Summer on the Border marks a season and an era

One of the song numbers in the upcoming Backus variety show on Friday is entitled “Our Last Summer.” It is particularly fitting, for this presentation, on that stage.
Oh, Backus shows will go on.
But this will be the last one in which Beckie Aitken as director, husband Tom, and a group of veteran performers will share that stage. The Aitkens will soon be leaving Borderland to begin the next chapter of their lives.

Council selects Cynthia Jaksa for West Ward position

Acknowledging a tough decision, International Falls City Council Monday selected a firm based in International Falls to develop a comprehensive wetlands management plan.

RANIER — The Ranier City Council Monday approved the hiring of Sherrie Belanger as a deputy city clerk. She will serve as current Clerk/Treasurer Kim Nuthak’s assistant.
Nuthak, according to Mayor Ed Oerichbauer, has filled the two positions faithfully and since this past November.
“As mayor, I am grateful for her dedication and for her effort and thanks for a job well done,” said Oerichbauer.

Issues surround compliance for Indian Education grants

Falls High School Indian Education students lined the side of the cafeteria Monday as they took turns describing how the program has helped them succeed in the school district.

The Borderland Humane Society is asking residents to keep an eye on their cats and dogs.
Cindy Meyers, of the humane society, reported last week that an eagle was eye-to-eye with her dog in her front yard.
With predatory animals in the region, pets need to be watched, she said, noting that pets may be missing because of the predators.

The Falls High boys’ track and field team recently handed out its post-season awards.
The team awards two post-season awards each season. The awards are the Dick Ostroot Award which goes to the senior athlete that excels in the classroom and on the track. The other award is the Bruce Schmidt Contribution to Broncos Track and Field Award. The Bruce Schmidt Award goes to a person that has done something to help the boys’ track and field team on or off the track.
This season’s Dick Ostroot award went to senior Rocky LaBlanc. LaBlanc was a captain on this season’s squad and

Each day brings experiences that help to change the way we do things.
Young drivers make changes to the way they drive after experiencing car accidents or witnessing violations. And cooks learn to crack eggs into a bowl separate from the flour after contaminating a recipe with a bad egg.
Staff at The Daily Journal have experiences every day that either remind us of why we established policies or motivates us to review the existing policies and makes changes.

By Ward Merrill, Backus Community Center

Thank you, Beckie Aitken!
It is with mixed emotions that board members and Backus supporters bid farewell and thank you to Beckie and Pastor Tom Aitken this summer.
Both have been involved in Backus during their 16 years in the Falls.
Tom has entertained audiences numerous times on the Backus stage, most recently as Alexander Baker in the musical comedy "Old Koochiching." His brewings skills were a highlight of the recent "Ethnic Food Festival" as well.

Yesterday’s mopeds are now full size fun and highway safe

Kevin and Linda Hendrickson were in International Falls Friday to scout out the area as a possible route for their MinnMax scooter club.
The group attracts full-size scooter riders from around the state and nation for tourism road trips.
The Hendricksons reside in Britt, which is just outside of Virginia. They said the first event along the North Shore last June went well and they are planning a Borderland group ride next year.
“We are planning to come to the Falls next June,” said Kevin.

Chuck Thompson, president, Border State Bank in Roseau, shaved is head for Relay for Life on July 2.
After agreeing to shave his head if $1,000 was raised for the Lucky Border Stars Relay for Life team by July 1, Thompson grinned as they wrapped the bib around his shoulders and the buzz of the clippers sounded in his ears.
The effort raised nearly $1,800 and the three major donors each had their chance at run the clippers across Thompson’s scalp. The major donors were QCTechniques, The Brickhouse Bar & Grill and Roseau Aviation.