Friday, December 28, 2001
Last Prowler to be produced in February
DETROIT -- Rick Gallaher has one Prowler, a black one, and he was saving to buy another.
GM wants daytime running lights required on all U.S. vehicles
DETROIT (AP) -- General Motors Corp. has asked the federal government to require daytime running lights on all vehicles sold in the United States.
Pickup has avalanche of possibilities
If there's an automotive equivalent to a quick-change artist, the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche is it.
Catholics asked to pray for peace on New Year's Day
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is asking Roman Catholics to pray for peace on New Year's Day in response to Sept. 11.
From Texas to South Long Lake Presbyterian Church, pastor has worked in variety of denominations
"South Long Lake Presbyterian Church is a small, country church just south of Brainerd. Our purpose is to reach the lost with the gospel of Jesus Christ. The church is located in the heart of northcentral Minnesota and is surrounded by farming and agriculture."
Helping students understand the world of religion
Ninth-grader Matt Vasquez, 14, raised his hand in world history class and asked questions that sounded like they belonged in Sunday school: "Why do we use a cross as a symbol? If Jesus had been crucified on a circle, would we use a circle?"
Churches
Beginning Jan. 6, and for several weeks after that, Sunday morning worship services at First Congregational United Church of Christ, Brainerd, will be held in the gym at Whittier School, 604 N. Seventh St.
Greek Orthodox church in shadow of World Trade Center struggles to rebuild
NEW YORK (AP) -- When the World Trade Center fell Sept. 11, it took a smaller icon with it -- the tiny St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox church, one of lower Manhattan's treasures for most of a century.
New baby's older sibling needs attention, too
QUESTION: Before our baby was born last month, our 3-year-old daughter, April, was thrilled about having a new brother or sister. Now, however, she shows signs of jealousy, sucking her thumb sullenly when I nurse the baby and getting very loud and silly when friends drop by. Please suggest some ways I can ease her through this period of adjustment.
Do your prayers seem to go no higher than the ceiling?
Was there ever a time when you felt as though your prayers were going no higher than the ceiling?
St. Nicholas the town greets its namesake
ST. NICHOLAS (AP) -- Even though its twin steeples are 110 feet tall, St. Nicholas Catholic Church can be easy to miss if you're not familiar with rural
As church attendance drops, experts divided over long-term religious impact of terrorist attacks
To the congregation at Two Rivers Baptist Church in Nashville, Tenn., it must have seemed like their city had been born again.
Good words live on long after the writing
DEAR ABBY: Would you please reprint the letter from Sister H.P.M. of St. Paul, Minn.? In a nation of so much unrest since Sept. 11, and the tragedies of the school shootings in the recent past, now is the time for America's teachers to take action. Sometimes one small gesture of caring is enough to let people know they are appreciated and important. -- FAITHFUL READER, MONROE, MICH.
For success, limit the stress
With Christmas over, now comes the real test -- to emerge from the holiday season no heavier than going in.
How to clean those smelly shoes
Dear Heloise: How do I treat or clean shoes that have a bad odor in them due to wearing them without socks or nylons? -- Ingrid, Via E-mail
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL (AP) (USDA) -- Thursday cattle estimated receipts: 500.
Cash grain
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Wheat receipts Wednesday 219, a year ago 157.
Livestock
SOUTH ST. PAUL(AP) (USDA) -- Wednesday cattle: estimated 400.
Plan for holiday food safety as well as pleasure
NEW YORK (AP) -- Advice on how safety precautions and planning can add to holiday pleasure really counts when it's dispensed by Norman Faiola. He can recommend things he and his family do at home, but as associate professor of nutrition and hospitality management at Syracuse University, he has even wider credibility.
A toast to years old and new
New Year's Eve is an evening of celebrating with built-in excitement-a time for well wishing, toasts, and good cheers. After all, the year that is ending is over forever. The door is shut on the year gone by, and we can fling open the one just beginning.
Dissolutions
Butcher, Benjamin H. and Andrea L.
Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Tuesday.
Births
Shawn and Charity Birr, Merrifield, a boy, Trevor Marcus, 8 pounds, 10 ounces, Dec. 7, 2001. Grandparents are Duane Birr, Albany, and Sharon Birr, Albany, and Nancy Jones, Brainerd.
Metals
NEW YORK (AP) -- Spot nonferrous metal prices Thursday.
Court
WALKER -- A K-9 dog assigned to check packages at a Federal Express mail sorting center in Minneapolis alerted on a package bound for a Pillager address Dec. 11.
Accident
A 71-year-old Aitkin woman is dead two days after suffering a heart attack and colliding head-on with another vehicle on Highway 18, east of Brainerd.
Accidents
A 14-year-old Brainerd teen was injured Monday after the snowmobile he was driving struck a car on Southeast 13th Street and Industrial Park Road.
Crime
Brainerd police
Crimes
BURGLARY -- It was reported Wednesday the Todd County Community Correction office broken into. Computer equipment, a TV/VCR and a radio were taken.
Ventura joins other governors with lowered ratings
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Gov. Jesse Ventura's popularity is at its lowest ebb since he took office three years ago, but other governor's have lost status in recent polls, as well, according to a published report.
President grants permanent normal trade relations to China, ending annual struggle
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The ailing U.S. business sector hailed President Bush's decision to grant normal trade status to China, saying it will take the gamble out of dealing with the communist nation and emerging economic powerhouse.
MRI test for coronary artery disease could replace invasive, costly angiograms
A new type of imaging technique using an MRI device can detect most diseased coronary arteries, and so could spare many heart patients a more invasive, expensive and uncomfortable test, researchers say.
When well-proportioned, dracaena is pretty
Squat, with a full head of strappy, green leaves, dracaena is an ideal houseplant. The plant tolerates low light, low humidity, even temporarily dry soil. With age, dracaena's appearance changes, becoming graceful as starbursts of leaves cap the lanky and leafless stems.
GARDENING Q & A
Q. My daughter in New Hampshire brought me an envelope of lupine seeds from her garden at home. I planted them last spring, but nothing came up. Will they grow next spring, or are lupines not appropriate for this area?
Good lighting: Let it shine
This time of year, when sunlight is at a premium, it's important to have good interior lighting. While meeting special situations, such as highlighting an art collection, it's wise to be savvy in covering the basics, too.
Retirement communities remake image to cater to boomers
NEW YORK -- Steve and Jodie Ostrin moved to a retirement community five years ago, but they're not slowing down just yet. In between rounds of golf, working out and traveling, the couple both work full-time, sometimes out of a home office.
It's always time to check indoor air quality
Acouple of logs are crackling in the fireplace, and a pot of soup is simmering on the stovetop. You've nestled into the recliner with a new novel and a fresh cigar, and Rover is resting comfortably at your feet.
A prison-building boom provides a recession-proof industry in Appalachia
DOT, Va. (AP) -- In the heart of Virginia's coal country, the way out of a sagging economy these days is through concrete walls, razor-wire fences and guard towers.
Design J-97 offers small downstairs den instead of a master bedroom
A few years ago, Professional Builder magazine conducted a study of housing preferences and found that nearly seven out of 10 Americans prefer living in a house with a downstairs master suite.
Nation's poorest face affordable housing crunch
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The average janitor earns enough to rent a one-bedroom apartment and pay for life's other necessities in just six of the nation's 60 largest cities. A retail salesperson can make ends meet in half that many locations. Both can forget about buying a home.
Airborne
Lawton Burgstahler of Stewart (left) and Gary Baumetz of Hutchinson were forced into the air after hitting a bump on the Brainerd High School sliding hill Thursday.
Airport adds direct flight to Twin Cities
Area air travelers have an additional direct flight leaving the Brainerd-Crow Wing County Regional Airport for the Twin Cities as of this month.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1981)-The Brainerd City Council approved a license yesterday for Rapid Taxi Company, after telling the firm and its competitor, Brainerd Taxi, to "work together" to end what has become a long-standing inter-company feud.
COMING FRIDAY
Brainerd's new city planner/community development coordinator, Mike Brethorst, started work Dec. 17. Read more about his work in Friday's Dispatch.
Local briefs
MINNEAPOLIS -- Mothers Against Drunk Drivers recognized a Brainerd State Patrol trooper for his efforts combating drinking and driving.
This was Brainerd
20 years ago (1981) - Brainerd's Warriorettes are the defending champions, having posted 53-33 and 57-39 wins over Crosby-Ironton and Moorhead in last year's meet, heading into the opening round of the Paul Bunyan Girls' Basketball Tournament tonight.
2002 promises to be busy year for new city planner
Mike Brethorst will have a busy 2002.
Ross: Killings weren't random
Although investigators today are still searching for the person or persons responsible for the murder of a Brainerd area husband and wife found on Christmas Eve, Crow Wing County Sheriff Dick Ross said he does not believe the killings were random.
Local briefs
The Brainerd-Crow Wing County Regional Airport Commission will meet 10 a.m. Jan. 2 in the airport conference room.
Autopsies confirm deaths of Bieganeks as homicide
The autopsy results of a rural Brainerd couple, found shot to death on Christmas Eve, were released today, confirming what investigators already expected.
Goodbye, tresses
BAXTER -- Heidi and Misty Evans begged their mom, Sue Evans, for years to let them cut their hair.
Commercial van strikes, kills six
NEW YORK (AP) -- The elderly driver of a commercial van that struck and killed six people near the flagship Macy's department store was questioned by investigators, but has not been charged with a crime, police said.
Possible illegal campaigning threatens to tarnish state's image
MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin's reputation for squeaky-clean government, dating back to Robert La Follette and the birth of the Progressive movement a century ago, is threatened by a potential scandal at the Capitol.
Heavy snow continues to pelt Buffalo -- nearly 6 feet this week
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Four straight days of unprecedented weather have buried Buffalo under nearly 6 feet of snow, effectively shutting down a city known for its massive snow drifts in December.
War gives new life to plan to topple Saddam
WASHINGTON -- Three years ago, the man who is now White House counterterrorism chief drew up a plan for the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. It was never implemented, but from today's perspective, the strategy devised by retired Army Gen. Wayne Downing for toppling a tyrannical regime has a familiar-sounding ring to it.
Family blames police officer for Columbine student's death
DENVER (AP) -- The family of slain Columbine student Daniel Rohrbough claims a Denver police officer killed the boy as he fled the massacre inside the school.
Missing toddler found in West Virginia after being kidnapped
CHICAGO (AP) -- A Christmas nightmare finally ended for a mother when her 16-month-old daughter was found in West Virginia, days after being snatched from a Chicago bus station by a stranger.
Cuban spy gets life sentence
MIAMI (AP) -- A Cuban spy was sentenced to life in prison for trying to infiltrate U.S. military bases and exile groups in south Florida.
Home sales, orders for big-ticket items, confidence up
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Home sales climbed, orders for many big-ticket items posted gains and consumer confidence rebounded, the latest batch of economic data showed Friday. The reports raised hope that better days may be ahead for the ailing economy.
Sears paying government nearly $63 million to settle fraud case
CHICAGO (AP) -- Sears has agreed to pay the government $62.6 million to settle allegations it knowingly sold defective DieHard auto batteries in 1994 and 1995.
U.S. gets more prisoners, plans to hold some at Navy base in Cuba
WASHINGTON (AP) -- American forces in Afghanistan took control of dozens more prisoners as the U.S. government considered whether to use military tribunals to try some of the terrorist suspects.
U.S. avoids POW tag for captives, but allows Red Cross access
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The United States is reserving the right to try al-Qaida and Taliban captives on its own terms and isn't calling them "prisoners of war," although the Red Cross says it is getting full access to them for now.
Unmanned plane found wrecked after it took off by itself
PETALUMA, Calif. (AP) -- Authorities Thursday morning found the wreckage of a small plane that broke from its moorings at a rural Sonoma County airstrip and took off without a pilot.
Nationwide search on for man whose wife and three children were found dead in bay
NEWPORT, Ore. (AP) -- A nationwide alert was issued for a man whose wife and three children were found dead in a coastal inlet along the central Oregon coast.
Tech stops Stanford
SEATTLE (AP) -- If former Dallas Cowboys coach and Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Chan Gailey gets the Georgia Tech job, the Yellow Jackets players will be disappointed. They want to keep interim coach Mac McWhorter.
Stanford helps usher in Seattle Bowl
SEATTLE (AP) -- The last time Stanford played in Seattle, the Cardinal lost to Washington in a game that all but knocked Stanford out of the Pac-10 race.
Preparing for bowls can be a mystifying experience
Bobby Bowden was still an assistant coach in those days, the offensive coordinator at West Virginia. The Mountaineers were getting ready to play South Carolina in the 1969 Peach Bowl, and Bowden put in a call to Darrell Royal, the legendary coach at Texas.
Bonds is Male Athlete of Year
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- In a record-breaking season capped by major awards, one home run was especially significant to Barry Bonds.
Source: Cartwright to be new Bulls coach
CHICAGO (AP) -- Bill Cartwright, who has five NBA championship rings as a player and assistant coach with the Chicago Bulls, will be the team's new head coach, a team source said Friday.
Double play Giuliani nears dseal with Yankees, Mets for new ballparks
NEW YORK (AP) -- The New York Yankees and Mets could make their biggest off-season acquisitions with the help of Mayor Rudolph Giuliani: a pair of new $800 million stadiums.
Howell, Gilder win rookie awards
ONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -- Charles Howell III was chosen as the PGA Tour's Rookie of the Year, while Bob Gilder was picked for the same award on the Senior PGA Tour.
Tagliabue No. 1, President Bush No. 9 on most powerful list
ST. LOUIS (AP) -- NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue was chosen Wednesday by The Sporting News as the most powerful person in sports, heading a list that also includes President Bush.
Longtime AL umpire Hank Soar dies at 87
PAWTUCKET, R.I. (AP) -- Hank Soar, a longtime American League umpire who worked at five World Series and a standout football player for the New York Giants earlier in his career, died at age 87.
Roy notches his 500th victory with shutout
DALLAS (AP) -- Patrick Roy earned his 500th victory in style.
Capriati honored
When Jennifer Capriati was just out of eighth grade, she reached the semifinals of her first Grand Slam tournament -- the 1990 French Open. Another 11 years would pass before she reached a major final.
Mets get Vaughn from Angels for Appier
NEW YORK (AP) -- General manager Steve Phillips is doing his best to make sure the New York Mets don't repeat what happened last season.
Louise M. Sundquist
Louise M. Sundquist, 90, Brainerd, died Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2001, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village.
Edith Guritz
NISSWA -- Edith Guritz, 79, Nisswa, died Monday, Dec. 24, 2001, at her home.
Ruby A. Quick
HENNING -- Ruby Alveeda Quick, 64, Henning, died Dec. 24, 2001, at the Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls.
Alice B. Johnson
LITTLE FALLS -- Alice B. Johnson, 78, Fort Ripley, died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2001, at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls.
Genevieve L. Morgan Ostendorf
GARRISON -- Genevieve Louise Morgan Ostendorf, 85, Garrison, died Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2001.
Margaret J. Horvot-MacDiarmid
McGREGOR -- Margaret Josephine Horvot-MacDiarmid, 83, McGregor, died Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2001, at Riverwood Extended Care Center in Aitkin.
Angeline 'Angie' K. Bieganek
Angeline "Angie" Katherine Bieganek, 64, Brainerd, died Monday, Dec. 24, 2001.
Bob J. Lager
ROYALTON -- Bob J. Lager, 46, Royalton, died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2001, at home.
Margaret J. Horvath-MacDiarmid
McGREGOR -- Margaret Josephine Horvath-MacDiarmid, 83, McGregor, died Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2001, at the Riverwood Extended Care Center in Aitkin.
Gail Lindquist
PINE RIVER -- Gail Lindquist, 64, Pine River, died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2001, at Whispering Pines Good Samaritan Center in Pine River.
Joseph J. Schmelzer
LITTLE FALLS -- Joseph J. Schmelzer, 69, Little Falls, died Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2001, at home in Little Falls.
Louise M. Sundquist
Louise M. Sundquist, 90, Brainerd, died Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2001, at Bethany Good Samaritan Village.
Olga K. Tangen Schoeman
CHICAGO -- Olga K. Tangen Schoeman, 92, Chicago, died Monday, Dec. 24, 2001, at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital in Melrose Park, Ill.
Joe Schmelzer
LITTLE FALLS -- Joe Schmelzer, 69, Little Falls, died Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2001, at his home.
Emerson E. Chapman
STAPLES -- Emerson Ellsworth Chapman, 71, Staples, died Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2001, at the Greater Staples Care Center in Staples.
Geraldine Dyer
LITTLE FALLS -- Geraldine Dyer, 72, Little Falls, died Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2001, at her home.
Gladys D. McAllister
PINE RIVER -- Gladys Delores McAllister, 96, Pine River, died Monday, Dec. 24, 2001, at Whispering Pines Good Samaritan Center in Pine River.
Paul R. Kedrowski
LONG PRAIRIE-- Paul R. Kedrowski, 70, Long Prairie, died Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2001, at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls.
Gail Lindquist
PINE RIVER -- Gail Lindquist, 64, Pine River, died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2001, at Whispering Pines Good Samaritan Center in Pine River.
Leo J. Salzbrun
ONAMIA -- Leo J. Salzbrun, 88, Onamia, formerly of Hillman, died Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2001, at the Mille Lacs Nursing Home in Onamia.
Bertha M. Kocinski
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Bertha M. Kocinski, 91, Anaheim, Calif., formerly of Onamia, died Friday, Dec. 21, 2001, in Anaheim.
Lola Semmler
LONGVILLE -- Lola Semmler, 71, Longville, died Monday, Dec. 24, 2001, at her home.
Virgil S. Ross
LAKE HUBERT -- Virgil S. Ross, 85, Lake Hubert, died Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2001, at Woodland Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
Brian C. Korte
ONAMIA -- Brian Christopher Korte, 21, St. Louis Park, formerly of Onamia, died Sunday, Dec. 23, 2001, as the result of an automobile accident.
Paul R. Kedrowski
LONG PRAIRIE -- Paul R. Kedrowski, 70, Long Prairie, died Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2001, at St. Gabriel's Hospital in Little Falls.
Theodore 'Ted' Bieganek
Theodore "Ted" Bieganek, 68, Brainerd, died Monday, Dec. 24, 2001.
Darlene E. Smith
FARGO, N.D. -- Darlene Eldora Smith, 51, Ottertail, formerly of Wadena, died Monday, Dec. 24, 2001, at MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, N.D., of cancer.
Adam L. Van Batavia
VERNDALE -- Adam L. Van Batavia, 21, Verndale, died Monday, Dec. 24, 2001, at the Meritcare Hospital in Fargo, N.D., as the result of a motor vehicle and train accident in Verndale.
Rural and 'rurban' partnership
A recent survey by the Kellogg Foundation found that while people
Open Forum
I feel that all of us elected officials support the airport. We need the airport. Tourism, economic development and private use by citizens depend on our airport.
Open Forum
I'm very interested in how the U.S. public is responding to the captured American Taliban fighter. I feel he should be treated worse than our other enemies. There are a variety of reasons I think this and they all focus on the fact that he betrayed our country.
Failed bill stimulated partisanship
Shed no tears for the demise of the economic stimulus plan in Congress last week. Bloated and extravagantly expensive, the bill promised little benefit for the economy even as it threatened great harm to the federal treasury. It amply deserved its burial.
Gopher athletics
The committee charged with finding a solution for the University of Minnesota's sports budget woes has a mammoth -- if not impossible -- task ahead of it.
OTHER OPINIONS School funding
It came as no surprise to Minnesotans last week when state education officials forecast drastic cuts in many Minnesota schools.
Lewis retiring but not shy
When Ronald Reagan delivered his ``evil empire'' speech about the Soviet Union nearly two decades ago, New York Times columnist Anthony Lewis debunked the speech, saying that the notion of evil was not a proper metaphor in our modern, sophisticated world.
Sept. 11 forged lasting unity
WASHINGTON--As we come to the end of a year like no other we have seen, a year none of us expected to endure, there is an understandable longing for things to return to normal.
Mass' rookie sprint car success no surprise to Rager
One racer who won't be surprised if Dave Mass, a former Wissota Street Stock National points champion and the Wissota Super Stock points champion at Princeton Speedway this season, wins the 2002 Wissota Championship Sprint Series Rookie of the Year honor will be Roger Rager of Pequot Lakes.
Students sick with same illness
OSAGE (AP) -- State health officials have stepped in after almost half of the students attending an elementary school have developed symptoms of the diarrheal illness shigellosis.
Four die in head-on collision near Elgin
ELGIN, Minn. (AP) -- Four people died and another person was injured in the head-on collision of a car and a pickup on a state highway Wednesday afternoon.
University scientists probe ancient forest in Eagan dig project
EAGAN (AP) -- Well-diggers discovered tiny chunks of wood 300 feet underground that scientists believe is evidence of an ancient spruce forest from a time when woolly mammoths roamed Minnesota.
Officials identify 11-year-old killed on snowmobile near Milaca
MILACA (AP) -- Authorities on Thursday identified the 11-year-old victim of a snowmobile accident as Duwayne Wittstruck.
Man spends 19 years indexing immigrant naturalization
CHISHOLM (AP) -- Conrad Peterzen took 19 years to finish a single job.
Lawmakers eye Blue Cross' tobacco funds
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Several state lawmakers think the money an insurer won in a settlement with tobacco companies should be used to help hospitals prepare for bioterrorism and other emergencies.
Family that lost boys to drowning now loses home to fire
OLIVIA (AP) -- An Olivia family who lost their son and his cousin when they drowned in a drainage ditch faces more difficulty after a fire destroyed their mobile home.
Arden Hills man, pioneer in open-heart surgery, gets new heart
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Johnny Watson, who in 1955 became one of the first children to survive open-heart surgery, has been given a new heart.
Freeze on state grants to nonprofits ends
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Nonprofit groups are hesitant to cheer news that the Minnesota Finance Department has stopped its freeze on state grants amid uncertainty on which organizations would receive state money.
Child protection hearings and records to be open to public
ST. PAUL (AP) -- Beginning July 1, most hearings and records in child protection matters will be open to the public, the Minnesota Supreme Court ordered Wednesday.
Sauk Rapids man killed in industrial accident at landfill in Monticello
MONTICELLO (AP) -- A truck driver was killed Thursday afternoon during an industrial accident at a landfill.
Hennepin County combats elderly abuse
BLOOMINGTON (AP) -- A burglar who targeted retirement complexes. A caretaker charged with stealing an elderly woman's dress she was supposed to be buried in. And a convicted felon who's accused of torturing and killing an elderly Minneapolis couple in their home.
In two rulings, Appeals Court narrows criteria for DWI arrests
ST. PAUL (AP) -- In two rulings Wednesday, the state Court of Appeals narrowed the conditions under which suspected drunken drivers may be pulled over.
Phillips' three-pointer at buzzer beats Monticello
TARTAN -- Jake Phillips' three-point basket from the corner with two seconds left gave the Brainerd Warriors a 43-40 boys' basketball victory over the Monticello Magic in the first round of the Tartan Tournament on Thursday.
Little Falls boys edge LP-GE
LITTLE FALLS -- Led by strong defense and a razor-sharp goaltender, the Little Falls Flyers boys' hockey team defeated Long Prairie-Grey Eagle 3-1 in the first round of the Little Falls Invitational Friday.
Warrior girls skate into semifinals of Holiday Cup
BLAINE -- Macala Campbell scored two goals to help the Brainerd Warriors girls' hockey team to a 4-0 victory over Fort Francis, Ontario, in the opening round of the Minnesota Holiday Cup Yellow Division tournament Wednesday.
Warriors cut loose in second period
The Brainerd boys' hockey team needs to convince opponents to spot the Warriors the lead after two periods.
Scoreboard
BOYS BASKETBALL
Moorhead dominates swim meet
It was an afternoon of hits and misses for the Brainerd Warriors boys' swimming and diving team Thursday as it hosted the Brainerd Invitational.
Aitkin boys open tourney with victory
AITKIN -- The Aitkin Gobblers boys' basketball team gave its fans little reason to cheer, but still came away with a 68-56 win over the pesky Blackduck Drakes in the first round of the Aitkin Quarterbacks Club Holiday Tournament Thursday.
Raiders' freshman adapting to college competition
When an athlete makes the jump from high school to college athletics the expectations usually aren't too high as they try to adapt to a higher level of play.
Scoreboard
BOYS BASKETBALL
Pine River-Backus girls led by Tabaka's shooting
STAPLES -- Meg Tabaka had a big night for the Pine River-Backus Tigers, finishing with 16 points and 12 rebounds, as the Tigers defeated the East Grand Forks Green Wave 52-42 at the Staples-Motley Tournament Thursday.
Despite turnovers, Rangers prevail
CROSBY -- Pierz Pioneers boys' basketball coach Dean Dahmen and Crosby-Ironton coach Dave Galovich might be investing in stickum after the first round of the Rangers Boys' Basketball Classic Thursday.
Whalen's overtime goal lifts Warrior girls
BLAINE -- Megan Whalen knocked in an overtime goal to lift the Brainerd Warriors girls' hockey team past Breck 3-2 in the semifinals of the Minnesota Holiday Cup Yellow Division Tournament Thursday at the Schwan's' Super Rink.
Patriots overcome Pillager in OT thriller
AITKIN -- When the game is on the line the best players usually step up their game in order to get a victory.
Staples-Motley boys bow to Rochester school
ROCHESTER -- The Staples-Motley boys' basketball team was defeated 54-46 in the Rochester Rotary Invitational by Rochester John Marshall Thursday.
Elks trip Brainerd girls
ELK RIVER -- The fifth-ranked Elk River Elks defeated the Brainerd Warriors 42-36 in the opening round of the Elk River girls' basketball tournament Thursday.
Local shorts
The Brainerd Warriors boys' hockey team defeated Willmar 4-1 Thursday.
Bouman ready to try full practice
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Vikings quarterback Todd Bouman practiced without pads Wednesday and threw sparingly as he continued to recover from a sprained ligament in his right thumb.
Red Wings, Wild battle to 3-3 tie
ST. PAUL (AP) -- When the Detroit Red Wings assembled an All-Star lineup of free-agent talent, complacency might have become their worst enemy.
VIKINGS MELTDOWN
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Vikings quarterback Todd Bouman took a few snaps during Thursday's practice but didn't appear to meet coach Dennis Green's "full strength" criteria for qualifying to start against Green Bay Sunday.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO READ THIS STORY IF YOU DON'T WANT TO
GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Vikings receiver Cris Carter says he was insulted when teammate Randy Moss said he only plays "when I want to play."
Issel resigns; Wolves prevail
DENVER (AP) -- For Chauncey Billups, the sight of the Denver Nuggets in disarray is a painful one. Their fans undoubtedly feel some of the same pain.
Fight over Twins goes before Court of Appeals
ST. PAUL -- Urging a three-judge appeals court to avoid "Homer Hanky jurisprudence," lawyers for major league baseball asked that hometown emotions not be allowed to hinder a sound legal decision.
Ring in 2002
Live music will be on tap at most of the area's best-known watering holes on New Year's Eve, and some have expanded their live entertainment fare throughout the long weekend.
AP critics pick their 10 favorite films of 2001
AP reviewers David Germain and Christy Lemire offer their (very different) lists of favorite movies from 2001:
In the music world, 2001 provided plenty of the wacky and the tacky to keep us all entertained all year long
At the end of the year, it's customary to look back and make lists: who sold the most albums, who had the biggest song, the best tour and so forth.
Take in a movie
Another long holiday weekend, as well as Christmas break for students, may mean more people at the movie theaters.
'Fellowship' lords over weekend box-office with No. 1 opening
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Hobbits were lords of the box office as the opening chapter of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy took in $45.3 million Friday to Sunday for an easy No. 1 debut.
Entertainment Calendar
For week of Dec. 27-Jan. 2; bands perform from 9 p.m. to close with no cover unless otherwise noted.
Filmmaker hopes to shoot movie in lakes area, with help from Babe Winkelman
If enthusiasm alone could complete a film project, "Lake Desire" would be well on its way to neighborhood theaters.
Best music
Weekly charts for the nation's best-selling recorded music as they appear in this week's issue of Billboard magazine. Reprinted with permission.
Fine Arts Student of the Week
Emily Bollum doesn't think of herself as a creative writer, but literature instructors beg to differ.
Holiday celebrations listed
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.
Final 'Harry Potter' chapter already written
LONDON (AP) -- J.K. Rowling has three books to go in her hugely popular "Harry Potter" series, but she said she's already written the final chapter.
State forecast for north dakota
Today...Cold with flurries west and occasional light snow east. Temperatures steady 5 to 15 above.
State forecast for south dakota
Today...Cloudy north and east with scattered flurries and patchy light freezing drizzle ending later this morning...Becoming partly sunny and breezy over the state in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 20s northeast to 40 to 45 southwest.
Iowa state forecast
Today...Partly sunny. Scattered flurries. Freezing drizzle possible west. Highs in the mid 20s to mid 30s.
Iowa state forecast
Today...Mostly cloudy with occasional flurries. Highs from 20 to 30. Tonight...Cloudy with occasional flurries. Lows near zero north to mid teens southeast.
The Weather Elsewhere
Thursday
Snowflakes
Weather drawing by Shaun Rolfes of Mrs. Wilcox's kindergarten class at Lowell school.
Wisconsin state forecast
Lake snow advisory today for the lake superior snowbelt...
The Weather Elsewhere
Friday
God Bless America
Weather drawing by Jessica Knoll of Mrs. Larson's fifth grade class at Harrison school.
Wisconsin state forecast
Winter storm warning late this afternoon into saturday morning for vilas county...
Minnesota state forecast
today...Mostly cloudy. A chance of light snow or flurries north and east. Highs in the teens north to middle 20s southwest.
State forecast for north dakota
Today...Windy. Becoming mostly sunny west. A chance of light snow east. Highs in the 20s.
Minnesota state forecast
today...Breezy and colder with scattered light snow or flurries. Highs from 5 above northwest to around 20 far southeast.
State forecast for south dakota
Today...Becoming cloudy...Breezy and colder with scattered flurries. Highs in the lower teens northeast to near 30 far southwest.
Senior activities
LAKES AREA SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER
Names and faces
NEW YORK (AP) -- Rudolph Giuliani bid farewell to New York after eight tumultuous years as mayor, repeating his belief that the World Trade Center site should be reserved primarily for a "soaring, beautiful memorial" to terrorism victims.
Miss America pageant to stay in Atlantic City for now
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) -- The Miss America Pageant, held in this seaside resort since it began 80 years ago, will stay for at least one more year while officials consider its future.
Cleaning hardwood floors
Dear Heloise: I have hardwood floors. What is the best way to clean and take care of them? -- Lina Milano, Via E-mail
Mom who's after golf pro may get stuck in rough
DEAR ABBY: My mother is divorced and currently dating "Scott," a golf pro. He lives with another woman I'll call Alice. When Scott and my mother met in a bar a year ago, he was honest about the fact he was living with someone. Alice is the woman Scott left his wife for. They moved here together from another state. However, he told my mother his relationship with Alice was essentially over and he was waiting for the "right time" to leave.
School lunch menus
BRAINERD
Names and faces
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Billy Bob Thornton said he and Halle Berry got through their intense, explicit love scene in the movie "Monster's Ball" because they both have stable personal lives off-camera.
Mass attempt by refugees to cross Channel Tunnel ends with tear gas and arrests
SANGATTE, France -- Hundreds of refugees living in an overcrowded Red Cross center on the English Channel coast gathered Christmas evening to plot their risky escape to Britain.
For Finland, euro means more than change in currency
HELSINKI, Finland -- For Finland, a country smaller than Montana on the northeastern fringe of the European Union, the euro is much more than a change of currency.
Leader of the London mosque Reid attended says he warned police of radical recruitment
LONDON (AP) -- Police failed to act on warnings that Islamic radicals were recruiting young Muslims at a south London mosque once attended by a man who is now suspected of trying to detonate explosives aboard an airliner, the mosque's leader said Thursday.
Bin Laden defends terrorism in latest tape
CAIRO, Egypt -- As the United States hunts Osama bin Laden, he appeared on a videotape apparently made in recent weeks in which he once again comes close to claiming responsibility for the Sept. 11 terror attacks as well as for the 1998 bombings of two U.S. embassies in Africa.
Pakistani analysts cite Taliban, al-Qaida blunders
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- The sudden collapse of the Taliban and its al-Qaida terrorist guests in Afghanistan stunned Pakistani military analysts, who now say the groups' leaders made enormous tactical blunders.
Thousands of Australian animals killed by fires
SYDNEY, Australia (AP) -- Thousands of wild animals, including koalas, kangaroos, birds and reptiles, are thought to have been killed or injured by bush fires that have razed national parks in Australia's largest state, officials said Thursday.
Fears of war build as tension mounts between India and Pakistan
NEW DELHI, India (AP) -- Indian and Pakistani troops shelled each other in disputed Kashmir overnight, and the Indian army ordered the evacuation Friday of dozens of border villages, raising fears of war.
India bans Pakistan from airspace
NEW DELHI, India -- India banned Pakistan's national airline from entering Indian airspace and ordered half of Pakistan's embassy staff out of the country Thursday in new sanctions amid heightening tensions between the two nuclear-armed rivals.
Arsonists blamed for bush fires
SYDNEY, Australia (AP) -- Arsonists may have sparked nearly half of the 100 bush fires that have destroyed homes and wildlife and forced mass evacuations in Australia's most populous state, police and fire officials said Thursday.
Europe's blind have a greater challenge than most in getting familiar with the euro
PARIS -- In a class for blind and visually impaired children, 9-year-old Gregoire Bouchetout traces his fingertips over a few euro coins, searching for tiny notches and raised patterns that will help him tell them apart.
Palestinian suicide bomber shot dead
JERUSALEM (AP) -- A Palestinian suicide bomber tried to carry out an attack in Gaza on Friday, the Israeli military said, the first such attempt since Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat called for an end to attacks earlier this month.
OPEC oil ministers confirm 6 percent cut in production in bid to lift prices
CAIRO, Egypt (AP) -- After more than a month of uncertainty, OPEC confirmed Friday it would slash 1.5 million barrels a day from its daily crude production in an effort to firm up sagging oil prices.