News stories from International Falls, Minnesota

Bill proposed by Rep. Tom Anzelc allows counties to decide on funding uses

Koochiching County commissioners voiced support for a bill that Rep. Tom Anzelc said he will author to improve funding for social services, public health and corrections in all Minnesota counties.

Anzelc and Sen. Tom Saxhaug met Tuesday with the county board to discuss priorities for the 2009 legislative session, which begins Jan. 6.

An explosion Monday ceased operations at the Ontario Power Generation plant at Atikokan, Ontario.

At approximately 10:45 a.m. Monday, according to OPG officials, an explosion occurred somewhere inside the coal gallery area of the plant, causing a fire and damage to the cladding, or siding, of the structure.

“The good news is that all employees are safe and accounted for, and there are no injuries reported,” said Ted Gruetzner, OPG media relations manager Monday.

Truth-in-Taxation hearings held by area governments are drawing few residents.

On Monday, no one attended the hearing conducted by the International Falls City Council. The council has agreed to levy $1.75 million from city property owners for 2009, which is 15-percent less than the amount collected this year. The levy will help support a $12.1 million budget which must be approved this month.

The Littlefork-Big Falls School Board’s hearing on budgeting and property taxes Monday was brief.

Broncos fall to Bluejackets 7-1 in season opener

Hibbing/Chisholm senior Aaron Jamnick tallied a hat trick and the Broncos — seeking revenge from a 3-1 defeat in last year’s section tournament — lost 7-1 Tuesday on the road in the season opener.

The Falls (0-1) surrendered four goals on special teams — two short-handed and two on the power play — and fell behind 6-0 in the second period before senior Jacob Casareto scored on the power play with an assist going to Willie Corrin.

“Every time we made a mistake, they capitalized on it,” Broncos coach John Prettyman said.

Falls dispatches East Range 6-3

Victories can do wonders for a team’s morale.
After opening the season winless in four contests, the Broncos’ 6-3 victory Tuesday over East Range at Bronco Arena gives the Falls two wins in a row.

“It was good to get a few wins in,” said sophomore Mackenzie Raboin, who had a monster game against the Knights with two goals and three assists.

Sydney Gordon, fresh off a 5-goal performance in a 6-0 victory over Park Rapids Area, tallied a goal and three assists, while Alyssa Bergstrom had two goals and two assists.

Ely was just too strong at home Tuesday in a 56-46 victory over International Falls in the season opener for both teams.

The Broncos (0-1) cut a 32-26 halftime deficit down to four in the second half, but the Timberwolves (1-0) pulled away down the stretch and hit their free throws in the 10-point victory.
“Everyone played very hard,” said Broncos coach Shawn Gilbert, who was impressed with his team’s season-opening performance.

Littlefork-Big Falls’ season-opening girls basketball game Tuesday at Orr was postponed to Jan. 6.
Orr had a water main break, according to L-BF athletic director Chris Bachmeier.
The Vikings will now open the season Thursday at home against Cook.

In Bronco boys hockey history, the Falls has squared off against Hibbing 124 times, dating back to 1948. The Broncos hold a 66-46-4 all-time record against Hibbing, but are just 1-7-0 against the co-op of Hibbing-Chisholm.
Eveleth is the school the Falls has played the most at 140 times. The Broncos were 56-34-5 all-time against Eveleth, 28-8-1 against Eveleth-Gilbert and are currently 4-4-0 against Eveleth-Gilbert-Mesabi East.

The St. Thomas School announced its first quarter honor roll.
Principal list: Sixth grade — Cole Miggins; fourth grade — Tyler Coffield, Carolann Stone.
A honor roll: Eighth grade — Shawna Misner, Emily Phung, Reva Renollet; seventh grade — Blair Johnson; sixth grade — Kameron Koerbitz, Ben Humbert; fifth grade — Ethan Phung; fourth grade — Clara Davis, Emma Misner.

To the editor,
Thanks for keeping us informed of all the good and bad happenings in our community.
This is the day after Thanksgiving and we have so much to give thanks for.
Getting together with family and friends is a highlight of the season. Some don’t have family, and we give thanks to organizations that specialize in giving food, a place to stay and just letting people know they care.
Perhaps you meant to extend a thank you to someone, just for being there for you. There’s still time for you to give thanks.
Happy belated Thanksgiving.
Bernice Englund
International Falls, MN