Community News

Two incumbents have filed for positions on the Falls School Board as of Thursday afternoon. Mark Lassila and Michelle Hebner have filed for 4-year terms. Three four-year positions, now held by Lassila, Robin Baumchen and Gerald Bolstad, are open for election in November and a two-year position, now held by Hebner, is also up for election.
Candidates who wish to file for the positions can do so in the office at Falls High School until Sept. 9.

Journal Staff Report
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is reminding travelers planning trips across the border into the United States to make sure they have their proper documents and to anticipate heavy traffic during the celebration of the Labor Day holiday.

Three incumbents have filed for positions on the International Falls City Council, while no one has yet to file for positions on the Littlefork City Council and Ranier City Council.
People may file for the positions at the offices of the respective governments. The contests will be decided in the November general election.

By LISA KACZKE
Staff Writer

VNP park rangers embody their mission
of protecting nature while assisting visitors

MUKOODA LAKE —The rain begins to fall as Voyageurs National Park Ranger Brad Farlinger walked into a campsite on Mukooda Lake.

The Community Clothes Closet, a free clothing facility located at the south entrance of Aquinas Hall, has been in operation since April 2003.
Volunteers from the six churches who keep the center operative gathered Aug. 7 for a potluck supper and fellowship.
Churches who volunteer include First Lutheran, Zion Lutheran, St. Paul Lutheran, Holy Trinity Episcopal, Faith United, and St. Thomas Aquinas.

Journal Staff Report

The Marshall N. Knudson Family Community Fund, with about $1.5 million in assets, has been established by International Falls native and longtime Falls librarian Marie Knudson who died Aug. 5.
The purpose of the fund is to support non-profit and charitable groups and activities that enrich the lives of the citizens of the International Falls community and Koochiching County.

By TOM LAVENTURE
Staff Writer

Two Koochiching County farms will be recognized with 168 other “Century Farms” at the Minnesota State Fair this month.
The farms are unique for continuous family ownership of more than 50 acres for at least 100 years. The families receive a commemorative sign and a certificate signed by the State Fair and Minnesota Farm Bureau presidents and Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

By TOM LAVENTURE
Staff Writer

International Falls Bass Tournament master of ceremonies Chip Leer noted that this year’s tournament presented the greatest challenges to the anglers and that the victories were hard earned and well deserved.
He could say the same for the many fans and entertainers that ignored the drizzle and cooler temperatures to make for a weekend of fun and excitement away from the water as well.

By TOM LAVENTURE
Staff Writer

The Backus Community Center and St. Thomas partnered in putting together the first Mike Budak Memorial Charity Bike Ride, named for an avid Falls cyclist who passed away in 2007. It is the newest event added to the Falls Bass Tournament held this past weekend.
Nearly 30 riders braved and ignored the cold drizzle Saturday morning to take part in one of two roundtrip rides to either Ranier, or to Voyageurs National Park. The send-off was festive as riders motivated each other following breakfast.

Candidates who wish to run for positions on the International Falls City Council, Littlefork City Council, Ranier City Council and Falls School Board can begin filing Tuesday.