Thursday, October 12, 2000
Thoroughly modern Mini to revisit U.S.
Enthusiasts cheered when word came late last year that a new version of the vaunted Mini was under development and that the iconic British people-mover would be exported to the United States once again, beginning in 2002.
GM unveils biggest incentive program
Faced with slumping sales in its North American market, General Motors Corp. Tuesday announced one of the biggest sales incentive programs in its history, offering buyers of a wide variety of mid-sized vehicles large cash rebates and zero-percent financing for up to five years.
Korean cars fight for some cachet
It's still not hip to have a Hyundai, but it was only a few decades ago that it was no thrill to tool around in a Toyota, either.
Mitsubishi responds to column, admits errors made
WASHINGTON -- A recent column explored several controversies swirling around Japan's Mitsubishi Motors Corp. Those matters included corporate admissions of concealing product defects in Japan and allegations of "faked" sales and sexual harassment in the United States.
The Aztek GT: A weird-looking dog, but It hunts
Its developers call it the Pontiac Aztek. They should've called it the Gizmo.
Kia Rio doesn't cut it
There's nothing wrong with what is now America's cheapest new four-door car that a firmer suspension and less power-assisted steering wouldn't fix. But, as it stands now, I'd turn a thumbs-down on the new Kia Rio.
California judge orders recall of 1.7 million Fords
A California judge declared Wednesday that Ford Motor Co. had deceived safety regulators and consumers concerning a stalling problem in millions of its vehicles, and ordered the company to replace faulty ignition devices or repay customers who fixed them themselves. The ruling set the stage for one of the largest automotive recalls in history and the first to be initiated by a judge.
Big vs. little crashes:
Last year when Ford Motor Co. introduced the Excursion and the Navigator, the largest of its sport-utility vehicles, the company made heavy-duty trailer hitches standard equipment. The decision was made for safety. It turns out the SUVs were so big, the below-the-bumper hitches kept smaller cars from sliding under them in rear-end crashes.
A lesson in new, improved Civic
The best-selling small car in the United States is getting bigger, more powerful, cleaner, safer, more refined, more comfortable and more economical to own.
Vegetarian pasta dish is quick, easy
"Pasta: Every Way for Every Day" (DK, $19.95), by Eric Treuille and Anna del Conte, tags recipes according to the time they take to make. This vegetarian dish, Chickpeas With Rosemary, Chili and Garlic, is in the "Quick Cook" group.
Famous Dave's, Hormel Foods to team up
EDEN PRAIRIE (AP) -- Hormel Foods Corp. will produce, market and distribute four retail barbecue meat products featuring "Rich and Sassy" sauce from Famous Dave's of America Inc., the companies announced Wednesday.
Steaming bowl of chili warms you up
Who doesn't yearn for a bowl of hearty chili when the chilly winds of autumn blow? Steaming hot, deliciously thick and satisfying chili will warm you through.
Fragrant saffron gives food rich golden glow
October is the traditional time for harvesting saffron in Spain. This precious spice has its own mystique -- the golden color it gives food reflects its fabulous costliness. The down-to-earth reality behind its cultivation and use explains some of the legends.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Tuesday 53, a year ago 85.
Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Wednesday.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Tuesday cattle midsession: 1,000.
Accident
ONAMIA -- The victim of the car-pedestrian collision Monday has been identified as Beth Cunz, 45, Onamia.
Crime
THEFTS -- Emilie Anderson, Nisswa, reported the theft of a Chevy truck from a residence on Mill Avenue.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Tuesday 118, a year ago 130.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Tuesday cattle: 600.
Births
John and Darla (Johnson) Anderson, Brainerd, a boy, Ryan Douglas, 7 pounds, 10.5 ounces, Sept. 30, 2000. Grandparents are Norman and Betty Johnson, Brainerd, and John and Rhonda Anderson, Mason City, Iowa. Great-grandparent is Elizabeth Vanous, Hallock.
Births
Brian and Laurie Hemish, Brainerd, a boy, Daniel Joseph, 7 pounds, 11 ounces, Sept. 12, 2000. Grandparents are Walter and Helen Hemish, Crosby, and Delores Nokleby, Maynard.
Golf shorts
Craig Buysse of Austin used a 9 iron to shoot his hole in one on the 148-yard, 13th hole at the Preserve at Grand View Lodge.
Breast cancer study: Pill raises risk in women with family history
CHICAGO -- Birth control pills may raise the already heightened risk of breast cancer faced by women with a strong family history of the disease, a Mayo Clinic study suggests.
Safeway Inc. recalls taco shells
WASHINGTON -- Safeway Inc. has recalled taco shells from its stores after tests showed they may contain a variety of genetically engineered corn that isn't approved for food use.
Hearts of Women conference set Nov. 3-4 in Nisswa
NISSWA -- Women throughout the Brainerd lakes area are invited to attend the second annual Hearts of Women conference Nov. 3-4 at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa.
Judge takes job of Olympic proportion
WALKER - Cass County Judge John Smith recently returned from working 11 days at his second summer Olympic Games.
Construction on new Aitkin hospital to begin next May
AITKIN -- Riverwood HealthCare Center recently held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate its new health care facility that will begin construction next May.
Little Falls Airport to receive grants for improvements
ST. PAUL -- The Minnesota Department of Transportation Office of Aeronautics announced grants were awarded for improvements to the Little Falls Airport.
CLC receives donated car, truck
Central Lakes College, Brainerd and Staples, has announced the receipt of a 1998 Chrysler Sebring automobile and a Ford F150 4 x 4 truck with plow to assist with the education of students in the school's Automotive Technology program.
Crow Wing State Park: Imagine the past, future
It is easy to be amazed by the brilliant fall vista at Chippewa Lookout in Crow Wing State Park with its amber and rust hues mixing with the cool turquoise of the Mississippi River.
Tennis is family affair for Jensens of Pierz
PIERZ -- The Jensens consider themselves the most functional dysfunctional family in Pierz.
Redebaugh shows consistency on volleyball court for Pequot
PEQUOT LAKES -- As a sophomore, Julie Redebaugh made a name for herself on the basketball court for the Pequot Lakes Patriots.
C-I's Anderson races back from injury to win cross country meets
CROSBY -- Due to an injury Crosby-Ironton's Sam Anderson has only run in four cross country meets this year, but two of those were for individual wins.
Experts describe opportunities in engineering
High school students from Brainerd, Pequot Lakes, Crosby-Ironton and Pillager heard from eight experts at the first Central Lakes College Engineering Day.
Howes listens to area concerns at Walker meeting
WALKER -- Annexation, rural community sewer systems and how the state allocated highway funds were key issues local government officials brought to Rep. Larry Howes and House Local Government Committee Chair Peg Larson on Monday in Walker.
For some farm customers, Web can't replace personal sales relationships
ALPHA (AP) -- Southern Minnesota corn and soybean farmer Loren Tusa says e-commerce Web sites need to offer local services from local businesses, not just price breaks on goods, if they are to succeed in marketing to farmers.
Pillager homecoming royalty
Pillager High School's homecoming royalty included Ricky W
Most areas of state are at or past peak fall color
Most areas of Minnesota are now at or nearing peak fall color. In general, the northern one-third of Minnesota is either at or just past peak fall color.
CLC students lease laptop computers with option to buy
STAPLES -- Eighty laptop computers are giving Central Lakes College the edge in two career education programs on the Staples campus.
Women fare as well as men after receiving heart stents
CHICAGO (AP) -- Women who have tiny coils called heart stents inserted to prop open clogged arteries face higher initial risks than men do but fare just as well a year after the operation, researchers say.
Area briefs
CROSBY -- The Crosby-Ironton Senior Citizens Club will hold its monthly meeting and potluck dinner at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in the Cuyuna Range Community Center, Crosby.
State nonprofits growing faster than businesses
ST. PAUL (AP) -- A new survey shows Minnesota's nonprofit organizations grew faster last year and paid their employees less than their counterparts in business.
Rep. Bruce Vento died of rare form of lung cancer
Bruce Vento, a Minnesota congressman in the Democrat-Farmer-Labor Party since 1977 who was known as a protector of the wilderness, the homeless and small business, died Oct. 10 at his home in St. Paul, Minn. He was 60.
Months late, graduates recognized
ST. PAUL -- Classmates only by misfortune, 16 students who were denied high school diplomas because of a test-scoring error paraded Wednesday into the Capitol, dressed in caps and gowns, to be recognized in a special ceremony.
Supreme Court Justice Alan Page still remembered as a Minnesota Viking
ST. CLOUD (AP) -- Alan Page hasn't played in the NFL in nearly 20 years, and these days he'd rather focus on his present job as a Minnesota Supreme Court justice.
Voters no-shows at space needs meeting
Despite the chance to speak out or ask questions about the $7 million bond issue referendum, Brainerd residents Tuesday stayed away from a public information meeting about Brainerd departments' space needs.
Red River Valley sugar beet growers will be covered for crop losses
FARGO, N.D. -- About 65 Red River Valley sugar beet growers will be fully covered for crops lost to root rot this year, after earlier insurance claims were rejected, Rep. Earl Pomeroy said Wednesday.
EDA favors A-Tek expansion plans
A-Tek Manufacturing, looking to expand it facilities, has asked Brainerd for help and it looks like the city will say yes.
Local briefs
Railroad track repairs on Highway 18, or Eighth Street, crossing in the city of Brainerd were set to take place at 8 a.m. today and last until Friday afternoon, the Minnesota Department of Transportation reported.
TIF request submitted for mall project
The East Brainerd Mall redevelopment project took another step forward today.
Grass fires burn across Minnesota
Dry weather and strong winds fed numerous grass fires in Minnesota, although there were no reports of structural damage or injuries.
Local briefs
The Brainerd Fire Department will hold an open house from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the fire hall.
C-I superintendent candidates interviewed
CROSBY -- Parents, teachers and administration staff members interviewed three candidates Wednesday for the vacant superintendent position with the Crosby-Ironton School District.
Census figures rank state fourth most taxed in 1999
ST. PAUL -- Minnesotans paid the fourth-highest state taxes in the country last year, doling out an average of $2,613, compared with a national average of $1,835, according to Census Bureau figures released Wednesday.
Extending long-term care benefits to retirees cited
VADNAIS HEIGHTS (AP) -- Gov. Jesse Ventura floated the idea of extending long-term health care benefits to retired state employees Wednesday.
No special election, appointment will be held for Vento seat
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The congressional seat of the late Bruce Vento will sit vacant until voters fill it during the general election Nov. 7, according to a legal opinion issued by Attorney General Mike Hatch on Wednesday.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1980) - New officers were recently elected for the Brainerd Area Chamber of Commerce's retail trade development committee. Treasurer, Leonard Watland of Kentucky Fried Chicken, chairman John Sundby of J.C. Penney. Past chairman is Steve Esser, and vice chairman Wendell Fristedt.
LTV shutdown begins to affect Iron Range economy
HOYT LAKES (AP) -- When LTV Steel Mining Co. closes next summer 1,400 workers will lose their high-paying jobs, but another 1,400 workers not employed by the company also will be affected, an economist says.
Holdens donate $10,000 to Nisswa library project
NISSWA -- The Brainerd School District has been blessed with another donation to help fund the Nisswa community library project.
Clontz trip to Barbados on after all, television show foots travel bill
BAXTER -- A trip to Barbados is in the works after all for a Baxter couple.
List of city police chief applicants narrowed to 11
The list of applicants for Brainerd police chief has been reduced from 18 to 11, and now those candidates will go on to the next level of testing.
County workers will have to pay more for health insurance
Crow Wing County employees will have to pay more money for their health insurance.
More job cuts at Potlatch expected
Additional work force reductions are expected at Potlatch, but current negotiations continue between labor unions and management. Firm numbers are somewhere in the future.
Vento remembered in St. Paul as a man who never forgot his roots
ST. PAUL (AP) -- As Bruce Vento was being praised in Washington as a national champion of the environment and working people, the homeless and immigrants, he was remembered back home as a guy who never forgot where he came from.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1980) - Halfbacks Warner Lewis and Don Weiss combined to rush for 246 yards and three touchdowns yesterday to power Brainerd Community College to a 30-22 homecoming victory over Itasca.
County board talks dirt at meeting Tuesday
The Crow Wing County Board talked a lot of dirt Tuesday.
Minnesota pardon board enters new territory by handling misdemeanor case
ST. PAUL -- The Minnesota Board of Pardons entered new territory on Tuesday by wiping a 13-year-old misdemeanor conviction from a would-be police officer's record.
Minneapolis school board approves break from Boy Scouts
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Minneapolis school board has decided to distance itself from the Boy Scouts of America until the youth organization stops banning gay men from leading troops.
Local briefs
The Salvation Army in Brainerd has announced the start of a new food program to provide needy Brainerd lakes area families with turkeys for the upcoming holiday season.
House votes to rename law for Vento
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. House voted unanimously to rename a law providing aid for the homeless in honor of Rep. Bruce Vento, D-Minn., who was an outspoken advocate of the homeless.
BHS student suspended for bringing gun to school
A student who brought an unloaded handgun to Brainerd High School on Monday was suspended for 10 days, Principal Steve Razidlo said today, adding that despite the incident, Brainerd High School students are safe.
NASA scrambles to remove stray pin and make Wednesday launch
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Hoping to finally fly Wednesday night, NASA scrambled to remove a metal pin that ended up on space shuttle Discovery and led to an embarrassing launch delay.
At archbishop's urging, union suspends strike against Los Angeles County
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- An archbishop's plea spurred the union representing 47,000 Los Angeles county employees to suspend its strike, at least temporarily, while negotiations continue.
Ford raises doubts about Explorer tire data
WASHINGTON -- Ford Motor Co. officials said Tuesday that a Washington Post analysis of tire-related accidents involving its Explorer sport-utility vehicle was flawed because a key assumption was not totally reliable.
Dr. Laura apologizes to gays, lesbians
LOS ANGELES -- Laura Schlessinger used the Jewish Yom Kippur holiday -- the Day of Atonement -- to apologize to gays and lesbians for "poorly chosen" words she said have been perceived as hate speech.
Man convicted of manslaughter for taking 7-year-old girl's life jacket
BRANDON, Miss. -- A man was convicted of a reduced charge of manslaughter Wednesday for wresting a 7-year-old girl's life jacket away from her and leaving her to drown in a Mississippi lake.
Gun lock program suspended after problems are found
STAMFORD, Conn. -- A nationwide program to distribute free gun locks has been suspended after police in two cities found the locks can spring open.
Court TV producer taken hostage in prison, rescued
Apparently desperate to protect his mother from the possibility of execution, an inmate in Dannemora, N.Y., held a Court TV producer hostage for more than four hours Tuesday before authorities wrestled the inmate away, officials said.
Vitamin makers settle price-fixing lawsuit for $335 million
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Six foreign vitamin companies agreed to pay $335 million to settle a lawsuit accusing them of conspiring to fix prices.
Drought cutting into harvest of major crops
WASHINGTON -- Farmers are harvesting less corn, soybeans and cotton this fall than the government had expected because of the drought gripping parts of the Great Plains and the South.
Indian tribe accused of abusing prescription-drug program
MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (AP) -- A wealthy Indian tribe that runs the world's largest casino abused a government health program intended for American Indians by dispensing $5.8 million in discounted prescription drugs to its non-Indian casino employees, a federal audit says.
Terrorist blast kills at least four on Navy ship
WASHINGTON -- A powerful explosion rocked a U.S. Navy ship in port on the Arabian Peninsula on Thursday in an apparent suicide terrorist bombing that killed at least four Americans and injured more than 30, the Defense Department said. Twelve sailors were missing.
New chief John Lampe lays out agenda for Bridgestone/Firestone
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Just a few hours into his new job, the top executive at Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. acknowledged that restoring confidence in Firestone tires will require the company to take a fresh approach to business.
Buffalo nickel design returning as a $1 piece
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The buffalo nickel is coming back, but this time it's going to be worth a little more.
New Hampshire is least taxed
WASHINGTON (AP) -- If you're looking to save on your state tax bill, New Hampshire might be the place for you -- as long as you can take the cold, snowy winters.
42,000 LA workers go on strike
LOS ANGELES -- Nearly 42,000 county employees, including those who work in jails, libraries, beaches and health clinics, refused to go to work Wednesday as they began a general strike, union officials said.
Two Americans win Nobel in economics
STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP) -- Two American professors who developed ways to analyze how people make basic lifestyle decisions such as how much to work and where to live were awarded the Nobel Prize in economics on Wednesday.
Dow plunges in early trading
NEW YORK (AP) -- The Dow Jones industrial average plunged more than 300 points at one point during early trading Thursday as skittish investors reacted to an earnings warning from Home Depot and an apparent terrorist attack on a U.S. military ship in Yemen.
A Wild night in St. Paul
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The season that will lead to Wednesday night's crescendo began for most of the Minnesota Wild with an expansion draft, a training camp, a few exhibition games and two regular season games.
Wolves beat Raptors in preseason opener
TORONTO (AP) -- Kevin Garnett had 17 points and 16 rebounds as the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Toronto Raptors 100-96 Tuesday in the preseason opener for both teams.
Dispute over how to honor DiMaggio's legacy resolved
SAN FRANCISCO -- Ending a bitter legal dispute over how to best honor the legacy of New York Yankee legend Joe DiMaggio, city officials have reached an agreement with the late-player's estate to rename in his honor a tiny North Beach park where DiMaggio and his brothers played as boys.
Culpepper: 'I feel like I'm one of the luckiest guys in the world'
EDEN PRAIRIE (AP) -- Daunte Culpepper and Cade McNown could look at each other Sunday and imagine what might have been.
Tiller meets with Dorsch following kicker's gesture to fans
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- As if Joe Tiller didn't already have plenty of concerns about Purdue's special teams and kicking game.
Twins, GM Ryan reach agreement
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- General manager Terry Ryan says he has reached agreement with the Minnesota Twins on a contract that will keep him with the team for another year.
Mariners shut down Yankees
NEW YORK (AP) -- If John Halama beats the Yankees in the second game of the AL Championship Series, it will make the Randy Johnson trade look like a 2-for-1 sale.
Mets ground Cards
ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Mike Hampton and the New York Mets kept Mark McGwire and the St. Louis Cardinals right where they wanted them.
Edmonds hopes to continue torrid playoff start
ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Jim Edmonds' huge first-round playoff series was no surprise to the New York Mets.
Key evidence surfaces in Olympic bribery scandal
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Files at the Salt Lake Organizing Committee yielded more evidence Wednesday of efforts Olympic bid executives made to influence International Olympic Committee members to award Salt Lake the 2002 Winter Games.
Government announces face guard recall
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Hockey face guards manufactured by a Canadian firm were part of a federal government safety recall announced Tuesday.
Messier at home again at Madison Square Garden
NEW YORK (AP) -- Things worked out just how Mark Messier wanted in his first home game for the New York Rangers in three years.
Georgia Tech coach under fire after player pummeled
ATLANTA (AP) -- Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 314 pounds, Dustin Vaitekunas is an intimidating figure on the football field.
Some things never change in Minnesota
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The NHL season began in Minnesota much as it ended in 1993, with fans loudly chanting "Norm Green sucks!"
Feel the noise
MINNEAPOLS (AP) -- More than 64,000 fans at the Minnesota Vikings' game Monday night set a Metrodome record by roaring to 130 decibels.
Morningside eliminates 16 faculty positions in reorganization
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) -- Morningside College will eliminate 16 full-time faculty positions over five years as part of a major restructuring that would move the school's athletic program from NCAA Division II to Division III.
Fregosi fired as Blue Jays manager for failing to take team to playoffs
TORONTO (AP) -- Jim Fregosi was fired for failing to take the Toronto Blue Jays to the AL playoffs. The general manager was not held accountable for that same failure.
Pacers sprint by Timberwolves
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- The Indiana Pacers looked a lot different Wednesday night than they did the last time they played in Conseco Fieldhouse.
Vikings still willing to tinker
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Minnesota Vikings are undefeated, and still unafraid to tinker.
Yankees tie series
NEW YORK (AP) -- Pressure was building in Yankee Stadium. In the home team's dugout, tension increased with each zero put next to "New York" on the scoreboard.
It's a Wild world
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The Minnesota Wild's home debut was satisfying for the expansion franchise, even though it wasn't a victory.
Judith A. Kaser
Judith A. Kaser, 55, Brainerd, died Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2000, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village of Brainerd.
Margaret L. Rogus
BAUDETTE -- Margaret Lillian Rogus, 90, Baudette, died Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2000, at Lakewood Care Center of Baudette.
Albert M. Winkels
STAPLES -- Albert M. Winkels, 84, Staples, died Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2000, at St. Cloud Hospital.
Clarence L. Gallus
LITTLE FALLS -- Clarence Leo Gallus, 75, Little Falls, formerly of St. Cloud and Royalton, died Monday, Oct. 9, 2000, at St. Mary's Villa of Pierz.
Alma M. Roden
LITTLE FALLS -- Alma M. Roden, 85, Little Falls, formerly of Buckman, died today, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2000, at St. Otto's Care Center of Little Falls.
Doug Anderson
STAPLES -- Doug Anderson, Staples, died Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2000.
Madeline R. Chamberlin
Madeline Rose Chamberlin, 75, Brainerd, formerly of Crosby, died Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2000, at Country Care Homes of Pequot Lakes.
Madeline R. Chamberlin
Madeline Rose Chamberlin, 75, Brainerd, formerly of Crosby, died Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2000, at the County Care Homes in Pequot Lakes.
Jack Gosen
MINNESOTA LAKE -- Jack Gosen, 77, Minnesota Lake, died Monday, Oct. 9, 2000, at Immanuel St. Joseph's Hospital of Mankato.
Floyd H. Sandberg
BRIGHTON, Colo. -- Floyd Homer Sandberg, 88, Brighton, Colo., died Saturday, Sept. 30, 2000.
Marilyn A. Schachtrup
PEORIA HEIGHTS, Ill. -- Marilyn A. Schachtrup, 76, Peoria Heights, Ill., a summer resident of Lake Shore, died Monday, Oct. 9, 2000, at her home in Peoria Heights.
Judith A. Kaser
Judith A. Kaser, 55, Brainerd, died Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2000, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village of Brainerd.
Michael Haney
PIERZ -- Michael Haney, 31, Pierz, died Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2000, at St. Cloud Hospital.
Clarence L. Gallus
LITTLE FALLS -- Clarence L. Gallus, 75, Little Falls, formerly of St. Cloud and Royalton, died Monday, Oct. 9, 2000, at St. Mary's Villa of Pierz.
Bruce Vento - Dispatch Editorial
Rep. Bruce Vento represented the St. Paul area, a largely urban district, in the U.S. Congress but he will be best remembered for his contributions to the national parks and wilderness areas in Minnesota.
School debate needs new focus
The debate over how to improve America's system of K-12 education is raging at all levels this electoral season. At the national level, Texas Gov. George W. Bush proposes a limited school-voucher plan, which Vice President Al Gore rejects in favor of more money for conventional public schools. The same issues are being debated in California, where voters will decide on Proposition 38, which would give every schoolchild a $4,000 voucher, and Proposition 39, which would make it easier for local voters to pass school bonds. None of these proposals, however, addresses the greatest problem facing K-12 education: the long-standing tradition of financing primary and secondary education through unpopular local or state property taxes.
Open Forums
The most important right we have in this country is the right to vote. We can make peac
The forgotten uninsured
It would seem to take a real effort in a presidential election year to lose track of an issue affecting 44 million Americans -- one out of seven. And yet this appears to have happened, almost effortlessly, with regard to the issue of health coverage for the uninsured.
No breakthroughs seen in debate
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- George W. Bush held his own on foreign policy, his weakest issue, and mangled his words just once. The vice president wasn't condescending and apologized for past embellishments.
OTHER OPINIONS
Return of early morning flight helps Bemidji stay connected Bemidji spoke, and Northwest Airlines listened. It's not as simple as that, but it accurately reflects the bottom line reached when Bemidji/Beltrami County Airport Commission officials, along with representatives of other rural Minnesota airports, met with Northwest Airlines, the major factor behind Northwest Airlink which flies from Bemidji to Minneapolis/St. Paul and which is operated by Mesaba Airlines.
Open Forum
Thanks to the young person who last Wednesday was interested enough to write the letter "Why vote?" As a senior, I agree in that if you can't support either major party, don't vote for them. You may vote against what you believe.
Congress completing work on Cuban trade bill
WASHINGTON -- American exporters already are pursuing sales to Cuba even as Congress finishes work on legislation that would allow Fidel Castro to buy U.S. food for the first time in four decades.
Clinton may visit North Korea
WASHINGTON -- President Clinton may visit North Korea as part of an intensified effort to improve ties with that country, a joint U.S.-North Korean communique said Thursday.
Senate sends auto safety bill to Clinton
WASHINGTON -- President Clinton was expected to sign a bill aimed at strengthening auto safety in the aftermath of 101 U.S. traffic deaths linked to Firestone tires.
Food-stamp expansion gets surprise boost
WASHINGTON -- At a time when Congress is spending the federal budget surplus on pork-barrel projects, beefing up the military and eyeing tax breaks for retirement savings, lawmakers are quietly moving legislation on another front: providing help for the poor through the biggest expansion of the food-stamp program in seven years.
Bush, Gore pass debate test, but questions remain
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- Texas Gov. George W. Bush and Vice President Al Gore came to Wednesday night's debate with clear goals in mind. Gore wanted to avoid the kinds of exaggerations that marred his performance in their first debate and have dogged him since. Bush wanted to reassure voters that he was comfortable in the arena of foreign policy.
N.H. chief justice survives bid to oust
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- Even as Chief Justice David Brock thanked family and friends for supporting him through his impeachment trial, a lawmaker promised a second attempt to remove him from the state Supreme Court.
Clinton lifts sanctions against Yugoslavia
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Clinton began lifting trade and economic sanctions against Yugoslavia on Thursday in a gesture of support for the newly elected regime in Belgrade.
House approves auto safety bill
WASHINGTON -- Spurred by problems with Firestone tires, the House passed a bill requiring vehicle rollover testing and installation of systems to warn of under-inflated tires. It would allow stiff prison sentences for auto executives who hide safety problems.
After civil debate, Gore goes on attack
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- After a largely polite debate, Al Gore's campaign early Thursday said it would step up criticism of the record of Texas Gov. George W. Bush.
Debate time, 8 p.m.
GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Mindful of the high stakes for the second presidential debate, Al Gore vowed to "do my best to get the details right" on Wednesday night. George W. Bush, prone to verbal gaffes when tired, scheduled plenty of rest for the day and low-key preparation.
ON TRACK
NASCAR
Rudd enjoying life without burdens
Since shedding the burden of ownership and going to work for someone else, Ricky Rudd starts most days the way he wants.
NASCAR truck title will provide redemption for Biffle
FORT WORTH, Texas -- When Greg Biffle takes the green flag this week at Texas Motor Speedway, he'll be virtually guaranteed the NASCAR truck series title.
Brainerd girls rally to tie in soccer match
BAXTER -- With the Section 8AA seedings complete and the Central Lakes Conference champion already determined Tuesday's girls' soccer match between the Brainerd Warriors and Alexandria Cardinals was supposed to be a meaningless game.
Little Falls boys end soccer season with loss to lower-seeded Chisago Lakes
LITTLE FALLS -- The eighth-seeded Little Falls Flyers were defeated by the ninth-seeded Chisago Lakes Wildcats 4-2 in Subsection 4A boys' soccer Tuesday to finish with a 2-13 record.
Little Falls girls advance in soccer subsection
LITTLE FALLS -- Rachel Carsen of Little Falls scored on a penalty kick with just 38 seconds left in the second half to lift the eighth-ranked Flyers past the ninth-ranked North Branch Vikings 2-1 in South Subsection 4A girls' soccer Tuesday.
Scoreboard
High School Volleyball
Local sports shorts
Central Lakes College baseball coach Warren Mertens and Crosby-Ironton coach/activities director Roger Twigg were inducted into the Bemidji State University Athletic Hall of Fame Oct. 6.
Warriors' Roberts has nose for net
In its previous three years as a varsity program the Brainerd Warriors boys' soccer team averaged 21 goals per season, barely one per game.
Brainerd soccer team falls to Alex in conference play
ALEXANDRIA -- The Brainerd Warriors boys' soccer team completed the regular-season portion of its schedule with a 5-3 Central Lakes Conference loss to the Alexandria Cardinals on Tuesday.
Steiger-Whalen advance in subsection tennis tourney
ST. CLOUD -- The Brainerd Warriors doubles team of Megan Whalen-Megan Steiger advanced to the final day of the South Subsection 8AA individual tennis tournament by winning their only match Wednesday at the St. Cloud Tennis Center.
Flyer girls take first in invitational
ST. CLOUD -- The Little Falls Flyers girls' cross country team scored 46 points to win the St. Cloud Tech Invitational Tuesday.
Scoreboard
Girls Tennis
Ashley Meschke wins subsection title
HIBBING -- Ashley Meschke of Pequot Lakes won the singles championship, her sister Valerie placed third and five Pierz Pioneers finished in the top four at the Subsection 7A individual tennis tournament Wednesday.
Local sports shorts
Brainerd completed its second week of high school bowling competition by defeating St. Cloud Tech 4-1 and St. Cloud Apollo 5-0.
Concordia coach to retire
MOORHEAD (AP) -- Jim Christopherson will retire from coaching Concordia-Moorhead's football team at the end of this year, after 32 seasons.
Underdog Flyers to face Warriors
Nate Miller is back at quarterback and the Little Falls Flyers hope he will bolster their offense as they prepare to play the Brainerd Warriors 7 p.m. Friday at Adamson Field.
Pierz girls finish third at conference meet
BECKER -- The Pierz girls' cross country team raced to a third-place finish at the Central Minnesota Conference meet Tuesday while the Pioneer boys' team finished fifth at the Pebble Creek Golf Course.
S-M swimmer sets school record
STAPLES -- The Staples-Motley/Wadena-Deer Creek/Verndale Cardinals swimming and diving team lost to Park Rapids 99-64 Tuesday but the loss had several silver linings for the Cardinals.
Gophers' Ohnstad arrested
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Minnesota basketball player Mitch Ohnstad will appear in Rice County court Oct. 23 on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and marijuana possession.
Raiders sweep Fergus
FERGUS FALLS -- The Central Lakes College Raiders volleyball team continued its tradition of playing 3-game matches in North Division play with a 15-7, 15-3, 15-12 win over the Fergus Falls Spartans Wednesday.
PR-B volleyball team takes conference championship
BERTHA -- The Pine River-Backus Tigers volleyball team defeated the Bertha-Hewitt Bears 15-11, 15-10, 14-16, 15-7 to win its second straight Park Region Conference championship Tuesday.
Gophers will need to be even better against Ohio State
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Two straight Big Ten wins for Minnesota, a tie for third in the conference race, and coach Glen Mason still isn't satisfied.
Brainerd volleyball team defeats St. Cloud Apollo
ST. CLOUD -- The Brainerd Warriors improved to 6-6 in the Central Lakes Conference and 16-8 overall with a 15-10, 13-15, 15-8, 16-14 volleyball triumph over the St. Cloud Apollo Eagles on Tuesday.
Author, poet each to read works in New York Mills
NEW YORK MILLS -- Ottertail author Harold Huber, who recently released his first collection of short stories, will read at the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center at 7 p.m. today with poet Kim Roberts of Washington, D.C.
All-school play to be staged in Little Falls
LITTLE FALLS -- The Little Falls Community High School Drama Department will present Robert Fulghum's "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten" at 7:30 p.m. today and Friday in the Charles D. Martin Auditorium at the high school.
Area Sweet Adelines seeking new members
Heartland Harmony Chorus of Sweet Adelines is looking for women who like to sing to turn out for an evening of song and free vocal lessons.
Norwegian vocalist to present concert
Norwegian vocalist Solvei Annette Larsen will present a concert at 7 p.m Friday, Oct. 20, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd, sponsored by Sagatun Lodge #18, Sons of Norway.
There is no admission fee.
New York Mills Arts Retreat program receives $20,000 grant for resident artists
NEW YORK MILLS -- A grant of $20,000 was awarded to the New York Mills Arts Retreat by the Jerome Foundation, a Twin Cities philanthropy that supports the arts in Minnesota and New York City.
'Get Carter' won't impress Sylvester Stallone fans
It's been awhile since Sylvester Stallone had a major hit movie, and "Get Carter" won't do much to advance his career, either.
Tickets for fall musical in Pequot to go on sale Monday
PEQUOT LAKES -- "Amahl and the Night Visitors" was first performed Dec. 24, 1951, for television and remains a Christmas favorite. Tickets to the performance in Pequot Lakes will go on sale Monday.
Staples-Motley students to perform play
STAPLES -- Staples Motley High School students will stage the fall play "The Worst High School Play in the World" at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 19-21.
Heartland Symphony to feature soloists
The Heartland Symphony Orchestra's first concert for the 2000-2001 season, Music from Around the World, will feature three guest artists.
Broadway stars to sing with the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra
DULUTH -- A pair of Broadway stars will kick off the Pops Live! series this weekend with the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra.
Tempo tidbits
The Great River Arts Association is seeking applicants who want to be included in the next edition of Arts Direct, a guide to working artists and arts organizations in central Minnesota.
Entertainment guide
For week of Oct. 12-18; bands perform from 9 p.m. to close with no cover unless otherwise noted.
Lindbergh to discuss her works in Little Falls
LITTLE FALLS -- The youngest daughter of the town's favorite son is returning "home" this weekend for a flurry of activities, including an appearance at Bookin' It Bookstore in downtown Little Falls.
Folk musician Haus to take stage in Little Falls
LITTLE FALLS -- Rena Haus, who hails from Minnesota, will be back in Little Falls to perform for the House Concert Series Thursday, Oct. 19, at Jerry's Supper Club.
Miller says music is best way to communicate genuine feelings
Andy Miller uses his personality, as well as his singing voice, to anchor the A Cappella Choir at Brainerd High School.
Crowds march down aisles for 'Meet the Parents'
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Big audiences turned out to greet "Meet the Parents," the Robert De Niro-Ben Stiller comedy that debuted as the weekend's top film with $28.6 million.
Rolling Plains Gallery to stop at Pequot School
PEQUOT LAKES - The Rolling Plains Gallery on wheels will bring artworks from the permanent collection
of the Plains Arts Museum of Fargo, N.D., to Pequot Lakes School.
Tourism events around the state listed
Some of the tourism events around the state of Minnesota this week, as provided by the Minnesota Office of Tourism. For more information, visit http://www.exploreminnesota.com or call (800) 657-3700 or (651) 296-5029 in the Twin Cities area.
Free senior financial seminars can cost survivors a fortune
DEAR ABBY: You've recently printed letters from people who have been victims of weight-loss or male-potency scams. Please warn your readers about another one: "senior financial workshops"!
Children's Theatre Co. of Minneapolis rolls into Pequot Lakes with 180-piece set
PEQUOT LAKES -- The Children's Theatre Co. of Minneapolis presented "Lyle the Crocodile" last weekend to a packed house in the Pequot Lakes High School auditorium.
Trio of Russian folk musicians to perform 'From Russia With Love'
The Lakes Area Concert Association opens its 2000-2001 performing arts season next week with Moscow Nights, a trio of musicians who promise "an authentic picture of Russian folk traditions and culture."
CLC Theatre announces shows for season
Central Lakes College Theatre, located on the Brainerd campus, has announced a lineup of shows for the 2000-2001 season along with special ticket prices to accommodate families.
Buffalo Gals to entertain in Nisswa
NISSWA -- The Buffalo Gals will sing and play their fiddles, guitars, whistles and other instruments when they perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Nisswa Community Center in their Grassroots Concerts debut.
'The West Wing,' 'C.S.I.' have smashing season premieres
NEW YORK -- In a season with a real presidential contest, so many viewers flocked to the season premiere of "The West Wing" that the White House drama is on the verge of becoming TV's next big hit.
Jazz ensemble to perform in New York Mills
NEW YORK MILLS -- Eric Graham, a New York Mills resident and former director of the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, will return to the stage with the jazz ensemble Mobius at 8 p.m. Saturday.
Area briefs
PEQUOT LAKES -- In the next week the following Community Education classes will be held in the Pequot Lakes area. To register or for more information call Community Education at 568-9200 or pick up a class listing at the following locations; in Pequot Lakes, TDS Telecom, chamber of commerce, Brandangers Office Supply and the Family Center; in Crosslake, community center; in Nisswa, chamber of commerce; and in Pine River, Information Building and Iron Hills Pawn.
Piece of history lost with Mary's death
How many lives can one 97-year-old woman touch? How much history is lost when that woman dies?
Breezy Point's first cemetery being developed
BREEZY POINT -- Standing at the entrance, it appears Breezy Point has another new housing development on the way, with its grassy rolling hills, flower gardens and newly paved roads secluded by stands of birch and pine.
Nice day for hunting
Weather drawing by Mason Woodman of Mrs. Brenny's third grade class at Baxter school.
Under the rainbow
Weather drawing by Nikki Clem of Gayle Kub's first grade class at Lowell school.
A funeral kit for every fridge
DEAR ABBY: Your readers may be interested to know that the Funeral Consumers Alliance Inc. provides an end-of-life planning kit that includes a 20-page booklet, "Before I Go, You Should Know," in which they can record their wishes. It comes in a plastic document pouch, with a refrigerator magnet to indicate its storage location. It contains a checklist of other documents that should also be added to the pouch. (Veterans, for example, might want to add their DD 214 discharge papers that will be needed to get the free cemetery marker and American flag.) Most important, the pouch includes a state-specified living will and durable power of attorney for health care.
Get right shade
Dear Heloise: I am a sales rep for a major beauty-products manufacturer. In stores every day, I hear consumers say, "I will know it when I see it."
Character actor David Dukes dies Los Angeles Times
David Dukes -- a prolific character actor who moved easily and often among stage, film and television -- died suddenly during his day off from filming ABC's latest Stephen King miniseries, "Rose Red." He was 55.
Names and faces
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Prosecutors have decided not to file charges against Rick Springfield, who was arrested last month for allegedly striking his wife.
Exiled Chinese writer wins Nobel
STOCKHOLM, Sweden -- Gao Xingjian, a self-exiled author whose individualistic works are banned in his native China, won the Nobel Prize in literature Thursday -- the first Chinese to win the award in its 100-year history.
Israel attacks in retaliation for killing of two soldiers
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip -- Israeli helicopters rocketed Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's residential compound in the Gaza Strip and targets in the West Bank on Thursday in a powerful and swift retaliation for the brutal killings of two Israeli soldiers by a Palestinian mob.
Kostunica wants sacked former general to lead Yugoslav army
BELGRADE, Yugoslavia -- New President Vojislav Kostunica wants to solidify his control of the armed forces by replacing the current army chief with a former general sacked by ousted President Slobodan Milosevic, a top aide said Wednesday.
Barak, Arafat hold meetings with U.N. chief Annan
JERUSALEM -- With tension easing, the Israeli and Palestinian leaders held unscheduled meetings Wednesday with U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan, who is trying to mediate a truce and pave the way for the resumption of Mideast peace talks.