Community News

Rainy Lake Community Orchestra to stage the free workshop at Ranier Community Building

Rainy Lake Community Orchestra will offer an opportunity for youth and adults to participate in a free Summer String Workshop Aug. 10-15 at Ranier Community Building.

Chuck Thompson, president, Border State Bank in Roseau, shaved is head for Relay for Life on July 2.
After agreeing to shave his head if $1,000 was raised for the Lucky Border Stars Relay for Life team by July 1, Thompson grinned as they wrapped the bib around his shoulders and the buzz of the clippers sounded in his ears.
The effort raised nearly $1,800 and the three major donors each had their chance at run the clippers across Thompson’s scalp. The major donors were QCTechniques, The Brickhouse Bar & Grill and Roseau Aviation.

Falls Hunger Coalition of the Falls announces that it has been awarded the Charities Review Council “Meets All Standards” seal indicating that it meets all 16 of its accountability standards.

What better way to celebrate a century than with a special pillow.
Shirley Nelson, owner of Shirley’s Shop, a quilting store in Big Falls, got into the Koochiching County centennial anniversary spirit and used her talents to create a couple of commemorative pillows.
With Ranier turning 100 this year, Nelson also plans to create a pillow to commemorate the occasion and will give away all three in a drawing.

By BRENDA JONES, Falls Memorial Hospital Communications

Falls Memorial Hospital added an important piece of equipment recently — a Fresh Frozen Plasma Freezer.

Allen Kruse has hardly settled after one month as the new Koochiching County Veterans Service Officer, when he was installed Tuesday as commander of the International Falls, William Robideau Post 66.
Kruse hopes to “breathe new life” into the inactive organization that was once commanded by his grandfather, Lester Kruse, a former P.T. boat captain who passed away in May.
“He asked me if I would become active in the legion and to try and get it going again,” said Kruse. “When I became the veterans service officer, it seemed an appropriate time to get it going.”

United Way of Northeastern Minnesota has provided $138,000 to area support agencies.
Several area residents gathered June 24 to review and interview agency applications for United Way of Northeastern Minnesota funding. Four separate panels interviewed 18 agencies before granting $138,000 to area agencies.

Five officers of the Falls Veterans of Foreign Wars — Peter Graham Post No. 2948 were recently elected to serve additional posts with the Eighth VFW District.
The officers were elected in May at the VFW Loyalty Days district convention in Grand Rapids.

Work is progressing with a slight delay in replacing the approximately 20,000 square feet of roof on the two historic buildings of the E.W. Backus Jr. High School and the Alexander Baker Elementary School complex.
The delay is not as much the wet weather, though that is a factor, but more from an unexpected issue with the parapet on the Alexander Baker building, according to Ward Merrill, interim executive director, Backus Community Center.
A parapet is a low protective wall along a roof.

St. Thomas Knights of Columbus 1540 gathered for their monthly meeting June 12 at the KC Clubroom with Grand Knight Tom Lucca presiding.
Elections were finalized and new officers are: Grand Knight, Rick DeBenedet; Deputy Grand Knight, Roger Jerome; Chancellor, Les Hendrickson; Advocate, Mike Wild; Treasurer, Scott Eldien; Warden, Bob Phillips; Recorder, Tony Johnson; Inside Guard, Tom Mayor; Outside Guard, Bob Rapaway; Trustee, Tom Lucca (three years).
Thanks were extended to the nominating committee: Scott Eldien, Rick DeBenedet, Tony Musich, Tom Lucca, Les Hendrickson and Terry Schultz.