Karrol Ann Johnson, of International Falls, Minn,. died late Tuesday evening, Nov. 11, 2008, in the Falls. Karrol was 73 years of age.
Born in International Falls on Sept. 23, 1935, to Margaret Francis Gish and Roy Anchor Horness, Karrol was a lifelong resident of the Falls.
She graduated from Falls High School in 1954.
On Jan. 13, 1955, she was united in marriage to Roy Johnson in Superior, Wis.

Sharon Raye Nelson, of Loman, Minn., died at her home Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 11, 2008. Sharon was 69 years of age.
Born at Gary, Ind., on April 17, 1939, to Charles and Olive (Bewley) Kerr, she grew up in Hammond, Ind., and spent her summers in Deer Lake, near Effie, Minn.
She was united in marriage to James Nelson, Feb. 10, 1957, at Hammond, Ind. They moved around a lot due to James’ work but settled in Loman, Minn. in 1971.
Sharon worked at the J.C. Penny store for many years and as a nurse’s aid at Falls Memorial Hospital.

After four years of building a life in America, Chen Ming Hai, owner of Dragon China Buffet, is finally able to bring her daughter, Mimi, to International Falls.
The tearful reunion with her 5-year-old came when Chen traveled to New York, where Mimi has lived with her father for the past few months after coming from China. The two came back to the Falls just over a week ago.
“I am very, very happy,” said Chen.
Mimi seems equally happy and doesn’t like to let her mother out of her sight. If Chen leaves to do an errand it can become a tearful event for the girl.

The International Falls Great Decisions group is scheduled to discuss foreign policy in an election year when it meets Monday.
The meeting is scheduled for 4:15-5:45 p.m. at the Falls Public Library meeting room on the lower level. Maggie Kuffenkam is scheduled to facilitate the discussion. Contact Sue Nordquist for more information.
The Great Decisions community group is intended to spur citizen education and discussion about foreign policy issues.

The Koochiching Economic Development Authority is scheduled to hear reports from its treasurer and director when it meets at 10 a.m. Monday in the International Falls City Council chambers.
A report from the Small Business Development Center is also scheduled to be given. A public comment period is conducted at the beginning of each meeting.

Thumbs up to caregivers
Thumbs up to the many caregivers in Minnesota. They play a valuable role in our society and should be recognized, which is encouraged through the proclamation of National Family Caregivers’ Month in November.

Thumbs up to explanations

To the editor,
This fall there was a series of articles on all-terrain vehicles in the Minneapolis Star Tribune newspaper.
While some of the points that were raised may cause concern, there was a disturbing lack of information regarding their scope.

Former Broncos in limbo as BSU proposes to cut men’s track

Bemidji State University is the closest major college to the Borderland area, and there’s a major decision looming that could bring an end to the men’s track and field program.
As part of a new proposal, which was released Oct. 29, the BSU Department of Athletics would discontinue men’s indoor and outdoor track and field as varsity sports, effective at the end of this academic year.

Monroe Crossing and Sloughgrass to present concert Monday

They’ve been here before and based on their reception almost two years ago, Art Blackburn of Monroe Crossing said he believes that bluegrass gospel music has a warm following in Borderland.
But, he added, everyone would like his band’s music and he gave several reasons why.
Monroe Crossing will perform Monday on the Backus stage and the local band Sloughgrass will open the show.

The library continues to add new items to the Vigilance collection regularly. Here are few of the new items that might spark discussion, action or even change. Learn a new skill, learn about neighbors, fellow countrymen, fellow citizens of this world. The Vigilance collection is designed to encourage each one of us to keep learning and growing.