New formula uses both parents’ income to
determine payment

Significant changes in Minnesota’s child support laws, that go into effect Jan. 1, 2007, have the potential to change lives for parents who share children, but are not married.

The Koochiching County Board is expected to revisit the zoning issue of Gerald Albrecht’s rock quarry at its meeting 10 a.m. Tuesday.
Albrecht applied on Sept. 12 for a conditional use permit to haul rock and set up a crusher on one acre of his 160-acre parcel of land a half mile southwest of Margie. As of Nov. 7, Albrecht had blasted because the site is less than an acre and a permit is not needed, but he had not crushed rock at the site, said Richard Lehtinen, environmental services director.

Gus was on the verge of becoming a full-time stud, but instead continued national-level competition

Every dog has his day.
Gus has had many.
However, the most notable for the yellow Labrador was Dec. 2 when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame for bird dogs.

Voyageurs National Park staff continues to check winter ice thickness and trail conditions within the park.
Sufficient ice has formed to stake the Green Snowmobile Trail between the Rainy Lake Visitor Center and Ash River resort community. Staking was to occur there Thursday.

By ANITA FLATT, Beltrami County Master Gardener

As we get into the heart of winter with shorter days and longer nights, we can shift our focus by looking ahead to when we will be planting again. This time of year is perfect for evaluating our flower beds and vegetable gardens to determine what we want to grow for the coming spring. Seed companies are already sending out their catalogues so that people have plenty of time to look them over.

Snowmobile trails not yet open
The lack of snow throughout Minnesota continues to hinder riding opportunities on the state's more than 20,000 miles of snowmobile trails. Although trails typically open in early December, snow depth determines whether or not a trail is ready for riding.

Broncos will play in championship game today The International Falls Bronco girls hockey team is participating in the Sertoma Shootout Hockey Tournament in Kasson Minnesota. The Broncos won their first game of the tournament on Wednesday, beating Tartan by a final score of 3-2.

Will play in championship game today The International Falls Bronco boys hockey team defeated Rochester Lourdes 2-1 in overtime at the Rochester Hockey Festival to move on to the championship game on Friday.

To the editor,
Thank you to the tournament committee, coaches, volunteers and parents of the International Mite Hockey Jamboree “Icebox Meltdown 2006” at the Bronco Arena on Dec. 9-10, 2006.
As a parent of a small boy, Trace, who participated in your tournament, I can’t say enough about how great it was for all the support that was given by all that were involved, the meal, touques, medals that were given to each child, and especially the “shoot out” that gave each child a chance to shine and be cheered on, again I thank and applaud you.

33-inch walleye caught and released from Rainy Lake

By Chris Hemstad

Every big fish story starts with a disclaimer. These usually run the gambit from, “I didn’t have a camera” to “gosh, It was so dark I couldn’t distinguish an ice hole from a black hole;” both, in my experience, having about the same gravitational pull.