Archive - May 19, 2008 - story

Marian Clara Anderson, 89, of International Falls, Minn., passed away quietly after a long-term illness Friday, May 16, 2008 at Littlefork Medical Center, Littlefork, Minn.
She was born Nov. 22, 1918 in International Falls to Joseph Jr. and Zeita (Craite) Gauthier.
A homemaker most of her life, Marian was raised as a member of St. Timothy’s Catholic Church.
She moved to California during World War II, and later returned to International Falls in 2000.

Larry “Skinny” Hanson, age 55, of International Falls, Minn., passed away Thursday evening, May 15, 2008 at Falls Memorial Hospital after a courageous battle against cancer.
He was born March 28, 1953 at International Falls to the late Chet and Aileen Hanson.
He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law, Rollie Hansen of Baudette, Minn.
Larry was united in marriage to his longtime companion, Laurie Hansen on Jan. 11, 2002 in Negril, Jamaica — a place that was very special to both of them.

John Taschuk, age 89, of International Falls, Minn., died Friday, May 16, 2008 at St. Mary’s Medical Center, Duluth, Minn.
Born March 5, 1919, he was a lifelong resident of International Falls.
He served in the Army during World War II and retired from Boise Cascade in 1980.
He is survived by children, Paula (James) Karsnia, Allen (Pamela) and John Joseph (Beth).
He leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Pauline and Michael Taschuk; beloved wife, Vivian; and daughter, Diane.

The Koochiching Development Authority Board is scheduled to meet as a committee to discuss funding of the International Falls Recreation Commission at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday.
The KDA Board, which is made up of county commissioners, is scheduled to conduct its regular meeting at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in the courthouse boardroom. The regular Koochiching County Board meeting is to follow at 10 a.m.

International Falls City Council tonight is scheduled to hear information about the infrastructure costs involved in developing a headquarters for Voyageurs National Park on city property along Highway 11 East.
The council meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers of the Falls Municipal Building.
The council tonight is scheduled to hear a report of its Economic Development Committee about the costs of infrastructure needed for the headquarters project.

The Littlefork City Council approved Thursday the addition of Texas hold em games for customers of the city’s liquor store.
The council will offer the popular poker game at a cost to the city of $25 per week initially, and then $50 per week for continuation. The city has discussed sharing the licensure with Big Falls, but has approved even if Big Falls declines.

DULUTH, Minn. (AP) — Gusty winds have caused some major headaches across northeastern Minnesota.
Gusts estimated at 60 miles per hour were reported at Littlefork in Koochiching County, where a spotter reported shingles blown off the roof of a building.
About 7,000 homes near Virginia and Grand Rapids lost power after strong winds snapped trees onto power lines.
According to the National Weather Service, some trees as large as 6 to 12 inches in diameter toppled near Grand Rapids.

In sports, a home field advantage can mean the difference between a good season and a great season. For their first nine seasons, the Falls High Broncos softball team did not have a home field of their own.
That all changed earlier this season as the Broncos played the program’s first-ever home game at its own ballpark, the Falls High softball field. Up until this season, the Broncos home games were played at either the Rainy River Community College softball field or at Kerry Park.

The Falls High Broncos boys’ track and field team competed in its last invitational of the season on Thursday. The team was in Warroad to compete in the Eagles Invite and took home second place in the seven team meet.
FHS was edged out by a very good Roseau team who won the meet with 135 points. The Broncos finished with 121 points followed by Warroad with 104.5, West Marshall 74.5 and Thief River Falls rounded out the top five with 40 points.

One day after hosting the Iron Range Conference Meet, the Falls High Broncos girls’ track and field team was back on the road on Thursday. The team boarded a bus and made the trip down 11 East for the Warroad Eagle Club Invite.
The Broncos finished in fourth place in the five team field and was shorthanded thanks to the Junior High IRC Meet the same day.