Archive - Jul 9, 2008

By ARIEL ARCH, Intern

When accidental fires destroy homes, blistering flames engulf the things that family memories are made of, including the cherished belongings of childhood.
Shayne and Annette Rognerud know too well the experience of a home fire. Jan. 19, 2006, their house went up in flames. The Rognerud family lived at 2985 County Road 20 with their two daughters, Brittany, 14, and Laura, 12.
“That morning started like any other,” says Brittany, “It was a total shock.”

Concerns raised by residents about proposed quarry near Clementson

A proposal for a rock quarry near Clementson has ended amid opposition from residents regarding environmental and noise impacts.
The Koochiching County Board denied a request for a zone change and a conditional use permit in a 4-1 vote Tuesday. Commissioner Kallie Briggs voted against the motion to deny the proposal. Sixteen people interested in the issue attended the county board meeting.

The Ranier City Council has closed Ranier City Beach because high water levels have created a safety issue.
Mayor Ed Oerichbauer said the docks at the beach are underwater and slippery. He said he is also concerned about the fast moving high water and the possibility that someone could injure themselves on boards and nails below the water’s surface and by getting hit by floating debris.
“This is totally for the safety of people,” said Oerichbauer. “With high water levels, nobody knows what is in there.

Kudos to International Falls officials for moving forward on a plan to develop a comprehensive wetland protection and management plan for the city.
And thanks to the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources and the Department of Natural Resources for understanding the need and providing $30,000 toward completion of the plan.
International Falls councilors Monday heard a proposal from one engineering firm and are scheduled to hear a presentation from a second vendor next week. Councilors are expected to contract with one of the firms at the July 21 council meeting.

By MICHELLE INGLE, KOOTASCA Head Start

With the busy lives of families, many of us are eating on the run. The quick drive-thru window seems to get used a lot when children are involved in so many activities and both parents are working full time.
Not surprisingly, research shows that family dinners are healthier than grabbing whatever is available while you are running out the door. A family meal usually contains more vegetables, calcium, iron, and less salt and fat.

Littlefork student graduates
Tanya N. Donahou, of Littlefork, graduated from Boston University in May. She received a bachelor of arts in biology and English and graduated magna cum laude.

Student named to dean’s list
Amanda Barras was named to the dean’s list at St. Scholastica. She is majoring in the Ojibwe language.
Barras is currently working as the head counselor at a summer camp. She is planning to teach at Fond du Lac next spring.
She is the daughter of James “Soup” and Jodi Barras, of International Falls.

On Sunday, June 8, 2008, Kendra Sarah Goetz, formerly of International Falls, and Shaun Michael Lotter, of Springfield, Mo., exchanged vows in holy matrimony before 150 guests. The couple was married at 3 in the afternoon at Wellington Place, downtown Springfield. Wellington serves as a banquet/reception hall.

Heather Swanson and Kelsey Wingate, International Falls, announce the arrival of their daughter, Annabelle August Wingate.
Annabelle arrived two months premature, June 5, 2008, at the Duluth Clinic. She weighed 3 pounds, 14 ounces and measured 18 inches long.

10 YEARS AGO
Lucas Skifstad was named to the president’s achievement list at Alexandria Technical College.
Irving and Frances Bird, owners of Second Bridge Auto Sales and Transport, recently received a recognition plaque from the International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce. The business has been running for over 32 years.

25 YEARS AGO
A new champion is guaranteed for the 29th annual Smokey Bear Golf Tournament Saturday and Sunday at Falls Country Club. Defending champion Jeff Lindvall will not be in town to defend his title, according to tournament director Pete Peterson.

International Falls Police Department
Theft: Jerry J. Bobowski reported Thursday that fishing equipment, valued at $550, had been taken from his boat when he stopped for gas.
Hit and run: Sylvester C. Etienne, 805 Eighth Ave., reported Monday that his vehicle had been sideswiped while it was parked in front of his residence.
Chief’s report, June 16-July 6: 487 calls for service; 51 recorded traffic stops; 20 arrests; 27 citations issued; three medical/detox/child welfare holds signed; 21 medical responses; one alarm response; four escorts; 17 other agency assists.