Thursday, July 12, 2001
Jeep takes 'Liberty' with hard-core SUVs
Good-bye, Jeep Cherokee. Hello, Jeep Liberty, and hello controversy.
Vehicle sales remain solid despite slow economy
DETROIT -- U.S. vehicle sales grew 0.3 percent in June from a year ago, as rebates and cheap loans overcame the lethargic economy to keep the industry on track for its third-best year ever, industry executives and economists said Tuesday.
Like father, like son
The number (5) stock car photographed at North Central Motor Speedway Saturday night included in this column and the number 88 in the Vintage Racers photo on 3B belong to a son and his father, John and Jim Thompson.
Improving SUV mileage taking center stage
WASHINGTON -- At first glance, the row of Chevy Suburbans parked near the U.S. Capitol recently looked like race-car wannabes, brightly colored and plastered with sponsor decals.
Crash test, rollover ratings for vehicles; no standard for tire safety
WASHINGTON -- The government has five-star rating systems to determine how vehicles hold up in crashes and how likely they are to roll over. Consumers looking for similar guidance on tires will come up empty because there is no standard to determine which tires are safe and which might fail.
NCMS standings
Pure Stock
Racing memories
Stock cars owned by Jim Thompson (88), Jim Hartley and the late Ed Slip (right), which were raced at a track near the Deerwood shortcut and the Gull Lake-Heywood Airport near Nisswa, sat in the north Brainerd home of Slip's parents in this photo taken in the early 1950s. Thompson's was a 1939 Ford Coupe, Hartley's was a 1936 Ford Coupe and Slip's was a 1934 Ford Coupe.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Wednesday 308, a year ago 269.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Wednesday cattle: 500.
Sister's recipes are for those who enjoy Chinese
This week I would like to share with you a couple of recipes I recently got from my little sister Pam.
Summertime is berry time
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- It's a berry good time of year.
Keep food cool at the beach
NEW YORK (AP) -- Lunchtime at the beach is not always so sunny. Warm drinks and melting tuna salad are less than appetizing additions to an experience that should be as breezy as the summer winds.
Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Tuesday.
Crime
Crow Wing sheriff
Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Wednesday.
CLUB DOCTOR
During the day Chuck Halverson helps people mend their lives through his work as a defense attorney.
Golf notes
The Minnesota PGA junior championship will be conducted at the Legacy Courses at Cragun's July 18-20.
Tips from a pro
Don't make it happen, let it happen
Bush to announce pharmacy discount cards for seniors
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Older Americans would get pharmacy discount cards next year under a White House proposal aimed at providing quick relief from high prescription drug costs.
Poll shows Wellstone in close race against Coleman
ST. PAUL (AP) -- U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone is running neck-and-neck for re-election against likely Republican opponent St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman, according to a poll released Wednesday.
Minnesotans split on Bush's performance
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Minnesotans are split on President Bush's job performance, with men being more positive about him than women, a poll shows.
Coleman has raised $600,000 for Senate bid
WASHINGTON -- St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman, who plans to challenge Sen. Paul Wellstone, D-Minn., next year, has raised more than $600,000 in the first six months of this year, his campaign announced Wednesday.
House GOP scales back Bush charitable tax plan
WASHINGTON -- New tax breaks to encourage donations to charity would amount to just a few dollars per person, at least at first, and much less than President Bush proposed under legislation being considered Wednesday.
Pentagon sets April construction for new missile-defense tests
WASHINGTON -- The Pentagon plans to begin construction next April for new tests of a missile defense, which could violate a 1972 treaty banning national missile shields, Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz said Thursday.
Republicans move toward increasing fuel efficiency requirements for SUVs
WASHINGTON -- Under pressure to include more conservation measures that reduce energy use, congressional Republicans are moving toward a compromise to increase fuel efficiency requirements for sport utility vehicles as part of an energy package.
Bush offers lawmakers wish list on Medicare revamp
WASHINGTON -- President Bush pledged Thursday to "honor and renew the promise of Medicare" with a stopgap prescription drug discount plan that he said will give way to a broader overhaul of the 36-year-old government health care program.
Ventura seeks business partnerships in Canada
TORONTO (AP) -- Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura signed autographs, posed for photos and talked business Wednesday to kick off a three-day trade mission to Canada.
House opens door to individuals buying prescription drugs from abroad
WASHINGTON -- The House voted Wednesday to make it legal for Americans to purchase prescription drugs from foreign countries by mail order or through the Internet, a step that could lead to significant savings for older Americans who use the most prescriptions.
Bush drops plan on gay discrimination exemption
WASHINGTON -- The White House Tuesday abruptly ended its consideration of a regulation that would have allowed religious charities to discriminate against gays, after Democratic leaders in the Senate warned that such a move would imperil Bush's core "faith-based" initiative.
House panel weighs action against unscrupulous movers
WASHINGTON -- It's every family's moving nightmare: belongings held hostage for an inflated fee, unnecessary packing materials used to further hike bills, irreplaceable items damaged.
Bush will tap Minnesota banker for Fed vacancy
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush will nominate Mark Olson, the former head of a Minnesota bank and a past president of the American Bankers Association, as a member of the Federal Reserve Board, a government official said Tuesday.
Oregon absentee voting statute upheld
In a ruling with strong national ramifications, a federal appeals court in San Francisco on Wednesday for the first time upheld a state's law mandating voting by mail.
Atlantis lifts off carrying new door for space station
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- Space shuttle Atlantis streaked into orbit Thursday carrying a $164 million front door for the international space station.
NASA to send craft out to catch -- and bring back -- solar wind
Hoping to catch a cosmic breeze, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration is preparing to launch a new spacecraft to seek evidence of the earliest days of our solar system 4 1/2 billion years ago.
Looking to cut drug costs, lawmakers consider easier imports
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Looking to cut the high cost of prescription drugs, lawmakers are considering looser rules on the import of cheaper medicines and speedier approval of generic versions.
Report says 23 countries lax in combatting growing problem of trafficking in humans
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A State Department report Thursday said 23 countries are not making significant efforts to combat the growing problem in which an estimated 700,000 persons are transported across international borders to work in sweatshops, construction sites, brothels and fields.
Procedural battle stalls campaign finance vote
WASHINGTON -- The House was close to judgment on whether it would rein in runaway spending on federal elections when a last-minute dispute on terms of the debate made it uncertain the legislation would even come to a vote.
Dayton-funded senior trips to Canada to start up
WASHINGTON -- Sen. Mark Dayton announced Wednesday he will restart his "Rx Express" trips to Canada next Monday using his Senate salary, continuing his attention-grabbing trips from last year's campaign.
Bush energy development plans hit Democratic roadblock in Congress
WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration's energy development plans are meeting resistance in Congress as Democrats block new drilling in federal monument areas and vow to stymie attempts to develop oil and gas reserves in the eastern Gulf of Mexico and an Arctic wildlife refuge.
Wellstone named to Senate Agriculture Committee
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sen. Paul Wellstone has joined fellow Minnesota Democrat Mark Dayton on the Senate Agriculture Committee just as Congress begins the process of writing a new farm bill.
Artificial heart recipient critical but stable following surgery to drain fluid
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- The first human recipient of a self-contained artificial heart went back to surgery to drain fluid from his chest, his doctors said.
Study says where you live influences risk of heart attack
People in poor neighborhoods are more likely than those in well-to-do areas to have heart attacks, even when individual differences in income, education and occupation are taken into account, researchers say.
Farming the old-fashioned way -- with animals
WYKOFF (AP) -- If you dream of the days of yore when farming was done with horses and oxen, the group Tillers International may be what you're looking for.
Grandpa's legacy:
PEQUOT LAKES -- For as long as I can remember, my grandpa Les Tweed has always made wooden toys and crafts as gifts for his family, including all eight of his grandchildren.
Rock climbers have a lingo of their own
The following are some phrases used in the rock-climbing world, which, like skate boarding, bicycling and surfing, has its own lingo:
Hot, dry conditions singe crops
Rain is needed in most areas of the state as Minnesota crops begin to show signs of stress due to a lack of topsoil moisture, according to the Minnesota Agricultural Statistics Service.
Red Wing's Barn Bluff attracts rock climbers from afar
RED WING (AP) -- They travel from Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin to scale the limestone cliffs of the bluff that Henry David Thoreau once traversed. They're rock climbers, and those in the know regularly espouse the virtues of the sleeping giant that French explorers named Mount LaGrange.
Gardener employs bees and practices haute honey-making
ROCHESTER (AP) -- Don Johnston didn't intend to keep bees, nor to become a honey maker. But his garden had other ideas.
Fitness buffs heading for 'boot camps' for extra push in working out
BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Fall out for formation at 6 a.m. No excuses. Layer up. Get your running shoes and rain gear. No excuses. Alphas up front, Charlies in the back. Now run.
Area briefs
PIERZ -- Rita Albrecht, Pierz, received a $1,000 scholarship from the National Dairy Shrine/Dairy Management Inc. based in Columbus, Ohio.
Central Lakes Ag Center in Staples to host event Aug. 2
STAPLES -- The Central Lakes Ag Center in Staples will host Showcase 2001: Exploring Air, Land and Water from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 2.
Senior nutrition site opens weekdays at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Nisswa
NISSWA -- Lutheran Social Service recently opened a senior nutrition site in Nisswa for dine in or home delivery.
Mille Lacs Indian Museum, Trading Post get new site manager
ONAMIA -- The Minnesota Historical Society announced Terence Q. Vidal will be the new site manager for the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post.
Public's help sought in search for Allen Daniels
Authorities are asking for the public's help in finding Allen Daniels, missing since Tuesday and presumed drowned in the Mississippi River in Brainerd.
Foundation awards area projects in June
The Initiative Foundation awarded 13 community grants totaling $102,500 in June.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1981)-Hundreds of pounds of barbecued turkey came off the special equipment provided by Hans Borgwarth at Paul Bunyan Center. The occasion was the annual Rotary Club Turkey Barbecue.
County board considering agreement with watershed district
The Crow Wing County Board decided Tuesday to seek an opinion from the county attorney in regard to a joint powers agreement with the Thirty Lakes Watershed District.
Man faces charges in stabbing
A 34-year-old Brainerd man faces a charge of attempted murder for allegedly stabbing his former girlfriend Monday at a southwest Brainerd residence.
County board to establish committee to review feedlot ordinance
The Crow Wing County Board agreed Tuesday that it needs to update its feedlot ordinance.
First 'King Bean' returns
PEQUOT LAKES -- It's been a long time since Max Garten, Sun City, Ariz., has had a mouthful of Pequot Lakes' famous baked beans, but they tasted as good as he remembered them.
Educator promotes natural shorelines
A lake home or cabin may seem more like work rather than a get-away place. Finally there is a reason to quit the tedious job of mowing the lawn -- a natural shoreline.
Safe and Sober, NightCap result in 244 ticketed drivers
The Safe and Sober and NightCap programs run by the State Patrol in the Brainerd and Little Falls areas June 30-July 7 resulted in 244 ticketed drivers.
Anthony case continues
Authorities continue to investigate the abduction and murder of 50-year-old Rachel Anthony, a Pequot Lakes woman who was apparently abducted Feb. 27 while working at a Pine River Liquor store.
Annoying itch can rub swimmers wrong way
It's the bane of a day at the beach, the unwelcome result of too much summer fun in the water.
Senior center director resigns
After nine years as Lakes Area Senior Activity Center director, Jill Waller recently resigned the post.
Crow Wing board establishes park, recreation department by 3-1 vote
Crow Wing County will now have a separate park and recreation department.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1981)-High winds blasted the Brainerd area Friday night, knocking out electrical power to half of Brainerd and telephone reception to the entire city.
Search still on for man
The search continued today for a 27-year-old Brainerd man who has been missing since he allegedly went for a swim Tuesday morning in the Mississippi River near Laurel Street in Brainerd.
Shark attack captures attention of boy's Mississippi hometown as they hope for his recovery
OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. -- When the discussion at Mississippi's Sea Camp turns to sharks this week, some of Jessie Arbogast's classmates will be learning about an animal that has already provided them with a glimpse of its savage nature.
Ashcroft takes steps to rein in FBI
WASHINGTON -- Attorney General John Ashcroft took his first concrete steps Wednesday to reign in the FBI after months of turmoil, giving Justice Department watchdogs greater power to investigate allegations of misconduct at the embattled law enforcement agency.
Court delivers mixed decision in Tampa right-to-die case, keeping woman on life support
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- A woman whose husband and parents are battling over whether to let her die must be kept alive at least temporarily, a Florida appeals court ruled Wednesday.
Compaq to lay off 4,000 workers
HOUSTON (AP) -- When Compaq Computer Corp. announced earlier this year it was restructuring, the company hoped natural attrition would allow it to shave thousands of jobs.
Oklahoma appellate court refuses to dismiss case against Terry Nichols
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- An Oklahoma appellate court ruled Wednesday that trying Terry Nichols on state murder charges for the Oklahoma City bombing does not violate his right against being tried twice for the same offense.
Death penalty rejected for terrorist
NEW YORK -- A federal jury Tuesday rejected the death penalty for a Tanzanian man convicted of bombing the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania in 1998. He now faces an automatic sentence of life in prison without parole.
Police search Condit apartment
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Police say it is too early to determine whether their search of Rep. Gary Condit's apartment Wednesday will help solve the disappearance of a former Washington intern who has been missing for 10 weeks.
Lab creates human embryos for stem cells
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) -- Scientists at Eastern Virginia Medical School have created human embryos from donated eggs and sperm for the sole purpose of harvesting embryonic stem cells for research, according to a study published Wednesday.
Napster planning to appeal ruling keeping it offline
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Napster plans to appeal a crushing decision handed down by a federal judge that the company remain off-line until it can perfect its song-swapping system.
Wildfire kills four firefighters
TWISP, Wash. (AP) -- A small wildfire in the rugged forest of the North Cascades exploded to 2,500 acres in a matter of hours, killing four firefighters and injuring four others, one seriously.
Microsoft's decision to change licensing agreements likely to have little impact
SEATTLE (AP) -- Microsoft's Corp.'s decision to change its licensing agreements with computer manufacturers appeared likely to have little impact as computer makers seemed hesitant to change their policies.
Senior center will move to new home soon
Muscles and trucks will be in demand this month as renovations to the Lakes Area Senior Activity Center on Kingwood Street are expected to be completed Friday paving the way for a cross-town move.
Polaroid to explore sale or merger to dig out from debt
BOSTON (AP) -- Polaroid Corp. said Wednesday it would explore a merger or sale and said it received a reprieve from lenders, as the the camera and film maker tries to dig out of debt.
Families sue over mercury in vaccine
BEAVERTON, Ore. (AP) -- Four Oregon families who say their children were harmed by mercury contained in vaccines filed a lawsuit Wednesday against 12 companies that make drugs or distribution them.
Dry pine needles, rising heat and wind turned wildfire ferocious
WINTHROP, Wash. -- From the air, it wasn't much more than a wisp of smoke reported by a pilot flying over the Okanogan and Wenatchee national forests. Snuffing it out was supposed to be a quick job for the 21 firefighters sent in.
Toxic gas release sends 95 workers to hospitals
TULSA, Okla. (AP) -- A valve on a chemical tank blew off and released toxic gas, sending 95 workers to hospitals with breathing problems and nausea.
Suspicious car prompts partial evacuation of West Wing of White House
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The West Wing of the White House was partially evacuated for about an hour Thursday after a car parked on the driveway nearby raised suspicions. Authorities checked for explosives and found none, and the building was reopened.
Human ancestor remains older than 5 million years found
Remains of what may be humanity's earliest direct ancestor -- a chimp-sized creature that walked the cool, wooded highlands of East Africa more than 5 million years ago -- have been discovered in Ethiopia, an international team of researchers announced Wednesday.
Trust the game
It came as no surprise the most entertaining moment of the All-Star game involved a sawed-off bat sailing down a baseline. What was surprising is that it had nothing to do with Roger Clemens facing Mike Piazza yet again.
Second half starts Let the races -- and trades -- begin
SEATTLE -- Cal Ripken's victory lap at Safeco Field gave baseball a great reason to smile. Now, it's time to get serious.
After years of glory, a night of honors for Cal
SEATTLE -- For weeks, Cal Ripken's best blasts have had trouble reaching the warning track, much less the bleachers, whether in games or merely batting practice. If you put the ball on a tee -- one of the old Oriole's favorite drills, learned from his father -- he might not be able to hit it 400 feet on the first swing.
BASEBALL APPEARS HEADED FOR ANOTHER LABOR WAR
It was strictly an exhibition, and topics ranged from the weighty to the whimsical.
Tax on athletes might be 'golden goose'
The thought of public assistance to build a baseball stadium for the Twins' billionaire owner goes against the grain of many taxpayers.
Source says deal is in McGriff's hands
CHICAGO (AP) -- One word, and Fred McGriff goes from the worst team in baseball to the best in the NL.
Cal's star burns brightest
SEATTLE -- Hey Cal! Care to reconsider?
Capitals acquire Jagr
WASHINGTON (AP) -- That Internet guy in Washington really knows how to land a big name.
A triumphant ending for Ripken
SEATTLE -- For one final night, Cal Ripken was baseball's biggest star.
Baseball notes
SCOREBOARD
Report blasts U.S. track officials for faulty doping procedures
WASHINGTON (AP) -- At the end of the Sydney Olympics, with the C.J. Hunter controversy still fresh, USA Track & Field was criticized for the way it handled positive drug tests.
Mary Cooper
LITTLE FALLS -- Mary Cooper, 96, Little Falls, died Tuesday, July 10, 2001, at St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls.
Joy V. Reis
McGREGOR -- Joy V. Reis, 70, Fleming Lake, died Monday, July 9, 2001, at her home.
Vernon G. Haagensen
McGREGOR -- Vernon G. Haagensen, 78, McGregor, died Tuesday, July 10, 2001 at his home.
Philip S. Sundquist
Philip S. Sundquist, 88, Brainerd, died Tuesday, July 10, 2001, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Charles Hoffman
DONNA, Texas -- Charles Hoffman, 82, Donna, Texas, formerly of Aitkin, died Sunday, July 8, 2001, at McAllen Medical Center in McAllen, Texas.
Thomas M. Nelson Jr.
HILL CITY -- Thomas Michael Nelson Jr., 40, Hill City, died Tuesday, July 10, 2001, at home.
Kenneth Carpenter
ST. CLOUD -- Kenneth Carpenter, 70, St. Cloud, died Tuesday, July 10, 2001, at home.
John C. Wright
AUSTIN, Texas -- John C. Wright, 67, Austin, Texas, a summer resident of Garrison, died Monday, July 9, 2001, as the result of a motor vehicle accident.
Ashley M. Adam
NISSWA -- Ashley M. Adam, 9, Nisswa, died Sunday, July 8, 2001, of an accidental drowning in Pine River.
Charles Hoffman
DONNA, Texas -- Charles Hoffman, 82, Donna, Texas, formerly of Aitkin, died Sunday, July 8, 2001, at McAllen Medical Center in McAllen, Texas.
June M. Bailey
AITKIN -- June Marie Bailey, 77, Aitkin, died Monday, July 9, 2001, at Riverwood Healthcare Center in Aitkin.
Gradon 'Gary' E. Hines
Gradon "Gary" E. Hines, 48, Brainerd, died Monday, July 9, 2001, as the result of a motor vehicle accident.
Max E. Maas
CROSSLAKE -- Max Edwards Maas, 69, Crosslake, died Tuesday, July 10, 2001, at St. Joseph's Medical Center.
Clara F. (Smitty) Sinclair
HUBER HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Clara F. (Smitty) Sinclair, 79, Huber Heights, Ohio, died Saturday, June 30, 2001, at the Good Samaritan Hospital.
Philip S. Sundquist
Philip S. Sundquist, 88, Brainerd, died Tuesday, July 10, 2001, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Richard 'Dick' Christoffersen
LITTLE FALLS -- Richard "Dick" Christoffersen, 56, Little Falls, died Wednesday, July 11, 2001, at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls.
Max Maas
CROSSLAKE -- Max Maas, 69, Crosslake, died Monday, July 10, 2001, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Wilhelmine Lulu Saastamoinen
Wilhelmine Lulu Saastamoinen, 87, Brainerd, died Tuesday, July 10, 2001, at St. Joseph's Medical Center.
Philomena (Boit) Lundgren
Philomena (Boit) Lundgren, 75, Brainerd, died Sunday, July 8, 2001, at St. Joseph's Medical Center.
Harvey C. Ligneel
MADISON, South Dakota -- Harvey C. Ligneel, 79, Madison, S.D., died Saturday, July 7, 2001, at the Madison Community Hospital.
Vernon G. Haagensen
McGREGOR -- Vernon G. Haagensen, 78, McGregor, died Tuesday, July 10, 2001 at his home.
Gerald D. Raines
Gerald D. Raines, 71, Brainerd, died Monday, July 9, 2001, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Asheville, N.C.
Ethel T. Schlee
EAST LAKE -- Ethel T. Schlee, 86, East Lake, formerly of McGregor, died Sunday, July 8, 2001, at Mercy Hospital in Moose Lake.
Thomas M. Nelson Jr.
HILL CITY -- Thomas Michael Nelson Jr., 40, Hill City, died Tuesday, July 10, 2001, at home.
Rose Marie Bilyard
PEQUOT LAKES -- Rose Marie Bilyard, 81, Pequot Lakes, died Tuesday, July 10, 2001, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis.
Stand up, Congress
All those members of Congress who supported campaign finance reform in past years with considerable righteousness should now stand up and be counted. The climactic debate that opened in the House Tuesday may well be the final discourse on this issue for years to come.
Treading on dangerous ground
WASHINGTON--Congress is treading on very dangerous ground as it considers President Bush's proposal for federal financing of religious-sponsored social services programs. This is no ordinary piece of legislation. It raises serious questions about church-state relations in this country.
Open Forum
Students at Central Lakes College in Brainerd and Staples will pay less for tuition than the average charged by Minnesota State Colleges and Universities in the 2001-02 academic year.
What do you think?
The Dispatch encourages readers to sound off in the Open Forum.
Wondering aloud about death penalty is a start
Just by noting that "serious questions are being raised about whether the death penalty is being fairly administered," Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor signaled how the questions might be answered. As she told a Minneapolis meeting of women lawyers, "The system may well be allowing some innocent defendants to be executed." Those statistics show that 90 people have been released from death row since 1973, she said.
Open Forum
I look forward to reading the various articles compiled from your network of sources in the "religion section" of Friday's edition. This past week, I was amused with the story by Richard N. Ostling, the Associated Press's Religion Writer. He took as his point of departure the recently published volumes by Israel Finkelstein and Neil Asher Silberman, "The Bible Unearthed", and William Dever, "What Did the Biblical Writers Know and When Did They Know It?"
I'm with my friends
WASHINGTON -- There's an old political saying that goes: "Some of my friends are for it, some of my friends are against it, and I'm with my friends." President Bush is facing a wrenching decision over the difficult issue of stem cell research that has put him right in the middle of his two groups of "friends."
Budget crunch
The first casualties of the recent budget battle may be University of Minnesota students.
O'Connor and death penalty
Justice Sandra Day O'Connor told the Minnesota Women Lawyers last week of her concern that the death penalty is unfair and that it's possible innocent people have been executed. She offered no evidence to support her statement, something a lawyer arguing before her would never be allowed to get away with. She did say that six death row inmates were freed last year and 90 have been exonerated by new evidence since 1973.
Pastor pulls boy from water
TWO HARBORS (AP) -- A 10-year-old boy was saved from drowning this weekend at Gooseberry Falls State Park by a pastor after a quick prayer.
Police: Father forgot baby was in van
BLAINE (AP) -- A man whose 4-month-old baby was found dead inside a minivan with the windows closed on a hot afternoon told investigators he forgot the child was there when he went to work, police said Wednesday.
'U' regents consider 13.3 percent tuition increase
MINNEAPOLIS -- University of Minnesota students would see an average 13.3 percent tuition increase next year under a plan being discussed Thursday by the school's Board of Regents.
State renegotiating college reciprocity
ST. PAUL -- The state of Minnesota is re-examining its reciprocity policy that pays tuition subsidies for students who attend college in surrounding states.
Welder starts fire at Farmland Foods plant
ALBERT LEA (AP) -- A fire that destroyed much of the Farmland Foods plant started when sparks from a welder ignited boxes inside a storage building, fire officials confirmed Tuesday.
Allina spent $300,000 on 'crisis' consultants
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Court documents indicate Allina Health System responded to a state investigation into its spending on executive perks and outside consultants by hiring additional "crisis" consultants this spring.
Boundary Waters to ban all campfires
DULUTH (AP) -- State, federal and Canadian officials are imposing far-reaching fire restrictions in response to dry conditions in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and other areas along the border.
Benton County tickets four exotic dancers in Rice
RICE (AP) -- Benton County sheriff's deputies ticketed four exotic dancers at Sugar Daddys here Wednesday for allegedly violating the county's new ban on public nudity.
Appeals court rejects sentencing of McGregor man
ST. PAUL (AP) -- A man convicted of killing an 84-year-old shopkeeper near McGregor must be re-sentenced because a lower court departed inappropriately from sentencing guidelines, the Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled.
Gulls' Seets helps fire up Northwoods stars
ST. CLOUD -- It took a fire in the Northwoods League dugout to help decide the game at Putz Field.
Local sports shorts
WHITE BEAR LAKE -- Marni Lundbohm of Pine Meadows Golf Club in Baxter won her opening-round match in the Minnesota Women's State Match Play Championship Tuesday at the White Bear Yacht Club.
Scoreboard
NORTHWOODS LEAGUE BASEBALL
Girls teams to appear in state tournaments
Two Brainerd teams will compete in the Minnesota Sports Federation state slow-pitch softball tournaments for 16 and under and 18 and under girls this weekend in Brainerd.
Scoreboard
NORTHWOODS LEAGUE BASEBALL
Mashers stop Gulls
MANKATO -- The Brainerd Mighty Gulls continued to struggle in the second half of the Northwoods League season as they were defeated 9-4 by the Mankato Mashers Wednesday at Franklin Rogers Park.
Tournament schedule
July 9-12 -- American Junior Golf Association - Grand View Lodge's Pines
Local sports shorts
WHITE BEAR LAKE -- Marni Lundbohm of Pine Meadows in Baxter won her second-round match in the Minnesota Women's State Match Play Championship at the White Bear Yacht Club Wednesday.
Greg Larson Sports claims Twilight League title
Thanks to a 7.5-4.5 victory over Shep's on Sixth, Greg Larson Sports ran away with the first-half title in the Men's Twilight Golf League at Pine Meadows July 5.
Brainerd Bronco, Pony classics Sunday
The Brainerd Parks and Recreation Department will host its annual Bronco and Pony league Midseason Classics at Bane Park Sunday.
Twins make All-Star cameos
SEATTLE (AP) -- Two of the three Minnesota Twins invited to the All-Star Game made brief appearances in the American League's 4-1 victory over the National League game on Tuesday night.
Judge denies third delay in civil case against Haskins
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Federal prosecutors will decide within two months whether to pursue a criminal indictment against former University of Minnesota men's basketball coach Clem Haskins, his attorney said Tuesday.
Lynx stymie Portland's firepower
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Minnesota Lynx played disciplined defense and shut down the high-scoring Portland Fire.
Julia Roberts speaks out about breakup with Benjamin Bratt
NEW YORK (AP) -- Actress Julia Roberts says her breakup with actor Benjamin Bratt was anything but tumultuous.
Zoo Man to appear at Brainerd library
At 2:30 p.m. Monday, Wolfin' Down with the Zoo Man will be presented at the Brainerd Public Library, sponsored by Friends of the Library.
Entertainment Guide
Live music
Kuala Lumpur: A city full of joyful, happy, friendly people
Sometimes the sense of aloneness and introspection can come without a written invitation and at unexpected times.
Programs to be presented at Crow Wing State Park
Crow Wing State Park and the Crow Wing County Historical Society will host a series of programs highlighting the natural and human history of the state.
Senior reading project topic of library talk
"Our aging bodies need good food and exercise to flourish -- and so do our brains."
Schimpps are promoting their first CD as Ruby Boots
STAPLES -- A trio of sisters is breaking out with its own folk and country music act after building an area reputation as members of The Schimpp Family Singers, a southern gospel group fronted by their parents.
Little Falls author finds 'on-demand' publisher
LITTLE FALLS -- Tired of rejections from traditional publishers and literary agents, first-time novelist Dave Schwinghammer took matters into his own hands.
'Kiss of the Dragon' is nothing more than a really bad martial arts film
"Kiss of the Dragon" is Hong Kong superstar Jet Li's latest attempt to cash in on America's thirst for martial arts action films. But he'll have to try again.
Faultline to play first Concert in the Park in Little Falls
LITTLE FALLS -- A young foursome called Faultline will be the featured act at 4 p.m. Sunday at Concerts in the Park at Maple Island Park in Little Falls.
Hawaii-based singer to perform in August in downtown Brainerd cafes
Hawaii based singer-songwriter Darlyne Cain will stage concerts in August at two downtown Brainerd locations.
Lakes Area Artists to host exhibit, sale
NISSWA -- Lakes Area Artists will host the fourth annual 2001 Exhibition and Sale July 20-22 at the Nisswa Community Center.
'Cats & Dogs' paws its way to box-office victory
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Pets ruled at the box office, with "Cats & Dogs," a tale of feuding canines and felines, debuting as the No. 1 weekend film with $21.7 million.
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.
Pequot Lakes to stage summer play
PEQUOT LAKES -- For the first time, Greater Lakes Performing Arts will stage a light comedy in the summer.
Tempo tidbits
Comedy Central cable television network today began taping "Let's Bowl," the half-hour game show featuring Brainerd alum Steve Sedahl, at a White Bear Lake bowling alley.
Fiddler to perform fund-raising concert
GRAND RAPIDS -- Natalie MacMaster, a fiddler, will perform a concert Aug. 29 in a joint fund-raiser between KAXE and the Reif Center in Grand Rapids.
Comedy-mystery 'Scooby Doo!' to be staged in Little Falls
LITTLE FALLS -- A Little Falls community theater troupe is bringing one of television's most popular cartoon series to life in the stage version of "Scooby Doo! Where Are You?"
Music lovers jammin' in Walker
WALKER -- The 10th annual Moondance Jam picks up a head of steam today with the Blues Travelers and the Wallflowers before charging into the weekend with a lineup of classic rock and roll superstars.
Works by painter, sculptor Degas now on display at Minneapolis Institute of Arts
MINNEAPOLIS -- Art historian and critic Robert Hughes predicted that the 1988 retrospective of Edgar Degas' works at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York would be the last of its kind.
Correction
The flower in last week's scenic picture on the Up North page was misidentified. It was a yellow violet.
Turtle eggs and tadpoles: getting to know our neighbors
In late April, the marshy area behind our house came alive with music. There were incessant chirps, boinks and peeps 24 hours a day. After years falling asleep during northern Minnesota springs, I knew those were the serenading choruses of the frogs.
Area briefs
EMILY -- Celebrate Emily Day on Saturday, July 21.
Mark calendar to see spectacular display of showy lady's-slippers
FEDERAL DAM -- Mother Nature presents a spectacular display of showy lady's-slippers mid-June each year along County State Aid Highway 8 east of Leech Lake.
Iowa state forecast
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms southwest. Sunny east. Highs in the 80s.
State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. Slight chance of showers or thunderstorms west and central. Highs in the upper 70s to mid 80s.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Mostly sunny. Highs in the 70s to low 80s. Cooler near the great lakes.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Mostly sunny. Highs in the 70s to middle 80s.
Iowa state forecast
Today...Scattered showers ending this morning southwest. Becoming sunny or partly sunny elsewhere. Highs from the middle 70s to lower 80s.
State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms west and central. Highs from the 70s west to the lower to mid 80s east.
Reach for the sky
Weather drawing by Kaycie Mogensen of Jan Wilcox's kindergarten class at Lowell school.
The Weather Elsewhere
Wednesday
The Weather Elsewhere
Thursday
State forecast for North Dakota
Today...Morning showers central...Otherwise partly to mostly sunny. Isolated afternoon thunderstorms west and north central. Highs 75 to 85.
Minnesota state forecast
Today...Sunny northeast. Partly cloudy southwest. Highs upper 70s north to lower 80s south.
Out in nature
Weather drawing by Michelle Gossett of Mr. Meyer's second grade class at Lowell school.
State forecast for North Dakota
Today...Showers and thunderstorms likely west and central. A chance of light rain northeast. Increasing clouds southeast. Highs 70 to 80.
Minnesota state forecast
Today...Partly sunny. Highs from the middle 70s to middle 80s.
Experimental fertility technique could give couples babies without sperm
CANBERRA, Australia -- Australian researchers say they have pioneered in mice a potentially revolutionary technique that fertilizes female eggs without the need for male sperm.
Names and faces
JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) -- Harrison Ford starred in a search-and-rescue sequel for a missing Boy Scout in a forest just south of Yellowstone National Park.
Flower formula
Dear Heloise: You recently wrote in your column about keeping fresh-cut flowers fresh by adding something to the water. I can't find the article. Could you please tell us again what this is? Thanks. -- Betty Rhode, Salem, Ore.
Court upholds ban on man's having children
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- The state Supreme Court, splitting along gender lines, ruled Tuesday that a man who owes $25,000 in child support can be ordered not to father any more children while he's on probation.
Federal regulators delay approval of new asthma and allergy drug at least a year
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Federal regulators said Tuesday they want more information about the potential side effects of Xolair, a new asthma and allergy drug that three biotech companies had planned to sell next year.
Doctors warn use of herbal products should be halted before surgery
CHICAGO (AP) -- Gingko biloba caused a gall bladder surgery patient to develop serious bleeding. Medicinal garlic caused spinal bleeding in another patient, who needed a second operation to avoid permanent paralysis.
Regulators gear up to monitor fertility clinics, official says
WASHINGTON -- Fertility clinics will come under closer scrutiny by the Food and Drug Administration, with plans under way to require the clinics to register and to get federal approval for some medical procedures.
Names and faces
LONDON (AP) -- A London court approved a "generous" financial offer from Boris Becker to support the baby he fathered with Russian model Angela Ermakova.
Young abuse victims should reach out
DEAR ABBY: You printed a column from stepchildren in loveless homes. Both letters were signed, "No Name, No Address, No Phone." I hope you'll convey this message to the teen-ager in high school:
What's doing
The Gull Area Lakes Association (GALA) will be hosting its annual membership on Saturday at Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake. The meeting is open to all members and any interested non-members. Fishing populations, tournaments and stocking are among some of the topics of interest. There will also be a forum for asking questions of our board members and Cass County, Crow Wing County and MN DNR Enforcement Officers. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. with coffee, rolls and juice served. The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m.
Cashier had better check out anger soon
DEAR ABBY: I have had it with people who talk nonstop on cell phones while simultaneously conducting other business.
What's doing
Rollin' Rangers will meet July 16-18 at Sunnybrook Park in Wadena. Hosts will be John and Florence Nelson and Leonard and Karen Oseland.
Potato salad challenge
Dear Readers: Who doesn't love potato salad? With summer in full swing, that means outings, from picnics to barbecues and trips to the beach, lake or river. One thing that most of these events have in common, if food is involved, is good old potato salad ! Every family seems to have a favorite recipe and almost always thinks theirs is the best.
Most tourists not worried as Jamaica's political violence calms
MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica -- The politically charged violence that killed 25 people in four days made no difference to the vacation plans of Texan Brett Balmarez.
Touring Israelis reminded to mind their manners
JERUSALEM -- To hear them tell it, Israelis have a terrible reputation as tourists in other countries. Stories of rude Israelis who trash hotels and insult waiters are legion.
S. Korea freezes military exchanges with Japan over textbook dispute
SEOUL, South Korea -- Angered by Japan's refusal to revise controversial history textbooks, South Korea on Thursday ended military exchanges and canceled a planned visit to Tokyo by a top defense official.