RANIER — The Ranier City Council Monday approved a motion for the Rainy Lake Community Orchestra to use the city’s community building for an August workshop.
The orchestra holds four days of rehearsals in Ranier starting Aug. 10 and culminates with a free community concert on Aug. 15.
Marcia Bringedahl was present to speak for fellow workshop coordinators, John Faith, Jane Barthell and William McPherson. She said that for over 20 years the workshop has drawn musicians from Chicago to Winnipeg and all over Minnesota for a string workshop for both adults and youth.
In addition to the free concert, the participants perform at local art shows and Bringedahl said they want to be a part of Ranier’s centennial celebration this summer.
“They love Ranier,” she added.
The event has a $4,800 budget and with art foundation funds drying up, Bringedahl said they are limited to personal donations with some help from organizations. She asked that the city waive the hall rental fee in the interest of keeping this workshop program going.
Mayor Ed Oerichbauer noted that the city has always supported arts and saw no reason why it should change this year.
“This is a big deal for Ranier,” said Oerichbauer of the orchestra’s workshop.
Ranier Trustees Dan Klocek and Brenda Bauer agreed and passed the request to make the hall available and to waive rental fees.
Gretchen Cole, the Municipal Liquor Store manager, requested approval to hire four part-time bartenders in time for the summer business boom. The council approved the request along with the liquor store budget.

Ranier News Notes
• The Ranier City Council Monday approved April Municipal Liquor Store operating statement showing a net profit of $5,644.
• The council agreed to purchase a work cell phone purchase for city worker Kim Lessard.
• A beer and wine license and on- and off-sale liquor license for Woody’s Pub was approved.
• The council agreed to send a letter to an International Falls man seeking $500 restitution for damage in 2007 to city property and that land be restored to original condition.
• The council approved a building permit request by Jim Bruggeman to build a house.
• A building permit for Jean Kelly to build a second story on a garage was also approved.