Archive - May 20, 2008

Note: Those with mental health disorders who contributed to the following story are referred to anonymously. This relates to the very topic of the story: the stigma and stereotyping that plague those who are already victims of an illness in their brains.

Anyone with compassion might feel badly when reading about the suffering and loneliness of the mentally ill.
But it’s more challenging when witnessing someone with signs of the disease, to remember that their brain is malfunctioning due to genetics, biology or traumatic life experiences, through no fault of their own.

Wetlands, MnDOT commissioner decision at issue

International Falls City Council Monday heard that a new law approved by the Minnesota Legislature this session could aid the community in its handling of wetland issues in development.
City Administrator Rod Otterness said the bill had “real opportunities,” but added that rules must now be developed to implement the law.
The new law discusses permanent conservation easements which may be eligible for use as wetland replacement or mitigation credits.

The Falls school district’s library facilities needs should be addressed by the district, according to the district librarian.
Gigie Harder, school librarian, outlined during the Falls School Board meeting Monday the facility needs she says must be filled for the district’s libraries to be successful.
Harder said there is a need for extended library hours, adding that she would like the library to be open during evenings and weekends in addition to the school day. She also said she wants the library to have adequate space for the number of students who use the library.

RANIER — The Ranier City Council Monday approved a motion for the Rainy Lake Community Orchestra to use the city’s community building for an August workshop.
The orchestra holds four days of rehearsals in Ranier starting Aug. 10 and culminates with a free community concert on Aug. 15.
Marcia Bringedahl was present to speak for fellow workshop coordinators, John Faith, Jane Barthell and William McPherson. She said that for over 20 years the workshop has drawn musicians from Chicago to Winnipeg and all over Minnesota for a string workshop for both adults and youth.

The Koochiching Economic Development Authority is scheduled to discuss plans for a community development partnership that would include representatives from cities located in the county during its meeting Wednesday.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. in the KEDA office at 405 Third St.
KEDA board members expressed concerns during their April meeting regarding the placement of the partnership under the umbrella of the KEDA.
The board is also scheduled to discuss a proposed plasma gasification facility during its meeting.

The Littlefork-Big Falls School Board will meet Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the L-BF board room.
Expected to be approved is the assignment of Mike Torgerson as the girls varsity basketball coach; as well as job descriptions for the positions of dean of students and technology director.
An update on grant writing is scheduled.
Bids for the purchase of computers and floor coverings in the elementary and high school offices will be awarded.
Approval for the advertisement of bids for various insurance coverages; commodities; garbage service; and propane; will be discussed.

Minnesota’s budget deal is making people smile across the state.
Minnesota lawmakers reached a bipartisan agreement late Sunday that will make future property tax increases less severe, help schools pay their bills, make it costlier to get a speeding ticket and provide a new park for nature lovers.
As if on cue, fireworks from the state’s 150th anniversary celebration boomed outside the Capitol just before the final bill passed, according to one report.

When the Falls High Broncos softball team takes the field in the opening game of the 2008 Section 7AA Tournament this afternoon, it will be against a familiar playoff opponent in the Proctor Rails.
The Broncos have faced the Rails four times in team history with each meeting coming in the post season. The Rails lead the all-time series 3-1.
The Broncos enter the tournament as the four seed with Hermantown first, Eveleth second and Virginia third. The Rails are the five seed and the team will make its first ever trip to International Falls.

FHS Staff Report

The Broncos boys’ and girls’ golfers copied each other on Thursday and Friday in the Virginia Invitational. The girls played on Thursday taking second while the boys played Friday and also took second.
The girls shot a team total of 382 at the Virginia Municipal Golf Course and captured second place in the 12 team field. The team was led by seniors Maria Porter and Katrina Blais who shot 86 and 87 respectively.
The scores were good enough for third and fourth place overall.

The Falls School Board has approved the following coaches for the 2008-2009 school year.

Stuart Nordquist, head football coach
Tony Casareto, assistant football coach
Nick Schoenecker, assistant football coach
Jay Boyle, assistant football coach
Paul Hjelle, head boys/girls cross country coach
Sheryl Hendrickson, assistant boys/girls cross country coach
Erin Shikosky, head girls' volleyball coach
Bruce Elson, assistant girls' volleyball coach
John Prettyman, head boys' hockey coach
George McDonald, assistant boys' hockey coach
Steve Johnson, assistant boys' hockey coach