Monday
• The Minnesota Army National Guard and All Terrain Paintball held a paintball event in Loman. The game was meant to teach the young participants more about military tactics.

• A change in state law allows Minnesota residents age 90 or older to take fish without a license in state waters. The law is effective July 1.

• Children were spending lazy summer days at local parks over the weekend. The warm, clear weather had many locals enjoying the summertime temperatures.

• The Falls VFW baseball team opened its season by competing in the Grand Rapids Invitational last weekend at Legion Park in Grand Rapids.

• The Falls Bronco boys basketball team traveled to Fargo June 11 and 12 for a tournament played on the campus of North Dakota State University.

Tuesday
• A parent and school volunteer told the Falls School Board Monday that she believes there is a communication gap between families and local schools’ administration and faculty. Also, the board accepted the resignation of Josh Koenig as Falls High School head boys basketball coach.

• The Ranier City Council heard and approved the 2008 financial statement during their regular monthly meeting.

• The International Falls City Council adopted a resolution that will allow the city to collect taxes on seven riverfront properties and use the funds to pay for extending water and sewer service and constructing a road to the properties.

• The Falls International Airport has started its three-daily-flight summer schedule. Flights are now slated to leave Borderland at 7 a.m., 10:55 a.m., and 4:20 p.m.

• Almost Lindy’s has taken over the old 19th Hole restaurant in Crystal Beach. The new theme is “barbecue antique junkyard.”

• The Daily Journal sports editor Jim Johnson had an “is this heaven?” weekend in Chicago as he followed the Twins in a series against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Wednesday
• Northern Minnesota officials are concerned about the potential for the emerald ash borer to travel north on firewood after the bug was found in St. Paul. Koochiching County has 124 million ash trees and International Falls’ cityscape is about 50 percent ash.

• The county board, meeting in committee Tuesday, agreed to cut 20 percent from its total budget in anticipation of the state cuts.

• On June 4, 14 Falls High School students of the STRIVE program were recognized with grant awards at an awards picnic. The program helps seniors meet their full potential.

• The Indus kindergarten class graduated 14 students on May 27, in a ceremony in the school commons.

• The Minnesota Wild announce their new head coach will be Todd Richards. Goalie coach and Falls native Bob Mason said that he has not heard formal word on his position with the team.

Thursday
• A family of red foxes was spotted and photographed along Gold Shores Drive, including several small youngsters. Officials warn not to get too close to the wild animals.

• The Koochiching County Economic Development Board asked to see more information on a small-business-funding program. The Pohlad Family Foundation grant could give $5 million, and up to $1 million more could be given to match any money pledged locally.

• Reactions were heard to Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s $2.7 billion budget cuts. Some programs affected include: education including K-12, U of M, and MNSCU; local aid to cities and counties; health and welfare; and tax refunds for renters.

• A Falls High graduate recently completed work on a “National Geographic” documentary called “Hitler’s Stealth Fighter.”

• The 8th annual Rally for a Cure golf scramble at Falls Country Club raised more than $2,000 for the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation. Fifty-one golfers participated.

Friday
• A cast of local children prepared for a production of “Aladdin and His Magic Lamp” with the Prairie Fire Theatre Tour at Backus Community Center.

• The Littlefork-Big Falls School District accepted a grant from the Knudson Family Community Fund to be used for the Accelerated Reader program.

• The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reports that the ruffed grouse spring drumming counts are higher than in recent years.

• The International Falls VFW baseball team lost its opening division game to Hibbing.

• Three local girls participated in the Northern Stars All-Star softball series in Duluth.