Friday, November 1, 2002
2003 model cars headed for showrooms show steady decline in fuel economy
WASHINGTON -- Average fuel economy for the galaxy of shiny new 2003 model cars and passenger trucks headed for showrooms is 20.8 miles per gallon, about 6 percent below the high point set 15 years ago.
Next time you see cat-eye front end, think Silverado
Make sure you look closely the next time you see a truck with a cat-eye front end.
Tom Feierabend a true natural for 'True Heart of Racing' award
There couldn't have been a better racer than Tom Feierabend of Brainerd to be named as the first recipient of the "True Heart of Racing" award at the 14th-annual North Central Speedway awards ceremony at the Brainerd National Guard Armory Saturday night.
Cardinal George: Statute of limitations included in revised sex abuse policy
CHICAGO (AP) -- The Vatican could apply a 10-year statute of limitations on sexual abuse accusations against priests in a revised version of the U.S. bishops' sex abuse policy, Cardinal Francis George said.
Clergy view
Every day we tell several stories.
Former Brainerd man is so taken with 'Jesus Laughing,' he writes book about it
Vic Mars is determined. At age 77, Mars, formerly of Brainerd, recently finished writing his first book and is working on his second.
Evangelical movement turns its attention to teen boys
Promise Keepers, the Christian men's movement that has drawn 5 million often-tearful males to outdoor stadiums and sports arenas over the last 12 years, is launching a rite-of-passage offshoot for teen-age boys.
Pastor, wife fined in forced prayer incident
GERING, Neb. (AP) -- A minister and his wife were fined $100 each for restraining a boy and praying over him.
Returning to his roots, Graham breaks ground in Charlotte
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- The Rev. Billy Graham returned to his hometown to break ground on a new headquarters for his ministry and a museum he hopes will carry his evangelistic legacy far into the future.
Diocese reaffirms bishop on blessings for unwed couples
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) -- Delegates in the Episcopal Church's Kansas Diocese narrowly defeated a resolution that would have questioned Bishop William Smalley for recognizing unmarried heterosexual and homosexual couples with blessing ceremonies.
Churches
Hope Baptist Church, 10234 Wise Road, will install Bob Stockland as pastor at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. He is a native of the Willmar area and has served churches in Minnesota for many years. For more information, call 828-1594.
Resources available for children with mental health issues
The following community resource can be especially helpful for children with mental health issues and their families. However, these services are available to other families, as well.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLI(AP) -- Wheat receipts Wednesday 167, a year ago 350.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Thursday hog estimate: 550. Last Thursday: 330. Year ago Thursday: 525. Wednesday actual: 441.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Wednesday cattle estimate: 600. Last Wednesday: 1044. Year ago Wednesday: 618. Tuesday actual: 973.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS(AP) -- Wheat receipts Thursday 132, a year ago 223.
Better Homes and Gardens updates classic cookbook
NEW YORK (AP) -- The numbers suggest confidence in a potential for action in the nation's kitchens: There are about 900 new recipes among the total of 1,200 featured in the latest edition of a classic cookbook.
Mom's pumpkin bars are a tasty treat for Halloween
When I think back on Halloween as a kid, I remember the excitement we had every Oct. 31.
Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Wednesday.
School lunch menus
BRAINERD/PILLAGER
Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Thursday.
PGA boss holds his ground on Augusta
ATLANTA -- The leader of a women's group campaigning for a female member at Augusta National wanted PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem to take a strong stand by refusing to recognize the Masters an official event.
Study: Survival rate from heart failure is improving
Doctors have made progress over the last five decades in keeping heart failure patients alive and preventing the life-threatening condition, at least in women, a new study shows.
U.S. syphilis rate rises for first time in decade
ATLANTA (AP) -- Syphilis is on the rise in the United States for the first time in more than a decade, largely because of outbreaks among gay and bisexual men in several big cities, the government reported Thursday.
Government considers when smallpox vaccine study should begin for children
WASHINGTON -- The government is seeking public input before it decides whether to let a few dozen toddlers and preschoolers be vaccinated against smallpox, a study to test the best children's vaccine dose but one raising thorny questions about safety and ethics.
Report ranks top health hazards, calls for bold strategies on food, drink
LONDON -- Governments may have to consider legislation to reduce the salt, fat, sugar and other unhealthy ingredients in manufactured foods, according to a new report by the World Health Organization.
Swap symmetry for convenience in Design K-42
Design K-42 is close to being symmetrical across the front. This is very appealing to the eye. However, the designer departs from symmetry in two areas, and, by doing so, makes this design more livable.
Room can grow with baby, toddler, teen
Dallas-based designer Stephanie Anne offer these decorating tips for the ages:
Check if water supply is high in minerals
Q. Mary asks: The toilets in my 4-year-old house flush so slowly that sometimes only half of a lone piece of tissue makes it down the drain. Are my toilets bad or is it the pipes?
Conifers can lose their leaves and be pretty
Not all conifers are evergreens, and deciduous conifers include some of the most beautiful trees.
Home can boast style on a budget
Style doesn't have to carry a high price tag. If you arm yourself with information from museums, galleries, fine furniture stores and publications, you'll be able to recognize well-designed furniture pieces no matter where you find them.
Baby's room can last a lifetime
NEW YORK -- Decorating a newborn's room can be fun, exciting and expensive.
'Home of tomorrow' is still tomorrow
The high-tech "home of tomorrow" long has been a staple of futurists and science-fiction writers.
Tip of the week
Painting is one of the most do-it-yourself-friendly means of home improvement.
Future is bright for light in homes
When people visit a friend's home, they probably first notice new furniture or artwork.
Tips to caulk cracks in home
Caulk is important stuff.
You can grow your own oysters
Have you harvested any oysters from your vegetable garden yet?
Risk aversion
It used to be that when Long Petroleum LLC sought a deep-pocketed partner to pursue a hot natural gas prospect, money was relatively easy to come by and deals were put together in a matter of months. Today, the Shreveport, La.-based company is lucky if its phone calls are returned.
CORRECTION/ CLARIFICATION
It was a case of mistaken identity on the part of The Dispatch on the front page of Wednesday's edition.
Bad hair Halloween
Lincoln Elementary brothers Justin and Ryan Smith (front), displayed their multicolored hair while sisters Angelea, Willy and Markita Gerdes showed their frizzy locks in honor of the Bad Hair Day event at the Brainerd school Thursday.
LifeLink helicopter makes precautionary landing near Brainerd
A LifeLink III helicopter, while transporting a patient to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, made a precautionary landing Wednesday afternoon in a field east of Brainerd off of Crow Wing County Road 8.
Coleman seeks area votes
BAXTER -- U.S. Senate hopeful Norm Coleman stressed his post 9/11 public service and his "the future is now" theme before a filled-to-the-rafters crowd of Republicans this morning at Black Bear Lodge and Saloon.
After death, sad memories of dedicated mom
Georgina "Gina" Braverman is being remembered today as a dedicated mother, wife, daughter and sister.
Braverman girls expected to recover
MINNEAPOLIS -- Two girls involved in a four-vehicle accident Wednesday that claimed the life of their mother are expected to recover from their injuries, a Children's Hospitals and Clinics spokeswoman said today.
Area nursing home beds at issue
A state-mandated consolidation of services could result in a loss of nursing home beds for the regional treatment centers in Brainerd or Walker.
CORRECTION/ CLARIFICATION
Wednesday's Page 1A story on Sen. Paul Wellstone's memorial should have said Marcia Ferris and Sara Dunlap, both of Brainerd, led the memorial, not the Rev. Deborah Celley, pastor of First Congregational Church.
Potlatch to hire about 12 to reassemble Brainerd mill
Potlatch will hire about a dozen workers to help reassemble the Brainerd mill in preparation for a potential sale to Missota Paper Co.
Luukkonen says auditor's office has received supplemental ballots for Senate
As of 8 a.m. today the Crow Wing County auditor's office had received official supplemental ballots for the U.S. Senate race, said County Auditor Roy Luukkonen.
This was Brainerd
OCTOBER 31 - 40 years ago (1962) - Brainerd's first Spook Days Sale gets under way tomorrow and continues through Saturday. It will replace the normal Dollar Day promotion held at this time.
Veterans unite
A Brainerd support group is helping area war veterans deal with post-traumatic stress disorder. Read more about this story in Sunday's Dispatch.
Alcohol may have been factor in 12-year-old's death
LONG PRAIRIE -- Alcohol may have been involved in the death of a 12-year-old Staples girl hit by a train Oct. 4 in Philbrook, said a Todd County sheriff's official.
Five arrested for Norwood Street burglary
Three men and two women were arrested Thursday in connection with a burglary at a residence in the 1200 block of Norwood Street.
Candidate debates will be rebroadcast
Voters will have another opportunity to watch area candidate forums to help them make an informed decision at the polls Tuesday.
This was Brainerd
NOVEMBER 1 - 40 years ago (1962) - Fred Houle and Henry Cunningham, both of Brainerd, have been elected to two-year terms on the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Checker Club.
Local briefs
PILLAGER -- A representative from Alexandria Technical College will visit Pillager High School at 11 a.m. Nov. 11.
Area students participated in Youth in Government program
About 1,200 students in grades 8-12 met Oct. 26 at the University of Minnesota in Mankato to attend the Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government state convention.
It wasn't rain nor sleet nor snow ...
Brainerd residents who had to wait as late as about 7 p.m. Wednesday to get their mail can take heart -- election campaigning is almost over.
Strategy team knows job won't end with completion of paper mill sale
While a working paper mill in northeast Brainerd will help put Potlatch workers back into jobs, the Potlatch community strategy team said not to forget about the hundreds who will still need help.
Baxter reviews certificate of occupancy rules
BAXTER -- The requirements of issuing a certificate of occupancy were reviewed by the Baxter City Council at its workshop Wednesday.
Correction
The time of the Toys for Kids first Masquerade Ball in Ironton was listed incorrectly in Wednesday's Neighbors section. The ball will run 8 p.m. to midnight Friday.
Ski hill faces $40,000 debt from last season
LAKE SHORE -- Ski Gull supporters are scrambling to raise $40,000 by the time the non-profit hill opens in mid-December to pay off the debt from last season.
American Cancer Society honors Crow Wing Unit
The American Cancer Society honored the Crow Wing Unit at the "Beyond All Boundaries" volunteer recognition and leadership conference held Oct. 25-26 at Cragun's Resort in Brainerd.
College responds to e-mail concerns
Use of an e-mail to convey a position on a Brainerd rezoning decision by a Ward 4 candidate continues to raise questions for one Brainerd City Council member.
Cross country
Look in the sports section Friday for preview stories of area high school teams participating in the state cross country meet.
U.S. preparing draft resolution that will put off U.N. vote on Iraq
WASHINGTON -- U.N. action on Iraq will be delayed beyond next week's U.S. midterm elections as the Bush administration, in a bid for French and Russian support, revises its resolution calling for new weapons inspections.
Cronkite says U.S. solitary action against Iraq could lead to World War III
PHOENIX (AP) -- Solitary action by the United States against Iraq could lead to World War III, former CBS anchorman Walter Cronkite says.
Pitt's problems
WASHINGTON -- Harvey Pitt was known as a smart, aggressive and hardworking securities lawyer, qualities some thought would serve him well as head of the Securities and Exchange Commission. It's his lack of political sensitivity, they say, that keeps getting him into trouble.
Jobless rate edges back up
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The nation's unemployment rate edged back up to 5.7 percent in October as businesses cut 5,000 jobs, indicating the employment market remains uncertain for workers and companies amid the nation's bumpy recovery.
Sniper's rifle left no paper trail from gun shop
TACOMA, Wash. (AP) -- The rifle used in the sniper attacks vanished from a Washington gun shop without a paper trail, apparently along with hundreds of other weapons.
Justice Department to file lawsuit to block satellite TV mega-merger
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Justice Department will file a lawsuit Thursday to block a merger between EchoStar Communications Corp. and Hughes Electronics Corp. that would have created the nation's largest pay-television service, according to a congressional office notified of the impending action.
Scandal drags earnings down at Martha Stewart firm
The insider trading scandal that has dogged Martha Stewart for the past five months has tarnished her name. Now it has also taken a chunk out of her company's bottom line.
SEC chief seeks probe of Webster's selection to head new accounting oversight board
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Harvey Pitt asked Thursday for an investigation of William Webster's selection to head an accounting oversight board after the disclosure that Pitt concealed information about Webster from SEC commissioners.
Sniper suspects linked to more homicides
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) -- Two sniper suspects are now charged with a monthlong series of killings from the Gulf Coast to the suburbs of the nation's capital.
Bush on election-ending tour in search of GOP wins
WASHINGTON -- President Bush is embarking on an election-ending campaign tour designed to seal a historic midterm triumph for his party, even as Democrats accuse him of playing politics with the presidency.
Consumer spending falls by 0.4 percent in September
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Cautious consumers, shaken by the turbulent stock market and a possible war with Iraq, cut back on their spending in September by 0.4 percent, the largest decline in 10 months.
Rapper Jam Master Jay shot dead at his studio
NEW YORK (AP) -- Jam Master Jay, a founding member of the pioneering rap trio Run DMC, was shot and killed Wednesday at his recording studio near the New York neighborhood where he grew up, police said.
Congressional investigators race to finish Sept. 11 inquiry before committee shuffle
WASHINGTON -- The findings of a congressional inquiry into the Sept. 11 attacks could be shaped by lawmakers who have had little to do with the investigation, if intelligence committees fail to complete their work by the end of the year.
'House of Wax' director De Toth dies
BURBANK, Calif. (AP) -- Andre De Toth, a filmmaker who crafted gritty Westerns and hard-edged crime tales but was best known for directing the 3-D Vincent Price horror flick "House of Wax," died Sunday of an aneurysm. Biographical sources listed his year of birth variously from 1910 to 1913.
Ex-Enron exec indicted on 78 counts, including fraud, money laundering
HOUSTON (AP) -- Andrew S. Fastow, accused of being the chief architect of complex financial schemes credited with fueling Enron Corp.'s swift collapse last year, has been indicted on 78 counts of fraud, money laundering, conspiracy and other charges.
Army probe finds no connection between killings and drug
WASHINGTON (AP) -- An Army investigation of possible medical and behavioral causes behind a series of domestic killings and suicides at Fort Bragg, N.C., has ruled out the anti-malaria drug Lariam, officials said Wednesday.
Big chill in U.S.-German relations continues
WASHINGTON -- Chilled by a frigid reception from the Bush administration during a visit here, German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer said Thursday his nation hadn't decided whether U.S. forces would be allowed to use bases in Germany if the United States launched a war against Iraq.
NASA defrauded several times over last year
WASHINGTON (AP) -- From faulty parts for the International Space Station to the theft of moon rocks, the nation's cash-thin space agency was defrauded dozens of times over the last year by contractors -- and sometimes by its own employees, investigative reports show.
Manufacturing activity shrinks
NEW YORK (AP) -- U.S. manufacturing activity contracted in October for the second straight month, an industry group reported Friday, the latest indication the economic rebound is running into difficulty.
Study: Weedkiller causes sexual deformities in some frogs
Male leopard frogs across the Midwest are acquiring female sexual attributes as a result of exposure to atrazine, one of the most heavily used weedkillers in America, according to a paper published Thursday in the journal Nature.
Reynolds accused of selling black-market cigarettes
The European Union accused tobacco giant R.J. Reynolds in a lawsuit Wednesday of selling black-market cigarettes to drug lords and mobsters, helping them launder profits from their illegal activities.
Administration rules out talks with North Korea
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Bush administration Friday ruled out any talks with North Korea until it dismantles a program that a senior U.S. official says is capable of producing one or two nuclear weapons.
Democrats are favored to overtake GOP in governorships
WASHINGTON -- For the last eight years, Republicans have held the governor's office in more than half the 50 states. Democrats are poised to erase that edge next week -- a shift that would reverberate across the country in local and presidential politics.
Economy grows at healthy 3.1 percent
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. economy raced ahead at a 3.1 percent annual rate in the summer, powered by hearty consumer spending, especially on big-ticket items such as cars.
Khabibulin strikes again for Lightning
Not only is Nikolai Khabibulin giving the Tampa Bay Lightning a chance in every game, he's winning them all, too.
Wizards smash Celtics
WASHINGTON -- The Boston Celtics were tied up getting to the MCI Center Thursday night in rush-hour traffic for their meeting with the Washington Wizards. Had they known what was in the offing, the Celtics might have done better to turn back to their hotel and call in a forfeit.
National sports briefs
The family of a limousine driver shot to death inside Jayson Williams' mansion filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the former basketball star.
Jordan files trade demand with Dodgers
NEW YORK (AP) -- Brian Jordan wants out of Los Angeles following the Dodgers' decision not to extend his contract.
Lakers fall to 0-2; Hornets win in new home
The three-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers have a record of 0-2 -- 29th best among the 29 NBA teams.
Rose Bowl could land '08 Super Bowl
In the seven years Los Angeles has been without an NFL team, the league has entertained all sorts of stadium possibilities -- from Carson to a rebuilt Coliseum, from Dodger Stadium to South Park.
Pearl M. Rowser
Pearl Marion Johnson Rowser, 88, Brainerd, died Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2002, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Florence Kappes
BUCKMAN -- Florence Kappes, 84, Buckman, died today, Nov. 1, 2002, at North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale.
Verona Vredenburg
BACKUS -- Verona Vredenburg, 73, Backus, died Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2002, at Innovis Health Care Center in Fargo, N.D.
Abbie Marie Vogt
Abbie Marie Vogt, infant daughter of Dan and Missy Vogt, Brainerd, died Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2002, at Minneapolis Children's Hospital.
Doris Sundermeyer
PINE RIVER -- Doris Sundermeyer, 73, Pine River, died today, Nov. 1, 2002, at Whispering Pines Good Samaritan Home in Pine River.
Melvin W. Harry
STAPLES -- Melvin W. Harry, 73, Staples, died Thursday, Oct. 31, 2002, at the Greater Staples Care Center.
Richard J. Williams
Richard J. Williams, 75, Brainerd, died Thursday, Oct. 31, 2002, at his home.
Pauline D. Hlad
FLENSBURG -- Pauline Dolores Hlad, 86, Flensburg, died Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2002, at St. Otto's Care Center in Little Falls.
William 'Bill' Stewart
AITKIN -- William "Bill" C. Stewart, 85, Aitkin, died Thursday, Oct. 31, 2002, at the Riverwood Extended Healthcare Center in Aitkin.
Pearl M. Rowser
Pearl Marion Rowser, 88, Brainerd, died Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2002, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
William 'Bill' C. Stewart
AITKIN -- William "Bill" C. Stewart, 85, Aitkin, died today, Oct. 31, 2002, at Riverwood Extended Healthcare Center in Aitkin.
Amy I. Miller
Amy I. Miller, 81, Brainerd, died Thursday, Oct. 31, 2002, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village.
Georgina 'Gina' M. Braverman
Georgina "Gina" M. Braverman, 30, Brainerd, died Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2002, as the result of a motor vehicle accident.
Open Forum
Paul Koering believes children are our future. He supports the education tax deduction and tax credit for parents of children in public, non-public and parochial schools. He will work to provide more equitable funding to rural school districts and for more support for K-12 education. Vote Paul Koering Nov. 5.
Open Forum
A voter's guide produced by our educational subsidiary the Minnesota Family Institute was recently distributed through the Dispatch. It contained several blanks for Representative Greg Blaine's positions on issues.
Last political letters to run on Friday
With the 2002 campaign drawing to a close, the deadline for political letters for the Open Forum was 5 p.m. today.
What was it? Wellstone memorial service had political earmarks
Like a lot of things, it depends on who you talk to.
Open Forum
Toman supporter Karen Toman has all the ability and professional qualities needed to effectively lead our county as Crow Wing County Commissioner District 3. She has proven herself to be a person of the highest moral and ethical conduct. She will be a voice of integrity and common sense in this position.
Open Forum
For the past 14 years Frank Asplund has served as alderman at large and his experience, dedication, common sense have been a great benefit for us. Vote for Frank Asplund as alderman at large for continued, effective representation.
A disconnect with democracy
Er, how should we put it just days before the midterm elections? Maybe this way:
Vox Pop
Vox Pop, voice of the people, publishes Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Submissions are limited to 100 words.
Old, bad habit Soviet repression makes a comeback in crisis
Although Russia is no longer known as the Soviet Union, Communist-style repression made a comeback during a recent hostage crisis.
Speaking from the heart
The memorial service in remembrance of Sen. Paul Wellstone Tuesday night on the University of Minnesota campus was a beautiful tribute and farewell to an unapologetic liberal who tirelessly worked for people and unabashedly stuck to his principles.
Open Forum
Sheriff Dick Ross is one of the most experienced sheriffs in Minnesota. His leadership and management skills are unequaled. Crow Wing County is one of the safest and finest places to live, thanks to the quality law enforcement led by a quality public servant, Sheriff Dick Ross.
Authorities blame faulty fuel line in fatal van fire
BLAINE (AP) -- Government investigators said a leaking fuel line caused the fire that killed three children here in a Chevrolet Astro minivan, but lawyers for the victims' families were still investigating.
White House confirms Bush visit to Minneapolis Sunday
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- President Bush will campaign Sunday at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul with GOP Senate hopeful Norm Coleman and other Republican candidates, the White House confirmed Thursday.
Cheney to visit Duluth
HERMANTOWN (AP) -- Republican candidates in Minnesota hope to get a boost in the final days of the campaign when Vice President Dick Cheney leads a rally Friday near Duluth.
Laurie Coleman, Joan Mondale campaign for husbands
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Veteran campaigner Joan Mondale and actress/model Laurie Coleman are playing high-profile roles in the U.S. Senate race between their husbands, Democrat Water Mondale and Republican Norm Coleman.
Minnegasco says heating bills will be higher this winter
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Temperatures that were more than 40 percent colder than average in October and the higher wholesale cost of natural gas will mean higher heating bills, CenterPoint Energy Minnegasco said Thursday.
National Guard plans Bosnia deployment
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The Minnesota National Guard will activate about 1,100 of its members for a peacekeeping mission in Bosnia next year, its largest overseas deployment since World War II.
Coleman cancels plans to work crowd at Dylan show
ST. PAUL (AP) -- At the end of a five-city, 13-hour day, GOP Senate candidate Norm Coleman decided to skip plans to meet and greet fans on their way to a Bob Dylan concert at Xcel Energy Center.
Mondale starts race
MINNEAPOLIS -- Three decades after his last Senate run, Walter Mondale kicked off a five-day whirlwind campaign on Thursday as the replacement for the late Sen. Paul Wellstone in a race that could determine the balance of power in Washington.
Oberstar: Wellstone crash shows need for new rules
The crash of the small airplane that killed Sen. Paul Wellstone and seven others is an example of why cockpit voice and data recorders should be required in more aircraft, said U.S. Rep. James Oberstar.
High court weighs Democrats' suit over absentee ballot handling in U.S. Senate race
ST. PAUL -- Minnesota Democrats on Thursday asked the state Supreme Court to order new absentee ballots be mailed out in the wake of Sen. Paul Wellstone's death, arguing that voters who supported Wellstone are in danger of losing their vote.
State Supreme Court orders new absentee ballots in Senate race
ST. PAUL -- The state Supreme Court ordered local election officials to deliver new absentee ballots to people who ask to change their Senate vote in the wake of Sen. Paul Wellstone's death.
No criminal charges to be filed in minivan fire that killed three children
BLAINE (AP) -- No criminal charges will be filed in a minivan fire that killed three children, an Anoka County prosecutor said.
Survey: Minnesotans think state is heading in wrong direction
ST. CLOUD (AP) -- More Minnesotans think the state is heading in the wrong direction than the right one, according to an annual survey by St. Cloud State University.
President of Duluth aquarium steps down
DULUTH (AP) -- The president of the financially troubled Great Lakes Aquarium here has resigned as the attraction prepares to shut down for the winter in an effort to save money.
Pilot of Wellstone flight had felony record
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The chief pilot of the fatal flight that carried Sen. Paul Wellstone, his wife, daughter and three aides had a felony record for mail fraud, according to a published report.
Bloomington appeals judge's approval of Burnsville amphitheater
BLOOMINGTON (AP) -- The city is appealing a judge's decision to allow plans to proceed for an outdoor concert amphitheater in nearby Burnsville.
Macalester president resigns
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Macalester College President Michael S. McPherson said Wednesday he'll leave the school at the end of the academic year to take a new job.
PIRATES FIND TREASURE in the FARGODOME
FARGO -- The perfect season keeps going for the Verndale Pirate football team.
Verndale knocks off Isle
FARGO -- It's easy to be overlooked in an offense with senior running backs Kyle Ashman and Casey Finck.
Local sports shorts
NORTHFIELD -- Brainerd High School graduate Dan Karlgaard made a season-high 13 tackles in Carleton College's 41-0 loss to Bethel in MIAC football last week.
'IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR'
The Brainerd Warriors and Alexandria Cardinals annually have two of the top football programs in the Central Lakes Conference and in the state.
Injuries hamper S-M girls
Unlike the boys' cross country team, the Staples-Motley Cardinals girls' team may have a more difficult time capturing the state title at the Class 1A meet, which is scheduled 10 a.m. Saturday in Northfield.
Scoreboard
High School Football
Local sports shorts
Sunday open gym and swimming will begin Sunday at Brainerd High School.
Section 8, Class 5A championship 7 p.m. Friday Adamson Field
alexandria cardinals (9-1)
Junior hoping to join ranks of all-state runners
The five fastest times in Brainerd Warrior boys' cross country running history have been clocked by Kori Kuhn, Mark Mathews, Jim Baillif, Aron Stumvoll and Tim Kidder. All five have been all-state runners.
WARRIOR ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
In just two seasons, Justin Grunewald has established himself as one of the best runners in Brainerd Warriors cross country history.
Staples-Motley gunning for another state title
Many boys' cross country running teams head into the Class 1A state meet Saturday at St. Olaf College in Northfield with hopes of capturing a state championship.
Rebels outlast Pierz in volleyball
MORA -- The Pierz Pioneers volleyball teams' ride through the Subsection 18, Section 5, Class 2A tournament ended in the championship game Thursday as they were defeated by the Moose Lake-Willow River Rebels in three games, 15-5, 16-14, 15-5.
Warrior girls earn a trip to state
A preseason prognosis of the Brainerd High School girls' cross country running team projected this as a breakout season for the Warriors.
Scoreboard
High School Football
It's Wild! They win in OT
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Sergei Zholtok and the Minnesota Wild showed the San Jose Sharks what all the fuss is about.
Pretrial hearing for Moss postponed
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- A pretrial hearing for Minnesota Vikings receiver Randy Moss has been postponed until Nov. 12.
THE ROAD JINX
EDEN PRAIRIE (AP) -- Pro football teams normally leave for road games on Saturdays, but the Vikings are flying to Florida on Friday this week for their game against Tampa Bay.
Newcomer sparks Wolves
MINNEAPOLIS -- With three starters watching in street clothes, the Minnesota Timberwolves turned to newcomer Troy Hudson for some much-needed offense.
Gophers fight to stay in race
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- As the number of games melt away, the pressure mounts for most college football teams. No. 6 Ohio State and No. 18 Minnesota are prime examples.
PFR front man lives life through song
Joel Hanson is scaling new heights in his musical career, climbing along the shores of the once-mighty PFR, an eagle in the 1990s' Christian contemporary pop scene.
Best bets
Just about everybody loves a well-tuned, professional big band, so expect a big turnout at Monday night's free concert, featuring the U.S. Army Field Band's Jazz Ambassadors.
'Art for the Holidays'
Spring came late this year for the Brainerd Area Art Club, which opens its annual show Friday at a Brainerd gallery, months later than usual.
VH1 pulls plug on Liza Minnelli's reality show before it starts
NEW YORK -- Liza Minnelli won't become another Ozzy Osbourne.
Chilean teacher to share information about her country at CLC program
Irma Flores, a teacher from Chile, will speak about her country at the Nov. 7 Cultural Thursday on the Brainerd campus of Central Lakes College.
U.S. Army Field Band to give big band concert
The U.S. Army Field Band will two-step into Brainerd next week with its 19-piece Jazz Ambassadors for a ballroom concert with free admission.
Holiday happenings across state listed
This is the Explore Minnesota events report from the Minnesota Office of Tourism.
Tempo tidbits
Tickets for entertainer Wayne Newton's appearance at Grand Casino Hinckley went on sale this week for his two Dec. 6 shows.
After 10 years, Jones still enjoys violin
Jocelyn Jones has been playing the violin since she was 6.
Jackass gags get bigger and longer in 'The Movie'
HOLLYWOOD -- The ascendancy of Johnny Knoxville and the rest of MTV's "Jackass" gang to the big screen shouldn't come as all that surprising, especially given the original show's popularity and the synergistic ethos of the cable network's parent company, Paramount, which is releasing the feature-length film based on the series.
Celebration of Hispanic music is also benefit for HART
The Central Lakes College Music Department, in conjunction with the CLC Spanish Department, will present a celebration of Hispanic music at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12 in the Chalberg Theatre on the Brainerd campus.
'Personal Wars' author to speak at library
Richard Siebert, author of "Personal Wars," will speak at the Brainerd Public Library as part of the First Thursdays Speaker Series.
Fox trying to move on from low-rated World Series
NEW YORK (AP) -- Even though Fox won the weekly Nielsen ratings last week, it didn't get nearly the boost it hoped for from the World Series and now is a few steps behind its rivals in establishing its fall schedule.
Madmen of 'Jackass' take crown as box-office ringleaders
LOS ANGELES -- "Jackass" has pulled its craziest stunt yet, debuting in first place at the box office.
Entertainment guide
For week of Oct. 31-Nov. 6; bands perform from 9 p.m. to close with no cover unless otherwise noted.
Fund-raising party to showcase LF arts group's new building
LITTLE FALLS -- The Great River Arts Association's new digs will get a once-over by its patrons this weekend during the group's annual fund-raising gala in Little Falls.
'The Osbournes' to return in November
HOLLYWOOD -- Having scored lucrative book and DVD deals, and dealt with the illness of family matriarch Sharon, MTV's "The Osbournes" will return for a new season of episodes Nov. 26, the cable network announced Tuesday.
Pianist changes his tune, hammers out a whodunit
Pianist Peter Duchin has switched keyboards, swapping musical notes for literary notes. The result: his first mystery novel.
State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Mostly sunny. Highs mainly in the 30s...With some lower 40s central.
State forecast for North Dakota
Today...Sunny west. Partly cloudy east. Highs in the mid to upper 30s.
Halloween
Weather drawing by Kate Hauble of Mrs. Surma's third grade class at Baxter school.
Iowa state forecast
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. Isolated flurries possible far south. Highs in the 30s to lower 40s.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Mostly cloudy with scattered snow showers and flurries far north. Partly to mostly sunny elsewhere. Cold with highs from around 30 north...To the lower 40s south.
Nice fall day
Weather drawing by Michael Davis of Mrs. Meyer's third grade class at Riverside school.
State forecast for North Dakota
Today...Partly sunny. Highs 20 to 30.
Minnesota state forecast
Today...Partly to mostly sunny but cold. Highs from the mid 20s north to mid 30s south.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Mostly cloudy this morning...Then becoming partly sunny. Scattered flurries south this morning. Cold with highs from the mid 20s north to the lower 40s southeast.
Minnesota state forecast
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy north. A chance of light snow or flurries northeast. Mostly sunny south. Breezy with highs from the upper 20s northeast to the upper 30s south.
Iowa state forecast
Today...Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 30s to around 40.
State forecast for South Dakota
Today...Mostly cloudy with a few flurries west. Becoming partly sunny southeast. Partly cloudy northeast. Highs mainly 25 to 30... With some lower 30s extreme southeast.
Names and faces
John Mellencamp doesn't have a record deal -- but he's not worried. He's focusing his energy on live performances.
Names and faces
NEW YORK (AP) -- Former White House counselor Karen Hughes is writing a book about working with President George W. Bush.
What's doing
Moose breakfast will be 9 a.m. to noon Sunday at the Moose Lodge.
Senior activities
LAKES AREA SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER
Morocco prison fire kills at least 49 inmates, injures dozens more
RABAT, Morocco (AP) -- A fire erupted early Friday at an overcrowded prison, killing at least 49 inmates and injuring dozens of other people, authorities said.
Nations adopt declaration on climate change
NEW DELHI, India (AP) -- Rich and poor nations agreed Friday on a compromise declaration on global climate change, unable to adopt a resolution that included a deadline to limit the emission of harmful gases from vehicles and industries.
Vatican, U.S. bishops agree on revised sex abuse policy
The Vatican and a team of U.S. Roman Catholic bishops have agreed on revisions to the American "zero-tolerance" policy on sexual abuse that will settle Vatican concerns about protecting the rights of accused priests, church officials announced Wednesday.
Death toll in Italy quake climbs to 28, nearly all schoolchildren
SAN GIULIANO DI PUGLIA, Italy (AP) -- The earthquake that struck this Italian mountain village and toppled a school killed nearly all the students in a first grade class, officials said. Hopes that more survivors might be found in the rubble faded Friday as the total death toll climbed to 28.
Foreign briefs
An explosion at the home of a leading Hamas activist killed three Palestinians on Thursday and injured five others in Gaza City, doctors and witnesses said.
Theft charges against Princess Diana's former butler dropped
LONDON (AP) -- The prosecution dropped theft charges against Princess Diana's former butler Friday after intervention by the queen who said that Paul Burrell told her he had taken the items for safekeeping shortly after Diana was killed in a Paris car crash.
U.S. demand for speedy U.N. action on Iraq blocked
UNITED NATIONS -- The U.S. demand for speedy U.N. action on Iraq has run into strong opposition from Russia, France and China, who want Washington to change a draft resolution and eliminate any license for the United States to attack Baghdad on its own.