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Regional briefs: St. John's University president to step down

Last update: October 18, 2008 - 9:28 PM

COLLEGEVILLE

St. John's University president to resign

The president of St. John's University has announced he will resign for health reasons.

The announcement came just days after the university said it would begin looking for an acting president because of Brother Dietrich Reinhart's lung and brain cancer diagnosis. His resignation goes into effect as soon as the university appoints an interim president.

Reinhart, who has been St. John's president since 1991, said in a prepared statement that it has been an honor to serve. Reinhard said he will shift his focus to his health and well-being.

DULUTH

Bishop to succeed Cincinnati archbishop

Bishop Dennis Schnurr, 60, who has led the Roman Catholic Diocese in Duluth since 2001, will succeed Cincinnati Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk when he retires next year. He was appointed by Pope Benedict.

Schnurr plans to begin work in Cincinnati on Nov. 30 and will spend about a year gradually taking over Pilarczyk's responsibilities. Pilarczyk said Schnurr was his preferred successor. The 74-year-old archbishop, who led the Cincinnati archdiocese since 1982, is required to resign at age 75.

Schnurr said among his priorities in Duluth were the training of priests, spending time in his parishes and working on youth outreach programs. He's also the treasurer and former general secretary of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

AUSTIN

Vandals target farms in Mower County

Mower County authorities are investigating a destructive crime spree at area farms that has caused $12,000 in damage.

In the latest incident, vandals dumped about 400 bushels of corn from three grain wagons at a farm north of Austin on Wednesday. Mower County Sheriff Terese Amazi said the farmer estimated the corn was worth nearly $1,000.

Amazi said vandals this month have damaged farm trucks and harvest machinery parked in Mower County fields. Many incidents involved broken vehicle windows.

HASTINGS

Four designs for new bridge to go on display

Four possible designs for a replacement bridge in Hastings go on display Tuesday during an open house in Hastings by the state transportation department.

The Hastings Bridge is one of the lowest-rated river crossings in the Twin Cities region. It is due to be rebuilt in the next few years. State transportation officials hope to begin construction by fall 2010. The Hastings bridge over the Mississippi River is one of 11 major highways and freeways in Minnesota that are due for replacement over the next decade.

WISCONSIN

Pup from Iraq is being flown to new home

A puppy adopted by a U.S. soldier in Iraq is headed to Wisconsin this weekend. The puppy, named Boo, belongs to Specialist Ashley Siwula, of Antioch, Ill. Her brother, Nick Mitcheff, of Salem, Wis., will watch the dog for Siwula.

The dog was one of six rescued by Operation Baghdad Pups, run by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International.

The group is returning to Iraq this weekend to pick up another batch of dogs, including a puppy named Ratchet adopted by a Minnesota soldier.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

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