Community News

The International Falls Elks Lodge No.1599 handed out several awards and announced new leadership April 29 at its annual banquet.
The Elk of the year is Fred Wilson. The officer of the year is Cathy Engelking. Alan Rasmussen and John Nevanen were named outstanding Elks. Terry Randolph was named citizen of the year.
The honor of selecting the awardees went to Connie Wilson, the outgoing exalted ruler as the last act of her term. She also oversaw the new officers installed, including Darryl Dobogai as the new exalted ruler for 2008-09.

By EVELYN PERRON

The Rainy River Diabetes Chapter met May 6.
Dr. Steve Phillipson, Duluth Clinic-International Falls was the speaker.
Dr. Phillipson said diabetes is a common disease that changes people’s lives and should be treated aggressively. The aim is to keep your A1C under 7 to help prevent stroke, heart disease, kidney disease and blindness But, nothing happens overnight. Using prescribed drugs and the use of calcium, fish oil, and exercise to control cholesterol will be a benefit.

St. Thomas Knights of Columbus 1540 had their monthly meeting May 8 at the KC clubroom with Deputy Grand Knight Rick DeBenedet presiding.
A report was given on the annul Tootsie Roll sale. A check will be given to ODC in June by the Knights. The Knights thanked the community for their generous donations.
The Knights also extended a thank you to everyone who participated in the annual family breakfast which was served by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas and the KCs. The families of the children receiving their First Communion are especially thanked for participating.

Quilts up for bid
Two quilts made by the Whispering Pines Quilt Guild are up for bid in the Quilt Pink Auction, which benefits the Susan G. Komen for the Cure campaign.
The quilts can be bid on until Saturday at the Web site www.auctionwire.com/quiltpink. The quilts are numbers 56649 and 56659 on the Web site.

Click It or Ticket
The Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office is ramping up patrols May 19-June 1 for a seat belt enforcement sweep.
The sweep is part of the statewide Department of Public Safety Safe and Sober “Click It or Ticket” enforcement.

By EVELYN PERRON

The International Falls Lions Club met May 5.
President John Roche opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance. Dick Schaak said the table prayer. The minutes were read by Beth Reed and treasurers report by Betty Villalta.
Eye glasses were purchased for a local boy and it was noted we still have ice melt for sale.

By SHARON ARNOLD

The May meeting was called to order by chairperson Kay Arnold. The roll call sheet was passed around. Minutes from the April meeting were read by secretary Laurie Shepard. Motion to accept was made by Jan Winkel and seconded by Barb Albert. None opposed.
The treasurer’s report was presented by Kitty Ewald.
Committee Reports:
Publicity Committee: Sharon Arnold. No report.
Historian: No report.
Elections:
The Nominating Committee: Sharon Arnold, Kathy Fluke and Phyllis Kuluvar made recommendations for:
Chairperson - Barb Gray (two-year term)

With most of the theater seats filled at Rainy River Community College Tuesday, Iraqi native and United States citizen Sami Rasouli spoke about ending the war in Iraq.
Those in attendance came to hear the story of why this Muslim left his country as a young man 27 years ago to become a successful businessman on the Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis. They came to hear why he gave up that success to return to his homeland and family. (See story in May 1 edition of The Daily Journal.)

Tuesday Musicale met at the home of Patt Thorpe April 14. Prior to the meeting, the Music Camp Scholarship Audition Committee met at the home of Margarete Kostiuk where they auditioned two additional students from the area for camp scholarships. Over 30 students auditioned for the scholarships this year; winners and alternates will be announced by the end of April.

International Falls Hunger Coalition reported that 44 more households visited the food shelf in the first three months of 2008 compared to the same time period in 2007, representing an increase of 11 percent.

The local AARP Chapter will sponsor a Day of Service from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 8 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the AARP Tax-Aide program.
The Koochiching County Tax-Aide group will be available at the Senior Citizen Center on Fourth Street (across from Bremer bank) to help people of all ages file for their government stimulus payment and for the Minnesota Property Tax refunds (for both renters and homeowners).
Meanwhile, those long-promised tax rebates are now on their way to U.S. taxpayers.