ideas from builders and architects, affordable housing is out there.
Four steps to patch wall paneling
Chances are you someday will have to make a patch to paneling, siding, a door or cabinetry. When that need arises, you will need to know a few things that will make light work of the task.
Home: Big finds for little people
Raising kids is expensive! Why not try to save where you can by furnishing their rooms with flea market finds?
Watch animals in summer heat
We'll avoid the obvious puns about canines and the dog days of summer. But animals also wilt in the heat, and many ingenious devices provide them greater comfort in the stifling summers.
Home has thoughtful floor plan
This home, Plan J-72, by the HomeStyles Designers Network, has classic exterior touches -- shuttered windows and a cozy columned front porch -- as well as a well-thought-out modern layout. Its floor plan provides 1,992 square feet of living space.
A slice of Americana
DEERWOOD -- A log home overlooking quiet Lake Wilson is a marriage of American log and English cottage.
Housing briefs
During the week of July 16, 60 youth and adults from The Church of the Crossing in Indianapolis will travel to Brainerd to help the Brainerd/Baxter/Nisswa Chapter of Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity build its first twin home.
Performing on the 4th
Stephanie Conroy, youth leader at United Methodist Church in Brainerd, directed a group of singers on her church's float during the parade.
Man ordered extradited from Cass
WALKER -- A man wanted for illegally taking building contract funds in Michigan has been ordered extradited from Cass County to White Township, Mich.
Cass board chair opposes turning street into county road
PILLAGER -- Turning 72nd Street, a town line road between Home Brook and Maple townships, into a county road is not the answer, Cass County Board Chair John Stranne said Tuesday.
Weed problems are reported to board
PILLAGER -- Noxious weeds will take over Cass County fields and turn them to tumbleweed if more is not done to eradicate them, Don Wiese said to the Cass County Board Tuesday.
Life-protecting stroke screening available in city
In a mere 10 minutes, lives could be saved Tuesday at Faith Baptist Church in Brainerd.
Cass board receives report on changes to property tax laws
PILLAGER -- Cass County Auditor-Treasurer Sharon Anderson reported to the county board Tuesday on 2001 legislative changes to the property tax laws.
Work to proceed on road
PILLAGER -- Work will proceed for the improvement of Cass County Road 105 through the Gull Dam area, County Engineer David Enblom informed the county board Tuesday.
Baxter council approves hiring of Patrick Gilby for building inspector
BAXTER -- The Baxter City Council Tuesday approved hiring Patrick Gilby as city building inspector.
Monster of a good time
The Purple People Eater was spotted cruising through the Fourth of July parade in Brainerd, smoking and spitting at the crowd.
Board, sheriff, cool to no-wake zones
PILLAGER -- More enforcement, not more no-wake zones, is the answer to managing the effect of increasing boat and motor size, according to the Cass County Board and Sheriff Randy Fisher.
Local briefs
The Minnesota Department of Children, Families and Learning, working in collaboration with Region 5 Child Care Resource and Referral, is currently accepting applications for appointment to the regional child care grant programs review committee.
Board votes to adopt jail joint powers agreement
PILLAGER -- Cass County Board voted Tuesday to adopt the Regional Adult Detention Services Joint Powers Agreement.
Clarification
A calendar listing in Thursday's Tempo section incorrectly listed the location of a Kathy Porwall-Chris Lauer mentor-student joint exhibit. The exhibit, which runs through August, is at Brainerd City Hall.
Visioning work session on Cass' future open to all with ideas to contribute
PILLAGER -- Anyone wishing to contribute ideas toward Cass County's future is invited to attend a visioning work session.
Schedule to prepare Cass sale of leased lots on Long Lake announced
PILLAGER -- Land Commissioner Norm Moody announced Tuesday the schedule for the county to prepare to sell county leased lots on Long Lake.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1981) - John Straka of Brainerd and Lisa Jetenberg of New York Mills won championships this past weekend in the third annual Johnny Inkslinger Tennis Tournament held at the Brainerd High School courts.
COMING FRIDAY
A Deerwood log home blends Americana and cottage charm. Look for the story in Friday's Housing section.
Correction/ clarification
On Page 6A of Thursday's Dispatch, Patrick Kilby's name was spelled incorrectly.
Man pleads not guilty in Cass to slaying charges
WALKER -- Robert Henry Armstrong, 30, Bloomington, pleaded not guilty June 29 to second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter charges.
COMING SUNDAY
Fans and players alike enjoyed a great night for baseball at Stewart Mills Field on Thursday. Look for People Plus Sunday.
High energy sounds in Pequot Lakes
The Zuhrah Drum Corps of Minneapolis, with its high energy sounds and fast stepping marches, brought people to their feet at the Fourth of July parade in Pequot Lakes Wednesday. (Dispatch Photo by Jodie Tweed)
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1981) - Jim Martinson of Martinson Insurance was elected to a second term as director of Region 2, Minnesota Professional Insurance Agents.
CORRECTION/CLARIFICATION
In a Page 1A story Thursday, a co-creator of the Purple People Eater Fourth of July float was inadvertently omitted. Rick Ferrari, owner of Range Manufacturing, helped create the float.
CATS TALE - Retired pastor, beloved pets may have to part-
Soon after retired Lutheran pastor Roberta Johnson was called to serve her first congregation in San Antonio, Texas, in 1984, she visited the local animal shelter and picked out a tailless kitten she named Ruth to keep her company.
Pillager High grad was rocket scientist, likes to talk about it
PILLAGER -- When people say "well you're not a rocket scientist," a certain Pillager High School graduate can say "Yes, I am."
Reuter back at work in Cass County
WALKER -- Cass County Veterans Service Officer John Reuter was back at work Tuesday in anticipation of the county board's formal action to lift his suspension Tuesday night.
Ground rage
CHICAGO -- They've been screamed at, called names, spit on, choked and punched.
Jobless claims rise as labor market struggles
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The number of Americans filing new claims for state unemployment insurance rose last week after falling for three weeks in a row. The jump provided fresh evidence that the struggling economy continues to take a toll on workers.
Terrorist says he had help in planning thwarted bombing attack in L.A.
NEW YORK (AP) -- An Algerian terrorist convicted of trying to bomb Los Angeles International Airport just before millennium celebrations offered a glimpse inside his terrorist cell -- and new leads in the plot.
IRS pays felon $80,000-a-year annual salary
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A recently convicted felon is receiving an $80,000 annual salary from the Internal Revenue Service, despite doing no work for the agency for the past three years.
Man devours record 50 hot dogs in 12 minutes
NEW YORK (AP) -- A man inhaled a record 50 hot dogs in just 12 minutes Wednesday to destroy his stunned competition in the annual Nathan's frankfurter eating contest.
Spelunker trapped in cave killed in rock slide
MOUNT JOY, Pa. -- A man who was trapped in a cave for more than 24 hours died in a shower of falling rocks, ending a frantic around-the-clock rescue effort.
Jobless rate up
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The nation's unemployment rate rose to 4.5 percent in June as manufacturers continued to suffer heavy job losses and demand for workers in service industries fell to the lowest level in 10 months.
Flag at Lincoln's side on night of his assassination discovered in Connecticut
HARTFORD, Conn. -- A flag that adorned Abraham Lincoln's box at Ford's Theater the night he was assassinated -- and may have been the banner that caused John Wilkes Booth to break his leg -- has been discovered in a dusty corner of the Connecticut Historical Society.
Ex-FBI agent pleads guilty to spying for Russians
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) -- Former FBI agent Robert Hanssen pleaded guilty Friday to 15 counts of espionage and conspiracy to spy for Russia as part of a plea agreement to avoid the death penalty.
About 130,000 disabled Americans owed benefits
WASHINGTON (AP) -- About 130,000 disabled Americans may have been shortchanged on government benefits, but officials said Thursday that they have fixed the problem and will settle up now.
Spy plane arrives in Georgia for repair
MARIETTA, Ga. (AP) -- A cargo plane carrying the fuselage and other salvageable parts of a Navy spy plane arrived at Dobbins Air Force Base on Thursday, more than three months after the surveillance plane made an emergency landing on China's Hainan island.
Family, neighbors believe shooting spree racially motivated
RIFLE, Colo. -- Bartender Ted Diaz Jr. remembers the man in the clean white shorts and polo shirt ranting about God and saying he wanted to kill people and then take his own life.
Government erred in calculating consumer spending in May
WASHINGTON -- Consumers spent less in May than reported by government economists, who erroneously calculated light truck sales.
Vieques: What next?
WASHINGTON -- The Navy is sizing up sites from Nevada to North Carolina for places to send warplanes bombing and strafing, Marines storming the beaches and ships firing live bombardments ashore.
FBI watchers say Mueller must apply quick fix
WASHINGTON -- The career prosecutor President Bush chose to head the FBI must move quickly to quell criticism that the agency covers up mistakes, won't cooperate with outside investigators and bungles high-profile cases, FBI watchers say.
Drinking among teens still rampant
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A 15-year-old Ohio boy speaks of friends jailed for drinking and driving. A 17-year-old from Tennessee talks of classmates who use the school bathroom to get an early start on drinking. And a 20-year-old college student from Maryland says a priority her freshman year was to track down a fake ID.
Sheriff Presley, a cousin of Elvis, killed in shootout
TUPELO, Miss. (AP) -- The Lee County sheriff, a cousin of Elvis Presley, was killed in a shootout with a suspect early Friday.
Man shoots seven, three fatally, at RV park
RIFLE, Colo. (AP) -- A man fired a handgun at people in an RV park and a nearby grocery store, killing three and wounding four others, police said.
Hollywood actors strike averted by deal
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Actors' unions reached a tentative contract agreement Tuesday night that could raise salaries for "the middle-income actor" and likely avert a crippling walkout for the TV and movie industry.
Ex-FBI agent Hanssen strikes, deal admits spying for Russians
WASHINGTON -- Former FBI agent Robert P. Hanssen struck a deal Tuesday to plead guilty to charges of rampant spying for the Russians, an agreement that will spare his life and clear the way for the government to interrogate him about the most damaging espionage breach in FBI history.
Rafter downs Agassi, Williams advances
WIMBLEDON, England (AP) -- Patrick Rafter reached his second consecutive Wimbledon final, fighting from the brink of defeat to shock Andre Agassi today.
U.S. soccer team defeats Canada
BLAINE (AP) -- The United States women's soccer team ended Canada's hold on them, snapping a four-game winless streak with a 1-0 victory Tuesday afternoon.
Seven Yankees, three Twins, make All-Star team
NEW YORK (AP) -- Here's another reason to hate New York: Joe Torre picked seven Yankees for the AL All-Star team
Henin ends Capriati's Grand Slam dream
WIMBLEDON, England (AP) -- Jennifer Capriati's Grand Slam hopes crumbled Thursday when her game fell apart on Centre Court at Wimbledon.
Robert Krell
EAST GULL LAKE -- Robert Krell, 59, East Gull Lake, died Wednesday, July 4, 2001, at St. Cloud Hospital.
Delores L. Knoll
UPSALA -- Delores L. Knoll, 77, Upsala, died Tuesday, July 3, 2001, at Lutheran Care Center in Little Falls.
Wayne E. Oslund
LITTLE FALLS -- Wayne E. Oslund, 70, Little Falls, formerly of Swanville, died Monday, July 2, 2001, at his home.
Clifford Hefti
LA CROSSE, Wis. -- Clifford Hefti, 80, La Crosse, Wis., died Tuesday, July 3, 2001, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center.
Hugh 'Wallie' W. Schneider
Hugh "Wallie" W. Schneider, 79, Brainerd, died Monday, July 2, 2001, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village.
Jacqueline Lizakowski
MINTO, N.D. -- Jacqueline "Jackie" Lizakowski, 34, Nisswa, died Monday, July 2, 2001, near Nisswa.
John W. Rahto
DEERWOOD -- John Wilkie Rahto, 71, Littlefork, and formerly of Nokay Lake, died Tuesday, July 3, 2001, in Littlefork.
Delores Knoll
UPSALA -- Delores Knoll, 77, Upsala, died Tuesday, July 3, 2001, at the Lutheran Care Center.
Robert A. Krell
EAST GULL LAKE -- Robert A. Krell, 59, East Gull Lake, died Wednesday, July 4, 2001, at St. Cloud Hospital.
Shirley F. Emerson Smith
TWO HARBORS -- Shirley Florence Emerson Smith, 74, Two Harbors, died Monday, July 2, 2001, at Lakeview Memorial Hospital in Two Harbors.
Mary A. Kulseth
AITKIN -- Mary A. Kulseth, 92, Aitkin, died Wednesday, July 4, 2001, at Cuyuna Regional Care Center in Crosby.
Robert S. Lemire
AITKIN -- Robert S. Lemire, 74, Aitkin, died Tuesday, July 2, 2001, in Farm Island Township.
Russell L. Partridge
Russell L. Partridge, 86, Brainerd, died Sunday, June 10, 2001, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Shirley F. Emerson Smith
TWO HARBORS -- Shirley Florence Emerson Smith, 74, Two Harbors, died Monday, July 2, 2001, at Lakeview Memorial Hospital in Two Harbors.
And after stem cells, what?
President Bush will soon make one of those decisions that make his job difficult. The president is expected to announce federal rules for funding research on human embryos. These include rules for the use of embryonic stem cells, which some believe could aid in research to alleviate pain and suffering and preserve the lives of people with Parkinson's disease and other maladies.
Race for the Cure - Dispatch Editorial
July always starts off with a bang in the Brainerd lakes area and it seems that each weekend offers a new attraction or event somewhere in the region.
Open Forum
When we were enrolled in our civics classes we were told of the benefits of a democratic system over a dictatorial political system. I took the information at face value. A one-party system ensures a lack of free speech or input while two parties allow the hearing of both pro and con viewpoints.
Second thoughts
The following editorial appeared in Wednesday's Washington Post:
The 2001 session - Dispatch Editorial
On policy, the Legislature gets high marks for having the courage to finally enact meaningful property tax reform. Lawmakers showed political courage and adopted a refo
Politicians aren't perfect
WASHINGTON -- This Independence Day holiday found the United States preoccupied, as it had not been for a long time, with the generation that created the nation. It is not a notable anniversary; 225 years is a good long run, but not a landmark. Still, David McCullough's biography of John Adams, one of the architects of the new republic and our second president, tops the New York Times best-seller list, following on the success of another book about the heroes of that era, "Founding Brothers."
The Dispatch's editorial views
Editorial views in The Brainerd Dispatch represent a consensus of opinion by members of the newspaper's editorial board.
Open Forum
By the actions of the Cheney/Bush team in their first year in office, this appears to be the new Pledge of Allegiance:
Contact your U.S. senators and representatives
Sen. Paul Wellstone
NCMS standings
North Central Motor Speedway
Racing memories
The late Irv Oswald sat on his 1962 Chevrolet Late Model Stock Car in this photograph taken at North Central Motor Speedway in 1971.
Dan Yaunick having trouble getting in gear
Dan Yaunick said his rookie season in his Chevrolet-powered Wissota Late Model has been "a struggle."
Couple roars to the alter in souped-up Chryslers
CANNON FALLS (AP) -- A Hastings couple traded wedding bells for the sounds of roaring engines and ripping metal last weekend at the Cannon Valley Fair.
Substitute health aide sentenced for stealing Ritalin
STILLWATER (AP) -- A woman was sentenced to 10 years probation and fined $500 for stealing students' Ritalin while working as a substitute school health aide.
Family donates $1 million settlement in daughter's death to treatment center for eating disorders
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The parents of a 21-year-old who died after struggling with anorexia have donated a $1 million settlement by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota to create the state's first residential treatment center for people with eating disorders.
Record low in International Falls
INTERNATIONAL FALLS (AP) -- Christmas in July? It felt like it to some residents of this far northern Minnesota city who awoke Thursday to a record low temperature.
Two people rescued from stranded boat
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Rescuers pulled a Minneapolis couple from a small boat dangling over a spillway above St. Anthony Falls on the surging Mississippi River as Fourth of July crowds watched.
Senator's son dies in swimming pool accident
MAPLEWOOD (AP) -- The 25-year-old son of state Sen. Becky Lourey died early Thursday in a swimming pool accident at a Maplewood hotel.
Mighty Gulls notes
For winning the North Division first-half championship earlier this week, the Brainerd Mighty Gulls have been rewarded with five players and their entire coaching staff being selected to participate in the all-star game.
Scoreboard
Northwoods League Baseball
Brainerd Legion team improves to 6-5
The Brainerd American Legion baseball team improved its record to 6-5 with a 6-1 win over Staples at Adamson Field June 29.
Mallards drop Mighty Gulls Tuesday
The Brainerd Mighty Gulls dropped a 5-3 decision to the visiting Madison Mallards Tuesday night at Mills Field.
Brainerd to host another USSSA tourney
Brainerd will maintain its reputation as summer tournament headquarters when it plays host to the second in a series of four state youth events this weekend.
Mighty Gulls notes
The Brainerd Mighty Gulls finished the first half of the Northwoods League season Tuesday atop the North Division standings. The team's 18-13 performance assured them a spot in the division playoffs at the end of the season's second half.
Mallards sparkle in win over Gulls Wednesday
You have to expect fireworks on the Fourth of July. But you usually expect the glitter and glow to start popping a little later in the day, after the sun has set.
Local sports shorts
The Brainerd Bees defeated Sauk Rapids 14-4 in a Lakewood League amateur baseball game Tuesday.
Local sports shorts
The Brainerd Storm Junior Olympic 14 & under girls' slow-pitch softball team won the Elk River ASA/USA Minnesota Sports Federation JO Slow-pitch Festival June 16-17 at Elk River.
Woodchucks send Gulls home thirsty
The Brainerd Mighty Gulls generated more business at the concession stand than at the plate on their "Thirsty Thursday" promotion at Mills Field.
Scoreboard
Northwoods League Baseball
Win some, lose some
CHICAGO (AP) -- The way the Chicago White Sox celebrated after a two-run rally in the ninth inning, you would think they had done something more than just win a game in early July.
Wolves return to Channel 29
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Minnesota Timberwolves will be shown on one of their original television homes, Minneapolis Fox affiliate WFTC-TV, next season.
Twins pound White Sox
CHICAGO (AP) -- Getting Corey Koskie and Matt Lawton out this season has been a difficult chore for the Chicago White Sox.
Tempo tidbits
Susan Smith, the daughter of Bill and Marie Smith of Motley, recently won the World's Largest Open Mic Contest at Mars Music in Nashville recently.
Art show includes both paintings, literary works
Nancy Williams and Jan Kurtz are exhibiting their works at the Evelyn Matthies Porthole Gallery at 712 Washington St., Brainerd.
Story behind how 'A.I.: Artificial Intelligence' was made is reason enough to go see it
The story behind the making of "A.I.: Artificial Intelligence" can be found in the production notes that accompany the film's release, at least for those who care about such things.
Rhythm of the Rails to debut reconstructed set
By the time the Rhythm of the Rails opens its latest song-and-dance production July 12, its cast will have earned its stripes as carpenters, set painters and structural engineers.
Summer festivals continue across state
Tourism events around the state of Minnesota. For more information, visit http://www.exploreminnesota.com or call (800) 657-3700 or (651) 296-5029 in the Twin Cities area.
Community band forming in Cuyuna Range area
CROSBY -- A Cuyuna Range community band is now forming.
Best books
1. "Seven Up" by Janet Evanovich (St. Martin's)
Best videos
Weekly charts for the nation's most popular videos as they appear in last week's issue of Billboard magazine. Reprinted with permission:
Best music
Weekly charts for the nation's best-selling recorded music as they appear in last week's issue of Billboard magazine. Reprinted with permission.
Entertainment Calendar
For week of July 5-11; bands perform from 9 p.m. to close with no cover unless otherwise noted.
Spielberg completes Kubrick's vision
LOS ANGELES -- Steven Spielberg's "A.I." star is real; Stanley Kubrick's was not.
Group recently was named state's bluegrass band of the year
NEW YORK MILLS -- The bluegrass band Urban Renewal will perform at 8 p.m. July 14 in the James W. Mann Performing Arts Center, sponsored by the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center.
Freedom Festival
The Brainerd area's weeklong July 4th celebration comes to a close Friday with the Freedom Festival "family night" and street dance, featuring The Original Knights of Rock and Roll.
Artists team up to catch eye of passersby
For all the spectacle at Sunday's Arts in the Park, it was hard to miss the throng that gathered throughout the day at tent No. 100.
'A.I.' tops box office with $29.4 million
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- "A.I. Artificial Intelligence," Steven Spielberg's sci-fi tale of a robot boy who longs to be loved, debuted as the top weekend film with $29.4 million.
Swing band to play benefit for tour of Scandinavia
PARKERS PRAIRIE -- A benefit big band dance will run from 8 p.m. to midnight Saturday at the Hi-Way Park Ballroom north of Parkers Prairie as a fund-raiser for the 18-piece Sophisticated Swing Band tour of Scandinavia in July 2002.
State forecast for south dakota
Today...Partly to mostly sunny. A chance of morning thunderstorms central. A slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms east central and in the black hills. Highs in the 80s...With some lower 90s south central.
Minnesota state forecast
Today...Mostly sunny. Highs from 70 north to 85 south.
The Weather Elsewhere
Thursday
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Mostly sunny southeast. Increasing clouds with a chance for thunderstorms west and north. Highs in the 70s to mid 80s. Cooler near lake michigan.
State forecast for North Dakota
Today...Partly to mostly sunny. Widely scattered late afternoon thunderstorms far west. Highs from the mid 70s northeast to the lower 90s far west.
State forecast for north dakota
Today...Mostly sunny west. Morning thunderstorms then becoming partly sunny east. Highs in the 80s.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Sunny. Highs in the mid 60s far north to around 80 southwest.
Iowa state forecast
Today...Becoming very warm and humid southwest. Becoming partly cloudy elsewhere. A chance of afternoon thunderstorms far northeast. Highs from the mid 80s northeast to the mid 90s southwest.
State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Mostly sunny. Highs from around 80 northeast...To near 95 southwest.
Best friends talking
Weather drawing by Rachel Wickham of Miss Balsley's third grade class at Lowell school.
Outdoor wheels
Weather drawing by Nick Murray of Mrs. Dunphy's kindergarten class at Baxter school.
Minnesota state forecast
Today...Showers and thunderstorms likely north. A chance of mainly afternoon thunderstorms south. Highs near 70 northeast to around 90 southwest
The Weather Elsewhere
Friday
Iowa state forecast
Today...Mostly sunny. Highs in the 80s.
What's doing
According to Minnesota state law, all teens 14-17 years old are required to have a permit to operate a personal watercraft and all person ages 12-15 must have a permit to operate a boat with a motor of over 25 HP.
What's doing
North-South: Pat Mueller and Cliff Johnson, 75; Eldon Hegstrom and Gus Schlick, 71.5; and Ann Whalen and Phyllis DeRosier, 69.5. East-West: Pat Lande and Allen Anderson, 73; Bud and Jean Forsberg 71.5; and Ramona Gorham and Tony Vornbrock, 65.5.
Names and faces
HAVANA (AP) -- Leonard Bernstein was a 23-year-old vacationing in Key West, Fla., a half century ago when he first heard scratchy Cuban rhythms from a radio that was picking up a station on the island to the south.
Names and faces
NEW YORK (AP) -- The 16-year-old actor who plays the son of mob boss Tony Soprano was arrested early Wednesday on robbery and drug possession charges.
Wife of former German chancellor Kohl commits suicide
BERLIN (AP) -- A memorial service for the wife of former Chancellor Helmut Kohl was scheduled for next week at one of Germany's most famous cathedrals, Kohl's office said Friday.
Japan critical of U.S. failure to hand over rape suspect
TOKYO -- Japanese officials criticized the Bush administration on Wednesday for failing to surrender a 24-year-old U.S. Air Force sergeant charged with raping a Japanese woman last week outside a U.S. military base in Okinawa.
Deadly tropical storm wrecks houses, triggers floods in China
HONG KONG (AP) -- A severe tropical storm hit China on Friday, destroying hundreds of houses, flooding farmland and reportedly killing one person after leaving more than 70 dead in the Philippines.
Negotiators clear the way for China to enter WTO
BEIJING -- More than 14 years after it first applied for membership, China has reached agreement with members of the World Trade Organization on the major issues that were delaying its entry into the club of global trading nations, officials here and in Geneva said Wednesday.
Russians seek clues to plane crash that killed all 145 aboard
MOSCOW (AP) -- Investigators on Wednesday combed through smoking wreckage and examined flight data recorders for clues to what caused a passenger airliner to plunge into a Siberian meadow, killing all 145 people aboard.
China accused of executions spree
BEIJING (AP) -- China executed more people in the last three months than the rest of the world did in the past three years -- 1,781 people put to death in a government campaign against crime, Amnesty International said Friday.
U.S. hands serviceman suspected of rape over to Japanese police in Okinawa
OKINAWA CITY, Japan -- U.S. authorities handed over an American serviceman accused of rape to Japanese police on Friday, resolving a standoff that strained relations and fanned resentment of the U.S. military in Okinawa.