Goofy DNS issue on DSL

[NetSec]

In addition to dropped and refused DNS queries, I bave been getting the local (.local) domain mixed up with the standard DNS queries.

Anyone have a suggesting for copnfiguring the Westell modem to not attach the .local to DNS requests?

SUN MAR 06 19:52:43 2011
    DNS: Unknown host: 'netservices.verizon.net.local'

SUN MAR 06 19:52:42 2011
    DNS: Unknown host: 'netservices.verizon.net.local'

SUN MAR 06 19:52:41 2011
    DNS: Unknown host: 'surround.verizon.net.local'

SUN MAR 06 19:52:41 2011
    DNS: Unknown host: 'surround.verizon.net.local'

SUN MAR 06 19:52:41 2011
    DNS: Unknown host: 'surround.verizon.net.local'

SUN MAR 06 19:52:39 2011
    DNS: Unknown host: 'www.westell.com.local'

SUN MAR 06 19:52:38 2011
    DNS: Unknown host: 'central.verizon.net.local'

SUN MAR 06 19:52:38 2011
    DNS: Unknown host: 'shopwestell.com.local'

[NetSec]

I have since removed the .local from the Domain name setting; rebooted, and waiting for the DNS connection refused to go way.

It will in about 30 minutes - but the question is...  For how long?