Melody Anne Sandstrom, International Falls, Minn., passed away Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008, at her sister’s home in the Falls following her long and courageous battle with cancer. Melody was 47 years of age.
She was born April 24, 1961, in International Falls to Shirley Wagner and Thomas Sandstrom.
In 1972 she moved to Grand Rapids then in 1977 to Hibbing where she graduated from Hibbing High School in 1979. Following her high school graduation she moved back to International Falls and attended Rainy River Community College.

Dale Richard Hall, 85, of rural Bemidji, Minn., was called to his heavenly home Monday, Aug. 18, 2008.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, at Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Bemidji, with Rev. Ken Mayberry officiating.
Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Bemidji, under the direction of Cease Family Funeral Home, Bemidji.
He was born July 4, 1923, in Pitt, Minn., the son of Jess and Anna (Glad) Hall.

The Arrowhead Regional Development Commission is currently seeking applications from persons 60-plus in Koochiching County to serve on the ARDC Advisory Committee on Aging.
Responsibilities of the Committee include:
• advocating on behalf of seniors
• assisting in the development of services for seniors and caregivers
• making funding recommendations of service providers seeking grants and contracts under the Older Americans Act.
Individuals knowledgeable of or representing faith communities, mental health care, housing, and the business community are encouraged to apply.

Pioneers in faith, yesterday, today and forever

By Barb Murray, Centennial Chairwoman

Bells ringing, feeding the masses, people dancing, worshiping together, and parading around town — all in celebration of 100 years.
Littlefork Lutheran Church celebrated 100 years of ministry last Saturday and Sunday. The celebration began in the morning as members, both past and present, gathered at the church building. There they joined in fellowship with rolls and coffee, as well as stories and pictures. Tours were available for those who had not seen the new church facility, built in 2003.

“Trusted Travelers” urged to enroll in NEXUS program to facilitate border crossing
A “Trusted Traveler” Enrollment Center is opening in the former state travel information center in International Falls.
The center is designed to make obtaining a NEXUS border-crossing card easy and convenient for nearby residents on both sides of the border.

By Ariel Arch, Intern

The goal of the 3-Day Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk is to get one step closer to a cure for the disease, and to help the thousands of men and women who are diagnosed every year.
To fund scientific advancement to end a disease that ravages victims, friends, family, and communities, impassioned people come together and raise money for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund.
In 14 different states, supporters make a commitment to end breast cancer by walking 60 miles over the course of three days.

The International Rainy Lake Board of Control and the Rainy River Water Pollution Board will meet Tuesday in an annual joint public meeting in Fort Frances to discuss water issues in the Rainy Lake and Rainy River basin.
The meeting is scheduled from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at the La Place Rendez-Vous Hotel, Highway 11 East, Fort Frances.
Both Boards will make a brief presentation, followed by a question and answer period. There will be ample opportunity for public question and comment.
Commissioners and staff of the International Joint Commission will also be in attendance.

To the editor,
The tragic history of 1938 which took place Thanksgiving Day (October 10) in Dance Township, is being brought to the forefront of current events once again. This year (2008) marks the 70th anniversary of that great fire, which took 17 lives and changed a community forever.

Thumbs down to major candidates
Thumbs down to major party presidential candidates Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama for backing out of a proposed candidates debate forum on veterans issues at Ft. Hood, Texas. The debate would have included Independent candidate Ralph Nader, and reflects the likelihood that the two major parties will agree to block minority party candidates from future debates even if polls show there is six percent or more voter support. The process needs to be open to force the major parties to speak to more issues.Mixed thumbs to test scores

Thumbs up to anglers

GB Leighton, the headline band for the International Falls Bass Championship Saturday night, comes with noted demand and some good logistical fortune for event organizers. The band is looking forward to their first appearance in International Falls, according to founding member, Brian Leighton.
“We’re going to have a good time, so come out and see the band and bring your dancing shoes,” Leighton said. “We are going to play stuff to get you moving.”