News stories from International Falls, Minnesota

Move expected to improve balance sheet

Boise Inc., a leading manufacturer of packaging products and communications papers, announced this week that it will restructure its paper mill in St. Helens, Ore., permanently halting pulp production at the plant and reducing annual paper production capacity by 200,000 tons.
Boise Inc. said the move will allow the company to increase operating margins, better match production levels to demand for its products, and discontinue production of its least profitable papers.

The holiday gifts of artisans and bakers, plus books and ‘Festival of Trees’ to be featured

The sixth annual Arts, Crafts, Edibles and Collectibles Sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 29 at the Backus Community Center.
A fund raiser by the center, a wide variety of items from crafters and artisans from around the state will be available for sale to the public.

The Daily Journal and Icebox Radio Theater are collaborating on Christmas Miracle Stories project.
We are looking for people that have a special Christmas story to share with newspaper readers and digital radio listeners. The stories will be printed in the The Daily Journal and will air as part of the Icebox Radio Theater production, ‘Calls to Santa’, from Dec. 8 through Dec. 12 on KXBR 91.9 FM.

RRCC men to feature up-tempo style in coach Humbert’s second year

Year 2 of the Dieter Humbert era began with a 87-78 loss to Fergus Falls, but the style of play has the potential to entertain local fans all winter long.
The season-opener featured 17 lead changes against the Spartans, who finished 16-11 last year, and the emergence of three freshmen — Bentley Hylton, Derek Scully and Dylan Clarke-Knaeble.

Myles takes over team ready to bury last season

Just the sight of the Rainy River women’s basketball team practicing gives the Voyageurs some renewed optimism for the 2008-09 season.
But only because they rarely practiced in full last year.
“Our numbers killed us last year,” sophomore Amanda Clark said.
Clark was one of only six players on a team that finished 3-19 overall and 1-11 in the Northern Division last season, and she rarely practiced while doubling up as the Littlefork-Big Falls C-team coach.

There will be an adult open basketball night from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday at the Falls High School gymnasium. Anyone interested in playing in the winter men’s league this year is encouraged to stop in and sign up. For more information, contact the rec. office at 283-2571, ext. 138.

Date Time Location Comments
11-24 7:00-8:00AM Bronco Arena Hockey Cheerleader Pract. (Owen)
11-24 3:50-5:20PM Bronco Arena Bronco Boys Varsity Practice
11-24 5:30-6:50PM Bronco Arena Bronco Boys JV Practice
11-24 7:00-8:30PM Bronco Arena Bronco Girls Varsity Practice
11-24 8:40-10:00PM Bronco Arena Bronco Girls JV Practice
11-24 2:15-3:30PM Kerry Park Arena RRCC Women's Practice
11-24 4:00-5:00PM Kerry Park Arena Mighty Mite Practice
11-24 5:00-6:00PM Kerry Park Arena Squirt Practice
11-24 6:10-7:10PM Kerry Park Arena Girls U12 Practice

Karen Walls and Jeanne Corrin have each survived breast cancer.
Because of their personal experiences with the disease, they want to share what they’ve learned and found to work for them.
“We are on a new journey to help educate other people too, to look at their individual health, so they don’t join our breast cancer club,” said Walls.
Walls said the two women’s journey was not by choice, but after being introduced to the benefits of essential oils and the damage toxins can cause, they felt an obligation to share the information.

The Littlefork-Big Falls school community should serve as an example of how to come together to consider resolution of a problem that affects all members.
Regardless of whether the Littlefork-Big Falls school district moves forward with a four-day school week, the community and school officials have certainly handled exploration of the idea in a manner that invited everyone to come to the table.

Brian Martin has found a niche in creating art down deep

Brian Martin, a former International Falls resident, has moved from one border town to another, and plans a return to display his lake related artwork.
Martin and his family lived in the Jameson Addition just east of the Falls until 1973 when they moved to Port Huron, Mich.
Martin is now a commercial diver on the Great Lakes and runs a marine shop near Port Huron, Mich., which borders the Ontario communities of Sarnia and Point Edward. The St. Clair River is the dividing that flows from Lake Huron.