RANIER — A group last week started a write-in campaign for positions on the Ranier City Council.
Mayor Ed Oerichbauer and Trustee Dan Klocek had decided not to run for election, but “Citizens for a New Ranier” won the approval of the councilmen to run the campaign.
Former Ranier mayor Dave Trompeter is leading a door-to-door campaign to support reelection of Oerichbauer and Klocek. His motivation is that they would support annexation by Ranier of the French and Jameson additions and Three Points North.

Medicare private fee-for-service plans not accepted after Jan. 1

Beginning Jan. 1, the Duluth Clinic-International Falls will no longer accept Medicare private fee-for-service plans.
The new policy being implemented throughout the St. Mary’s Duluth Clinic system is following behind other Minnesota health care providers, such as Park Nicollet and Health Partners. Congress has also recently passed legislation requiring changes to private fee-for-service (PFFS) plans.

The goals this season for the young Indus volleyball team were “to have fun, work hard on the court, keep our grades up, sharpen our skills and win games,” according to coach Kim Brown.
With 19 girls out from grades 7-11, Indus was able to field two teams without any seniors.
Brown’s philosophy was to encourage everyone to be leaders on and off the court, so she didn’t name captains.
“We have some new players on varsity this year and it is always hard to get used to playing with one another, but we are getting there,” Brown said.

To the editor,
The TV news media have been saying the crowd at the Clinton rally in Hibbing drew about 4,000 people. It is wonderful we can gather in groups in our country and not be afraid of harm.
It made me think of the same statistics when it comes to abortion in this country. They say 4,000 babies are killed every day by the abortionists. Why, in a country that allows its citizens to meet in groups with safety, would the most innocent have no protection in the womb? The womb should be the safest place of all.

To the editor,
The interesting Oct. 10 story in The Daily Journal about the rediscovered survey marker (bench mark) in Ranier jogged my memory of 40 years ago.
At that time, a team from the Coast Guard and Geodetic Survey came to Rainy Lake to establish new bench marks on islands along the international boundary.
I was into boat transportation for the project. Most of the benchmarks were to be placed on the Canadian side of the border, and we had permission to work on both sides.

Passions about all aspects of this coming election are heating up and letters to the editor are coming in fast to many newspapers.

Health forces early retirement at 53, and moving to Montana

Taking stock of his health and setting new goals, Dan Johnson has closed Bear River Taxidermy in Ericsburg.
Johnson said he was raised to go the extra mile in everything that he does. He decided to close when he felt he couldn’t work at the level he was accustomed.
“It was fun and I enjoyed it immensely,” said Johnson. “Once you lose your drive for it, then you might as well get out, and for me it was health reasons.”

Marvin Windows and Doors was selected a 2008 Minnesota Waste Wise Leader.
The award, announced Oct. 24, recognizes Minnesota businesses that have demonstrated commitment to sustainable businesses practices, including waste reduction and recycling.
Marvin was recognized as a manufacturing company for its commitment to the environment by providing green products.

Jim and Betty Opdahl announce the arrival of their son, Luke James Opdahl, 8 pounds, 1 ounce, 20 1/2 inches long, born Friday, Oct. 24, 2008, at Falls Memorial Hospital.
Maternal grandparents are John and Jeanine Alich.
• • •
Stephanie and Andrew Crow announce the birth of their son, Jayden George Crow, 7 pounds, 15 ounces, 20.5 inches long born March 15, 2008.
Maternal grandparents are Anke and Robert Wallace.
Paternal grandparents are Brenda and Greg Crow.
Paternal great-grandparents are Dr. George and the late Lois Crow and Ralph and the late Beverly Crane.

10 YEARS AGO
Born Oct. 24 to Sheldon and Darla Slaubaugh, nee Smoker, at LaVerendrye Hospital, Fort Frances, was a daughter, Emily Rose, weighing 6 pounds, 11 ounces.
Alyssa Schuman, daughter of Scott and Mary Schuman, has been awarded the J.F.T. O’Connor Scholarship from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, N.D., for the 1998-99 academic year.

25 YEARS AGO
Ken Etienne, Falls juvenile officer, received a VFW award from Martin Steinbach, post commander, at Monday’s Falls City Council meeting. He was given the award in appreciation for dedication and service to area youth.