About Local Folks

By ARIEL ARCH, Intern

Thousands of miles separate the United States from Indonesia, but the desire for education shortens those miles.
When Alicia Slaubaugh of International Falls attended the Rosedale Bible College in Ohio during the spring of 2008 she had no idea it would lead to a journey of a lifetime.
Through the school, Slaubaugh got involved in REACH, a non-profit group that organizes mission work all over the world. The program is affiliated with Rosedale Mennonite Missions.

Mandy Sears is one of eight new Falls firefighters

Becoming the first female firefighter on the International Falls Fire Department is a historic moment for the community. But Mandy Sears said she wants to be treated the same as the other firefighters.
Sears said she has always been interested in joining a fire department or ambulance service.
At her job as an off-machine coater at the Boise Inc. paper mill, Sears heard from her coworkers that the fire department was considering candidates for firefighter positions.

Editor’s note:
Each Monday, The Daily Journal will be featuring excerpts from the life journals of the late Don Johnson. Johnson and wife Layna made their home and living, year ‘round on three islands within a range of a mile and a half on Rainy Lake. They were the parents of Don “Buck” Johnson, Byrne Johnson (who presents the journals), Beryl “Sally” Jernberg and Karen Gustafson.
Excerpts from the entries written while caretakers for Bror Dahlberg’s Rainy Lake mansion will begin July 28.

Don Johnson Journal and Letters
1936 Camp Koochiching

Gov. Tim Pawlenty recently announced the appointment of an International Falls man to the Rural Health Advisory Committee.
Dr. Jeffrey Hardwig was appointed to the committee, along with Jode Freyholtz, and Minnesota Sen. Yvonne Prettner-Solon. Pawlenty also announced the reappointment of Dr. Raymond Christensen, Thomas Crowley, Diane Muckenhirn, Nancy Stratmand, and Sen. Betsy Wergin to the committee. With the exception of Solon, who is filling an unscheduled vacancy, all are appointed to four-year terms that expire Jan. 2, 2012.

“Chloe Marie: Little Bit o’ Tirzah” visited The Journal Thursday and looks to be progressing adorably.
“She’s taking pablum (a softly runny cereal) now,” said Jan Bohman, who has been moved by the community’s compassion. “Everyone wants to know how she’s doing, and wants to see her.”
The bitty Yorkie often sleeps on her chest, Bohman added as she tenderly kisses the top of the dog’s tiny head.

Don Johnson Journals and Letters
1936 - Camp Koochiching

Feb. 11 Max –22, Min –10. Moderate NW wind. Clear.

Bishop-elect Tom Aitken man of rare gifts

Past the seeker as he prayed, came the crippled and the beggar and the beaten. And seeing them... he cried,
"Great God, how is it that a loving creator can see such things and yet do nothing about them?" God said, "I did do something.
I made you."
~Author Unknown

To say that Tom Aitken sees the goodness in people is to tempt cliche.
To say that he inspires people to feel the goodness, and to hope for goodness, and to recognize the potential for goodness, better defines his gift.

By ARIEL ARCH, Intern

When accidental fires destroy homes, blistering flames engulf the things that family memories are made of, including the cherished belongings of childhood.
Shayne and Annette Rognerud know too well the experience of a home fire. Jan. 19, 2006, their house went up in flames. The Rognerud family lived at 2985 County Road 20 with their two daughters, Brittany, 14, and Laura, 12.
“That morning started like any other,” says Brittany, “It was a total shock.”

It is common to think of quilting, cooking or gardening as skills that mothers pass along to their daughters.
Chainsaw carving may not come to mind at first, but Amanda Campbell has taken to the unique style and business of her award winning carver mother.
Cindy Servis, of Chainsaw Carvings in International Falls, has practiced woodburning, airbrushing and sculpture since she was young, and now incorporates those skills into her chainsaw carving. She learned after stopping to watch another artist on the roadside.
Since 2005 she has won honors in three competitive events.

Don Johnson Journals and Letters
1936 - Camp Koochiching Part 4

Feb. 4 Max –42 Min –16
Still all morning, wind coming up from SW and blowing like hell all afternoon. Partly cloudy in p.m. Today was Sally’s [fourth] birthday and I believe she enjoyed it all. There is no doubt in her mind now that she has left her babyhood behind her. The three bears went over big. Layna made a cake with candles and all the rest of the trimmings. It won’t be so very long before our little girl won’t be so proud of her birthdays.

Feb. 5 Max –40 Min –18 Moderate NW wind.