Hat’s off to a group of Borderland residents who have been gathering to play soccer this summer.
There are no trophies or tournaments to be won. Instead, this group plays simply for the love of the game. The Olympics once reminded us that the true importance of sports is in the joy of playing it and the discipline and teamwork learned from it.

Marion S. Watt, 89, passed away peacefully July 4, 2008, in Esko, Minn.
Marion was born Oct. 30, 1918, to Carl and Irtie Watt in Ray, Minn., where she spent her childhood growing up with five brothers and two sisters.
After graduating from International Falls High School, she worked as a switchboard operator then moved to Duluth to attend beauty school.
She served in World War II, then worked as a secretary, retiring in 1980.

Clara Gingerich, age 97, of Bemidji, Minn., died Sunday, Aug. 10, 2008, at her daughter’s home.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. today, Wednesday, Aug. 13, at First Baptist Church, Bemidji, Minn., with Pastor Bob Stauffer and Pastor Nolan Byler officiating.
Visitation was from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at First Baptist Church, Bemidji, Minn.
Interment will be at Wildwood Cemetery, Moose Lake Township, Beltrami County, Minn.
Arrangements are entrusted to Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home, Bemidji, Minn.

Violet Vrajinoff passed away Thursday, July 24, 2008, at Minneapolis at the age of 97.
She was born Sept. 28, 1910, in Dawson, Minn.
Survivors include two brothers, Wayne Sampson and Manford Sampson, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as many loving family and friends.

Ranier offers festivities for all to celebrate 100 years

Founders Day was an annual Ranier event that disappeared in recent years. It is back as a reinvigorated community celebrates the centennial year of the city on both Rainy River and Rainy Lake, with activities that rise to the occasion of a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Koochiching County’s sewer treatment ordinance is moving towards adoption after a changes were made to a draft of the ordinance during a public hearing Tuesday.
County Coordinator Teresa Jaksa questioned whether the board could approve an ordinance after making changes to it during a public hearing. Jaksa said she was concerned about the process the board was using and recommended the ordinance be open for review by the public as a result of the changes.

Littlefork Lutheran Church will celebrate 100 years on Saturday with an 80-unit parade down Littlefork’s Main Street.
The parade begins at 5 p.m. with 100-year-old church member, Sadie Running, as Grand Marshall.
The Lutheran centennial event begins earlier in the day, at 10 a.m., with a tour of the church and historical records. Complimentary rolls and coffee will be served.
A worship service to open the festivities is scheduled for 1 p.m. with a dedication of the church bell to follow. An afternoon of fellowship will precede the parade.

Fifth annual Corn and Brat Feed planned

Elk’s Lodge #1599 Report

The phrase “Elk’s Care Elk’s Share” is applicable to the International Falls Elk’s Lodge #1599 when it comes to youth activities.
The local Elk’s lodge is there to serve the youth of the area, whether its the Elk’s Youth Camp, Falls High prom or scholarships and award recognitions.
The International Falls lodge received at the state convention in Rochester the “First Place in Youth Activities” award for lodges with 300-600 members.

By MICHELLE INGLE, Kootasca Head Start

While everyone knows that smoking is bad for the smoker, many people don’t think about the effects that smoking indoors can have on children and other family members.
Not only should people not smoke in their homes, they should also not smoke in their cars. The following is some information from the United States Environmental Protection Agency:
• Breathing smoke from someone else’s pipe, cigar or cigarette can make you and your children sick.

Student receives scholarship
Katherine Anderson, of International Falls, has accepted a scholarship from Bemidji State University for the 2008-09 academic year.
Anderson, a freshman majoring in elementary education, is expected to receive a $7,000 Presidential Scholarship, and an Academic Achievement Scholarship and a Campus Honors Scholarship, each worth $1,000.

Brett Bahr, of International Falls, accepted a scholarship from Bemidji State University for the 2008-09 school year. Bahr, a junior majoring in sport management, is expected to receive a $550 John S. Glas Memorial Scholarship.