Thursday, July 27, 2000
PT Cruiser tests poorly
WASHINGTON -- DaimlerChrysler AG's popular PT Cruiser scored poorly on a government crash test, but company officials insist the retro-look wagon is safe.
Phoning and driving is a dangerous mixture
WASHINGTON -- The temptation is to minimize the Transportation Department's current investigation into the safety of driving while phoning.
Reports: Ford to boost SUVs' fuel economy
DETROIT (AP) -- Ford Motor Co., which is credited with popularizing gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles, will announce Thursday that it plans to improve the fuel economy of its fleet of SUVs by 25 percent over five years, according to reports.
PT Cruiser is the hippest thing on wheels
The easiest way to be hip these days is to drive a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Vegetarian cooking: Fresh Fig, Gorgonzola and Walnut Salad With Warm Port Vinaigrette
An ordinary salad is transformed into something special when you add a few magical ingredients. Fresh figs, tasty cheese, toasted walnuts and smooth olive oil begin the alchemy that produces this stylish vegetarian dish: Fresh Fig, Gorgonzola and Walnut Salad, dressed with Warm Port Vinaigrette.
Lemon bars A new twist on an old favorite
As the saying goes, "There's always room for Jell-O."
Sweet memories When aprons were handmade and desserts homemade
NEW YORK -- Remember when Mother put on a starched apron, most likely handmade, before she began to cook? Which was often.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Tuesday 263, a year ago 177.
Cass County courts
The following recently appeared in Cass County Court: Glenn Hugh Mongan, 27, Pine River, was ordered to serve 40 days in jail for gross misdemeanor DUI.
Accidents
NISSWA -- Three people were hurt in a two-vehicle accident Wednesday on Highway 371 in Nisswa.
Crimes
BURGLARY -- Colleen Stager, Emily, reported her residence broken into.
Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Wednesday.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Wednesday 155, a year ago 235.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Tuesday cattle: 700
Births
Vincent and Hope (Foster) Scarpelli, Aurora, Ontario, Canada, a boy, Gabriel Vincent, 9 pounds, 2 ounces, May 16, 2000. Grandparents are Armando and Ida Scarpelli, Richmond Hill, Michael Foster, Brainerd, and Paula Reismiller, Nisswa. Great-grandmother is Eleanor Vargo, Brainerd.
Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Tuesday.
Around the courses
County Club Estates once again took the lead in the Men's Twilight Golf League at Pine Meadows Thursday. With an 11-1 win over Cub Foods Country Club Estates moved ahead four spots to take the lead with 18.
First par 3 championship to help food shelf
NISSWA -- If golf scrambles are losing their flair but you still want to help out a worthy cause on the golf course, Grand View Lodge, The Brainerd Dispatch and Echo Publishing and Printing Co. are sponsoring the first Brainerd Lakes Area Par 3 Championship.
Tips from a pro
With the growth of golf in the Brainerd Lakes Area, most golf courses have a PGA Professional on staff. A lesson on the driving range with a PGA Professional will develop the techniques for your swing, build your routine, and help you learn the rules and etiquette of the game.
Tiger Woods crosses actors' picket
Tiger Woods on Wednesday traveled to Canada to shoot a commercial for Buick, the first spot the golfer has filmed since actors and actresses went on strike against the advertising industry May 1.
Career change leads Moseley to true love
NISSWA -- Bill Moseley might be considered a jack-of-all-trades but it took a little help from a friend to help him follow his dream.
Health groups directly link media to child violence
WASHINGTON -- Children love teen horror flicks, shoot-'em up interactive video games, hard-core rock and rap and risque television.
Deadly clogged arteries start early in adult life, most often in males
DALLAS -- Boys as young as 15 can begin to experience clogged arteries, according to a new study that says long-range prevention of heart disease must begin in adolescence.
Cass Council on Aging planning state fair trip
WALKER -- The Cass County Council on Aging is again sponsoring a bus trip for seniors who wish to attend the State Fair on Aug. 31.
Bills on ballast introduced in U.S. House
Bills seeking stronger action to keep unwanted marine creatures out of ship ballast were introduced this year in the U.S. House and at least three Great Lakes states.
Buckeye armor loves training at Camp Ripley
CAMP RIPLEY -- Camp Ripley, Minnesota's 53,000-acre Army National Guard Training Center, was a first-time charm for Ohio National Guards 1st Battalion, 147th Armor for its annual training from July 8 until July 22.
West Concord native leaves farm behind and enters body piercing profession
ROCHESTER (AP) -- James Hanson will poke a hole just about anywhere in your body, for a fee.
Extension office sponsors blueberry field night Aug. 2 in Staples
STAPLES -- Start-ups for establishing a commercial blueb
Next-generation robot has the hands of an astronaut
SPACE CENTER, Houston (AP) -- The scientists behind NASA's newest robot have outfitted their creation with an ancient tool that's still a giant leap forward: hands.
Study finds first evidence of long-term success in a weight-loss program
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- An unusually disciplined, long-term weight loss program helped participants following it lose nearly one-fifth their original weight and keep it off five years, researchers found.
Special book helps foster children maintain ties to birth family
"The Life Book puts everything in perspective for the children, where they came from and where they've been on their journey," she said. "They always have a record of where they've been."
Sweden man travels globe to drive semis
DEERWOOD -- One man traveled incredible distances to fulfill the dream of being able to drive a Peterbilt semi on United States highways.
Regional news
STAPLES -- If stamina is there for a 25-, 50- or 75-mile bike ride, look for an August event to provide in Staples.
In Minnesota, discretionary grants mainly go to flagship university
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Aside from Minnesota's flagship university, few schools here had much success last year attracting noncompetitive research grants, according to a Chronicle of Higher Education analysis of academic "earmarks" by Congress.
Mora man enjoys recapturing 'unforgettable clatter' of nickelodeons
RAINY LAKE (AP) -- Bill Fisher was 15 years old the first time he came over the hill from Kabetogama Lake to the Kettle Falls Hotel and heard the unforgettable clatter of the 1928 nickelodeon in the hotel's bar.
We're off to marry a wizard
If he were alive, "Wizard of Oz" Author L. Frank Baum would be shaking his head. Or clicking his heels, wishing he was back in Kansas.
Sailing mom tries for one more medal
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- There are soccer moms, and then there are sailing moms. Looking at J.J. Isler's hectic pace, there's absolutely no confusing the two.
Area briefs
STAPLES -- Sign up now for the August session of driver education classes 8:30 a.m.-noon weekdays Aug. 14-25 in Staples. Class size is limited. Call Staples-Motley Community Education at 894-2497 to register.
Report: Congress gives schools more than $1 billion without competition
Congress directed more than $1 billion to specific colleges and universities in the federal budget this year, a record for a noncompetitive process critics assail as pork barrel spending, The Chronicle of Higher Education says in a report being issued Sunday.
Scientists ponder how to exterminate alien pests
For more information about exotic species and the ship ballast debate, check the following Internet sites:
Other paths to invasion
Ship ballast is believed the most common pathway to the Great Lakes region for exotic species, but it's not the only one. Among others:
Pressure mounts to rid freighters of exotic invaders
ST. CLAIR, Mich. (AP) -- Capt. Pat Nelson gazes about the cavernous, mud-slicked interior of the ballast tank deep in the bowels of the 1,000-foot cargo ship Oglebay Norton.
Beavers appear to be winning war on the Embarrass River
EMBARRASS, Minn. (AP) -- Richard Rosett has declared war against beavers. So far, the beavers appear to be winning.
Duluth station needing help
KDLH-TV NewsChannel 3 in Duluth is coming to the Brainerd lakes area to feature the community in its newscasts and is looking for people to join in a live newscast Aug. 4.
TORNADO AFTERMATH
GRANITE FALLS (AP) -- As she sat in the back seat of a white sedan a
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1980) - Crow Wing County is growing at a 16 percent clip, according to the preliminary results of the 1980 census. Figures show an early population figure of 40,385 people in the county, compared to 34,826 listed in the 1970 census.
Hines named Teacher of Excellence
Karin Hines was named Brainerd Teacher of the Year in March and now is one of 28 teachers who have been chosen as Minnesota Teachers of Excellence in the 2000 Minnesota Teacher of the Year program.
Runaway program gets families back together
BAXTER -- After being assaulted again by her 17-year-old daughter Christine, Eva Hoaglund of Deerwood had enough. Her daughter, she told a judge, was not coming back into her home.
Boy dies in duplex fire in Brooklyn Park
BROOKLYN PARK (AP) -- A 7-year-old boy died in a duplex fire early Thursday, police said.
Local briefs
The Brainerd Parks and Recreation Board meets at 3:30 p.m. Monday in the small conference room at Brainerd City Hall.
County nears countywide transit system
Crow Wing County is getting closer to having a coordinated countywide system of transportation.
Winners announced at June Dairy Days
Maggie Nelson of Crow Wing County and Jeremy Grimim of Aitkin County were among the winners at the June Dairy Days Cattle Show conducted June 17 at the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds.
Helping them come home
If your runaway teen wants to come home and you need help with transportation, the National Runaway Switchboard may be able to help.
House sitting in middle of runway purchased
There was only one obstacle in the way for a runway expansion at the Brainerd-Crow Wing County Regional Airport.
Winning Powerball ticket purchased in Wisconsin
GERMANTOWN, Wis. (AP) -- The winning $10 million Powerball ticket in the latest drawing of the multistate lottery was purchased at a store in this suburban Milwaukee community, lottery officials said Thursday.
Contracts finalized by county
Crow Wing County employees who did not have a contract in place do now.
Leader of the dance
Lacey Roberts of Brainerd led a group of dancers Wednesday during the Just for Kix summer danceline camp performance in the Brainerd High School gymnasium. (Dispatch Photos by Paul Burton)
Storm brings heavy rain to lakes area
Storms that generated tornadoes in Granite Falls Tuesday brought a lot of rain and lightning to the Brainerd lakes area.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1980) - Brainerd Daily Dispatch headlines: City gets many ideas on how to spend $1.4 million
Signs that your teen might be thinking of running away
-- Changes in behaviors and patterns mean something is wron
Tornado-hit area cordoned off; debris everywhere
GRANITE FALLS) -- A tornado that hit Granite Falls smashed the west side directly, but even in areas that looked completely undamaged debris lay everywhere.
New state anti-fraud law to make it harder to get copies of birth or death certificates
Getting a copy of a birth or death certificate will be a little more difficult starting Tuesday when a state law designed to discourage fraud goes into effect.
Tornado slams Granite Falls
GRANITE FALLS -- Residents sifted through rubble and picked up debris Wednesday after a tornado slammed into this southwestern Minnesota town, killing at least one man and injuring at least 14 people.
Vandals cause mess at Paul Bunyan center
BAXTER -- Baxter vandals have become more destructive in recent days.
MCC fence builders
Members from the Minnesota Conservation Corps worked Tuesday building a fence at the Northland Arboretum.
'You can't help but feel blessed'
GRANITE FALLS -- With cleanup operations from a devastating tornado in high gear, the tenor of activity here changed from mobilizing to organizing.
What should I do if my youth runs away?
-- Notify the police and file a missing persons report. Keep records of all details of the investigation and stay in touch with authorities while your child is missing.
Local briefs
STAPLES -- Charges against 12 people arrested for various drug offenses June 15 in Staples have been dropped.
Hopefuls try to set selves apart
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Bunched in the polls, the four leading DFL candidates in the U.S. Senate race tried Wednesday to distinguish themselves on a range of issues in their first televised debate.
It's almost fair time
It's almost county fair time again, and that means six days full of exhibits, entertainment, food, and games.
Carnival ride accidents hit close to home
The carnival ride accidents that injured 11 children at the Cass County Fair in Pine River last weekend struck a little too close to home for Crow Wing County Fair organizers.
Pequot group exploring merging with BLADC
PEQUOT LAKES -- The Pequot Lakes Area Development Organization is exploring the possibility of merging with the Brainerd Lakes Area Development Corp.
Judge approves $1.25 billion Swiss banks-Holocaust settlement
NEW YORK -- A federal judge on Wednesday approved a historic $1.25 billion Holocaust settlement between more than 550,000 claimants and Swiss banks accused of keeping money deposited by Nazi victims.
Lab tests indicate plutonium in air after Hanford fire
RICHLAND, Wash. (AP) -- Air samples taken during and after the Hanford nuclear reservation fire last month show an increased concentration of plutonium in public areas outside the reservation, but still in non-harmful quantity, officials said Wednesday.
Study: Drug offenders jailed at startling rate
SAN FRANCISCO -- The number of drug offenders in many state prisons tripled from 1986 to 1996, even when adjusting for population growth, according to a report issued Thursday.
'Jerry Springer' show guest found dead, other guests suspected
SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) -- People tune into "The Jerry Springer Show" for its explosive love triangles. Authorities fear the violence may have spilled over later, resulting in a guest's death.
Crash investigators say pilot flew Osprey in excessive rate of descent
WASHINGTON -- Marine Corps investigators have concluded that the pilot of an MV-22 Osprey aircraft that crashed in the Arizona desert in April, killing 19 Marines, erred by hurrying his descent upon approaching Marana airport, officials said Thursday.
'Priceless' address book stolen from Titanic exhibit
CHICAGO (AP) -- A "priceless" address book from the Titanic has been stolen from an exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry, police said Thursday.
Orders for durable goods soar, wages and benefits rise
WASHINGTON -- Orders to U.S. factories for big-ticket durable goods surged by 10 percent in June while Americans' wages and benefits rose by 4.4 percent for the 12 months ending in June, the government reported Thursday.
Fire season worsening
HELENA, Mont. -- Two wildfires east of the state capital have blackened thousands of acres and forced dozens of evacuations -- more misery as more than 70 fires burn across parts of 10 Western states.
Microsoft appeals to Supreme Court
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Microsoft Corp.'s fight to avoid a court-ordered breakup entered a new round Wednesday as the computer software giant filed a Supreme Court appeal -- asking the justices to send the case to a federal appeals court.
Judge shuts down Napster, closing off source of Internet music trading
SAN FRANCISCO -- It didn't take long for the first howls of dissent to be heard over a federal court order that will likely shut down Napster Inc.'s wildly popular online song-sharing service at midnight Friday.
Boy and girl arrested in slaying of four family members
PICO RIVERA, Calif. (AP) -- A boy and girl were arrested for investigation of murder in the killing of four family members who were knifed to death as they slept, officials said Thursday.
McCombs leaves Minnesota after three exuberant days
MANKATO (AP) -- Vikings owner Red McCombs left Mankato early Wednesday to return home to San Antonio, Texas.
Kelly restrains his glee after Mays wins again
BOSTON -- Joe Mays' two consecutive wins aren't enough to get his manager excited.
Questions remain on Vikings' special teams
MANKATO, Minn. (AP) -- The Vikings were so anxious to hold their first special teams practice of training camp that they held it two hours earlier than scheduled Tuesday.
With 50 days to go, there's indifference in Sydney
SYDNEY, Australia (AP) -- With 50 days to go before the Olympics, most Sydneysiders are indifferent to the approach of the games -- a stark contrast to Atlantans, who were Olympics-obsessed months before their games in 1996.
Sackless Vikings? Vikings revamped defensive line starts with Randle, Hovan
MANKATO (AP) -- Chris Hovan, the Minnesota Vikings' first-round draft pick who showed up at training camp two days later than the mandatory reporting date, finally got the chance to play with his idol, John Randle, on Tuesday.
New Vikings coordinators have plenty of experience
MANKATO -- Offensive coordinator Sherm Lewis and defensive coordinator Emmitt Thomas bring a combined 50 years of NFL experience to their new jobs with the Minnesota Vikings, and both insist there will be a seamless transition from last year's ousted coordinators.
Hamm and cheese Wisconsin twins hope for Olympic spots in gymnastics
ST. LOUIS (AP) -- With their red hair, freckled faces and burgeoning talent, Paul and Morgan Hamm stand on the cusp of capturing the country's imagination.
Dodgers reacquire Valdes from Cubs
DENVER (AP) -- Less than two hours after the Arizona Diamondbacks bolstered their pitching by acquiring Curt Schilling, the Los Angeles Dodgers made a mound move of their own.
A new Fenway? Lawmakers, Red Sox reach tentative deal on new ballpark
BOSTON (AP) -- Key state legislators, the governor, the mayor and Boston Red Sox officials have reached a tentative agreement for a new ballpark. Only a public hearing, City Council action and a vote in the state Legislature stand in the way.
Schilling going home to Arizona
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- After three years of endless rumors, Philadelphia Phillies general manager Ed Wade announced that Curt Schilling indeed was traded. The problem was Wade forgot to which team.
National briefs
CHICAGO (AP) -- The father of Philadelphia 76ers player Nazr Mohammed was found dead at his auto parts business in what police say is a homicide.
Twins and Red Sox postponed
BOSTON (AP) -- While Red Sox management haggled with the state's political leaders over the funding for a ballpark to replace Fenway Park, the Boston players went about the business of playing baseball, largely ignoring the debate over their future home.
Rangers win without Pudge
The Texas Rangers didn't pack it in without Pudge. They hit the ball out instead.
Michigan named Big 10 favorite
CHICAGO (AP) -- Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said his defense is too suspect and the Big Ten is too deep for anyone to predict the Wolverines will win the league football title this season.
Wilson takes gymnastics lead
ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Good just doesn't cut it for Blaine Wilson anymore.
John Rudolph
HARDING -- John Rudolph, 99, Harding, died Tuesday, July 25, 2000, at St. Mary's Villa of Pierz.
Verna H. Pipp
Verna Hattie Pipp, 93, Brainerd, died Monday, July 24, 2000, at Woodland Good Samaritan Village of Brainerd.
Harold O. Chrisinger
AITKIN -- Harold O. Chrisinger, 84, Aitkin, died Monday, July 24, 2000, at Riverwood Health Care Center of Aitkin.
Frank W. Leibold
BIG LAKE -- Frank William Leibold, 59, Big Lake, and formerly of Brainerd, died Monday, July 24, 2000, at his home.
Martha R. Ososki
LITTLE FALLS -- Martha R. Ososki, 103, Little Falls, died today, Wednesday, July 26, 2000, at St. Otto's Care Center of Little Falls.
Melvin E. 'Mel' Holmes
GARRISON -- Melvin E. "Mel" Holmes, 70, Garrison, died Tuesday, July 25, 2000.
Melvin E. Holmes
GARRISON -- Melvin E. Holmes, 70, Garrison, died Tuesday, July 25, 2000, at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center of Crosby.
Duane 'Bill' Ewing
LAKE SHORE -- Duane "Bill" Ewing, 73, Lake Shore, died Wednesday, July 26, 2000, at St. Joseph's Medical Center.
Arthur R. Franzen
ONAMIA -- Arthur R. Franzen, 76, Onamia, died Sunday, July 23, 2000, at home.
Elaine Mustonen
BAXTER -- Elaine Mustonen, 84, Baxter, died Tuesday, July 25, 2000, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital of Minneapolis.
Elaine Mustonen
BAXTER -- Elaine Mustonen, 84, Baxter, died Tuesday, July 25, 2000, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital of Minneapolis.
Susan Robertson
Susan Robertson, 50, Brainerd, died today, Thursday, July 27, 2000, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village of Brainerd.
Lena F. Wehrs
Lena F. Wehrs, 92, Brainerd, died Monday, July 24, 2000, at Woodland Good Samaritan Village of Brainerd.
John F. Rudolph
PIERZ -- John F. Rudolph, 99, Pierz, and formerly of Seattle, Wash., died Tuesday, July 25, 2000, at St. Mary's Villa of Pierz.
Hazel P. Ries
MAPLEWOOD -- Hazel P. Ries, 85, Vadnais Heights, died Sunday, July 23, 2000, at St. John's Hospital of Maplewood.
Wallace A. Fredstrom
Wallace A. Fredstrom, 76, Brainerd, died Wednesday, July 26, 2000, at Woodland Good Samaritan Village of Brainerd.
William M. Wally
WESTMINSTER, Calif. -- William Michael Wally, 57, Westminster, Calif., and formerly of Little Falls, died Monday, July 24, 2000, in Huntington Beach, Calif.
Melvin Forsberg
AITKIN -- Melvin Forsberg, 100, Aitkin, died Monday, July 24, 2000, at Riverwood Extended Care Center of Aitkin.
Black and white news coverage
Press secretaries for black members of Congress are far mo
Happy trails - Dispatch Editorial
A recent sneak peek at the new bridge that will serve motorists along the Brainerd bypass provided a glimpse of some marvelous recreational opportunities in the Brainerd lakes area's future.
Bush picks a governing partner
WASHINGTON--Back on April 26, a few days after he had named Dick Cheney to manage the search for a Republican vice presidential candidate, I asked Texas Gov. George W. Bush if that assignment took Cheney out of the running for the No. 2 job. My reason for asking--which I did not share with Bush--was that the former defense secretary had seemed to me to be exactly the kind of partner Bush would want on the ticket, and even more, at his side if he became president.
Senior housing Cluster of housing units could be an exciting addition to area
All the details aren't worked out yet but tentative plans for a senior housing development in Baxter near the Northland Arboretum sound promising.
Open Forums
July 12, we were able to witness first-hand the common courtesy and goodwill it seems that many individuals
NAFTA: An unsung hero in Mexico
There are many lessons to be drawn from Mexico's successful election. The most important one for U.S. policymakers is this: To deepen democracy in
The bar's open!
Ladies and gentlemen, the bar is now open.
Open Forums
There is a reason why Kris Hasskamp has been in office so long. It's because she represents 100 percent of what reasonable people want.
Cheney faces questions on voting record, ties to Big Oil
CASPER, Wyo. -- Before an admiring hometown crowd on the oil-rich high prairie, Dick Cheney made his campaign debut with George W. Bush Wednesday, boasting that he's as conservative as the state he grew up in. But the Republican running mates quickly found themselves defending Cheney's voting record and ties to the oil industry against a wave of Democratic assaults.
In wake of Mideast summit's failure, time for new peace push in question
THURMONT, Md. -- The collapse of the Camp David summit leaves Israel and the Palestinians facing a round of tough new decisions about when -- or whether -- to return to the bargaining table.
Bostrom revved up for CBIR Superbike test
Two years ago Eric Bostrom found himself racing an American Motorcyc
ON TRACK
NASCAR
Car in plain white wrapper badly in need of sponsor
It's called a plain white wrapper -- no sponsorship -- and when a race car looks that way, it usually means the racer won't be around much longer.
A racer's growth
BROOKLYN, Mich. -- Liisa Tracy calls her husband a big kid.
Brainerd beats St. Cloud, splits with Sauk Rapids
After Noah cleared his ark off the infield of Don Adamson Field the Brainerd VFW baseball team played six and half hours of baseball and almost came away with the North Subdistrict 6 VFW Tournament Wednesday.
Local shorts
The Northwoods League Baseball game that pitted the Brainerd Mighty Gulls vs. the Wisconsin Woodchucks at Mills Field Tuesday was called due to rain. No make up game has been scheduled. The next home game for Brainerd is Friday July 28.
Brainerd VFW strikes back at Menahga
Jason Goerges isn't accustomed to throwing a lot of pitches but when he had the chance to knock off fifth-seeded Menahga, the team that put second-seeded Brainerd into the losers bracket, he needed little motivation.
Scoreboard
Northwoods League Baseball
Minnesota sports briefs
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The Minnesota Wild said Wednesday they agreed to terms with free agent Sergei Krivokrasov, the 26-year-old right wing whom they selected from the Calgary Flames in last month's NHL expansion draft.
Gulls suffer 3-1 loss
GRAND FORKS -- Grand Forks pitcher Ross Hawley threw a four-hitter as the Channel Cats defeated the Brainerd Mighty Gulls 3-1 Wednesday in the Northwoods League.
Scoreboard
Northwoods League Baseball
Scoreboard
Boys' 10 Singles -- Round of 16
Adkins to perform Sunday at Grand Casino Mille Lacs
ONAMIA - One of country music's "brightest stars" is appearing this weekend at Grand Casino Mille Lacs.
Caruso sings on -- and smokes on -- at a museum shrine
NEW YORK (AP) -- A red lightbulb illuminates four naked women dancing as Enrico Caruso's voice soars through the small room.
Rat Lake Music Fest will feature popular bluegrass bands
MCGREGOR - It's that time of year when the blues and bluegrass faithful gather on the grounds or kick up their heels at Larson's Barn Dance, site of the annual Rat Lake Music Fest in rural McGregor.
Summer brings novels of suspense, mystery
When Bishop Gus Quill disappears on Chicago's L train, it's a bit hard to pick up his tracks.
His way or the highway: McMurtry on the road
Larry McMurtry -- author, used-book shop proprietor, peripatetic American -- has heard the call of the open highway. He answers it in "Roads" (Simon & Schuster, $25).
Real-life sisters bring conversation to life
NEW YORK (AP) -- Julie, the ex-admissions officer, lives in Thailand, and Lian, the screenplay-writing housewife, in California. Monica does medical research in Oregon, Sheila is a New York school principal, and sports marketer Liz goes back and forth between those two places.
Work of a criminal-profiler is focus of autobiographical book
Criminal-profiler Jeanne Boylan has sketched another perfect portrait. However, this one isn't her usual drawing of some fugitive from justice -- it's her revealing book about her life and work.
Entertainment guide
For week of July 27-Aug. 2; bands perform from 9 p.m. to close with no cover unless otherwise noted.
Hip-hop books reach for new audiences
NEW YORK (AP) -- What kind of book reads like an action movie, comes with a soundtrack and is easier to find in a record store than a book shop?
Farewell? What farewell? The Presidents are back with a new album
SEATTLE (AP) -- It's easy to laugh about it now, but Chris Ballew of the Presidents of the United States of America wasn't laughing when he decided he'd had it with the rock lifestyle.
It's a family affair in the land of Oz
When "The Wizard of Oz" closes this weekend at Central Lakes College after 19 performances, 80 people will each have logged more than 150 hours.
'Circus Fire' is well-told but painful
The chilly morgue at Hartford (Conn.) Hospital saw a steady stream of tearful visitors following the dreadful circus fire of 1944.
Vet seeks bigger audience for little-known part of war
DEAR ABBY: I read with interest the letter regarding Ralph George and his veterans' speaking program. I hope vets all over the country are doing this. I have -- on my own -- spoken to classes at both elementary and college levels. I have also spoken to service clubs.
Old country faithful to headline country music fest
DETROIT LAKES - The Soo Pass Ranch in Detroit Lakes is the place to be next week for country music fans, as WE Fest swings into gear for its 18th annual blowout Aug. 4-6.
On the outside, Natasha Lyonne peers in
NEW YORK (AP) -- Natasha Lyonne's normally unruly corkscrew hair is now straight as glass. She's developing a fondness for designer tops and stiletto heels. Her latest film role is a bubbly cheerleader.
Banks' stories draw intimate portraits
Domestic strife, memory, and the lives of ordinary people are recurring themes in the 31 stories in "The Angel on the Roof" (HarperCollins, $27.50) by Russell Banks.
Hollywood's list of retro-TV flops keeps growing
HOLLYWOOD -- The secret to success in today's pop culture, a world that increasingly relies on recycling old ideas, characters and stories, generally comes down to attitude. In pop music, cover songs have become a new badge of artistic identity, whether it's Britney Spears' flirty version of the Rolling Stones' ''Satisfaction'' or Lenny Kravitz's funkadelic update of the Guess Who's ''American Woman.''
Artist captures soul of Tango on canvas with soles of his feet
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- Guillermo Alio rolls up his pant legs and laces up his black leather shoes. He ties a long, white handkerchief about his throat and sets a black sombrero jauntily atop his head.
Northcountrymen award three scholarships to students
The Northcountrymen Barbershop Chorus has recently awarded three students an $800 music scholarship to attend the college of their choice.
Pfeiffer plumbs fearful depths with 'What Lies Beneath'
LOS ANGELES -- Michelle Pfeiffer has had ongoing flirtations with the otherworldly.
Jimmie Van Zant to play Friday in Crosslake
CROSSLAKE - A band with a name as familiar to southern rock and roll fans as Ronnie and Donnie and Johnny Van Zant is coming to the lakes area this weekend.
Johnson to attend school for music educators
AITKIN -- Bryan Johnson, choir director for Aitkin High School, has been awarded a scholarship to attend Directors College, sponsored by the Northcountrymen Barbershop Chorus of Brainerd and The Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America.
Central Minnesota Boys Choir begins fund drive
STAPLES -- The Central Minnesota Boys Choir announced that it is beginning a fund drive to underwrite its inaugural season.
'What Lies Beneath' offers weak script for strong stars
The star power of "What Lies Beneath" draws you to the theater like a beacon on a midnight sea.
Antique boat show was old hat in Crosslake
The 13th annual Antique and Classic Wood Boat Rendezvous Saturday at Moonlight Bay Family Restaurant and Bar in Crosslake marked a day full of events and games.
Pequot Lakes area teen center awarded grants
The Initiative Foundation awarded two grants totaling $42,500 to fund the Pequot Lakes Area Teen Center, part of the Lakes Area Community Family Center. The grants represent a special initiative by the Foundation to fund youth and families programs in central Minnesota.
Lakes area events
Turtle Races, 2 p.m. Wednesdays, downtown Nisswa.
Kinship Partners prepares for changes
PEQUOT LAKES -- When the Lakes Area Community Family Center in Pequot Lakes is finally finished, Kinship Partners, an adult to youth mentoring program, will move from the basement of city hall to a brand new office in the center, culminating several moves during its history in the area.
Brainerd forecast
Tonight...Partly cloudy. Areas of fog developing. Lows 55 to 60. Northeast winds around 5 mph.
Brainerd Forecast
Tonight...A slight chance of an evening showers. Otherwise decreasing clouds. Areas of fog developing. Lows in the upper 50s. North winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 20 percent.
Around the nation
Amsterdam 73 59 cdy
Time to go fishing with dad
Weather drawing by Megan Griggs of Mrs. Brenny's third grade class at Baxter school.
Riding around
Weather drawing by Laura Pfeifer of Mrs. Ahlers' third grade class at Lincoln school.
Names and faces
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Actor Martin Sheen, whose son Charlie has a history of drug problems, says the courts need to deal harshly with addicts.
Little League dad faults father for misplay from stands
DEAR ABBY: I recently took my father to my 11-year-old son's Little League game. While my son's team was at bat, a ball was hit up the first base line. The first baseman made a gallant attempt to catch the ball, but missed and it went into the outfield.
What's doing
Heartland Squares will dance from 8-10:30 p.m. Friday at Ideal Town Hall, two miles north of Pequot Lakes on Hwy. 371, east on CR 16 for eight miles. Caller: Jim Kooyer. Fingerfood will be available.
Antiques in the fridge
My Dear Readers: A while ago in this column, we wrote about cleaning out the refrigerator and asked our readers to tell us about the OLDEST OR MOST BIZARRE thing in their refrigerator.
Rebel supporters take hostages in Fiji after arrest of coup leader
SUVA, Fiji -- Rebel supporters started taking hostages Thursday in the first signs of retaliation against the violent arrest of a coup leader who may be charged with treason, the military said.
Germany mourns crash victims
BERLIN -- With flags flying at half-mast around the country, Germany Wednesday interrupted its traditional summer vacation season to say farewell to 96 compatriots who perished when a supersonic Concorde jet bound for New York crashed near Paris shortly after takeoff.
Investigators decode black box of Concorde
PARIS -- Investigators on Thursday finished decoding the second black box on the Concorde supersonic jet that crashed and killed 113 people, but it could take up to three days to complete the analysis of the fatal flight, the French Transport Ministry said.
Israel, Palestinians resume peace contacts
JERUSALEM -- Israeli and Palestinian peace negotiators plan to resume talks this weekend, officials said Thursday, as intriguing details emerged about proposals made at the failed Camp David summit on which negotiators could build.
Crashed Concorde's pilot reported engine trouble, tried to land plane
GONESSE, France -- The Concorde that crashed and killed 113 people outside Paris had been delayed for last-minute maintenance on one of its engines, and soon after takeoff, the pilot radioed that he had engine trouble and sought in vain to make an emergency landing.