Friday, December 7, 2001
2002 Infiniti I35: So where's the difference?
Buyers of mid-size Nissan Motor Co. cars can be forgiven for being confused. The company seems to be working overtime to eliminate distinctions between its vehicle lines. The once-ordinary Nissan Altima now looks and feels more like the upscale Nissan Maxima, which is practically indistinguishable from the 2002 Infiniti I35 sold by Nissan's luxury group.
Mitsubishi Lancer is a well-equipped compact but not a racer
Lancers, in days of yore, were a formidable force of fast-moving cavalry armed with long, needle-sharp lances: a first line of offense in any meaningful attack on a foe.
Great news for sports car lovers: Maserati coming back
FRANKFURT, Germany -- For lovers of Italian performance sports cars there's great news on the horizon: They won't have to spend a minimum $142,000 for a Ferrari or $290,000 for a Lamborghini.
Additional lights to brighten up speedway
North Central Motor Speedway will definitely be brighter this upcoming racing season.
Lower-priced Caddy making very-early debut
Car buyers won't have to wait long for 2003.
Pat Robertson resigns from Christian Coalition to spend more time on ministry
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) -- Pat Robertson stepped down as leader of the Christian Coalition after more than a decade in charge of the conservative organization, saying he wants to spend more time on his ministry.
Franklin Graham: He doesn't believe Muslims are 'evil people'
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- The Rev. Franklin Graham, responding to criticism of his comments about Islam, said he doesn't believe Muslims are "evil people" but laments evil done in the religion's name.
Following these guidelines creates consistent discipline
QUESTION: Philosophically, I recognize the need to take charge of my kids, but I'd like more specifics. Give me a step-by-step approach to discipline that will help me do the job correctly.
Churches
Patricia Scott, with input from Dave Butcher of the Minnesota Food Association, will facilitate the third discussion in the "Awareness" series, on the impact of techn
Congregation had wished for it for years
Following the usual 9 a.m. worship service Sunday, Bethel Lutheran Church held a dedication ceremony for a long awaited bell tower.
In dispute over 'godless,' college president accused of trying to skew survey results
ST. PAUL -- When a college guide glibly declared his student body godless, Macalester College president Michael McPherson suggested some students fill out the publisher's survey saying they "pray a lot or something."
Greek Orthodox bishop receives holy relics from Detroit's Roman Catholic cardinal
DETROIT (AP) -- The Roman Catholic archbishop of Detroit has given a sacred gift to Greek Orthodox churchgoers -- relics from St. Nicholas.
Bible sellers report sales boom for this Christmas
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (AP) -- Gary and Terri Dixon used to feel tentative about buying Christmas presents with religious overtones. But in this uncertain holiday season, the ultimate gift of spiritual comfort for Christians -- the Bible -- suddenly seems perfect.
Clergy view
In our previous study, we examined the three stages of prayer: petition, communion and intercession, as well as the four pre-requisites of answered prayer (must be a child of God, must ask in Jesus' name, must ask in faith, must have a clean heart). These are all imperative if we are to pray with authority, God's authority.
Nazarenes brace for disappointing Christmas
NAZARETH, Israel -- Two donkeys pulled a wooden plow across the rocky Galilean soil while a smiling carpenter made tools with the same materials that the young Jesus would have seen Joseph use in this town almost 2,000 years ago.
No clear answers come from study of vouchers, charter schools
After a decade of experimentation and hundreds of studies, conclusive evidence of the relative merit or harm of giving parents more publicly financed school choices for their children remains elusive, a new RAND study concludes.
Neighborhood charity projects spread joy to needy
DEAR ABBY: Thank you for your column about appropriate gifts for seniors. Like many families, we, too, have wrestled with the "what do we get for people who have everything?" gift dilemma. Last year, our family finally hit upon a solution. We discussed it with our grandparents. They agreed that it would be more charitable for us to give something to people who lack everyday necessities.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Wednesday cattle: 750.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Wednesday 199, a year ago 352.
Popcorn balls a great holiday treat
DIANE HOGLIN
Quick dish has variety of texture, depth of flavor
With carefully chosen ingredients that combine simple, fresh items and lively seasoning, dishes that are quick and easy to make can also have a variety of texture and depth of flavor.
Convenience foods can help you get a meal on the table quickly
When it comes to getting a fast meal on the table, there are times when convenience foods can be the answer. That goes for the potato, a classic family favorite with an updated versatility.
Keep comfort food fit for a healthy lifestyle
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sticking to a few basic nutrition guidelines can make all the difference when trying to keep comfort foods from clashing with a healthy lifestyle.
Fire
The Brainerd Fire Department responded Wednesday to a dumpster fire at 703 Norwood St.
School lunch menus
PILLAGER
Correction
Because of incorrect information given to The Dispatch, a burglary report on Page 6A Tuesday should have stated a burglary was reported at a residence on Kenwood Drive belonging to Laura Beilke.
Ramstad asks Bush to nominate his sister
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Rep. Jim Ramstad has asked President Bush to nominate his sister for a lifetime spot as a federal judge in Minnesota.
House leaders sweeten the ante for legislation giving president extended trade powers
WASHINGTON (AP) -- House leaders hope their promises to help displaced workers and endangered industries will persuade lawmakers to give President Bush sweeping powers to negotiate new trade agreements.
Congressional letter urges Bush to target Iraq
WASHINGTON -- Ten leading members of Congress have signed a letter urging President Bush to make the Iraqi regime the next major target in the war on terrorism, declaring that "as we work to clean up Afghanistan and destroy al- Qaida, it is imperative that we plan to eliminate the threat from Iraq."
Ventura's popularity drops to lowest level
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Gov. Jesse Ventura's popularity with Minnesotans has slipped to its lowest level since he took office, according to a poll published Thursday by the Star Tribune of Minneapolis.
U.S. rejects any deal to free Taliban leader Omar
Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said Thursday the United States would not stand for any arrangement that allowed Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar to remain free and "live in dignity" in the region.
House approves broader presidential trade authority
WASHINGTON -- By the margin of a single vote, the House Thursday agreed to give the president broader authority to forge international trade agreements, as GOP leaders used a last-minute deal to overcome intense Democratic opposition and deliver on one of President Bush's top legislative priorities.
Democrats, GOP near Senate showdown over anti-terrorism spending
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate Democratic leader promised a vigorous fight Thursday over domestic security, despite Republican claims to have enough votes to block Democrats from showering $35 billion on anti-terrorism programs.
White House pushing scaled-back 'faith-based' plan
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The White House is hoping to move new tax breaks for charitable giving through Congress, trying to salvage a piece of its campaign to boost religious charities before year's end.
GOP wins test votes against Democrats' anti-terror plan
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Senate Republicans say Democrats should abandon a $35 billion anti-terrorism package that President Bush considers too expensive, now that the GOP has won two test votes showing they can derail it.
Ashcroft defends anti-terror tactics, tells senators nation can't let down its guard
WASHINGTON -- Attorney General John Ashcroft, defending administration measures to counteract terrorism, declared Thursday the nation must not let down its guard against threats that present "a daily chronicle of the hatred of Americans by fanatics."
GOP lawmakers look at deficit
Two area Republican lawmakers this week offered their reaction to news that state officials expect a nearly $2 billion deficit for the years 2002-2003.
Patch promises to seal hole in children's hearts without grueling surgery
WASHINGTON -- Specially trained cardiologists can soon begin repairing holes in some children's hearts without resorting to grueling open-heart surgery.
Christmas Tea and Treasures
LITTLE FALLS -- Delicate teacups and saucers once used at holiday parties in two impressive lumber baron estates now decorate the Christmas tree.
Turn tide against sea of clutter
Swamped by stuff?
Adding heat source to basement can result in big benefits
Q. Chuck asks: Is it possible to install a wood-burning stove in a basement, and if so can it be vented to the outside by way of the side wall foundation, or does the vent have to go through the roof?
Rent an array of table linens for any occasion
The greater number of tasks delegated, the happier the host.
Housing briefs
The development of 30 affordable townhomes in Brainerd is getting $300,000 from the Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, a private nonprofit committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing in outstate communities.
Control ants with weapons at hand
What do you do when a parade of ants is having a field day on your countertop?
Garden tip for next fall
The seed of certain short-lived flowers should be sown directly into the garden, where it will germinate over the winter and grow next spring, said Cynthia Brown, of Green Spring Gardens Park in Alexandria, Va.
Good records make for good gardens
You are not going to like this suggestion, but it will improve your garden and at least it's not physically exerting.
Insulation made easy
It is easy to insulate walls, ceilings and floors when you know a few simple tricks.
Homeowners plant native vegetation to create habitat for wildlife
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas -- Birds head north each year from Mexico and Central America, sometimes braving storms in the Gulf of Mexico.
Deerwood man's 24th birthday not celebrated as he expected
DEERWOOD -- William Thomas, Deerwood, had big plans the night of his 24th birthday.
PEARL HARBOR AT 60
They were all enlisted Navy personnel, most in their late teens and early 20s. Young, single men all too happy to escape Minnesota for what they hoped would be an exciting adventure aboard a Navy ship.
Keep school voters informed, report urges
Making sure voters in the Brainerd School District are well informed on what the school board plans to do with its facilities is one of the key recommendations from the Citizens Advisory Task Force.
O'Day cited for open container
Brainerd City Council member Mark O'Day was fined $150 for violating Minnesota's open bottle law Nov. 2. The violation is a misdemeanor.
Cass OKs purchase of survey quality GPS
WALKER -- Cass County Land Commissioner Norm Moody convinced the county board Tuesday that increased county revenue and employee productivity make purchasing a survey quality global positioning satellite unit a cost-effective investment now.
Man faces charges in Crosslake burglary
A 33-year-old Brooklyn Center man arrested Nov. 23 in Morrison County faces burglary charges for a Nov. 12 Crosslake robbery.
Brainerd School District's finances on track
The Brainerd School District's financial situation seems to be on track.
Medical center workers reject union in vote
Brainerd Medical Center employees rejected a vote to form a union by a more than 3-1 margin Wednesday.
Former Brainerd man pictured in Life magazine
Two other Brainerd lakes area men also survived the Pearl Harbor attack -- Harold Patrick "Pat" Flanagan and James K. Lobsted.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1981) - Fire Hall approved. Mayor C. Elmer Anderson, Denny Martin and Frank McCarthy win city council seats. Martin, who won reelection to a second term called yesterday's election a "positive upswing" for Brainerd.
Cass gets funds for failing private sewer systems
WALKER -- Cass County has received $79,000 for a revolving loan fund from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to be used to help lower-income people replace failing private sewer systems.
This was Brainerd
30 years ago (1971)-Officials of the Brainerd city government won a vote of confidence from Brainerd residents Tuesday. All incumbents who sought re-election were victorious.
Staples man locked eyes with Japanese pilot while on deck
STAPLES -- Vern Whistler, Staples, was 18 and the quartermaster of the watch the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, on the USS Whitney at Pearl Harbor, a destroyer tender that was anchored on the south end of the Naval Air Station.
60 years later
Brainerd area veterans marked the 60th anniversary of Pearl Harbor today with a parade and ceremony at the All Veterans Memorial. Look for the story Sunday.
Nisswa's colorful library called energetic, friendly at grand opening
NISSWA -- It's not your ordinary library.
Two people show up for airport runway meeting in Pequot
PEQUOT LAKES -- Only two residents attended Thursday's public information meeting on a proposed runway at the Brainerd-Crow Wing County Regional Airport. The meeting was conducted at Pequot Lakes Elementary School.
Brainerd school levy approved
Taxpayers in the Brainerd School District will see a 59 percent decrease from last year in the 2002 school levy.
Motley man kept diary of disaster
MOTLEY -- Arlyn Welling, Motley, has kept a diary throughout his life. It was a daily ritual his mother instilled in him as a boy, but it took him until he was about 20 and in the Navy to realize he had better write down what was happening in his life aboard the USS Argonne.
Seven arrested in drug probes
Seven people were arrested this week in three separate drug investigations, the Lakes Area Drug Investigative Division reported.
Cass votes to freeze hiring
WALKER -- The Cass County Board voted Tuesday to freeze hiring for any new job positions considered for the 2002 budget through the first quarter.
Local briefs
Legal Aid Services of Northeastern Minnesota will hold a legal clinic from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Lakes Area Senior Center.
Police officers join search -- for just the right gift
Police officers shopped with area children as they searched for Christmas presents this week.
Fallen Green Berets remembered as heroes
One seemed destined to become a military hero. One "was born" to fight in the Army. Another was "a good guy" with a wife and two kids.
John W. Nason, 96, educator who helped Japanese Americans, dies
John W. Nason, who helped more than 3,000 Japanese Americans leave World War II internment camps for colleges away from the West Coast when he was president of Swarthmore College in the 1940s, died of natural causes Nov. 17 in Kennett Square, Pa. He was 96.
Unemployment increases to 5.7 percent in November, another 331,000 jobs lost
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The nation's unemployment rate took another big leap upward in November to 5.7 percent, the highest level in six years, as 331,000 more Americans lost their jobs, the government reported Friday.
Suspect charged in four of Green River serial killings
SEATTLE (AP) -- Authorities have seized several items, including bone fragments, from homes of a truck company worker charged with murder in the deaths of four women blamed on the Green River serial killer.
Bush dedicates tree lighting to victims, GIs
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Laura Bush and two children who lost fathers on Sept. 11 lit the national Christmas tree in a ceremony that was by turns joyous and somber.
More teachers jailed in New Jersey
FREEHOLD, N.J. (AP) -- Negotiations between striking teachers and education officials broke off early Thursday as more than 100 teachers who are refusing to return to work spent the night in jail cells.
Relatives of Sept. 11 victims press for tax relief
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Ginny Bauer had a tough task. "I want to put a human face on a tax bill," said Bauer, whose husband died at the World Trade Center.
Directing airstrikes a vital but dangerous job
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Directing airstrikes on Taliban and al-Qaida targets has been one of the most vital -- and dangerous -- jobs for U.S. special forces troops in Afghanistan.
Survivors gather at Pearl Harbor for 60th anniversary
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii -- Clear morning skies darkened over the naval base on Dec. 7, 1941, as bombs rained down from waves of Japanese planes.
Powell: Peacekeepers set for Afghanistan
BRUSSELS, Belgium -- Secretary of State Colin Powell said Thursday that an international peacekeeping force will soon be sent into Afghanistan, although "the mix and the leadership" among nations has yet to be determined.
Leahy anthrax letter contains same message as Daschle's
WASHINGTON -- A letter to Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., believed to be laden with anthrax spores contains a threatening note identical to the one in an anthrax-contaminated letter mailed to Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, D-S.D., the FBI announced Thursday.
Dow tops 10,000 as stocks soar
Stocks soared Wednesday, pushing Wall Street's two best-known indexes above key watermarks, as investors raised their bets on an economic recovery next year.
Factory shooting in northern Indiana leaves gunman and co-worker dead, six wounded
GOSHEN, Ind. -- Authorities say a factory worker who opened fire on his co-workers, killing one and wounding six others before taking his own life, had either just been fired from his job or was about to be.
Shuttle finally blasts off
SPACE CENTER, Houston (AP) -- Space shuttle Endeavour raced toward the international space station on Thursday to deliver the fourth crew to live in the orbiting outpost.
High school counselor fatally stabbed
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) -- Grief counselors have been made available for students shaken by the fatal stabbing of a high school counselor, allegedly by a 17-year-old student.
Anthrax hoax suspect arrested near Cincinnati
ST. LOUIS -- An escaped convict suspected of mailing hundreds of anthrax hoax letters to abortion clinics was arrested Wednesday outside a suburban Cincinnati copy business after employees recognized him when he came in to use the store's computers.
Auction house scandal
A. Alfred Taubman, the former chairman of Sotheby's Holdings Inc., was convicted in U.S. District Court in Manhattan Wednesday of conspiring with his counterpart at Christie's International PLC to fix commissions their clients paid to auction art works.
Post-season college football
Championship
Florida finally beats Michigan State
Until now, Michigan State had been too much of a hurdle for Florida to overcome since the national championship game in 2000.
Will Congress buy Selig's figures?
Commissioner Bud Selig will be in Washington Thursday, using his best rabbinical demeanor to present a somber, club-by-club portrait of baseball's dark financial situation
Dorsey wins one QB award, Crouch another
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) -- Miami quarterback Ken Dorsey won the Maxwell Award and Nebraska's Eric Crouch took the Davey O'Brien quarterback trophy Thursday night during the college football awards show.
Mount Union running back named top Division III player of 2001
COLLEGEVILLE (AP) -- Mount Union, Ohio, running back Chuck Moore on Thursday was named the most outstanding Division III football player of the year.
Baseball goes to Washington
WASHINGTON -- Commissioner Bud Selig comes to Capitol Hill Thursday to testify before the House Judiciary Committee. His task, which o
Ray A. Flannigan
Ray Archie Flannigan, 77, Brainerd, died Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2001, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Ida Mae (Macie) Zwiefel
PINE RIVER -- Ida Mae (Macie) Zwiefel, 96, Pine River, died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2001, at Whispering Pines Good Samaritan Home.
Leonard 'Junior' L. Larson Jr.
NISSWA -- Leonard "Junior" L. Larson Jr., 50, Nisswa, died Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2001, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Edwin Baier
Edwin Baier, 84, Brainerd, died Thursday, Dec. 6, 2001, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Gerald J. Payonk
CROSSLAKE -- Gerald J. Payonk, 73, Crosslake, died Monday, Dec. 3, 2001, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Ellen M. Lenk
BROWERVILLE -- Ellen Marie Lenk, 85, Browerville, died Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2001, at Long Prairie Memorial Hospital.
Ralph I. Fischer
Ralph I. Fischer, 91, Brainerd, died Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2001, at Woodland Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
George M. Kliber
LITTLE FALLS -- George M. Kliber, 84, Little Falls, died Thursday, Dec. 6, 2001, at St. Cloud Hospital.
Rosella M. Holden
Rosella M. Holden, 81, Brainerd, died Thursday, Dec. 6, 2001, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village.
Jennie Salfisberg
PINE RIVER -- Jennie Salfisberg, 96, Pine River, died Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2001, at Whispering Pines Good Samaritan Center in Pine River.
Clayton H. Hatlestad
BAXTER -- Clayton H. Hatlestad, 81, Baxter, formerly of Golden Valley, died Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2001.
Patrick A. Hanlon
AITKIN -- Patrick A. Hanlon, 57, Aitkin, died Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2001, at Riverwood Health Care Center in Aitkin.
Jennie Salfisberg
PINE RIVER -- Jennie Salfisberg, 96, Pine River, died Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2001, at Whispering Pines Good Samaritan Center in Pine River.
Ralph I. Fischer
Ralph I. Fischer, 91, Brainerd, died Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2001, at Woodland Good Samaritan Village.
Ethelyn Alexander
PINE RIVER -- Ethelyn Alexander, 73, Pine River, died Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2001, at Whispering Pines Good Samaritan Home in Pine River.
Leonard 'Junior' L. Larson Jr.
NISSWA -- Leonard "Junior" L. Larson Jr., 50, Nisswa, died Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2001, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Ruth Mary Johnson
PINE RIVER -- Ruth Mary Johnson, 88, Pine River, died Monday, Dec. 3, 2001, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.
Daniel Armstrong
LONGVILLE -- Daniel Armstrong, 74, Longville, died today, Dec. 6, 2001, at Whispering Pines Good Samaritan Center in Pine River.
The zeal for retribution
I rarely find myself disagreeing with Dispatch editorials. But I think The Dispatch's recent endorsement of George Bush's military tribunals is misguided. The fact that the public largely approves of these proceedings does not make them sound.
Vox Pop
Vox pop, voice of the people, publishes Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. To call
Olson's guilty plea
Count us among those who are tired of the Sara Jane Olson saga.
Federal lawmakers' addresses
Sen. Paul Wellstone
Open Forum
The older I get and the more I learn about the true history and actions of the United States government, past and present, the more "liberal" I become.
Mille Lacs is part of who we are
At a time when tragic news makes us worry, and when things we once took for granted don't seem as solid as they once did, it is a comfort to look
Open Forum
The Brainerd-Crow Wing County Airport is funded with a tax levy. Crow Wing County levies 50 percent and Brainerd levies 50 percent for airport operations.
College rankings - Dispatch Editorial
Macalester President Michael McPherson is irked at the Princeton Review, an organization that publishes a guidebook ranking colleges in a host of categories.
Another Pearl Harbor?
EUGENE, Ore. -- Sixty years ago this week, on December 7, 1941, Japan launched a devastating attack on the United States fleet and air bases in Hawaii. Pearl Harbor Day -- the day FDR said "will live in infamy" -- remains a landmark in history and in the minds of those of us with our personal memories of that transforming moment in our lives.
Tony's Tirades
NEW YORK -- The people that inv
NOTES
ATLANTA -- The shakeup at Penske South Racing started last week when the No. 12 race team was dissolved. It continued Wednesday with the resignation of Rusty Wallace's crew chief.
in the spotlight
Hometown: Vallejo, Calif.
Winston Cup
Feb. 10: (X) Budweiser Shootout, Daytona International Speedway, (904) 253-7223 for tickets
Final 2001 points standings
1. Jeff Gordon 5,112
St. Paul School District to freeze all hiring
ST. PAUL (AP) -- The St. Paul School District announced a hiring freeze to combat a $7 million deficit in the current school year's budget.
Casino bill takes on new significance
ST. PAUL (AP) -- A souring economy and the desire to build a new baseball stadium are fueling attempts to open a non-Indian run casino in Minnesota.
Health officials: Knee surgery deaths not linked
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Infected tissue from a cadaver caused the death of a Minnesota man who died following knee surgery, according to a state finding that is leading to a national investigation.
Extension Service plans $4.5 million in cuts
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The University of Minnesota Extension Service plans to cut as many as 60 education jobs around the state as part of a reorganization plan to save $4.5 million.
Osseo schools to drop to four-day week
OSSEO (AP) -- The Osseo School District Board voted Wednesday to drop to a four-day school week with longer hours next year, aiming to reduce a projected $9 million budget deficit.
Sun Country suspends scheduled flights
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Sun Country Airlines, which last month abandoned several of its scheduled routes and began seeking financial assistance, said Thursday it will revert to charter service starting Saturday.
Sun Country's demise will cost Minnesota air travelers millions
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- With the demise of Sun Country Airlines, air fares between the Twin Cities and dozens of destinations will rise, analysts say.
Minnesota Pearl Harbor survivors get anniversary rings
BLOOMINGTON (AP) -- Leo Stewart's 1939 Sebeka class ring hung around his neck with his dog tags during the Japanese attack of Pearl Harbor.
Alexandria edges W-DC girls
WADENA -- The Wadena-Deer Creek Wolverines lost a tough 3-2 overtime decision to the Cardinals of Alexandria Thursday.
Pierz volleyball team honors players
Kari Block and Lexie Palo have been named players of the year for the Pierz Pioneers volleyball team.
Local shorts
The Brainerd Warriors defeated Willmar 2-0 in junior varsity boys' hockey Thursday.
Staples-Motley boys open with 67-42 win
STAPLES -- The Staples-Motley Cardinals opened their boys' basketball season with a 67-42 Mid-State Conference triumph over the Park Rapids Panthers on Thursday.
Scoreboard
BOYS BASKETBALL
Scoreboard
BOYS BASKETBALL
Bemidji blanks BHS in girls' hockey
BEMIDJI -- The Brainerd Warriors girls' hockey team was shut out by the Bemidji Lumberjacks 2-0 Thursday in Bemidji.
Swanville edges Pillager girls
SWANVILLE -- The Pillager Huskies were defeated by the Swanville Swans 35-33 in girls' basketball Thursday.
Balanced scoring leads Warrior boys to third straight win
The Brainerd Warriors boys' hockey team is demonstrating that it will not depend solely on leading scorer J.P. Platisha for its offensive firepower.
Local sports shorts
Open skating is scheduled at Brainerd Area Civic Center from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday.
Aitkin wrestlers defeat Grand Rapids; seven wins in a row
GRAND RAPIDS -- The Aitkin Gobblers won their second meet of the wrestling season, 31-21, over the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks Thursday.
WARRIOR ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
As a three-time state entrant, including a runner-up finish at 135 pounds last season, the Brainerd Warriors wrestling team is expecting Andy Pickar to pick apart opponents this winter.
Cartoon characters abound
While driving home one night last week, I was listening to the radio when I heard not only the oddest, but one of the funniest nuggets of news I've heard in a long time.
Warrior wrestlers dominate Apollo
Gaining early season momentum is important for any team if it wants to compete deep into the postseason.
Skepticism greets Selig poverty pleas
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Baseball commissioner Bud Selig railed against high player salaries during a congressional hearing where his plan to eliminate two teams was met with skepticism and hostile questions.
Minnesota lawmakers don't get answers from commissioner
WASHINGTON (AP) -- After nearly three hours of waiting, Minnesota's lawmakers finally got their chance to question Commissioner Bud Selig Thursday about baseball's decision to eliminate two baseball teams.
Culpepper's status for Sunday still in question
EDEN PRAIRIE -- Don't expect to find out officially from the Minnesota Vikings if they'll start quarterback Daunte Culpepper until Sunday's kickoff at the Metrodome.
Culpepper still questionable for Sunday
EDEN PRAIRIE (AP) -- Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daunte Culpepper, suffering from a sprained left knee, didn't practice on Wednesday and remains questionable for Sunday's game against Tennessee.
Ventura works high and tight to Selig
WASHINGTON -- There are sights you don't forget. Bud Selig sitting next to Gov. Jesse Ventura at a House Judiciary Committee hearing is one of them. Sometimes the punishment actually fits the crime.
Twins lose $18.5 million
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Minnesota Twins posted an operating loss of $18.5 million on $56.2 million in revenue during the 2001 baseball season, according to a baseball management report obtained Wednesday.
Wolves rout Memphis 105-80
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- The Minnesota Timberwolves are returning to what made them successful earlier in the season.
Moss sounds off in Tennessee
EDEN PRAIRIE (AP) -- Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Randy Moss hasn't spoken to the Twin Cities media for most of the season. On Wednesday, he told their colleagues in Tennessee what he thinks of them.
Blackhawks take 4-2 victory over Wild
CHICAGO (AP) -- The Chicago Blackhawks stayed out of the penalty box -- a smart move against the league's second-best power play.
Bennett suffers through rookie season
EDEN PRAIRIE -- Michael Bennett was drafted in the first round by the Minnesota Vikings last spring because he's fast, but his speed may have been more of a hindrance than a help so far.
Pohlad confirms Twins slated for elimination
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- For the first time, Minnesota Twins owner Carl Pohlad has confirmed that his team and the Montreal Expos are the franchises major league baseball has targeted for elimination.
Success of 'A Christmas Carol' this year will determine whether CLC keeps it as holiday play
Three could be the magic number for Central Lakes College's annual production of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol."
Frid leads flute section of Symphonic Band, soprano section of A Cappella Choir
Art focus: music
'Flags for Freedom' photo show set at Walker gallery
WALKER -- Children and adults sat at the breakfast table talking about how fortunate their generation has been. They've never seen war or real national hardship.
Mississippi Horizons choir concerts scheduled Monday
The choir students from Mississippi Horizons in Brainerd will be featured in Christmas concerts Monday in the cafeteria.
Best videos
Weekly charts for the nation's most popular videos as they appear in this week's issue of Billboard magazine. Reprinted with permission:
BHS bands to perform holiday concert
The Brainerd High School Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble will present their holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Tornstrom Auditorium, Washington Middle School, Brainerd.
Crosby-Ironton School choirs to give holiday concert
CROSBY -- The Crosby-Ironton Seventh-Grade Choir, Varsity Choir, Girls' Triple Trio, Boys' Quartet, Chamber Singers and Concert Choir, directed by Wayne Ellingsen, will present their annual Christmas concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the high school's Mayberry Auditorium.
Aitkin Area Choir to present 'One King' Christmas musical
AITKIN -- The 40-voice Aitkin Area Choir, directed by Rick Perry, will perform "One King,"a Christmas musical, at 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Westside Calvary Church in Aitkin.
'Behind Enemy Lines' is red, white and true blue
War is hellishly entertaining, es
Holiday events slated in Pine River, Little Falls
Tourism events around Minnesota, 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.
Entertainment
Live music
Eder continues rise as singing star
Singer Linda Eder's astonishing ascent as a bona fide pop and Broadway star continues unabated this month with a series of major milestones.
Wadena woman, 81, publishes 'Amazing Stories of Minnesota and the Dakotas'
A Wadena octogenarian has emerged as the friskiest colt in a stable of authors published by a North Dakota small press.
'Harry Potter' still No. 1, but earnings plunge
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The huge box office for "Harry Potter" is pulling a vanishing act.
Book cites Paul Bunyan as Minnesota marvel
Anyone who has driven the state has seen some of the darnedest things, many of which have now been catalogued in a book by freelance writer Eric Dregni.
Minnesota state forecast
Advisory for freezing rain extreme southwest this morning...
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. A chance of snow showers northwest. Highs from the mid 30s northwest to around 50 far southwest.
Wisconsin state forecast
Today...Becoming mostly cloudy...With a chance of flurries or sprinkles. Highs from the upper 20s northwest to lower 40s south.
The Weather Elsewhere
Thursday
Snowflakes
Weather drawing by Brett Moser of Jan Wilcox's kindergarten class at Lowell school.
State forecast for south dakota
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy. Highs in the mid 30s to lower 40s east...To the 40s west.
Iowa state forecast
Freezing rain advisory early this morning far northwest...
Minnesota state forecast
Today...Mostly cloudy and colder. A few snow showers...Mainly central and north. Highs from th lower 20s far north to the upper 40s extreme southeast.
State forecast for north dakota
Today...Partly to mostly cloudy and blustery...With a little light snow or flurries west and central. Highs from the 20s east to lower 30s southwest.
Christmas tree
Weather drawing by Katie Ranney of Sharon Jendro's first grade class at Lowell school.
State forecast for north dakota
Today...Patchy morning fog northwest...Otherwise partly sunny statewide. Highs 15 on the canadian border to 30 on the south dakota line.
State forecast for south dakota
Today...Partly cloudy and windy west. Mostly cloudy east this morning...Then becoming partly cloudy. Highs in the lower 30s to lower 40s.
Iowa state forecast
Today...Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 30s northwest to mid 50s south.
The Weather Elsewhere
Friday
Patients urged to be on guard against surgeons operating on wrong body part
Citing an increase in surgeries on the wrong body parts or even the wrong patients, a hospital accrediting agency is urging patients themselves to make sure the doctor marks in ink on the body the correct site before the operation.
Memory book keeps deceased parent alive
DEAR ABBY: I would like to utilize your column to reach adult relatives of the children who lost a parent in the terrorist attack of Sept. 11.
Names and faces
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) -- A judge praised Paula Poundstone's recovery progress Wednesday and released the comedian from a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center where she was sentenced after pleading no contest to child endangerment.
What's doing
North-South: Ray and Gladys Norrgard, 82; Sandy Chase and Bruce Eastman, 79; Ann Whalen and Phyllis DeRosier, 77. East-West: Warren and Betty Nelson, 80; Marion Benest and Chris Leininger, 76; and Dale and Helen Dickie, 75.
Names and faces
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- It's a boy for actress Cate Blanchett.
Senior activities
LAKES AREA SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER
Science of grocery shopping
Dear Heloise: Here is my solution for that grocery list problem. With the advent of the computer spreadsheet, a grocery list is a snap.
In Tora Bora, forces stalking bin Laden
TORA BORA, Afghanistan -- In the cold, thin mountain air, the soldiers stood on a rocky ridge and blasted the opposite peak. The tank turret roared, and the men pumped their fists. They smelled the gunpowder, saw the smoke and knew their hunt was creeping forward.
Arafat's crackdown on militants sparks Palestinian clashes
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip -- Hundreds of Hamas supporters clashed with Palestinian riot police outside the home of the group's leader Thursday in a first sign of resistance to Yasser Arafat's intensifying crackdown on Islamic militants. A Hamas supporter was killed at the scene, witnesses said.
Sailing icon killed in robbery
Sir Peter Blake of New Zealand, who won the top two prizes in global yachting before turning his energies to environmental activism, was shot dead Wednesday night by robbers who boarded his boat anchored near the mouth of the Amazon River in Brazil.
Taliban give up Kandahar, leader missing; Marines kill seven in first ground combat
KABUL, Afghanistan -- Taking their weapons with them, Taliban forces abandoned their last bastion Kandahar on Friday, and witnesses said joyous residents poured into the streets and tore down the Taliban white flag. Afghanistan's interim prime minister said Taliban supreme leader Mullah Mohammed Omar was missing and would be arrested if found.