WIR Week 24, 2009

Western Itasca Review

75 Cents

Deer River, Minnesota, 56636 Volume 110, Number 24 Thursday, December 31, 2009

Inside This Issue. . .

Police Report Page 2

Cohasset Council Meeting Page 3

Looking Back Page 4

Deaths in 2009 Page 5

The Bible Says Page 17

2009 Photos In Review Page 20

Minnesota Discovery Center history research library not to be opened On Dec. 14, the Iron Range Resources (IRR) Board voted to give the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm, formerly known as Ironworld, an additional amount of $200,000 to be able to reopen the history research library with a skeleton crew of five employees.

By Dec. 17, the board’s resolution to do that was overturned by IRR Commissioner Sandy Layman, much to the disappointment of Rep. Tom Rukavina, who is a member of the IRR board.

The Minnesota Discovery Center will still get the $250,000 to pay outstanding claims, secure the center while it is closed, and pay for an exam of its financial records.

The IRR owns the Minnesota Discovery Center’s buildings and many of the collections. It was closed on Nov. 20 because of a financial deficit.

March of 2010 is currently the date set for a decision on the future of the Minnesota Discovery Center, after a review of the center’s finances.

A press release issued by the IRR commissioners office on Dec. 22 in regard to the Minnesota Discovery Center stated, “We understand the board’s concern in seeking a reopening of the Research Center, and pending the outcome of the review of Ironworld Development Corporation's financial data, Iron Range Resources will work with the non-profit to determine whether a viable plan can be developed to reopen all or part of the Minnesota Discovery Center to the public.

We regret any inconvenience experienced by the research library’s patrons during closure of the facility and will do our best to expedite a definitive operational decision.”

Bigfork City employee, Chris Manske, is cleaning the sidewalk on the Bigfork River bridge after the Christmas 2009 major snowfall. Photo by Don Basista.

2009 • • • Year in Review Compiled by Louise H. McGregor, staff writer January—The Deer River City Council is relieved to hear that the city’s December 2008 Local Government Aid payment will not be cut. The Cohasset City Council reappoints Cohasset Fire Chief Davin Tinquist. Jena Marie Doyle pleads guilty to the Aiding and Abetting Furnishing Alcohol to a minor charges that arose from an accident that resulted in death to one individual with several other people injured. The Deer River Fire Department have been busy as one of the first responders to accidents and have given the Jaws of Life a workout. Deer River City Councilman Mike DeWittt is given a festive send-off at his last council meeting after 20 years by his wife, family and the Deer River Council. Emma Johnson of Talmoon graduates Magna Cum Laude from North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND. Dominic Justin Blain Hill of Grand Rapids, born at the Deer River HealthCare Center hospital, is the city’s New Year’s baby. Independent School District 318 board members hear about ankle-deep mud and water in the Grand Rapids High School Gym at their first meeting of the year. The communities of Ball Club, Inger, Marcell and Squaw Lake hold their free Children First! New Year’s celebrations. Northland Foundation awards 52 grants totaling $267,202 which included $10,000 to the Community Cafe Foundation and $1,000 to Independent School District 317. Glen Heitland, the new owner of the Hoot N Holler in Alvwood, organizes the third annual Fun Run for 2009.

Recently elected members of the Ball Club Local Indian Council are Milt Gotchie, Cindy Wilson, Bernadette Carnoski, Candace Gotchie, Phyllis Gotchie, Mary Bebeau and Robert Gotchie. The first spotlight on teachers of excellence at the Bug-O-NayGe-Shig School is done on Jay Johnson. Terrell Lee Wilson of Ball Club dies after being stabbed. Evelyn (Evy) Brand of Bigfork goes to Lambeau Field as one of the possible 10 candidates to be selected for the 2008 Green Bay Packers Fan Hall of Fame. The Deer River Chamber of Commerce Winter Fest featured a good number of fun activities for adults and youngsters. Organization for the coming year was the theme of the Independent School District 317 board meeting. The 2009 White Oak Sled Dog Classic had 70 teams complete the courses in the four different divisions of sled dog competitions. Jamie Nelson of Togo took part in this year’s event and the youngest musher was Malinda Tjetta who was 11. Mike Kane, owner of Greater Insurance Service, has been awarded a certified insurance counselor designation. Budget shortfall overshadow’s the Minnesota state legislative session.

Deer River High School nordic skier Mindy Drotts competes at the Giants Ridge Invite. Darrek Jerome Porter, 17, of Deer River made his first Itasca County Juvenile Court appearance on the charges of two counts of Murder in the Second Degree and three counts of Assault in the Second Degree in the death of

Terrell Lee Wilson, 17, of Ball Club. The Itasca County Commissioners consider amending action for the sale of lands to Essar Steel Minnesota. The Cohasset City Council gets organized for the coming year. The Effie City Council discusses the need for one additional council member and a city clerk. The Deer River City Council swears in elected officials and hears input from area residents Garry Fritz and Robert Mattfield. Congressional legislation is converting television broadcasting from analog to digital format in February and Arvig Communication Systems publishes resource information for the public. Taxes, jobs, education and budget cuts take center stage in the State of the State address given by Minnesota State Governor Tim Pawlenty. Roger Logdahl becomes the new mayor of Bigfork and he and councilman Robert Zimmer are sworn into office during the first Bigfork City Council meeting of the year. Pastor John Hanson is welcomed to the Lutheran churches of Jesse Lake and Suomi. Gemma Miltich of Cohasset and Katherine Struss of Northome are on the University of Minnesota’s Dean’s list for the fall semester of 2008. Daniel Pifher of Bigfork was on the North Dakota State University dean’s fall 2008 list. Students at Bigfork School form a Green Team to be more active in recycling efforts. The Itasca County Park and Recreation Commission meet in Deer River for their annual yearly meeting in this city. They hear about the status of the 70-mile snowmobile trail and learn more about the traps that can cause problems from a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officer. Members of the Deer River Operation Minnesota Nice attend a unit meeting facilitated by Denise Jorgensen who was the originator of this program in 2004 and currently is the president and packing coordinator. Lake Country Power’s Operation RoundUp® Trust Board approved $35,001 in contributions to local community programs.

The second annual Minnesota FIRST Lego League Regional Tournament was held at Eagleview in Squaw Lake. This regional meet qualified four teams for advancement into the state tournament. A Minnesota Department of Public Safety coordinated statewide DWI enforcement effort in December of 2008 resulted in 2,655 arrests. Itasca County farmers upset about letter from the county assessor’s office on proposed changes to the taxation of agricultural properties with what they consider a thinly veiled threat about inaccuracies. Independent School District (ISD) 317 Superintendent Matt Grose held informational meeting in three locations. Students and staff in the ISD 317 schools gear up for exercise in the Warrior Walk to Wellness and the Just Move it program. Two Deer River teachers, Sigri Dorholt and Karen Teff, are candidates for Minnesota Teacher of the Year.

Kelly Barrett of Talmoon writes a letter to the editor praising the North Elementary School dynamics as there gets to be more talk about closing the school.

BriAnn Hoffman writes about a quick visit by SPC Luke Hoffman, whose schedule has kept him from writing on his experiences while based in Iraq. Robert (Bob) Olson of Deer River provides an update to Bigfoot believers on the local happenings.

Independent School District 318 board approve changing the wording (from video to digital) in the bus and building recording policy as they now have eight school busses equipped with digital recorders. Bug-ONay-Ge-Shig School Spotlight on Teacher of Excellence features Ellen Adams. Bigfork High School adds a new carpentry elective to its courses with a grant from the Applied Learning Initiative. Teri Haig, owner of The Wedding Parlour in Grand Rapids, was named to the National Bridal Advisory Council.

Students in the college news are Neil Wayne Anderson of Cohasset who graduated from North Dakota State University and Chelsi Plate of Deer River who was named to the Honorable Mention List at Crown College in St. Bonifacius. A five-year initiative planned to bring out-sourced IT jobs to northeastern Minnesota ended last summer without fulfilling its promise, but it is said that other programs are keeping the umbrella concept, True North, alive. The third annual Outpost Bar & Grill sponsored Bushwacker Poker Run fundraiser drew about 35 riders for the 100-mile run. Jeffery R. Swanson of Blackduck found guilty of major wetlands violations in Itasca County.

Thrivent Financial and Lutheran congregations raise $814,000 for Minnesota FoodShare during a special Thanksgiving appeal.

FEBRUARY—Bigfork’s new mayor, Roger Logdahl, was welcomed with a Meet the Mayor event at the Huskie Cafe. Anthony Fini of Grand Rapids was sentenced to 78 months in prison for the felony charge of Vehicular Homicide and the sentence was stayed for 10 years with 10 years of probation. Itasca County Commissioners approve reimbursing North Homes, Inc. for the purchases of a camera, monitor and hard drive unit for the security system at the Itaskin Juvenile Center. The Deer River City Council hears news about the implementation of the new 800 mgz radio system. The Cohasset City Council approves the purchase of a new fire truck. The Deer River Fire Department take part in the 8th Annual Winter Training Exercise hosted by the Cass County Sheriff’s Office held on Cass Lake. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources make the formal announcement that the 2008 deer harvest was 19 percent less that the 2007 one. Early childhood education supporters from Itasca County testify before the Minnesota State Senate about the Invest Early educational initiative. Ainsworth permanently closed it’s two remaining OSB plants in Minnesota. Kyle Fuller of Grand Rapids placed on five years probation for the charge of Aiding and Abetting Furnishing Alcohol to a minor. An article explores how schools in the area han YEAR IN REVIEW/To Page 6

WIR, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, page 2

Drive safely this snowmobile season The recent snowfall over much of the state is a reminder that another snowmobile season is upon us. The first snowfall of the year is often one of the most dangerous time for snowmobilers since many trails have not been groomed and ice conditions are very hazardous.

"Snowmobile operators need to contain their enthusiasm for that first ride and get this season off to a smooth, safe start," said Capt. Mike Hammer, DNR’s education program coordinator. "They should drive safely and drive smart when operating a snowmobile. Drivers should also be aware of potential hazards and use good judgment.

Taking a Snowmobile Safety Course will reduce your chances of getting into trouble."

Any resident born after Dec. 31, 1976, who operates a snowmobile in Minnesota, must possess a snowmobile certificate and may attend either a youth or adult training course. Volunteer instructors who have been certified by the DNR Division of Enforcement offer classes throughout the state. For more information on the dates and locations of these courses, visit the DNR Web site: www.dnr.state.mn.us or call 800-366-8917.

In addition to training requirements, snowmobilers should follow these safety tips: DON’T DRINK. Drinking and driving can be fatal.

Drinking alcohol before or during snowmobiling can impair judgment and sow reaction time. Snowmobilers who have been drinking may drive too fast or race across unsafe ice. Alcohol also causes body temperature to drop at an accelerated rate, which increases the likelihood of hypothermia.

SLOW DOWN and STAY RIGHT. Speed is a contributing factor in nearly all fatal snowmobiling accidents. Drivers should proceed at a pace that will allow

ample reaction time for any situation. Remember, when driving at night a speed of only 40 miles an hour may result in “overdriving” the headlight. Stay to the right side of the trail, especially on curves.

BE PREPARED. When traveling, be prepared for the unexpected by making sure to bring a first aid kit, a flashlight, waterproof matches, a compass and cell phone.

STAY ALERT. Fatigue can reduce the driver’s coordination and judgment.

ICE ADVICE. Avoid traveling across bodies of water when uncertain of ice thickness and strength of ice on lakes and ponds. Snow cover can act as a blanket and prevent safe ice from forming. Never travel in a single file when crossing bodies of water.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS. Wear a helmet, goggles or face shield to prevent injuries from twigs, stones, ice, and flying debris. Clothing should be worn in layers and should be just snug enough so that no loose ends catch in the machine.

WATCH THE WEATHER. Rapid weather changes can produce dangerous conditions.

BRING A BUDDY. Never travel alone. Most snowmobile accidents result in some personal injury. The most dangerous situations can occur if a person is injured and alone. If you must travel alone tell someone your destination, planned route, and when you will return.

REPORT ACCIDENTS. Snowmobile operators who are involved in an accident resulting in medical attention, hospitalization, death, or damage exceeding $500 must file a written report with the DNR. If the operator is unable to file a report, any peace officer investigating the accident can do so within 10 business days.

Bigfork School ‘B’ honor roll “B” Casey L. Adams Mariah A. Adams Gianna L. Anselmo Blake J. Bialon Colton C. Boessel Cassidy L. Cormican Kyle R. Cormican Chris A. David Clayton Elkins Bridget M. Ferrier Bradley E. Howsen Brittany A. Ivanovic Kory A. Jorgensen Krista L. Larson Morgan C. Lottes

Joshua G. Lovdahl Ira N. Morse Elijah R. Olson Haley A. Page Brandon L. Pifher Emerald L. Priem Courtney M. Senger Elizabeth M. Shearen Samantha J. Shearen Corbin R. Sheppard Theresa L. Stewart Carolyn J. Thurston Mark D. Wass Turner R. Wass Alicia L. Youngkin

Police Report Monday, Dec. 7 — Responded to a passing violation on 1st St. N.E. at 4:27 a.m.

Responded to a property dispute on Division St. at 9:52 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 9 — Responded to a juvenile disturbance on 1st Ave. N.E. at 2:55 p.m.

Responded to a juvenile disturbance on 1st Ave. N.E. at 2:56 p.m.

Received a report of property damage on 1st Ave. N.E. at 2:58 p.m.

Responded to a juvenile disturbance on 1st Ave. N.E. at 3:05 p.m.

Received a report of careless driving on Hwy. 2 at 4:37 p.m.

Responded to an incorrigible juvenile on Division St. at 6:40 p.m.

Assisted sheriff’s department on Co. Rd. 162 at 8:41 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 10 — Issued a parking citation on 1st St. N.E. at 4:09 a.m.

Responded to a juvenile disturbance on 1st Ave. N.E. at 10:52 a.m.

Responded to a juvenile disturbance on 1st Ave. N.E. at 10:53 a.m.

Assisted Deer River Ambulance on Co. Rd. 139 at 1:19 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 11 — Responded to a phone scam involving lottery winnings on Comstock Dr. at 11:31 a.m.

Responded to a two-vehicle fender bender on Comstock Dr. at 1:11 p.m.

Aided with a funeral procession on Main Ave. at 2:31 p.m.

Responded to a juvenile disturbance on 1st Ave. N.E. at 3:01 p.m.

Issued a citation for speeding on Division St. at 3:32 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 12 — Aided in a civil matter on 2nd St. N.E. at 9:41 a.m.

Issued a citation for speeding on Division St. at 1:26 p.m.

Issued a citation for speeding on Division St. at 3:27 p.m.

Issued a citation for expired registration on Main Ave. at 4:22 p.m.

Aided with a lock-out on Main Ave. at 8:18 p.m.

Received a report of lost property on Main Ave. at 8:43 p.m.

Aided with a lock-out on Main Ave. at 10:05 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 13 — Responded to a juvenile disturbance on 1st St. N.E. at 4:22 p.m.

Assisted sheriff’s department on Co. Rd. 129 at 4:47 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 14 — Assisted sheriff’s department on Co. Rd. 125 at 2:56 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 15 — Responded to a parking complaint on 1st Ave. N.E. at 4:14 a.m.

Received a report of property damage on Hwy. 2 at 8:50 a.m.

Responded to a report of a neglected dog on 1st St. N.E. at 10:46 a.m.

Received a report of gas theft on Main Ave. at 3:29 p.m.

District 318 meets

by Kathy Lynn Independent School District 318 approved a levy increase of eleven percent on Monday night December 21st. The board approved an eleven percent increase in the district’s local levy. Business Manager Ben Hawkins said that’s just a portion of the district’s funding. Local money and fees account for just 13 percent of the budget.

The district budget is around $45,000,000.

The district did see an increase in taconite tax money this year. That money is based on a three-year average, according to Hawkins. That money will most likely decrease during the next two years as many of the taconite plants have reduced production or shut down.

The local levy was approved $7,255,873.41.

The board heard an indicator report from Transportation Manager Rich Derby. Derby told the board the district ran 808,928 miles during the 20082009 school year. The district has 54 route buses along with 33 other vehicles. That number is about the same as last year. There are 9 spare buses, two of which are housed in Bigfork.

The board approved the 2008-2009 audit conducted by the firm of Eikill and Shilling Ltd. Ben Hawkins presented the board with the report. Hawkins said there were no findings for the district as a whole.

The district’s “Green Team” presented the board with their accomplishments and a list of ways the school could be greener.

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The Western Itasca Review (USPS 678-540), P.O. Box 427, Deer River, Itasca County, Minnesota 56636, was founded in 1896.

The weekly newspaper is the consolidation of the Deer River News and the Itasca Progressive of Bigfork. Periodicals postage is paid at Deer River, Minnesota. Our telephone number is (218) 246-8533; toll free 1-888-685-0800. Our Fax Number is (218) 246-8540.

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Mail to: PO Box 427, Deer River, MN 56636 Office located at 15 1st ST. NE, Deer River

Rebecca Passeri, Assistant Editor & Ad Sales Rep Robin Pederson, Receptionist Louise H. McGregor, Staff Writer Addison Smith, Typesetter/Graphic Artist Gladys Snyder, Printer

WIR, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, Page 3

It pays to advertise in the Deerpath Shopper

Call 246-8533 for details Happy New Year from Goggleye Electric

Happy New Year from Deer River Dental Clinic

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Happy New Year! from everyone at

Sportsman’s Cafe

Dr. Jeff Carter

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WIR, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, page 4

Looking Back Compiled by Joan Isaacs from the files of the Deer River Newspapers.

110 Years Ago—L.S. Card, Zuzu’s postmaster, dies while sitting at his counter. Zuzu is a community 12 miles southwest of Deer River.

100 Years Ago—The town (Deer River) is dry. U.S. lid fits tight in Deer River, Ballclub. C.D. Lyon’s saloon in Ballclub is permitted to continue in the business. W.E. Johnson, special officer of U.S. Indian Service, hands big roast to saloons of Deer River. “The saloons of your town have made a regular business of selling whiskey to Indians and “rolling” lumberjacks. They have befouled the good name of your town throughout the state.

They have committed felony daily in your midst. I know of none of them that do not richly deserve a penitentiary for their crimes. For these reasons they deserve and shall receive from me no consideration whatever.”

90 Years Ago—A basketball game was played at the high school last night by two quints of boys...some day the locals are going to play a game with an outside team.

John Tremain returned from a visit to Milwaukee. His four children, three boys and one girl, were in the service in France.

Locals: Carl Newstrom, merchant and postmaster at Marcell, was in Deer River.

W.A. Everton has located at Whitefish, Mont. and entered logging business there.

Married: George Tibbetts, the well known Ballclub resident and hunting lodge proprietor, and Catherine Jackson of Cutfoot.

80 Years Ago—President Hoover speaks to hundreds of businessmen at Washington, following the crash of the stock market. Teams driven on highway with no lights displayed, resulted in two accidents the past week endangering the lives of nine persons...Carry a lantern!

Deaths: Wm. Welte, one of the pioneers of the Bigfork region and reported to be first

man to carry mail from Deer River to Bigfork.

70 Years Ago—Giberson Motors and the Pure Oil Station were broken into. A car and a number of smaller articles were taken. Taking part in a skit at the freshman Christmas party were: Jeanne Hanson, Lois Meyers, Marjorie Omar, Helen Ross, Jean Bevins, Jeanne Anne Loughrea, Lois Guthrie, John MacDonald, James Martin and Paul Schenk.

60 Years Ago—Deer River Township holds a special election...voted to build a community hall and locate it on the site of the old town hall on what was the old Maher place. The Deer River village president and clerk resign following disclosure of irregularities in connection with liquor purchase ostensibly for liquor store.

50 Years Ago—Mental Health Center opens in Grand Rapids. William Gardner is the new mayor of Deer River.

Farmers Cooperative Telephone Assn. will hold meetings to decide whether to grant an option to Ken Giles, owner of Deer River Telephone Exchange who wishes to cut to the dial system.

40 Years Ago—Dr. David Goodall will begin medical practice with Dr. Albert Roth at Deer River Community Clinic on August 1, 1970. He is presenting serving an internship at Weld County General Hospital in Greeley, Colorado. James Reid of Deer River celebrates 90th birthday. He came to Bigfork in 1911 and went into logging business continuing the operations from Marcell to Craig until the Depression of 1929 put a brake on business and caused the railroad to close out. He organized Peoples Telephone at Bigfork in 1915.

Monthly charges were $1 for private line, 50 cents for party line. In 1945 he built and operated the wood processing plant in Deer River. Deaths: Geo. A. Brusewitz, Grand Rapids, pioneer who came to Itasca County in 1900 and homesteaded in Wirt until

1911.

30 Years Ago—State minimum wage goes up to $2.90 an hour in coming year.

Federal minimum wage will be $3.10 per hour. Bob Lundeen is appointed City of Deer River police chief. Deer River Auto Parts store opens. Chuck Reuter will be the manager. Deaths: George Dederick, leading Deer River businessman, who served six terms as mayor of Deer River.

20 Years Ago—Whether you haul your own garbage to the dump or a garbage truck hauls it for you, residents of Itasca County will begin “paying the piper” on Jan. 1. The charge will be 75 cents per 30-33 gallon bag of garbage. The rendezvous site in Deer River can be used year round. Boy Scouts from Grand Rapids and Cohasset spent two nights in the Education Building and subsistence building. Selected to All-Conference volleyball

Hwy. 38, Marcell at 2:43 p.m.

Responded to a one-vehicle crash on Co. Rd. 19, Deer River at 4:36 p.m. There were no injuries.

Responded to a residential fire on Co. Rd. 29, Northome at 5:19 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 12 — Responded to a residential fire on S. Wasson Lake Rd., Bigfork at 3:55 a.m.

Responded to a vehicle fire on Co. Rd. 32, Squaw Lake at 4:42 a.m.

Responded to a residential fire on Hwy. 71, Blackduck at 10:38 a.m.

Received a report of mailbox damage on Co. Rd. 174, Northome at 5:33 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 14 — Received a complaint of harassment from Co. Rd. 125,

Deer River at 2:54 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 15 — Responded to a false fire alarm on Huskie Blvd., Bigfork at 11:15 a.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 16 — The Deer River Fire Department responded to a fire on Hwy. 2, Deer River at 3:14 a.m.

Responded to a four-wheeler accident with injuries on Krantz Dr., Deer River at 6:36 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 17 — The Deer River Fire Department responded to a carbon monoxide alarm on Co. Rd. 172, Deer River at 9:03 a.m.

Responded to horses on the roadway on Hwy. 6, Deer River at 7:04 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 18 — Received a report of a third degree assault on Co. Rd. 139, Deer River at 12:36 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 19 — Received a report of a fifth degree assault on Inger Dr., Squaw Lake at 2:30 a.m.

Received a report of harassing phone calls on Maple Creek Rd., Deer River at 5:33 p.m.

Received a report of a 2nd degree assault on South Bowstring River Rd.,

team were: Christy Risberg and Heidi Krueger. Marsi Maki and Paula Ikola received honorable mention. Selected to All Conference football team were: Rob Dorry, Ryan Gunderson, Allen Hart, Carl Williams, Todd Swanson, Steve Gotchie, Rob Ott, Norris Brenden, Eric Drotts and Heath Paulson.

10 Years Ago—Winners of Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy essay contest: Anna Lillegaard was first place, Liann Norris, second, and Adam Cook third. They read their speeches at the VFW Christmas dinner. Our wishes for the world in the year 2000 by first graders at King School: I wish that no one would hurt one another. I wish that there would not be any violence. Ginger Lund. I wish that there were no car bullies.

I wish that there were no car accidents.

Donner Hummenberger.

10 Years Ago—Deer River student Katie Rasley announced the coming of the year with this drawing.

Sheriff’s Report Monday, Dec. 7 — Received a report of a chimney fire on Co. Rd. 236, Effie at 1:34 p.m.

Responded to a theft of services on Riley Rd., Deer River at 7:37 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 8 — Responded to a theft from a yard on Hwy. 46, Deer River at 3:20 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 9 — Responded to a residential fire on Co. Rd. 13, Blackduck at 12:19 a.m.

Responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle on Co. Rd. 149, Squaw Lake at 7:40 a.m.

Responded to a residential fire on Co. Rd. 13, Blackduck at 7:50 a.m.

Responded to a vehicle in the ditch on

Happy r a e Y w Ne To All!

Deer River at 6:47 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 20 — Responded to a domestic argument on E. Bowstring River Rd., Deer River at 11:54 a.m.

Monday, Dec. 21 — Received a report of identity theft on Taylor Rd., Cohasset at 11:14 a.m.

An adult male was arrested on a warrant on Huskie Blvd., Bigfork at 3:09 p.m.

Responded to a verbal argument on Hwy. 6, Deer River at 9:59 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 22 — An adult male was arrested for probation violation on North Sugar Lake Rd., Cohasset at 12:56 p.m.

Responded to a two-vehicle accident on Becker Rd., Bigfork at 1:07 p.m. There were no injuries.

An adult male was arrested for a third degree DWI on Hwy. 6, Deer River at 3:24 p.m.

Responded to a garage fire on Co. Rd. 35, Deer River at 4:11 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 23 — Received a report of terroristic threats on Scenic Hwy., Bigfork at 8:58 a.m.

Happy New Year From Everyone at

Northern Lakes Insurance Agency, Inc.

From everyone at

Northern Star Cooperative

Deer River

Northern Star Foods Cenex Convenience Store LP Gas

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WIR, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, Page 5

Deaths in 2009 JANUARY: Dorothy Eileen Troop, Catherine Delores Aiton, LaVonne S. Mohler, Raymond Earl McKinney, Ruth M. Crowe, Evelyn June Gibbs, Richard L. Peck Sr., Terrell Lee Wilson, William P. Hansen Jr., Constance R. Grife, Herbert E. Klar, Major Leigh Greig Jr., John “Jack” H. Doty, Mark W. Laney, Samuel John Smith Jr., Carol Allyn Goodell, Kenneth Clark Heggem, Donald Maurice Johnson, Edith Marie (Chandler) Kinder, Steven Lee Peterson, Ronald Lee Warpula, Vivian Sylvia White, Lila M. Wilson, CW3 Philip “Ski” Windorski Jr., Ethel (Ford) Slagle, Kelly Brown, Thomas T. Jaglo.

FEBRUARY: Madeline Jean Brandlein Youngdahl, Mary K. Erickson, Ralph Jacob Roth, Tim Edward Morse, Lyle Edwin LaGrange, George P. Wilbert, Sheila Mae Salmonson, Patricia “Patty” Darlene Nelson, Robert “Bob” Olson, Ronald Eugene Miller, Ardis Mae Ellis, James Edward True, Tiffany Anne (Schultz) Porter, Robert ‘Bob’ Staebler, Patrick Henry Brickley.

MARCH: David Allen Cogger, Evelyn Christine (Johnson) Bloom, Irene Vivian Dormanen, Richard Wallace Schmidt, Walt William Wandschneider, Jerry Gilbert Dodson, Tuulo M. Koski, Wayne M. Erickson, Dennis Michael DeYoung, Kurt Buddy Spencer, Norma E. Bunes, Rev. Fr. Edward A. Nistler, Daniel Shotley, Carol Louise (Dunham) Lindquist, Cindy C. Olson, Terrance Joseph Wilson Sr., Lucy E. Donnell.

APRIL: Douglas Raymond Trout, Dominick Lee Strey, Gary Wayne Adams, Stephen E. Sutherland, Peter Nicholas Dimich, Vernon “Vern” R. Kekkonen, Jayse Antoine Joseph, Chris Arnold Vann, Kailey Anne Maki, Mavis L. Vann.

MAY: Robert “Bob” Neil Johnson, Ruth Ann (Lowe) Moorhead, Hartley Frank White Sr., Sharon Ann Storlie, Margie J. Herdman, Sharon M. Johnson, Gordon P. Lien, Mary Alice Taylor, Bruce L. Becklund, Vivian Sylvia Paakkonen, Marie V. Castellano, David D. Rasley Sr., Donna Jeanne Ingstad, Alfred (Bill) Pifher, Glen W. Erickson.

JUNE: Richard “Bud” T. Payment, Donna M. Haubrich, Bonnie Lee Morris, Adrianne A. Chase, Cecil William Ryan, Milo H. Aakhus, Samuel M. Patrow, Marcella R. Terhaar, Michael David Keske, Ella Lynn Foster, Homer Hiller, Herbert Lee Bibeau.

JULY: Peggy S. Weyer, Marlys Lurene Robertson, Donald Frank Vacek, LeRoy L. Newton, Clayton D. Fitzgerald, Archie A. Landey, Aaron Todd Rustad, Fred “Roy” Neal II, Myrna Kaye Laudenbach, Larry Leon Parks, Lynn Marie Brady, Gary Eugene Swanson, Delano Franklin Gibbs, Anna Leone Erickson, Edward B. Rozowski, Lorenzo “Renny” Cutsforth, Mildred Lenzo, George DeShaw, Walter Edward Marquardt, Lynn Marie

Deer River Publishing Business Hours Mon., Tues. Thurs. - 8:30-5:00 Wed. - Office Closed Friday 8:00-4:30

Happy New Year from

American Disposal Deer River

24Wch*

Bapp, Judy P. (Wilkey) Rude, Luella M. Cortese, Roxanne Marie (Mandile) Trombley.

AUGUST: Theodore E. Dowling, Idell Josephine Graham, Earl Charles Seelye Jr., Donald Arnold Theilges, Greg “Squiggy” J. Hilts, Robert Burgess, Lila Vaneps, Carl Louis Olsen, Tonnette Lorraine Gregerson, Gerald Wayne Laney, Leslie Maxine Olson, Brad Gary Lemke, Ernest Carl Erickson, Delight Bertha Rasmussen, Eleanor D. (Costello) Downing, Gene Howard White, Sharon Kay Jamsa.

SEPTEMBER: Catherine Harthan, Gladys D. LaDoux Merhar, Stella “Dollie” Carlson, Richard Fidelas Grantges, James William Annand, Benny Tonce, Jim Leonard Bottomley.

OCTOBER: Elaine June Cowan, Donald James Gifford, Vivian E. Carpenter, LeRoy C. Gielen Sr., Michelle Lynn Bartell, Phyliss Hale, Helen Jane Murray, George W. Blixt, Grace M. Sebade, L.A. “Dick” Traxler, Jeanette Marie Nelson, Robert “Bob” Sanders, Doris E. Johnson, Genevieve Joyce Clark, Robert A. Brockway, Brenda Lee Bullock Latvala, Rosemary “Rosie” Catherine Hron, Lucille “Lou” Shaw, Edith Rae Ritter Thompson, Ethel Benio Bujold, Wayne Howard Bailey, Floyd Lee Mickle, John Lyle Holm.

NOVEMBER: Pauline E. Brandstrom, Goldie Mae Miller, Allan “Al” A. Maki, Donna Pearl Heide, Norman E. Craig, Zona Lea Knutson, Thomas Wilson Sr., Nettie Maxine Grauman, Clyde L. Stoltzman, Cora Lee “Corky” Olson, Elmer Wilfred Sunell, Ida Mabel Swanson, Roscoe O. Krantz, Raymond James McCorkell.

DECEMBER: Delbert Wallace Matteson, Patricia Anne Monroe, Kenneth E. “Corky” Moore, Sheldon Jarva Jr., Jack A. Wopata, Jessine Lee Pike Sonstegard, Marguerite Vancampen, Robert W. Nichols Sr., Thelma Kallroos Gibbs, Kenneth Earl McLynn, Mark Allen Nelson, Jerry Allen Stangel, John Allen Lengstorf, Jean Alice Carlson.

DNR Question of the week Q: What does it take to get the state snowmobile trails ready for riding?

A: In the late fall trail maintenance begins with clearing the right of way of fallen trees, debris and encroaching brush so that there is a safe running surface of at least 12-15 feet wide and 10-12 feet overhead clearance for the groomer. Also, signs need to be checked for clarity and proper placement.

Swamps need to be packed down so the base will freeze. The swamp grass insulates the ground and needs to be knocked down with a tracked unit.

After the trail has had its base set and cleared we need six to 12 inches of packable snow to do the first base packing runs. Light fluffy snow falls contribute little to the snow base that is required. This first packing run is with the grooming tractor and the trail drag using primarily the packing pan and the cutting blades raised up to not to stir rocks/ dirt and leaves to the surface. To set a good base they need to go slow and try to fill in holes with snow and if possible create a hard snow-ice base that will stay throughout the snowmobile season.

Classified Ads Produce Results 246-8533

Dateline THURSDAY, DEC. 31 •Information Center regarding domestic issues, 1-3 p.m., Deer River Family Service Center, or phone 326-0388 for further information or to schedule an appointment.

•Bowstring Senior Center Lunch, 12 noon. Everyone welcome.

•Dual Dependency Support Group meets, 7:30 p.m., Presbyterian Church, 703 Pokegama Ave. N, Grand Rapids, downstairs back entrance. Phone Greg 326-4433 for more information.

•Deer River Foodshelf, open 10 a.m to 1 p.m., Goodall Resource Center, 1006 Comstock Drive, 246-2500.

•Northern Itasca Foodshelf, open 12:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. on the side of the Over 50 Club on Main Street in Bigfork.

•Parents Supporting Parents support group meets, Itasca Resource Center, 6:30-8:30 p.m.. Phone Janelle Diede, 327-6724 for more information.

•AA meeting in Squaw Lake, 7 p.m., St. Catherine’s Catholic Church.

•Community Cafe Dinner at the Golden Age Center in Deer River, 4:30-6 p.m.

•WeeCare Hope Chest (free children’s clothing) open 9-11 a.m. at Deer River Church of God, 304 4th Ave. SE. •New Years Eve FRIDAY, JAN. 1 •Deer River TOPS meets, 8-9 a.m., Bethany Lutheran Church, Hwy. 6 north, Deer River; information 246-2613 or 2462180.

•New Years Day SATURDAY, JAN. 2 •Community Storytelling at Carpenter Town Hall, 7 p.m.

Phone 376-4509 for information.

MONDAY, JAN. 4 •AA and Al-Anon, 7 p.m., Bethany Lutheran Church, Deer River •Women's Journey Group, 5-6:30 p.m., Advocates for Family Peace Office at 1611 NW 4th St., Grand Rapids. Phone 326-0388 for more information.

•Suicide Survivor Support Group meets, 6 p.m., 430 SW 2nd St., Chisholm. For more information call Carla 218-254-2619.

•Avenue of Pines Lions Club meets, 6 p.m. at the Methodist Church, Deer River. Phone Audrey Moede 246-8428 for more information.

•Bowstring Airport Commission meets, 7 p.m., in the administrative building at the airport.

•Deer River Sportsman's Club meets, 7 p.m., at Deer River Vets Club.

•Women’s Cancer Support Group meets 4:30-6 p.m. at the American Cancer Society, 2101 Hwy. 169 S. Phone (218) 3264235 for more information.

•Senior Cancer Support Group meets, 1:30-3 p.m., at the Grand Rapids Community Cancer Center, 2101 Hwy. 169 S. Phone (218) 326-4235.

•Deer River Operation Minnesota Nice, 6:30 p.m., at Bethany Lutheran Church. For information contact Jim or Pat Tarbell, 246-2134 •Husklie girls basketball vs Cook, home.

TUESDAY, Jan. 5 •Deer River TOPS meets, 5:00 p.m., Bethany Lutheran Church, Hwy. 6 north, Deer River; information 246-2180 or 2462467.

•Support Group for female survivors of sexual violence.

Phone 326-5008 for more information •Bowstring Senior Center Lunch, 12 noon Everyone welcome.

•Community Cafe Dinner at the Golden Age Center in Deer River, 4:30-6 p.m.

•Caregiver Support Group meets, Northern Itasca Health Care Center, 2-3 p.m., at Pine Tree Villa.

•Positive Parenting Group meets, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Family Resource Center in Bigfork.

•Cancer Support Group for Parents of Kids with Cancer, for young cancer survivors and their families, 6:30-7:30, at the Grand Rapids Community Cancer Center, 2101 Hwy. 169 S. Phone (218) 326-4235.

•Immunization Clinic operated by the Itasca County Public

Health Dept. at Itasca Resource Center, 4-6 p.m. For more info call 327-2941.

•The North Country Gardeners meet at 7 p.m. at the Marcell Family Center.

•Leech Lake Diabetes Care Clinic, at the Ball Club Community Center.

•Bigfork Planning & Zoning Commission meets, 6 p.m., at Bigfork City Hall.

•Golden Age Club meets, at the Golden Age Club, 12:30 p.m.

•Huskie boys basketball vs Mesabi Academy, home •Warrior boys basketball vs Crosby-Ironton, home •Warrior wrestling vs Fosston/Bagley, home •Nordic Ski at Detroit Lakes WEDNESDAY, JAN. 6 •Men’s Domestic Violence Program, 6-8 p.m., at Goodall Resource Center. Call Joel or Ann for more information 327-4062 •Bowstring Senior Center Lunch, 12 noon Everyone welcome.

•Deer River Caregiver Support Group meets, 2-3:30 p.m., in the Deer River Hospital conference room.

•Head Injury Survivors Support Group meets, 1-2:30 p.m.; Family and Friends Support Group meets, 6:30 p.m. Both meetings are at the Moses Residence, 220 17th St. NW, Grand Rapids. Phone Diana Mandich 326-3572.

• Immunization Clinic operated by the Itasca County Public Health Dept. at Itasca Resource Center, 9:30-11:30 a.m. For more info call 327-2941.

•Bigfork Cancer Support Group, for all cancer survivors 12:30 p.m., meets at the Northern Itasca Health Care Center.

Phone (218) 326-4235.

•Deer River Bushwacker’s Snowmobile Club meets, 7 p.m., Rasley’s Blueberry Bowl. New members welcome.

•AA Meeting at Winnie Dam Community Center, 7 p.m.

There will be an Open Speaker and potluck.

THURSDAY, JAN. 7 •Information Center regarding domestic issues, 1-3 p.m., Deer River Family Service Center, or phone 326-0388 for further information or to schedule an appointment.

•Bowstring Senior Center Lunch, 12 noon. Everyone welcome.

•Dual Dependency Support Group meets, 7:30 p.m., Presbyterian Church, 703 Pokegama Ave. N, Grand Rapids, downstairs back entrance. Phone Greg 326-4433 for more information.

•Deer River Foodshelf, open 10 a.m to 1 p.m., Goodall Resource Center, 1006 Comstock Drive, 246-2500.

•Northern Itasca Foodshelf, open 12:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. on the side of the Over 50 Club on Main Street in Bigfork.

•Parents Supporting Parents support group meets, Itasca Resource Center, 6:30-8:30 p.m.. Phone Janelle Diede, 327-6724 for more information.

•AA meeting in Squaw Lake, 7 p.m., St. Catherine’s Catholic Church.

•Community Cafe Dinner at the Golden Age Center in Deer River, 4:30-6 p.m.

•WeeCare Hope Chest (free children’s clothing) open 9-11 a.m. at Deer River Church of God, 304 4th Ave. SE. •Eligibility Specialists with Itasca County Human Services will be at the Deer River Family Service Center. Phone 1-800422-0312 or 327-2941 for appointments.

•Bigfork School Site Council meets, 3:15 at the school •Grief Support Group meets, 5-6:30 p.m., in the Fireside Room of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 501 Northwest 16 Street, Grand Rapids. Potluck is served. For more information call Marion Leimbach, 327-6145.

•Storytelling at Marcell Town Hall, 6:30 p.m., sponsored by the North Country Seniors.

•NAPS and MAC pickup, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Deer River Senior Center.

•Itasca Genealogy Club meets in the Karjala Research Center in the Central School, Grand Rapids, 6 p.m.

•Masonic Lodge Itasca #208 meets, 7 p.m., at the Itasca Lodge, 2515 E. U.S. Hwy. 2, LaPrairie. Phone Earl Machart, Worshipful Master, 218-854-3336 for more information.

•Northwoods Saddle Club meets, 6 p.m., at the Effie Community Center.

•Warrior girls basketball vs Nash-Kee, away •Warriorwrestling vs Grand Rapids, home •Huskie girls basketball vs Northland, home

WIR, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, page 6

YEAR IN REVIEW/From Page 1 dle grief support issues for students when a teacher, friend or classmate suddenly dies. Northern Star Cooperative gives out $614,000 in dividends for 2008.

The Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School recognizes Paul Tarutis in their spotlight on teachers of excellence.

Lynsie Niemala donates 11 inches of hair to Locks of Love at Skip’s Beauty Shop. Shelby Goble of Bigfork was named by United Hardware Distributing Co. as the “Nuts & Bolts” Athlete of the Week. The Community Cafe in Deer River is now serving free meals two times a week. Housing is still needed in Itasca County in spite of the economic downturn and plans are kept moving to fill the need for an estimated 912 to 1,587 new owner affordable housing units over the next five years. Several Deer River, Bigfork, Marcell, Effie and Talmoon students are placed on the Itasca Community College Fall dean’s list. Jamie Leigh Mallon of Bigfork and Melissa Ann Petoletti of Cohasset graduate from St. Cloud State University. Lindsay C. Keene of Cohasset named to the Creighton University’s Dean’s Honor Roll. Keith Warren Lammers of Grand Rapids charged with eight counts of third degree burglary in Itasca County Court. Deer River High School alumni anticipate a centennial graduation celebration.

Budget talks are still dominating the Minnesota Legislature session. It was announced at the Independent School District 317 board meeting that seven teachers will be retiring in the spring. Deer River HealthCare Center facility staff, patients and friends observe the National Heart Association Go Red For Women day by wearing red. News is heard about the business success of former Deer River area resident Russ Windahl. Former Deer River High School graduate Janet Elaine (Hallett) Smith has 19 books published and is working on getting her 20th book in print.

Patricia Bittner of Deer River wins $15,000 playing the Minnesota Lottery’s Hershey’s Kisses™ & Cash scratch game. In the college news are Ariel Hoffman of Cohasset who was named to the Northwestern College dean’s list, Lacey Davidson of Wirt who was named to the Wittenberg University dean’s list, Grant Bird of Deer River who was named to the College of the Ozarks president’s list and Ariel Helling of Deer River and Darick Apitz of Bigfork who were named to the Minnesota State University Moorhead dean’s list.

Karissa Korbel of Squaw Lake performed with the Bemidji State University Wind Ensemble in Winnipeg, Canada. Tina Carlson, operations manager for the Woodland Bank in Remer was named “Employee of the Year” for 2008. Fathers, grandfathers, and father figures took their best girl or girls to the Butterfly Kisses themed Father/Daughter Ball at the Cohasset Community Center. The Itasca County Snowmoblie Alliance, along with the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office, sponsored a coloring contest at the Cyrus M. King and North elementary schools. Glenn Berning, James Niles, Spring Jerry and David Gentzkow awarded Itasca County Life Saving Awards for their fast action in Deer River that saved the life of Aniceto Ochoa. The Deer River High School 2009 Sno Ball royalty were Queen Leigh Peterson, King Dane Heig, Princess Miranda Villeneuve and Prince Joe Keezer.

The Deer River City Council consider how to address winter residential sidewalk cleanup issues. Tom Neustrom chosen as legendary guide by the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in Hayward, Wis. Bigfork City Council hears from department commissioners Dick Salmi, Gene Rajala, Dave Waters and Mike Bakke. The Cohasset City Council approves economic strategic plan for 2009 and considers city engineer appointment. The Effie City Council welcomes Angie Storlie as the new city clerk and appoint Bill Hastings to the open council position. The Itasca County Board of Commissioners attend to a full agenda that included public hearings. The Squaw Lake Fire Department is awarded a $429,790 Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency grant from the Assistance to Firefighters Grants program. Area residents have fun at the 4th Annual Marcell Fishing Contest on Lake Ranier. An article on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 explains provisions in the stimulus package President Barack Obama is ready to sign into law.

Bigfork School teachers Doreen Matteson and Siri Prato coordinate the Peer Mediators and Peer Buddies program with staff from Cooperative Solutions for the fifth and sixth grade students. Everett

Happy New Year from all of us at Shaw & Shaw Law Offices 24Wch*

Baumgarner and others form the White Oak Ice Racing Association in Deer River and the weekly heats and features draws drivers and spectators. Deer River High School junior Mindy Drotts competed in the 2009 Minnesota State Nordic Ski Meet at Giants Ridge and finished the 5K course in 48th place. A fire in the Deer River High School laundry room created an interruption in the day’s schedule. Staff from the Deer River Ranger District Chippewa National Forest do a series of programs at North Elementary School for the “Winter Forestry Day.” Jeannette Kay Remmers of Bigfork is on the Rochester Community and Technical College dean’s list. The Deer River Food Shelf spaghetti dinner and silent auction fundraiser kicked off the annual March partial-match fundraising campaign. Food shelf use was up in 2008 and elders and families who have not previously used this service are now clients. The Itasca County Board of Commissioners approve amendments to an ordinance for expansion of existing resorts and remove the three percent cap on shoreline occupancy for new resorts. Brian Patrick Buria of Bigfork charged with three counts of the felony crime of Fifth Degree Possession of a controlled substance. A new judge has been assigned to the case charging Darrek Jerome Porter of Deer River with two counts of Murder in the Second Degree and three counts of Assault in the Second Degree. The Independent School District #318 board hears of the retirement of four long-time Bigfork teachers, Gary Miles, Rose Danielson, Barb Chase and Judy Gustafson. News was also given them of Wendy Muntean’s retirement from Cohasset.

Muntean had spent most of her career at the Squaw Lake area school before it was closed. The first annual Campus Life dodgeball tournament was held and of the 16 teams were two from Deer River and one from Effie. North Elementary School third and fourth grade class joined in the 12th annual Great Backyard Bird Count project that is led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society. Angel Jerry of Grand Rapids was the first customer to use the credit card option at the WIR when it became available. Susan Copiskey is selected as the subject of the Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School spotlight on teachers of excellence. Itasca County Deputy Ryan Gunderson of Deer River, a member of the Security Forces of the Air National Guard, was promoted to the rank of E-8 Senior Master Sergeant. Pastor Charles E. Pratt of Bovey becomes the pastor of the Calvary Pines Baptist Church in rural Cohasset. Holocaust survivor Robert Treuer speaks to the 10th grade American History class at the Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School.

MARCH—The River City Community Center ownership is discussed at the Deer River City Council meeting. Itasca County commissioners debate the hiring freeze in connection with hiring a real estate assistant for the land office. Cohasset City Council debate allowing a church to be built on commercial property. The Minnesota Department of Transportation listed the Federal Economic Stimulus Projects Tier 1 Greater Minnesota and the only three projects listed for Itasca County were in or near Deer River. Bigfork Valley held its first ever Winter Challenge at the Scenic State Park offering a variety of activities. In college news and listed on deans lists are Jesse R. Powell of Bigfork at Bowling Green State University, Ohio; Ramona Hemphill of Deer River, College of St. Scholastic; and Matthew Matta of Bigfork, Texas Lutheran University. The WIR hires a new writer, Traci Crotteau, to cover the school news.

Deer River High School Art Club creates bowls to be auctioned at the Second Harvest Food Bank “Empty Bowls” fundraiser. The worsening economy prompts Minorca mine in Virgina to extend their planned shutdown until July. Independent School District 317 board chair Victor J. Williams addresses the possibility of the closing of North Elementary School and asks for public input on this subject as the board works to balance their budget. Jeff Drake, the son of Ron and Leota Drake of Deer River, is named the Minnesota Middle Level Principal of the Year by the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals. Itasca County’s budget shortfall of $1.2 million could be resolved by their 400 employees taking off two weeks of unpaid time. The Deer River Nordic skiers participate in the races of the 36th American Birkebeiner.

Kyle Wilson of Deer River is the 7AA region champion and will wrestle in the tournament at the Xcel

Energy Center in St. Paul. All roads open to OffHighway Vehicles in the Chippewa National Forest will be closed from March 15 until May 1. Mollie Karau, owner of Gosh Dam Place, donates to the Deer River American Legion Baseball Program thru GRAHA. Friends of the Hall organize their second monthly “Friday Night Live” gathering and fun evening at the Deer River Township Community Center. Daylight Savings time to change on March 8.

Independent School District 317 board takes tentative first steps in moving forward with the closing of North Elementary School. The Neighborhood Tavern’s 15th Annual Chili Contest in Effie had 14 entries, Janice Pitzen took the honors as Best of Show.

It was a sign of spring when the Deer River Vets Club held their annual bullhead feed. The Itasca Economic Development Corporation reports highlights of its successes and challenges for 2008 that included the loss of 200 jobs at Ainsworth’s closing and the delay in the development of Essar Steel Minnesota due to difficulty in securing financing. Anthony Troy Gabrelick of Blackduck is taken into custody by the Itasca County Sheriff’s Department after a 20-mile high speed chase. The $1.8 billion in federal stimulus aid helped cushion the blow of Minnesota’s deteriorating economy and it now has an overall deficit of about $4.6 billion to face in the next biennium. Independent School District 318’s Endowment Fund was able to raise $8,000. Veterinarian Byron Sugden, his wife Ann and Julie Dostal of Bigfork were in Deer River to set up their pet clinic at the Deer River Police Department. Roy (Jim) Tarbell of Deer River, the District 4 Board of Director for Paul Bunyan Telephone, was named the 2008 Director of the Year by the Telecommunications Education Committee Organization. Deer River FCCLA members hosted the Region 7 Meeting and STAR Event Competition at the Bethany Lutheran Church. Itasca County food shelf representatives and Second Harvest Food Bank met with United Way to organize the Itasca County Food Shelf Coalition. Roy and Leona Williams of Marcell celebrate their 75th wedding anniversary.

Legacy Aviation Rochester and Northome Aviation INC. announce they will be building 10 34’ X54’ THangars and 10 shade ports at the Bigfork Airport.

Community members and students at Bigfork School make and decorate bowls for the Empty Bowls Project. Firefighters from Cuernavaca Morelos, Mexico to train with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in classes at the Bemidji State University. Deer River Warrior girls basketball team reach 20 wins for the season, the best record in Deer River Girls Basketball history, and advance to section semi-finals. Jesse Barnacle of Deer River, Section 8A wrestling coach of the Dilworth/Glyndon/Felton Rebels, named coach of the year. The Deer River Fire Department is one of the 11 northland departments to receive a grant from the Department of Homeland Security’s Aid for Firefighters Grant Program. They will receive $146,385. Students at North Elementary School learn about dog sledding from Joel Kersting and enjoyed sled dog rides. Zach Boggs won the district spelling bee, moved on to regional competition and placed 15th out of the 32 students. Cindy Wolfe moved her Cinderella’s Closet Consignment store to a new location on Main Avenue and opened for business. Kevin Locke of South Dakota presented an educational, amusing, audience interactive program at the Deer River High School. Many area residents attend the Department of Natural Resources Volunteer Banquet. Joni Namyst of Cohasset received a Top Sales Achiever in Location award from Tastefully Simple. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offer a walleye stamp, with fishing licenses, for the first time. Money from the stamp sale is to be dedicated for walleye stocking activities. Deer River High School Destination Imagination team named Champions of the Duluth Region competition.

There was a Deer River Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony at the new location of the O’Reilly Auto Parts store in Deer River that has been open for business since Jan. 26, 2009. Wendell Booth of Cohasset places 4th in the long jump at NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field National Championships college national and qualifies to becomes an All-American. Barb Serfling sworn in as YEAR IN REVIEW/To Page 7

Happy New Year!

From Gorden’s Tax Service Deer River 24Wch*

WIR, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, Page 7

YEAR IN REVIEW/From Page 6 new member of the Deer River City Council and becomes the first woman to be seated on the council in several years. The Itasca County Board of Commissioners only consider Itasca County Sheriff Pat Medure’s request for hiring “911” dispatchers, putting off any decision until a later date. The Bigfork High School Huskie girls’ basketball team goes to state for the first time. More than 400,000 workers have lost jobs at America’s 500 largest public companies since November 2008, but baby boomer retirements could create a workforce shortage in the future. The American Cancer Society’s 2009 Daffodil Days of Minnesota fundraising campaign went quite well despite the economic conditions, if all the sales sites did as well as the ones in Deer River. A Vietnam Veteran event in Minnesota History is being planned for June at the Minnesota State Capitol Grounds. The Effie City Council hear information about the Bigfork Airport improvements from Bigfork Mayor Roger Logdahl and other members of the Airport Commission. Deer River HealthCare Center received distinction from the American College of Surgeons as a Bariatrics Surgical Center of Excellence. A probable cause hearing was held in Itasca County District Court in the welfare of Darrek Jerome Porter on the charge of two counts of Murder in the Second Degree and three counts of Assault in the Second Degree. Spring weight restrictions were placed on all state highways effective on March 17. Cohasset City Council hold their regular meeting and a work session in spite of the March 10 blizzard. St. Urho’s Day events in Squaw Lake were well attended by colorfully dressed spectators and participants in the annual parade who enjoyed the fish soup and evening’s fun at The Hill. Bigfork City Council hears about infrastructure problems and concerns on reducing the budget in connection with the city’s policing force. Troy Hemphill in Car 88 had the highest tally of points, 505, for the first season of the White Oak Ice Racing Association’s winter events. The top five bowlers from Deer River and Grand Rapids had their annual High Rollers Roll-Off at Blueberry Bowl in Deer River and the Deer River team won the match with a score of 2,980.

The 3rd Annual Middle School Festival was held at Deer River High School with about 250 students from area schools performing. Teri Gullickson and Deb Poenix organize area residents to make two Service of Love Quilts. North Elementary students who participated in the Jump Rope for Heart raised $385. There were plenty of fun, food and prizes for adults and youngsters at the annual North School Parent Teachers Organization Spring Carnival. A troubled economy continues to keep the jobless rate climbing according to figures from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. Renee Donnelly of Deer River goes on a medical mission trip to Honduras, experienced a different lifestyle than she was used to in the U.S., gained knowledge of other cultures and is ready to go back again.

Bigfork High School student Tyler Wass qualifies for the state National History Day competition. Deer River High School art teacher Dennis Peterson was named the Destination ImagiNation Coach of the Decade.

Deer River High School students Jessica Villeneuve and Tyler Erzar were named the Sub Section 28 winners of the Triple “A” Award (based on Academics, Arts and Athletics) of Region 7A of the Minnesota State High School League. One writer of a letter to the editor is concerned about the U.S. Forest Service law in connection with cabin permit holders in the Chippewa National Forest, while another one is concerned about the careless teen driving near the Deer River High School.

Owning shares in a large farm to share in the produce is becoming a more popular concept and Joe Riehle of Great River Gardens was in Deer River to explain this opportunity. Meridian Medical Clinic, a service of Deer River HealthCare Center, announced the addition of Lisa Knapp, CNP. FoodShare’s March campaign drive in Itasca County was down from last year in pounds and dollars. The Deer River Cub Scouts adopted a local soldier serving in Iraq and they got to meet Dustin Cochran in December. St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Deer River gets some roof repair by the Rajdl Construction Company of Cohasset.

Independent School District 318 placed 18 probationary teachers on unrequested leaves of absence for the 2009-2010 school year and two other teachers were placed on partial unrequested leaves of absence to combat decreasing enrollment and financial limitations. The Chippewa National Forest schedules prescribed burns near County Rd. 8 and Boy River and the Mud-Goose Wildlife Management Area south of Ball Club. ‘The Odd Couple’ (female version) is to be performed at the Edge Center for the Arts in Bigfork.

American Legion National Commander Dave Rehbein of Iowa will be visiting in the State of Minnesota in March. The Bigfork Huskie Girls Basketball team makes a bid for the state title during the Minnesota State Girls’ Basketball Tournament and bring home a fourth place trophy. Not only that, but their coach Greg Powell is named Section 7A Coach of the year, Annalise Klamm is named to All-Tournament Team, Shelby Goble is named to First Team All-State Team and Megan Powell catches her 1,000th rebound during the state play. Keith Deegan and Tyler Erzar of the Deer River Warrior Boy’s basketball team were selected to play in area basketball All Star Games. Richard and Nancy Gylfee, owners of Golf on the Edge in Bigfork, purchase a golf simulator so golfers can practice their swing year around. Bigfork Valley receives the national Healthcare Achievement Award for Financial and Operational Improvement within an Acute Care Critical Access Hospital.

Laura Rudquist of Deer River is listed on the dean’s list at Pacific Lutheran University in the state of Washington.

The Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School spotlight on teachers of excellence features Gina Munnell. Angela Page has purchased the former Apitz Bookkeeping & Tax Service in Bigfork during July of 2008 and renamed the business Angela

Page Bookkeeping & Tax Service.

APRIL — Itasca County Commissioners approve filling the Itasca County Sheriff’s Department 911 dispatch position. Concerned adults and one youth walk from North Elementary School to Deer River in protest of the possible closing of North School. The 23rd Annual Military Ball was held at the Deer River Vets Club. Deer River City Council review finances and consider a large scale gravel sale. Cohasset City Council modifies zoning ordinance and accept a $10,000 Minnesota Power donation earmarked for the Cohasset Fire Department. Greg Snyder, an Itasca County Sheriff’s Office Investigator, formally charged with First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct by the Cass County Attorney’s Office. Mixed messages in different publications have the public confused and worried about the future of the Essar Steel Minnesota project. A public hearing at Deer River City Hall about construction of Well # 5 on the southside of the city drew no opposing views. The 2009 Cyrus M. King Elementary School Science Fair had 44 participants in this 14th annual event. Deer River High School student Tyler Erzar named the Region 7A boys winner of the Triple “A” Award of the Minnesota State High School League.

There were 49 Deer River High School students selected to compete in the state level of the History Day competitions. Six students from Deer River High School competed in the JETS competition at Itasca Community College. JETS stands for Junior Engineering Technological Society.

Math and pumpkin pie had a lot in common during Karen Teff’s math classes at Deer River High School on National Pi Day. Youngsters and adults gather at the Cyrus M. King Elementary School for the annual Deer River Chamber of Commerce Easter Egg Hunt.

American Legion National Commander David K. Rehbein visits the Deer River American Legion Post 122. Deer River Ambulance Service was one of the more than 130 units called to respond to the Fargo flood evacuation and Vivian Rittmiller and Renee Donnelly responded to that call.

Magnetation could be the only iron producer in operation for a brief period due to other mining operations closings. Deer River High School students Derick Mauser and Frank Hellmann are semi-finalists in the Freshwater Society’s Water is Life Art Contest.

Karen Holloway and Mary Coy put quilts together at Heart to Hands for donating to Grace House. Keith Lammers sentenced to 36 to 39 months on each count of Third Degree Burglary. There was a full house at the Deer River Fire Hall for the annual Firemen’s Relief Association annual Ham Bingo. Nora Pederson, Donner Humenberger, Ginger Lund and Elliot Gielen of Deer River High

School take part in the Rogers and Hammerstein’s “Once Upon A Mattress” at the Myles Reif Performing Arts Center. For the fourth year in a row the Deer River High School band and choir advance to the state sub-section competition. Tyler Erzar and Keith Deegan play in the 3rd Annual South Central All Star Basketball game and help the Range All Stars defeat Duluth 106-95. Bigfork Elementary School students learn how to go about solving crimes from Sue Meyer of the Science Museum of Minnesota who spent a week at the school. Northland Foundation partnered with the Minneapolis-based Valspar Foundation to provide free paint and coating products to Sand Lake Township, Spring Lake and the Squaw Lake Volunteer Fire Department. Author Will Waver visited students at the Deer River High School and brings his Mod-Four race car with him. Area high school students’ artwork to be on display in the American Indian Art Scholarship Exhibit at the University of WisconsinSuperior Kruk Gallery. Independent School District 317 board hope to solve budget challenge by end of April.

Area residents protesting the possible closing of North Elementary School do a bike/walking demonstration. The Soo Line caboose that has been sitting in Deer River for the past several weeks is loaded up on a lowboy and taken to the Remer Soo Line Depot. Minnesota Power gets approval to increase their electrical rates 8.4 percent. Easter egg and candy hunts were going on at the Effie Community Center and Bigfork Valley this past weekend. The Cyrus M. King and North elementary schools celebrated Kindness Weeks. Melanie (Howick) Erickson of Deer River who was born in England shares her experiences and poetry. Bigfork Valley Chief Executive Officer Dan Odegaard named a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Students and adults of Deer River who accepted the Wellness Committee challenge walked one million steps between Jan. 1 and May 30. A fouryear engineering degree program will be launched on the Iron Range this fall.

Sign-ups were underway for the Deer River Pony League Little League Baseball/Softball games signaling that spring is here. Ryan Jorgenson was in the spotlight as this week’s Teacher of Excellence at the Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School. Students from the area who were named to the Northern Lakes All Conference basketball teams were Shelby Goble, Adrianna Ivanovic, Megan Powell, Annalise Klamm and Theresa Stewart of Bigfork and Leigh Peterson, Aspen Marleau and Kari DeYoung of Deer River. In the boys team were Keith Deegan, Tyler Erzar and Chris Terhaar of Deer River and Andrew Francisco of Bigfork. Eric Ortloff takes second place at the State YEAR IN REVIEW/To Page 8

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YEAR IN REVIEW/From Page 7 Wrestling Tournament. Bob and Helen Hron participated in the ninth annual Steps of Hope walk at the Ridgedale Center in Minnetonka. This 2009 event, sponsored by the Autism Society of Minnesota, was the third one the Hrons had participated in. Deer River schools designated “Governor’s Fit School” by Governor Tim Pawlenty, Commissioner of Education Alice Seagren and Commissioner of Health Diane Mandernack. About 35 congregation members from the various Deer River churches took part in the 2009 Good Friday Ecumenical Cross Walk. There were plenty of different tools to look at when Worldwide Liquidators arranged their display on the inside and outside of the Deer River Vets Club. Many speak up about not closing North Elementary School at the special public hearing that is overseen by Public Hearing Officer John Cope. Deer River City Council to seek bids on Well No. 5 for the southside of the city. Bigfork City Council hears more about Police Chief Jon Babcock’s position, commissioner positions and City Clerk Angie Storlie’s hours at city hall. Itasca County Board of Commissioners discuss the City of Cohasset’s land purchase request, land sale to Essar Steel and Canisteo pit’s water level. The commissioners also approve a 32 hour furlough without pay for the remainder of 2009 for six of the seven county union and association workers. There was almost a page of letters to the editor, two in support of keeping North Elementary School open and one concerning the gift that the Chippewa National Forest provides.

White Oak Casino staff members Derek Aho, Marvin Moose, Archie Adams and Robyn Davis are instrumental in saving the life of Clark Parson’s life with a Automated External Defibrillator. Cohasset City Council work with Enbridge representatives in preparation for pipeline and clarify animal control policies. Public school districts in Itasca County are facing continual rounds of budget cuts for the 2009-2010 school year. A quiche luncheon and card game fundraiser is organized by the Deer River Golden Age Club for a new community center.

Adults and children have fun at the annual parent teacher sponsored Spring

Fever Carnival at the Cyrus M. King Elementary School. A $500 donation from the GRAHA gambling fund through Riley’s to the North Elementary School will bring the Science Museum of Minnesota to the school. The Deer River Warrior baseball teams watched a Minnesota Twins game and played their game against the Roseau Rams in the Metrodome. It was the 17th straight year in a row that they have been able to play in the Metrodome. Equipment for working on the Enbridge Energy pipeline has been arriving by railroad carloads in Deer River where it will be stored until put into use for the construction of the Alberta Clipper pipeline. Bigfork City Council call special meeting to discuss commissioner and committee position and their job descriptions. An Earth Day celebration at the former Eagleview school building in Squaw Lake acquainted youngsters with earth friendly methods and activities. The Effie City Council discuss sewer issues and the Effie American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary question the resolution passed concerning building committee for the Effie Community Center. Josh Tyler, Colten Amy and Tyler Brink join the Deer River Fire Department starting yet another generation of members.

Enbridge Energy ships in more equipment by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad to store in Deer River for work on the Alberta Clipper pipeline.

The Deer River High School Destination Imagination team places seventh at the state competition. The Deer River Avenue of Pines Lions Club and the Deer River Fire Department have their annual pancake feed. Top fifth grade D.A.R.E essays chosen from this year’s graduating class were Jessica Schmit and Kyle Scheper from Bigfork School and Nashel Bebeau, Kacey Braford, Kacey Trout and Evan Tibbetts from Cyrus M. King Elementary School in Deer River.

Independent School District 318 board approves the sale of $35 million dollars in bonds and vote not to renew the contracts of Jeff Britten and David Burkman, the principal and vice principal of the Robert J. Elkington Middle School. A benefit was held for Richard (Bear) Dewey to help him with his broken wrist medical expenses. The GRV Gibbs Wild Rice bowling team is the All American League 2008-2009

Happy New Year from everyone at Paul Bunyan Telephone

League Champions. Frontier Sports in Marcell had a good weather day for their 12th annual casting contest and serve 23 pizzas and 55 foot-long subs to guests. A dinner and show fundraiser at the Marcell Family Center features comedian Scott Long. The birth of David and Janice McClure’s first great-grandchild Brooklynn Elizabeth Wilson creates a five generation family.

Lance Corporal Nathaniel Anderson of Cohasset to be deployed to Afghanistan.

MAY—Parents of students in North Elementary School hear of it’s closing at the end of the school year from Independent School District 317 board member and make plans to start a charter school. Deer River High School juniors and seniors have fun during prom festivities and the senior citizens in the area get to enjoy their “Forever in the Twilight” themed decorations for the Senior Citizen Prom. The Deer River City Council rescinds the motion to cut the clerk’s hours in the Deer River License Bureau. Itasca County Commissioners Board don’t take action on Zim Lane request following public hearing and refer the Grand Village makeover back to its board. Independent School District 317 Superintendent Matt Grose named to the Blandin Foundation Broadband Strategy Board. Cohasset City Council hears about the needs of Grace House, an Itasca County homeless shelter. North Itasca Electric Cooperative of Bigfork gives out a total of $10,670 in Operation RoundUp® grants during April. Cases of swine flu or H1N1 virus, which was first reported in Mexico, have been surfacing in Minnesota. Bigfork School’s children’s library has been dedicated to author Frank D. Anselmo. A benefit was held for Matthew Hart at the Morse Town Hall to help him with expenses as he battles Hodgkins Lymphoma. The Deer River High School Concert Band and Concert Choir both received three superior ratings, as well as several ensembles and solos, at the state competition.

Deer River High School students and United States Forest Service workers plant young American elms in the Chippewa National Forest. Members of the Deer River Campus Life members go on a mission trip to Houston to aid in hurricane relief efforts. Bigfork School Parent Teacher Organization have their annual spring carnival with many student helpers. The Alberta Clipper Enbridge Energy pipeline is expected to provide jobs for about 2,000 people.

Air Force Airman Anthony Smith graduates from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas.

An animal swap, sale or trade meet was held in Effie for the first time. It was organized by Heidi Madsen and Shari Youngkin.

Independent School District 317 Superintendent Matt Grose waives his salary increase for the 2009-2010 school year. Patricia Feld of Effie chosen as the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council recipient of the Maddie Simmons Advocate Award.

Independent School District 318 board hires 10 new teachers for the district. The Minnesota Department of Health reports that public water supply systems, tested on a regular basis, finds that none of the systems exceeded current federal or state standards for pesticides or industrial contaminants. The worry of a possible incident near the Cyrus M. King Elementary School triggers a lockdown at the school. Andrea

Vickerman had the winning design for the sales tags that will go on hand knit caps for newborn babies that will be sold at the Deer River HealthCare Center gift shop. The Bigfork High School choir and band put on their annual spring concert at the Edge Center for the Arts under the direction of Alycia Hoff. The Edge Center for the Arts opening show in the Arts for the Edge Gallery in Bigfork featured artwork done by Bigfork School students. The Northwoods Saddle Club Inc. of Effie hosts their first ever Western Saddle Club Association judged show at the Itasca County Fairgrounds.

The Minnesota Legislative session is scheduled to end on May 18, but prominent DFL leaders are suggesting a special session may be inevitable. The Chippewa National Forest Service is planning prescribed burns on about 2,000 acres in 12 different sites. The Outlaws, led by Derek Brown, took first place at the third annual Deer River Wood Bat Tournament which was held at the Robert A. Lundeen Community Recreation Area. The Bemidji Speedway season opener took place on May 10. The Deer River Sportsman’s Club hosted ‘Youth Day’ at their outdoor Gun Club Range had 42 youngsters registered for the day’s activities.

Pastor Vicki Taylor, who served the Jesse Lake Lutheran Church and the Suomi Lutheran Church from July 1, 1992 until 2004, is serving in Duluth as the assistant to the Bishop of the Northeast Minnesota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Jurvelin Hardware in Deer River hosted its annual Fishing Frenzy celebration on the Friday before the Minnesota fishing opener weekend.

The Deer River American Legion Post 122 Auxiliary and the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 2720 Auxiliary members were out and about selling red poppies. Area residents were admonished about proper behavior at the Bigfork City Council meeting. The Deer River City Council hear from Nelson Wood Shims. Cohasset City Council begins process for revision of animal control ordinance. Effie City Council hears update on sewer project and discuss what rules the Effie Community building committee will establish.

Itasca County Commissioners approve the Grand Village’s $6,918,256 renovation plan.

The Minnesota Legislature session ends with no budget compromise and leaves it open for Governor Tim Pawlenty to do line-item vetoes. Area residents take part in the Mental Health Awareness walk held in Grand Rapids. The Deer River Warrior baseball team won all three of their games at the Northern Lakes Conference. The Warrior golf varsity boys and girls finished their Northern Pine Conference season with Becca Rudquist ending the season as the top golfer in the conference for the second year in a row which earned her All Conference honors. The Deer River Township Friends of the Hall organize a Grassroots Art Fair for the first time. Deer River Parent Teachers King School members organize a community garage sale fundraiser that was held in the Deer River High School building. Graduations are going on around the area. The Deer River High School valedictorian is Tyler Erzar and salutatorian is Sophia Schjenken.

YEAR IN REVIEW/To Page 9

Happy New Year from everyone at Cinderella’s Closet!

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YEAR IN REVIEW/From Page 8 Bigfork High School valedictorian is Justin Mann with Viki Krachtt and Britney Steward serving as co-salutatorians. Friends of North move ahead with plans for a charter school to replace area’s loss with the closing of the North Elementary School. Deer River American Legion Post 122 and Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2720 and affiliated organizations take part in Memorial Day Services in Deer River and area cemeteries. Memorial Day services were on-going in the Bigfork and Talmoon area by Legion and VFW organizations in those areas. Independent School District 318 board congratulate Grand Rapids High School Principal Jim Smokrovich on being named the Minnesota School Counselor Association Administrator of the Year. Letters to the editor come from Howard McKinney of Bigfork who is not pleased with the way the Itasca County Commissioners are representing taxpayers, and from Brad Box of Deer River who feels the ad placed by an unnamed sponsor, for establishing a charter school to replace North Elementary School, holds erroneous facts. Students from North and Cyrus M. King elementary schools take advantage of the living history at the White Oak Society Fur Post Learning Center during this organization’s School Days Program. Property owners in the Deer River school district will see an increase in their property taxes for 2010 due to the sale of bonds to pay for Independent School District 317’s Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) cost. Gail Blackmer, chair of the board of trustees for Bigfork Valley, has been awarded the Minnesota Hospital Association Trustee of the Year. John Zasada to open his “All From One Tree” exhibit at the Edge Center Gallery in Bigfork. The Deer River High School junior and senior choir and band members presented their spring concert outdoors. The Deer River Vets Club Honor Guard hosted their annual smelt feed fundraiser. The eighth annual Ball Club Youth Basketball tourney drew players from as far away as Bismarck, N.D. The Leech Lake and White Earth team of Team Flight took the championship, Ball Clubs Run N Gun team took third place. The final concert of the year and for the school was held at the North Elementary School featuring the fifth and sixth grade band students. The Deer River Warrior baseball team finished the season with seven straight wins with 14 wins in the past 15 games played and broke some records. The Warrior B team finished the season undefeated for the second year in a row with B squad coach Jim Thompson. Deer River area residents keep the crew with Bigfork Veterinarian Byron Sugden busy when a pet vaccination clinic is set up at the Deer River City Hall garage.

JUNE—The last classes have been held at the North Elementary School in Talmoon which is closing this year and the day before graduation ceremonies there the students release balloons with messages.

Itasca County Commissioners hear from legislators and turn down the Bigfork and Cohasset requests for vehicles. Deer River City Council awards Well # 5 project to Eagle Construction Inc. Cohasset City Council give a go-ahead signal for the Beier Road changes and deny Robert E. Ward Sr.’s variance appeal. Figures released by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development indicate that unemployment numbers have dropped slightly in the past month. Lake Winnie designated as infested waters because of faucet snail.

Elaine (Schaar) Grossell was in the very first firstgrade class held at North Elementary School, her granddaughter, Lanie Evans, attended first grade in 2009 during the last first grade session of this school.

Kelsey Olson of Bigfork becomes a member of the Bemidji State University Honors Program.

Independent School District 317 Superintendent Matt Grose writes an article to clarify what he feels is a misunderstanding on the middle school controversy.

Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School is visited by 4th District U.S. Congresswoman Betty McCollum who learns of their need for a high school replacement. Becca Rudquist of Deer River placed 5th overall in the Section 7A golf tournament and will go to the State Tournament in Becker. The Deer River Warriors baseball team advances in the Section 7A Double Elimination Tournament with three straight wins. New racers and winners are emerging at the Bemidji Speedway as the season progresses. Ann Boessel of Bigfork is the recipient of a $750 Arvig Communication Systems Royale B. and Eleanor M. Arvig Memorial Scholarship. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development awards $15.9 million for Small Cities projects. Boy River will receive $245,000 to rehabilitate 10 owner-occupied houses to benefit Boy River, Federal Dam and Bena residents. The Deer River Warriors teams finally have a logo image after two decades without one. Patricia Feld of Effie receives

her Maddie Simons Advocate Award during an Arrowhead Regional Arts Council ceremony at the Edge Center for the Arts in Bigfork. Danielle Daigle of Deer River is the next recipient of a Deer River Itasca County Habitat Home due to this organization’s partnership with other entities which included Thrivent Builds - Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Northern Minnesota Builders Association. The Marcell Family Center is getting landscaping done due to the efforts and ideas of Jane Hillstrom plus plenty of local volunteers and donations. Sally Sedgwick writes a letter to the editor to clarify any confusion on the separate organizations, Friends of North and the proposed charter school effort. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Blandin Paper company sign a binding forest conservation agreement for the purchase of a working forest conservation easement to forever protect 187,277 acres currently owned by UPM. Roy “Jim” Tarbell re-elected as Paul Bunyan Telephone Cooperative’s District 4 representative. The farmers market was open for business in the parking lot of the Northview Bank in Deer River in spite of the un-spring like weather. The Deer River U.S. Forest Service Chippewa National Forest site wins a White House Closing the Circle Award. Firefighters in the area fire departments and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service have been kept busy putting out grass fires this spring. In college news are Geoffrey M. Daigle and James V. Daigle who were listed on the Northwestern College dean’s list; Lauren M. Kellen of Cohasset graduates with a BS in Health Promotion-Corporate Health from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point; Kristin Gilbert of Deer River graduates from Concordia College, and Troy Goudy of Effie is named to the dean’s list at the University of Wisconsin-Superior.

Alice Martwig gets some Firewise landscaping done with the help of Norman Ford, Curtis Dahleen, Dale Juntunen, Mike Belomy and Itasca County Firewise Coordinator Bill Brink. Deer River High School physics students put their learning into practice and float their wood lath, glue stick, duct tape and aluminum foil boats to the test. Becca Rudquist finished in 5th place at the Class A state golf tournament out of a field of 87 girls. Students at Cyrus M. King and North elementary schools take part in the Brad Smith Memorial 400 Meter Dash. The Deer River Chamber of Commerce recognize the new owners of Blueberry Hills Golf Course, Jordon and Nikki Osse. Gwenn Smith, Tami Helleckson, Rita Helleckson and Sarah Sedlander attend a TOPS Minnesota Recognition Days convention where Smith graduates to Keep Off Pounds Sensibly. North Elementary School host’s it last Pow Wow with the Bug-O-Nay-Gee-Shig Drum and Dance group who is assisted by Bruce White. Students in the college news include Kristin Gilbert of Deer River graduating from Concordia College; Gemma Miltich of Cohasset named to the University of Minnesota dean’s list; named to the North Dakota State University dean’s list are Daniel W. Pifher of Bigfork, Tyler W. Waller of Northome and Alex Kaczor of Talmoon; and Matthew Matta of Bigfork placed on the Texas Lutheran University dean’s list. The following students, from the Deer River, Bigfork, Marcell, Effie and Talmoon area, were named to the Itasca Community College dean’s list Jason Adam, Daniel Carrigan, Matthew Gross, Leslie Harnden, Jenna Maki, Kendra Marshall, Michelle Shadley, Kailee Alger, Alicia Benham, Amanda Evans, Zachery Evans, Charles Huju, Dannyl Huju, Amanda King, Kyle Lyytinen, Nicholas Lyytinen, Desiree McCluskey, Amy Medeck, Kari O’Hern, Michael Palmer, Emily Peck, Shara Remmers, Tasha Snakenberg, Rebekah Svadlenka, Jacqueline Teegarden, Elizabeth Brenden, Lisa Caldwell-Olsher, Christina Johnson, Mitch McCarroll, Ashley Rasmussen, Robert Reed, Amanda Schjenken, Joshua Villeneuve, Kristina Watson and Jade Wilson.

Area students participating in a conference at Bemidji State University's 10th Annual Student Scholarship and Creative Achievement Conference were Kelsey Olson of Bigfork, Michelle Broadrick of Cohasset and Matti Adam of Deer River. The 6th Annual Bigfork Wilderness Days, organized and coordinated by the new committee made up of Tara Duval, Kristi Gustafson, Franki Oakes and Father Steve Daigle, featured many tried and true features and several new entertainments. The Cohasset City Council reviews their 2008 audit report and accepts a state grant for

Happy New Year from everyone at Carroll Funeral Home

Beier Road upgrade. Working Foreman Ray Keller addresses the Deer River City Council on what he felt were personal attacks on his job performance. The Effie City Council gets a report on the successful workings of the new city sewer service after a million gallons went through the service. The Itasca County Commissioners discuss the Canisteo Pit, but don’t make a move to do any corrections. Darrek Porter of Deer River pleads guilty in the Itasca County Court to one count of Murder in the Second Degree and three counts of Assault in the Second Degree. The Deer River City Council hold a public hearing on the proposed 133 address changes. There wasn’t any resident attending this hearing except for Garry Frits. Mary Shideler, known as the Kayak Lady, finished her 957th lake in time to take part in the Bigfork Wilderness Days Parade. Roberta Steinhart has 15 adult students taking her Green Man class at the Bigfork High School and they all reported having a lot of fun. The Deer River Avenue of Pines Lions Club appointed their first male president, Jeff Lilja, since the club was chartered in 1992. Area residents celebrated the Bigfork Presbyterian Church’s 100th birthday. The Deer River Warrior baseball team finishes third in the Section 7A double elimination. Tyler Erzar and Dane Heig of the Deer River Warrior baseball team selected to play in the post season All Star games as part of the North Squad. Erzar was also selected for several other games. Pedestrians walking on the Main Avenue of Deer River were startled to see live models in the window of Cinderella’s Closet Consignment store during her grand opening celebration. The Chippewa National Forest recognizes Arnie Peterson of the Dora Lake area for his efforts. In the college news placed on the dean’s list of the different colleges are Lacey Davidson of Wirt/Wittenberg University, Shaina Guthrie of Deer River and Maureen Peraulta of Cass Lake/Northwest Technical College, Kristin Gilbert of Deer River/Concordia College and graduating from the North Dakota State University is Darin Lee Evans of Deer River. Joan Bibeau selected for the cover of the June/July 2009 issue of the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s Teaching Young Children publication. Nine area veterans board the bus in Deer River to attend the Vietnam Era Veterans’ ceremony at the State Capitol honoring their service in the military during the Vietnam War. Independent School District 318 board addresses employee changes. Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty balances the biennial budget’s $2.7 billion shortfall by executing the executive power of unallotment. The 20th Annual Kid’s Fishing Day at the Clubhouse Campground in Marcell was attended by 53 youngsters. Civic leaders from a dozen Itasca County communities come together to form common goals that will benefit all of the communities during a three-day Search Conference. Deer River Warrior baseball player Tyler Erzar was a member of the Minnesota North team that won the Championship of the Minnesota High School Baseball All Star series. Audrey Moede retires as the secretary of the Deer River Avenue of Pines Lions Club after serving in this position since 1995. Leah Benham participates, for the second year in a row, in the Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championships. Gladys Snyder becomes a greatgreat-grandmother with the birth of twins Isabella and Aidan Reini. It is a busy time at the Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church of Bigfork with remodeling of the building and Vacation Bible School activities.

JULY—Deer River Hired Hands Inc. is the recipient of a $175,000 matching grant from the Blandin Foundation. The Woodland Bank in Cohasset is robbed by a lone bank robber. Itasca County Commissioners take a mandatory reduction of 32 hours for 2009 and discuss Essar Steel Minnesota land sale and agreements. Deer River City Council hear about the Well No. 5 construction schedule and review the 2008 audit with auditor. Bigfork City Council meeting opened with the news that closed hearing YEAR IN REVIEW/To Page 12

We hope that the coming year will be filled with the very best for you!

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Bowling Scores ALL AMERICAN 12-23 7-0 Hastie Construction 5-2 GRV Gibbs 5-2 Denny’s Resort 5-2 Cherney’s Resort 2-5 Carroll Funeral Home 2-5 Lucky Strike Lounge 0-7 Ott Drug Store Team High Handicap Game: GRV Gibbs 1131; Denny’s Resort 1129; Hastie Construction 1116.

Team High Handicap Series: Hastie Construction 3278; Denny’s Resort 3225; GRV Gibbs 3195.

Individual High Scratch Game: Bill Westcott 242; Bernie Matlock 225; Ray Guertin 224.

Individual High Scratch Series: Bernie Matlock 632; Ray Guertin 606; Bill Westcott 584.

MONDAY NIGHT KEGLERS 12-21 63-42 Blueberry Bowl 62-43 Paul Bunyan 57-41 White Oak 60-45 Northview Bank 42-63 Co-op 31-74 GRV Wild Rice Team High Handicap Game: Paul Bunyan 951; Northview Bank 916; Co-op 908.

Team High Handicap Series: Northview Bank 2683; Blueberry Bowl 2647; Co-op

2608.

Individual High Scratch Game: Bernie Matlock 244; Bob Baumgarner 232; Bob Caven 225.

Individual High Scratch Series: Bernie Matlock 691; Ray Guertin 598; Bob Caven 501.

Splits: Tom W. 2-7; Don S. 5-10; Ed E. 6-7.

SUNSHINE LEAGUE 12-22 74-38 M&M’s 64-48 Gutter Gals 63-49 Blueberries 60-52 We Try 59-53 Rolling Pins 57-55 Jessie’s Girls 54-58 Shud A Bens 51-61 Loons 41-71 Jury’s Out 37-75 Honor Guard Team High Handicap Game: Jessies Girls 667; Honor Guard 650; M&Ms 628.

Team High Handicap Series: Gutter Gals 1818; Jessies Girls 1810; Rolling Pins 1787.

Individual High Scratch Game: Marla Rasley 211; Ronna Peck 203; Jan Hill 191.

Individual High Scratch Series: Ronna Peck 530; Mary Peck 505; Kathy Mrozowski 500.

Splits: Sharon Miller 2-7, 56; Ronna Peck 5-6-10; Marilyn Schoenrock 3-10; Sandy Fox 4-

10.

PINPOUNDERS 12-15 41-19 Coors Light 38-22 Big Winnie Bar 35-25 Cen-XXX 33-27 Macharts 32-38 Northern Star Food 27-33 D.R. Healthcare Center 27-33 Advantage Water Team High Handicap Game: Big Winnie Bar 958; CenXXX 946; Coors Light 938.

Team High Handicap Series: Northern Star Food 2723; Coors Light 2712; Big Winnie Bar 2699.

Mens Individual High Scratch Game: Jeff Gardner 255; Vince Cleveland 248; Bob Baumgarner 213.

Mens Individual High Scratch Series: Jeff Gardner 687; Vince Cleveland 632; Bob Baumgarner 577.

Womens Individual High Scratch Game: Diana Daigle 237; Nelda White 205; Shane Cleveland 198.

Womens Individual High Scratch Series: Trudy Gardner 551; Diana Daigle 530; Shane Cleveland 497.

Splits: Dan 5-7 (X2); Bruce Wolfe 4-5-7; Sue 2-7.

Mn DOT employee, Lavern Drewlow of Effie was cleaning Highway 38 of the snow Saturday morning in Bigfork. Photo by Don Basista.

Itasca County Road and Bridge, Bigfork District Garage employee, Fred Pifher, was out plowing the rural county roads in the Effie area. Photo by Don Basista.

There was a four day pre-Christmas open house celebration at Skip’s Beauty Shop in Deer River. This event went on from Dec. 21 until Dec. 24. Customers and area residents were invited to stop by, visit, have cookies and coffee and register for door prizes. Standing are, from the left, Skip’s Beauty Shop owner, Annie Stevenson and beautician Tara Thuney with customers Mary Patton and Kathleen Preece, who is seated in front.

Happy New Year!

Left to right, Joe Washburn age 11 of Hill City and Caleb Hall age 11 of Bigfork attend the 30th Annual Youth Snowmobile Training two day class held at the Swampsiders Snowmobile Club, with club members being certified Mn State Snowmobile Safety Instructors. Photo by Don Basista.

From everyone at

GRV Gibbs Wild Rice Processing and Gift Shop

Happy New Year from

Fred’s Live Bait & Tackle!

Hwy. 46, Deer River

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YEAR IN REVIEW/From Page 9 about employee misconduct claims inconclusive. Area principals, Scott Patrow/Bigfork and Brent Colligan/Deer River, complete Applied Learning Institute and the University of Minnesota’s Principals Academy leadership training. The annual customer appreciation day was held at the Sportsman’s Cafe in Deer River. Joy and Hjalmer Tervo share history of the Deer River High School dormitory life. Bigfork Valley receives a Minnesota Hospital Association Patient Safety Excellence Award for Safe Site.

Cohasset City Council amends zoning ordinance to allow home businesses on waterfront due to Thomas J. Tolrud’s request to be able to operate a catering business out of his home. College students in the news are Darrell Hahn, Anita Mendonsa, Ryan Shinabargar, Jeremy Tinquist and Sandra Virkus of Cohasset who are placed on the Hibbing Community College Honor's List. Named to the Minnesota State University Moorhead dean’s list are Darick Apitz of Talmoon, and Natalie Petersen-Menefee of Squaw Lake.

Receiving scholarships from Bemidji State University are Karla Pula of Bigfork, and Tessa Salisbury and Amie Soblik of Deer River. Keith J. Heimer of Golden Valley died in a one-vehicle accident north of Squaw Lake. Itasca County Regional Rail Authority approved the terms for the sale of nearly 4,000-acres of tax-forfeited land to Essar Steel Minnesota. North Country Gardeners Club sponsored a Family Fun Day fundraising event at the Marcell Family Center to help fund the landscaping project at the center. The Deer River American Legion Post 122 baseball team have a good week, winning all five of its’ district games before losing Sunday’s game to the Northwest Slam Renegades. Carol Williams’ gift of a bright red Support Our Troops T-shirt at Christmas starts a Friday campaign at the North Star Foods and North Star Cooperative station/store. Deer River High School’s Warrior baseball team was represented by coaches Jim Thompson and Jim Erzar and players Dane Heig and Tyler Erzar during the Eighth Annual Arrowhead All Star Game. Deer River Tae Kwon Do students, Taylor Braford and Tony, Joe and Chris Schinzing, advance in rank. Minnesota State Fraternal Order of Eagles present the Itasca County Dare Program with a $5,000 donation. A circus arrives in the City of Effie and sets up their bigtop in the middle of the Effie Ball Park.

Cohasset university students in the news were Philip Watson a Bethel University graduate and Melissa Ann Petoletti a St. Cloud State University graduate. There were 20 entries in the Fifth Annual Juried Art Exhibit at the Edge Center Gallery. Works by Donna Rae Anderson, Jeff Argir, Gene Madsen and Peggy Selander were the top choice in the exhibits. After an eight month wait, Al Franken becomes a Minnesota U.S. Senator. Lake Country Power rate increases fall hard on struggling rural consumers. Bigfork Fire Chief Curt Snyder recognized by the Itasca County Wildfire Protection Plan Implementation Team. There is an American troop drawdown in Iraq cities, turning over control of them to the Iraq forces, just as a build-up of

American troops is being done to combat the Taliban.

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources make an effort to promote fishing by allowing Minnesota residents to fish from shore, without a license, in most state parks. Bigfork City Clerk Angela Storlie earns a Municipal Clerk award from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. The Swampsiders Snowmobile Club’s annual pancake breakfast fundraiser brings in 347 customers. The Deer River American Legion Post 122 baseball team to host the District Eight Division II Legion playoffs for the first time in its history.

In spite of the wind and rain storm of the night before, 20 teams participate in the 2009 Warrior Golf Scramble.

Local area residents attend the Civil Conservation Corps alumni reunion at the Discovery Center in Chisholm. The Avenue of Pines Lions Club of Deer River donates a chemo chair to the Deer River HealthCare Center’s hospital.

Shelley Snyder, who owns Deer River Floral and Gifts is the only Western Saddle Club Association Inc. accredited horse show judge in Itasca County. The Deer River Lions Club 61st Annual Wild Rice Festival drew a record number of participants and spectators to their many events and activities.

Independent School District 317 board attends to a number of items on their agenda, several of which dealt with the rising costs of providing for the students and the lessening support from the state to public schools. A last minute amendment to personal property tax legislation signals a major change in the $2 billion Mesaba Energy project proposed near Taconite. Kocian’s Family Market participates in a program called Register Tapes for Education during the 2008-2009 school year. Area schools, including Bigfork Elementary School, earned free educational equipment valued at $2,098.16.

Deer River fire wardens, Joe and Loretta Herr retire after 30 years of dedicated volunteer service for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and serving as fire wardens since 1979. Dr. David Reitter, a boardcertified surgeon, joins the Deer River HealthCare Center. Lindsey Hagen of Deer River graduates from Bemidji State University. Northern Star Cooperative Services annual customer appreciation cook-out drew more than 500 cooperative members. Beryl Lee celebrates her 90th birthday with family and friends at the Deer River Township Community Center.

Eagleview First Week Boutique in Squaw Lake opens up for business.

This consignment store business, which is run and staffed by teens, was made possible through the Northeast Minnesota Office of Job Training's Summer Youth employment program.

Arrowhead Transit will be replacing 51 buses, 15 of which serve Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake and St. Louis counties, with a $7.4 million grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. In the college news are Bigfork area residents Karmen Apitz-Porter and Kelsey Olson who graduated from Bemidji State University; Lindsey Hagen of Deer River who graduated from Bemidji State University and Chelsi Plate of Deer River who was named to the dean’s list at Crown College in St. Bonifacius. Effie City Council discuss problems with the new sewer system.

Bigfork City Council reveal the results of a closed meeting where the city employee was asked to meet with the filer of the complaint and apologize.

Deer River City Council is notified that water quality is still an issue.

Cohasset City Council supports rumble strip removal and set public hearing for animal control ordinance review.

The Itasca County Commissioners give final approval for land sale to Essar Steel Minnesota Limited Liability Corporation. Bigfork Valley has its 2009 Health Expo with plenty of activities for adults and youngsters. The Deer River Fire Department received a $1,000 donation from the Jephthan Chapter No. 176 Order of the Eastern Star and are informed that there will be another $1,000 coming from the Minnesota Masonic Charities.

Cemetery refurbishing is underway at the Deer River Township’s Pine Ridge Cemetery. Volunteers from Illinois come to Deer River to work on the Deer River Habitat Home and are fed lunch by area churches during their week’s stay. Area women take part in the Rally for the Cure golf outing at Blueberry Hills Golf Course. Julie and Jim Aakhus of Effie have a visit from a moose in their field. Deer River Hired Hands, Inc. host their annual open house celebration. Laurie Holliday of Bigfork entering the Poor Clare Monastery of Our Lady of Mercy in Bellville, Il. The ladies of the Jesse Lake Lutheran Church have a successful 22nd Annual Salad Luncheon at the Marcell Family Center. Fred Ott of Deer River receives a 60-year Mason membership pin and is presented with a certificate at a dinner at Blueberry Bowl held in his honor. Listed on the Bemidji State University spring semester dean’s list were Karla Pula of Bigfork and Joel Brockway, Kayleen Henke, Mitchell Drotts and Angela Nason, all of Deer River. Leech Lake residents oppose the Enbridge Alberta Clipper and Southern Lights pipeline projects. Darrek Porter of Deer River sentenced to 15 years for the stabbing death of Terrell Wilson. LaMar Courrier of Deer River shared family history on how the name was changed from Kreuger to Courrier. Jacki Wendt takes over the restaurant next to Loggers in Bigfork and re-names it The Stuffed Moose. ‘Threads of Art: Explorations of Textiles’ to be featured at the Edge Center Gallery in Bigfork during August. Members of the Deer River Ambulance Service held their ninth annual Bar-B-Q fundraiser. Steve Sarkela, Mindy Drotts and Nickalas Adams were sponsored by the Grand Rapids Evening Rotary Club for a week’s attendance at the Rotary Youth Leadership Award Camp. Female fishing enthusiasts have fun and win prizes at the Women on Water Fishing Tournament. The Deer River Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 2720 baseball team competes in sub-district tournament. Bigfork businesses have their annual crazy daze sales. The three day North Star Stampede rodeo in Effie drew a good crowd and adults and children participated in the many activities during the one day Effie celebration in connection with this event. The Deer River High School graduating class of 1969 had its 40th class reunion.

AUGUST—Deer River City Council learns of the revised senior center plan and consider land sale.

Cohasset City Council reviews amended animal control ordinance and

learn they will have 7.86 acres of Tioga Beach property. Itasca County Commissioners consider power cost riders, telecommuting and the Tioga Beach property wanted by Cohasset.

The attendance of participants and spectators at the 2009 White Oak Rendezvous in Deer River seems to be a bit less this year. Higher education tuitions rise to fill budget gaps at MnSCU system and University of Minnesota Duluth. The Itasca Coalition of Lake Associations hold meetings to get more people interested in their lakes’ preservation. The Deer River Fire Department’s Relief Association and the Avenue of Pines Lions Club have their third joint pancake fundraiser. The annual quilt and bake sale was held at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Deer River. The Chippewa National Forest schedules more prescribed burns which will be near Ball Club, Squaw Lake and Pennington. Jessica Smith, Johnny Mitchell and Ellen Adams honored at the National Indian School Board Association Conference. Crazy Days sales resume in Deer River after several years of absence, when business owners get together and decide to schedule the sales in the city again. The 2009 Itasca County Relay for Life marked the 25th anniversary of the first national event when Dr. Gordy Klatt walked a track to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Heavy rainfall canceled the Aug. 2 action at the Bemidji Speedway. Joan Bibeau and other members of the Itasca Kayakers were in Squaw Lake once again to take youngsters on a kayaking adventure on Round Lake. Eric Hutchins of Deer River provided an aerial photo of the Enbridge pipe and mat storage site near Deer River. Friedel and Andrew Grant of Nova Scotia pass through Deer River on their three-year world bicycle tour and spend the night at the home of Pastor Dwight and Lisa Rudquist’s home. The Iron Range Higher Education Committee to consider a draft plan identifying the five top need priorities in the region, before putting a plan into action. Members of the EAA Chapter 1446 of Bigfork welcomed CarolAnn Garratt to the Bowstring Airport and the Edge Center of Bigfork when she presented a program about her world flights to raise money for research into Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Independent School District 317 still able to get Sparsity Aid even after closing North School. Northland Foundation award 46 grants totaling $218,171 to strengthen the region’s nonprofit programs and projects in difficult times. Seven members of the Bethany Lutheran Church young attend a “Jesus, Justice, Jazz” ELCA National Youth Gathering in New Orleans. Jean Ramstad of the Deer River Ranger District submits an article on the Chippewa National Forest campground hosts who volunteer their time.

Eagleview Community Foundation and the Minnesota Extension/4H form a partnership to offer youngsters their first technology summer camp in the Squaw Lake area. Exotic species, the faucet snail, causes a boat launch closure at the West Winnie Campground. The 35th annual Bigfork Valley Hospital Auxiliary Arts & Craft Fair, co-sponsored with the EOW Community Center and Independent School District 318 Community & Family Education is YEAR IN REVIEW/To Page 13

Happy New Year from everyone at

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WIR, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, Page 13

YEAR IN REVIEW/From Page 12 deemed a success. Deer River FCCLA Advisor Deb Passeri and member Emily Trout attend Minnesota Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Dynamic Leadership training. The 19th annual U.S. Army Corps of Engineers kids fishing derby was held at Leech Lake Recreation Area and drew 162 youngsters. The Deer River Sportsman’s Club reported that more than 200 people were served at their turtle feed during the Wild Rice Festival events. Deer River City Council moves forward on land request from Golden Age Club and decides to give them the land between the old senior center and city hall for a new senior center. Sonja (Pietila) Bennett shares her experiences in volunteer teaching and traveling to 54 countries.

Cohasset City Council approves giving Enbridge Pipeline an easement through the city. Itasca County Commissioners hear about five shore land projects done under the cooperation with Itasca Coalition of Lake Associations and the Soil and Water Conservation District. Carol Meyer of Talmoon began the daytime cooking duties at the Deer River Golden Age Club Senior Center. Earl Seelye of Deer River died after diving off a pontoon into Lake Winnibigoshish and attempting to climb back onto the pontoon. Bigfork City Council hears from Howard McKinney, Gene Rajala, Dick Salmi, Gene Collins, Corky Hastings and Dave Waters. Effie City Council discuss many items which included the fact that there is still a plan to do an Effie Campground. The 39th Annual Rikala Reunion was held in Suomi at the Rikala Farm. Only two of the direct descendants of the Rikala family, Agnes-Jane Vaneps and Inez Pilger, were in attendance. Clients of Friendship Haven Adult Day Service of Deer River attend the Blackberry Antique & Threshing Show. In the Military News are Army Lt. Col. Curtis Anderson of Blackduck who assumes command of his battalion; and Army Reserve Pvt. Christopher of Blackduck graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. Members of the Blandin Male Chorus put on a concert at the Deer River High School to benefit the fundraising for the new Deer River senior center. The Christmas in August event in Squaw Lake featured craft and flea market items at the Squaw Lake Community Center; lunch , home-baked goodies and craft items at the Squaw Lake Centennial Lutheran Church; and special sale items at the Max Mini store. Bigfork Valley Senior housing unit residents enjoyed a day on the lake when the Share the Lake Day was held on Jessie Lake through the cooperative efforts of the Jessie Lake Watershed Association, Let’s Go Fishing With Seniors and a grant from North Itasca Electric Cooperative RoundUp Funds.

Congregation members of the Jesse Lake Evangelical Lutheran Church celebrated the church's 100th anniversary. Floyd and Bonnie Cole of Bigfork have a son named Ray Cole who ran a 13-mile marathon and had a heart stent operation all in one summer. The Iron Range Resources Board included Haley Logging Company of Bigfork and Deer River Hired Hands Inc. in their grants and loans to small business development. Independent School District 318 board hires new teachers for Bigfork and decide to continue the Police Liaison Program at the school. Olivia Skaja of Zemple, who has been playing the fiddle for two years, took third place in the Junior-Junior Division at the 28th Annual Minnesota State Old Time Fiddle Championship in Cotton. Minnesota law enforcement agencies statewide are cracking down on impaired drivers as part of a nation-wide Drunk Driving—Over the Limit. Blandin Foundation awards a $50,000 grant for residential transportation study. Deer River Golden Age Club members have a luncheon and card playing fundraiser to build up their fund for a new senior center building. Area youngsters and adults have fun at the Itasca County Fair in Grand Rapids. Up North General Store in Deer River has a new location grand opening celebration. The standard crew of Jim Barton, Charles Morrison, Marty Korpi and Arlys Grauman prepare the food for the Deer River Honor Guard’s annual chicken and corn feed. The Deer River HealthCare Center has its 1st Annual DRHC Shindig fundraiser at Blueberry Bowl with food, volleyball games and music. Eric Hutchins provides interesting aerial photos of the Enbridge, pipe and mat, and the equipment storage sites in and near Deer River, plus an aerial photo of the White Oak Antique Tractor Club Show that was

held at the White Oak Society of Deer River.

SEPTEMBER—Cohasset City Council approves revised ordinance #1 for animal control. Itasca County Commissioners consider health care reform, schedule a hearing for administrative ticketing ordinance and conduct two other hearings. Deer River Council witness the presentation of an award to Mike Isham and hear about USDA plans for a bunkhouse.

Bigfork City Council have a special meeting to discuss the resignation of Clerk Angie Storlie. Former Marcell resident, Brad Gary Lemke, dies in a car/motorcycle accident. Brian Patrick Buria of Bigfork sentenced, under a stay of adjudication, in Itasca County Court for two counts of the felony crime of Fifth Degree Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Paul Bunyan Telephone Cooperative distributed more than $2.4 million in capital credit checks to its members. Bear hunting season opened and the Department of Natural Resources asks that bear hunters do not shoot radio-collared bears. Nikki Osse scored a hole-in-one while golfing at the Blueberry Hills Golf Course. The Blazing Sunburns were the 2009 Beach Volleyball champs of the summer games played at Blueberry Bowl in Deer River. Minnesota Diversified Industries went from employing 370 people full-time to employing 159 who are not all fulltime. In these troubled financial times it forges alliances and looks to other funding sources to improve the company’s sustainability. There was a grand opening at the Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center in Marcell with keynote speaker 8th District U.S. Representative James Oberstar. Deer River and Bigfork schools have several new hires for the 20092010 school year in teaching and other staff positions.

The Bigfork City Council discuss the need to fill the clerk position at a special meeting with City Attorney John Licke and Local Union Representative Dan Kingsley. The AAnglers Insight Marketing LLC Lake Winnibigoshish 2009 AIM International Walleye Championship drew many local participants and spectators. Bigfork VFW Post #1764 members stepped up and built a wheelchair ramp and deck for Dave Waters when they found out he needed assistance in getting this done. Adults and youngsters have fun and learn more about school at the Cyrus M. King Elementary School Kindergarten Tea in Deer River.

Duluth Clinic-Deer River prepares to implement a new team approach model for primary care. Father Thomas P. Galarneault comes to Bigfork to serve the Our Lady of Snows Catholic Church in that city and St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Northome plus the St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Squaw Lake. Darick Apitz of Bigfork graduated from officer candidate school at Quantico, Va. He will be commissioned into the United States Marine Corps as a Second Lieutenant. The Crow Bar Bash in Squaw Lake featured fun games and music. Cyrus M. King Elementary School was one of two Minnesota schools to be recognized by the Minnesota Business Partnership for overall student performance and the closing of the achievement gap between white, minority and low-income students. Bigfork City Council interviews for the clerk position, but no decision is made. The Pump house for Well No. 5 arrives for the new well on the southside of Deer River. Itasca County commissioners approve bonds for Grand Village renovation and Essar Steel asks for delay of land sale. Walmart donates $1,000 to the Deer River High School Health and Physical Education Department. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announces the opening of the small game season and reminds hunters about safety and where to find the rules. Cohasset City Council adopts a ‘livability code’ and officially accepts $350,000 state grant for Beier Road. Itasca Power Company is considering the purchase of the Ainsworth plant in Cook. Tom Hron, now an author, shares some of his life’s adventures in flying, dealing with bears and living in Alaska with WIR readers. There are plans for the Deer River Hired Hands Inc. facility to build a new $1.9 million recycling and training center in the Grand Rapids industrial park. Itasca County Chipper Days Program awards presented to 25 area residents who volunteered their time and efforts with this Itasca County Firewise program. An open house was held by Bowstring Township to inspect the newly-installed 12,000 gallon storage water supply tank that will provide water to fight fires in the area. The excess number of kindergarten students, 76, at Cyrus M. King Elementary School created the need for an additional

Joy . . .

What memories this season brings . . .

We hope this year will bring you the best!

Wishes everyone a Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from the entire

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classroom and a fourth classroom was set up in the library. There were 91 registered walkers who joined the 55 racers for the 2009 Bigfork Valley Challenge held along the Jingo Lake Rd. in the Chippewa National Forest. Bigfork City Council gets an update on the construction at the Bigfork Airport and hear about the need to pay more attention to the young people of the city. The Northwoods Saddle Club, Inc. of Effie host their second horse show event at the Itasca County Fairgrounds. The U.S. Forest Service’s Smokey Bear, who is known for his slogan, ‘Only you can prevent forest fires,’ celebrated his 65th birthday in August. The Squaw Lake Ducks Unlimited Chapter has their 16th Rubber Ducky Race on the Poplar River and Hammer’s Egg Toss contest is held for its third year at The Hill. Veterans from around the area gathered in Deer River to take part in the 8th Annual Deer River POW/MIA ride and program to honor and remember these U.S. military veterans. The Deer River City Council approve proposed budget and tax levy that has a two percent increase in the budget and a 7.2 percent increase in the levy. The last council meeting for Working Foreman Ray Keller, before his retirement is also celebrated. City Clerk Angie Storlie gives the Effie City Council a letter of resignation.

Kristine Stout, a handbell soloist from Indiana, presents a concert at the Marcell Community Church. The Chippewa National Forest, with several partners, is working on restoring American elm trees using a twophase process of cross pollination between Dutch elm disease tolerant trees and cold-hardy American elm trees. According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, unemployment rates are dipping .1 percent. The Deer River High School girls volleyball Warriors won the 16team Class A Showcase held at Bethel University and bring home a trophy. Independent School District 318 reports a good first day for their schools with the most changes occurring at the Bigfork School. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety reveals that none of the four children under age seven killed in crashes during 2009 were properly restrained, nor were seven of the 10 children seriously injured.

OCTOBER—Pastor Peggy Christensen, of the Clara Lutheran Church, went on a mission trip to Israel and spoke about it at the Marcell Town Hall. One more teacher, Greg Spahn, was added to the list of new teachers at the Bigfork School. Ray and Kathy Rautio, and their son Matt of the Marcell area, have to learn how to cope after fire destroyed their home. The Itasca County Commissioners consider a Lake Country Power 115kV power transmission line and question the legality of Great River Energy’s power cost rider. Phillip John Storlie of Deer River, Chad Eric Brink of Remer and Thomas Lee Nelson of Grand Rapids were injured in an all terrain vehicle accident. Storlie was airlifted to Duluth. Cohasset City Council seeks and encourages resident response and input through an ‘open’ work session. Air Force Airman Kennen L. Isaacs graduated from basic military training at the Lackland Air Force Base in Texas.

Rasley’s Blueberry Bowl donated $250 to the Deer River Campus Life on behalf of Community Charities of MN. The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office crews begin the annual removal of navigational and obstacle buoys on lakes and rivers. The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe youth divisions merge to combat addiction problems and educate their youth to help them make good choices in life during cultural retreats.

Independent School District 318 board sets the next year’s levy at the maximum amount allowed as the total operating budget for the district was set at $40,750,071. Connie Boyum-Erzar receives flowers from the Deer River High School’s girls Warrior Volleyball team after coaching her 500th win. Kindee and Kendra Porter of Bigfork join the Single Action Shooting Society with their father Ken Porter. They find out this is a fun sport and bring home prizes. Prints by artists in the Northern Printmakers Alliance are on exhibit in the Edge Center Gallery in Bigfork. A moose on the loose in Deer River kept the Deer River Police Department busy for awhile as they did their best to keep it from entering residential and traffic areas. Kim and Ryan Erickson held their annual open house celebration at the Cairparavel Alpaca Farm near Deer River. Bigfork School students learn about stringed instruments from Dan Aalto and Debbie Losik in a program provided by the Itasca Orchestra and Strings Program. A benefit was held for the Dennis Calkins family at Golf on the Edge in Bigfork to help the family after Dennis suffered a stroke. Haley Logging Company of Bigfork enters into the biomass business. The Deer River Honor Guard pay their respects to the American flags that are no longer usable during a flag disposal ceremony. The Deer River City Council formalize the hiring of Bradley Marlette as the YEAR IN REVIEW/To Page 14

WIR, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, page 14

YEAR IN REVIEW/From Page 13 utilities department working foreman to replace the retiring Ray Keller. Bradley R. Anderson of Max was injured in a one-vehicle accident. Two of the Enbridge pipeline workers, Jon Paul Gregory and Robert Murl Scooter, working in the Deer River area were injured in a one-vehicle roll over accident. Lake Country Power’s Operation Round Up® Trust Board approved $24,507 in contributions to local community programs.

The Department of Natural Resources are encouraging deer hunters to participate in disease surveillance testing for bovine tuberculosis and chronic wasting disease. The $8,000 first time homebuyer tax credit is to end November 30. Grand Village, the Itasca County owned nursing home, will be undergoing a $6.9 million construction project to transform the nursing home. United Way of 1000 Lakes, of which Deer River HealthCare Center’s Chief Executive Officer Jeff Stampohar is a board member, has raised $54,000 thus far. Morse Township residents question Itasca County policies, Anderson Brothers and Larry Maki concerning the bituminous and crushing pit operating in their midst. A Home Stretch Workshop was held in Deer River to provide prospective homeowners with some answers. Colleges and universities in Minnesota have a record enrollment for the 2009-2010 year.

Itasca Community College saw about a 10.5 percent increase in students. Jumpstart’s Read for the Record set a new record on Oct. 8 for the world’s largest shared reading experience when people everywhere joined together to read the children’s classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar. A free community screening of “MINDS ON THE EDGE: Facing Mental Illness” that was done at the Grand Rapids Area Library sparked dialogue on mental illness. Navy Seaman Jacqueline N. Gorman, granddaughter of James Gorman of Blackduck, completed U.S. Navy basic training at the Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Deer River business owners, their staff and customers have a bit of fun during the Moonlight Madness sales celebration when wearing pajamas or night wear gained customers a discount or free items.

The Wilderness Wheelers ATV Club of Bigfork/Effie hosted a training class for area youth at the Effie Community Center. There are several different stages of Enbridge pipeline work being done in the Deer River area. The Deer River Fire Department’s 2009 tanker truck arrived in Deer River after being driven from Duluth by department member Travis Tyler. The recent car-school bus accident in Coleraine that killed a young woman sparked a discussion at the Independent School District 317 board meeting on safer driving issues. An announcement was made at the Deer River City Council meeting that Well No. 5 was up and running. Deer River High School student Ty Vickerman took part in the eight-week internship with the INSPIRE program held at the NASA Facility: Glenn Research Center.

Itasca County Commissioners cancel hearing on administrative tickets for recreational vehicles after receiving a letter from the Department of Natural Resources. Financial advisors from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans offered free financial advice classes in Deer River. The Deer River Chamber of Commerce discuss WinterFest activities. The Cohasset City Council seem to be well pleased with their “Cohasset Conversations: an open forum with Council.” The Deer River Fire Department have a fire safety day at the Cyrus M. King Elementary School and award fire safety poster winners. Bigfork City Council has a new city engineer, Matt Pellinen, from Short Elliot Hendrickson Inc., and a new city clerk treasurer, Mike McKinney. McKinney was hired at a special emergency council meeting on Sept. 11 and had his first day of work on Sept. 18. The Deer River HealthCare Center’s new Silverline Bus arrived and seniors used

it to take a fall color tour. The Effie City Council’s new city clerk, Jackie Krueger, was in attendance at the Oct. 12 meeting. Workers at Keewatin Taconite were told that the restart of operations are put on hold. Deer River High School earns Project Lead the Way certification for their pre-engineering program. The Deer River Golden Age Club begin holding bingo games to raise funds for the proposed new center. Deer River High School’s 2009 king and queen for the school’s centennial homecoming football game festivities are Jon White and Becca Rudquist. The White Oak Antique Tractor Club of Deer River held their annual plow days on acreage belonging to Curt Barrett north of Max. Iron Range Resources grants and loans to help out a Chisholm manufacturer and a Mountain Iron energy project. The Bigfork High School homecoming king and queen are Rick Flom and Annalise Klamm. Deer River High School student Kenzie Wilson does well in the calf roping and team roping events in the High School Rodeo events. The Deer River Fire Department celebrates 100 years of service to the community with an open house. H1N1 is causing concern and worry in the community, especially the schools. Independent School District 317 schools, the high school and Cyrus M. King Elementary School, has experienced absences, up to 10 percent at one point, due to this illness. Bigfork School is the only school in the Independent School District 318 whose absenteeism rate has stayed under five percent. The 26th Annual Silverline Bus turkey dinner fundraiser was held at the Deer River Vets Club and volunteers served more than 300 dinners. State agencies advise motorists, especially motorcyclists, to be aware and ready for deer on the road as time moves toward the deer rutting season. Elliot Gielen and Ginger Lund of Deer River High School are featured in the Reif Center’s “High School Musical on Stage.”

The Chisholm-Hibbing Airport adds a third commercial flight to their schedule. Paul Bunyan Telephone Cooperative accepts an offer from the Deer River Cooperative Credit Union for its building in Deer River and will move their office to Grand Rapids.

Members of the Deer River Golden Age Club and area residents meet with Minnesota Representative John Persell of District 4A about getting financing for a new senior center building. The Upper Red Lake walleye regulations are changing. Anglers still can keep four fish, but those fish must be 17 to 24 inches in length, with only one walleye longer than 26 inches.

Traci Crotteau shares interesting home remedies for the flu season by making use of onions. Bemidji State Game Refuge was open for the archery and muzzleloader deer season, but it was closed to the 2009 firearms deer season. Businesses interested in remaining or becoming an Electronic Licensing System agent for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources must submit an application this year for the 2010 season’s new touch-screen technology, which is limited to 1,600 applicants. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources released an analysis of sustainable timber yields which was an important step in helping guide future forest investment decisions. Matti Adam of Deer River graduates from Bemidji State University with a bachelor of arts degree in political science. Minnesota state park summer campsite permit sales in 2009 increased by nine percent over the 2008 sales and the September sales were the highest on record with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The Deer River Avenue of Pines Lions Club have their annual fall craft show. St. Mary’s Council of Catholic Women make approximately 600 pasties for their annual sale.

NOVEMBER—Deer River City Council advised of additional expenses to cap wells. Bigfork City Council hires Michael McKinney as the city’s clerk/treasurer. Itasca County Commissioners approve permitting assistance to Great River Energy.

Happy New Year from everyone at

White Oak Inn & Suites Deer River

Cohasset City Council reappoints Davin Tinquist as fire chief and amend blight ordinance to do with composting. Daniel Infante found guilty of assault in Itasca County court. Nathan Herfindahl’s love for music brings him to opera and after completing a twoyear contract with the Washington National Opera Studio’s Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program he moves on to other contracts. A benefit was held for Franki Oakes, a Navy veteran, at the Bigfork Village Hall to help with premature labor pregnancy medical bills. Sue Cook awarded a Child Development Associate Credential for her work in the Minnesota Reading Corps at the Triangle Preschool Room at the Goodall Resource Center in Deer River. Bug-O-NayGe-Shig School’s spotlight on teachers of excellence for the 2009-2010 year features Bridget Stalboerger and Sondra Tokarczyk. Jacob Starch, Garren Bremer and Amy Gustafson were winners in the Deer River High School Teen Read Week. The Bigfork Wilderness Bar recently reopened after repairs, due to water damage, were completed. Winter was trying to arrive early with a heavy snowstorm on Oct. 30.

United Way of 1000 Lakes encourages agencies receiving funding to work together to offer the most cost effective services and programs. Weather, hunt limit, wolves, and cougars slow down the 2009 rifle deer season opener. Daniel Otto Cermak of Minnetonka died in rural Deer River of an accidental gunshot wound during the opening weekend of deer season. The Deer River High School Warrior girls volleyball team takes the Section Championship and will compete in the state finals. The yearly audit of Independent School District 317 showed three standard areas that needed attention. Itasca Economic Development Corp., is assuming ownership of the former Ainsworth oriented strand board mill in Grand Rapids. The 2009-2010 International Lions Club 5M-10 District Governor Ivan Pollock pays the annual visit to the Deer River Lions Club and the Avenue of Pines Lions Club. Jan Hufnagle held her 4th annual Christmas Card Contest at her Northern Treasures Floral & Gifts shop which is just south of Bigfork. North Itasca Electric Cooperative in Bigfork gives out a total of $12,000.22 through their Operation Round Up®. The Minnesota Department of Human Services receives a $1.3 million federal award for finding adoptive families for children in foster care. Veterans Day prompts a reminder of the newly expanded Military Tax Credit, which has doubled the credits for those in the military service in a combat zone. Paula Ellefson of Marcell graduated from the Bemidji State University with a master of science degree in education. On the Friday of the 2009 rifle deer hunting season, vehicle traffic briefly backed up about a mile down the road east of the only stoplight in Deer River before the congestion was cleared by Deer River Police Officer Scott Cook. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources set the dates for the whitefish and cisco netting season in the area. Bingo players fill the Deer River Fire Department Hall for the annual Deer River Fire Relief Association turkey bingo games. Itasca County Deputy Darrin Shevich, who is also a fishing guide, held his second annual free walleye fish fry at the Comstock court in Deer River and served 42 guests.

Work on the Enbridge Energy project, which stretches from the North Dakota border to Superior, Wis., will continue through the rifle deer hunting season. A Blessing Mass and an open house are two ways that the completion of the expansion project at Our Lady of Snows Catholic Church in Bigfork is celebrated. Deer River High School students gathered goodies to send to SPC Patrick Randall’s unit in Afghanistan as Randall was a 2007 graduate of the school. The First Annual Johnson-O’Malley Pow Wow was held in the Deer River High School and royalty crowned that day were YEAR IN REVIEW/To Page 15

Happy New Year from everyone at

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WIR, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, Page 15

YEAR IN REVIEW/From Page 14 Talance Fairbanks, Jesse Bebeau, Eugene Jenkins and Alyssa Wilson.

There was a total of 33 marching and riding veterans, plus several other city service vehicles that took part in the Deer River American Legion Post 122 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2720 Veterans Day March in Deer River.

Workers at the Paul Bunyan Telephone Cooperative’s office in Deer River locked their doors for the final time. This is the first time after 99 years that there will no longer be a telephone office Deer River. The Deer River City Council gain information about the water and sewer issues in the city. The Bigfork City Council considers the minutes from the meeting too detailed. Cohasset City Council have an overload in their work session that delays the council meeting. As the winter season approaches, the Minnesota Department of Transportation encourages motorists to stay away from snow plows. Arrowhead Library System encourages residents to make use of the Mail-A-Book service, especially in the winter months. Jaqueline Teegarde of Deer River participates in the Bemidji State University theatre program. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources report that 96,000 deer have been harvested since the opening of the firearms season. An Itasca County jury found Lyle Robert Carpenter of Cottage Grove guilty of Burglary in the Third Degree for the break-in at the Deer River Cenex Convenience Store in September of 2007. The Deer River Chamber of Commerce plans more activities for WinterFest 2010. Itasca County Commissioners approve the “Itasca County Disaster Recovery Plan, Pandemic Influenza Plan.” Luke Votava of Bigfork School is named the Bigfork School Volunteer of the Year in The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program.

Northern Community Radio plans to put a new station in the Bemidji area. Mesaba Energy is moving ahead with plans to construct a energy generation plant even though they do not have a buyer for the power it would produce. The Deer River High School girls volleyball team is given a community sendoff to compete at the state tournaments and although they don’t win, Leah Benham was named to the All-State Volleyball Team. Enbridge Energy workers are adding spiky wire to the pipes in order to be able to add more cement coating for the pipes that will be used in the wetlands. Maynard Hedquist, a lifelong resident of the Deer River area who will be 90 in May of 2010, was one of the eldest veterans riding in the Deer River Veterans Day March. The WIR 2009 Football Contest ended in a three-way tie for the first time that anyone in the office remembers. The winners with 104 correct guesses were Glenn Harder, Travis Schultz and Dennis Wakefield. The 2009 rifle deer hunting season was a disappointing one for many of the hunters as deer registration count was down. The dedication for Danielle Daigle’s Itasca County Habitat for Humanity and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans home in Deer River was a joyous occasion. Independent School District 318 discuss open enrollment

and note that there is a downward dive in all four of Itasca County School districts in the number of students. A letter to the editor concerning the Lake Country Power billing process was signed by Gerald Eichorn, Mel Gullickson, Marvin Ott, Grace Derfler and Bob Herbst. Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson issued a public warning of unlicensed health plan scams. Bryan F. Garmon of St. Augusta died in a one-vehicle accident at the junction of Hwy. 6 and Hwy. 2.

Becca Rudquist was named to the Volleyball Academic All State Honor Roll. Construction preparations are started for the Effie Country Service rebuilding project. The annual Deer River Lions Club and Deer River Avenue of Pines Lions Club joint effort chili smorgasbord fundraiser for the Deer River Lions Club free swimming program is successful.

DECEMBER—Bigfork City Council hears a request from Bigfork Valley Hospital concerning development of a 40-acre parcel. The two-week Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign started in Deer River with Red Kettles set up in three locations.

Deer River City Council advised of slippery road conditions brought about by the increased traffic and materials hauled by Enbridge Energy pipeline construction. Wilderness Wheelers ATV Club of Bigfork have a public meeting to discuss a proposed trail between Bigfork and Bass Lake.

Cohasset City Council creates the position of Cohasset Project and City Services Coordinator and hire Rick Horton for that position. Christmas light decorations were put up in Deer River the day after Thanksgiving.

Itasca County Commissioners have an 11 item agenda for their meeting.

Leona Barten of Cohasset is installed as the Province Director for the National Council of Catholic Women.

Frontier Sports in Marcell hosted an ice fishing seminar. Deer River High School students Gary Perrington, Dane Heig and Tyler Erzar receive All Conference baseball plaques; Cole Knudson and Luke Benson are named to the 2009 All Conference team; Kenny Benham and Bryce Lyytinen named 2009 All Conference Honorable Mention; and Leigh Peterson and Tasha Jenkins are named to the 2009 Northern Lakes All Conference softball team.

Former Deer River High School football coaches, Steve Ott and Gary Dahlberg, were recognized by the Great Polar Football Alliance Conference. There were 14 Deer River businesses that participated in the Holiday Dazzle Days, which substituted for what some businesses consider the ‘Black Friday’ sale day. With the decorating and offering of the 2009 Hospice Christmas tree in Deer River, this program in Itasca County marks its 30th anniversary. The Itasca County Hospice program also announced plans to build a four-bedroom Hospice house to shelter the terminally ill, but do not have the facilities for housing volunteers and staff that assist in this part of their life. Ironworld, now know as the Minnesota Discovery Center, is closing this Chisholm facility due to lack of funding. The donor wall, that lists the names of those who contributed to the Deer River HealthCare Center’s Capital Campaign, was dedicated in

their honor. Devannee Tibbetts, Kellie Humble, Hannah Danielson and Elysia Morris read their winning essays during the Deer River HealthCare Center Volunteer Organization’s annual Lights of Love ceremony. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources contribute much of the credit for the return of anglers to Leech Lake to the newly formed Leech Lake Walleye Planning Advisory Committee. A new crew was used to set up the Deer River City’s Christmas tree and do the decorating. Rasley’s Blueberry Bowl donated $250, which came from the Minnesota Charitable Gambling organization, to the Deer River High School Volleyball Team. Shoppers were able to find gifts of all types at the Deer River Music Boosters 34th Annual Christmas Bazaar that was held at the Cyrus M. King Elementary School this year. While they were doing that, children could visit with Santa whose appearance was sponsored by the Deer River Chamber of Commerce.

Christmas craft sales got started in Bigfork and Effie with different ones at the Neighborhood Holiday Gathering, the Pro-Life Christmas Bazaar, the Merry Little Christmas Sale, and the Jingle Bell Craft and Bake Sale. Neither snow or cold weather has slowed down the construction progress of the new Effie Country Service building. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources puts out a warning to parents reminding them that the ice in the state is not consistently four inches thick and is unsafe for even the weight of youngsters. Members of the Northwoods Saddle Club Inc. of Effie take training to become volunteers for the Itasca County Search & Rescue team. The 2009 tax levy, payable in 2010, for Independent School District 317 is $79,000 less than expected. The Itasca County Historical Society prepares a Suomi area traveling exhibit that is being done by Barbara Bunch.

Bigfork City Council is still having issues with the city’s police department and accept resignation from Police Officer Pat Richards. North Itasca Electric Cooperative of Bigfork raises $2,277 through their “CFL for food” program for food shelves and divide the money between the ones located in Deer River, Bigfork and Northome. The Iron Range Resources Board approves $450,000 in emergency funding for the money strapped Minnesota Discovery Center to pay bills and reopen with a skeleton crew. Myla Anttila has her school year and life altered when it is discovered that a mass behind her left eye is cancerous. A three-month loan extension is granted for Essar Steel by the Iron Range Resources Board. The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded a $474,000 grant to the Leech Lake Tribal Council to startup a bus service with three new vehicles. Christmas open house celebrations were held in Deer River at Espresso Up North, Hair Inspirations Salon, Carroll Funeral Home, Woodland Bank, and Up North General Store.

Grand Itasca Foundation received a $100 donation from Bixby’s Cafe for support of a group of the employees there who sew and assemble pink bags for women diagnosed with breast cancer at the Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital and the Bigfork Valley Hospital. Cohasset

City Council changes three ordinances, accepts a $5,000 donation from Cohasset Hook and Ladder for the fire department, and set the city levy at $1,929,654. Itasca County was included in the 22 Minnesota projects to receive a portion of nearly $30 million in funding from an appropriations bill approved by the U.S. House of Representatives with the $500,000 received for the Itasca County 9-11 Radio System. Christmas and winter street decorations went up in Bigfork.

In Deer River youth sports activities, Vanessa Perrington takes fifth place at the Timberwolves Initiation ski meet in Ely and Dusty Miller participates in the Snocross snowmobile event in Duluth. Eight inches of ice has been reported on the Third River Flowage near Dixon Lake and ice houses are sprouting up. Cindy Landwer of Gilbert is the winner of the $420 Deer River Holiday Dazzle Days shopping spree, that was sponsored by Women in Business. A Bigfoot sighting in the Remer area has been reported and there was a motion activated game camera photo. The Deer River Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign, organized by Keith Matson, collected $3,131.37 in donations. Effie City residents attended the council meeting to ask why their property taxes increased, some of them went up as much as 32 percent. The Deer River City Council sets the tax levy collectible in 2010 at $468,682 and hears residents discontent with this increase in their taxes. Itasca County Commissioners hear more on the Living Word Bible Camp, ESM, and approve hiring a replacement Itasca County Deputy Investigator. A higher education initiative approved by the Iron Range Resources Board will make more technical education available to students in Northeastern Minnesota. Deer River High School students Ginger Lund, Eric Lind, Ashley Trout and Annalee Sundin performed with the University of Minnesota Duluth High School Honor Band. The Deer River Lions Club donates $1,000 to the Deer River Fire Department for their purchase of Jaws of Life equipment. Businesses having holiday open house celebrations in Bigfork include the First State Bank, Kocian’s IGA, The Shop and Your Style. Ashley Evans of Deer River received a Celebrating Connection award at St. Cloud State University.

Mindy Drotts, Kaila Juntunen and Liam Martin place in top at the 200910 Nordic ski race at the Ely Invite. A fickle winter climate has made snow a scarce commodity up to this time. Deer River businesses having late holiday open house celebrations include the Northern Star Foods and Jurvelin Hardware. The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office received a donation of $1,500 from Walmart for support of their Sheriff’s Boat & Water Program.

Santa had still another stop in Deer River and took time out of his busy schedule to visit the three classrooms of Invest Early students at the Goodall Center and stop to see the pre-school youngsters at Bigfork School. The White Oak Learning Center hosted their annual colonial Christmas Dinner that included entertainment.

Construction work continues at the Effie Country Service, but they are now able to sell gas.

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WIR, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, page 16

Obituaries Jean Alice Carlson

Jerry Allen Stangel

Jean Alice Carlson, 78, of Bowstring Lake, Minn., went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Dec. 22, 2009 due to a battle with cancer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Mary Burgess of Northome, Minn.

She is survived by her loving husband of 61 years Warren Lyle Carlson of Bowstring Minn.; two sons, Wayne L. Carlson (Kay) of Isanti, Minn. and Brian Carlson (Michelle) of Deer River, Minn.; and two grandchildren, Jennifer Elizabeth DagenaisBrunder of Duluth, Minn. and Wade Lewis Carlson, United States Coast Guard, stationed in Los Angeles, Calif.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Jerry Allen Stangel, 58, of Bena, died Friday, Dec. 18, 2009.

He was born on Sept. 26, 1951 to Felix and Rachel (Donnell) Stangel in Fosston.

He was united in marriage to Retta Jean Johnson (Freeman) in 1971 and was married for 21 years.

He attended Cass Lake High School. He moved to the Twin Cities where he attended welding school. He worked different jobs until he moved with his family back to the Cass Lake area and worked as a construction worker/laborer. In the early 90s, he went to school for archaeology and worked for The Heritage Site in Cass Lake.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Sonny Boy, Eldy and Andy; sisters, Dorothy McClimek, Beverly Grandy, Shirley Mathews and Dinah Hinrichs; granddaughter Alyssa Nicole Stangel.

He is survived by his son, Jerry Allen Stangel Jr. of Greenfield; daughters, Tina Mae Haley of Sartell and Linda Jean Coss of Cass Lake; four grandchildren.

Visitation was held Saturday, Dec. 26 at the Bena Community Center. Services were held Sunday, Dec. 27.

Paid Obituary

John Allen Lengstorf John Allen Lengstorf passed away on Friday, December 4, 2009, at his residence in Kalispell, Montana. He was 76 years old.

John was born on April 17, 1933 in Butte, Montana, the son of Charles and Jeanette Lengstorf. He attended schools in Marcell and Deer River, MN. He served four years in the Air Force and lived the rest of his life in Kalispell. He married Marilyn Berg on June 15, 1956, and they had three children.

He retired from the Anaconda Aluminum Plant where he had worked for 37 years.

John lived a life of adventure and love. He attacked life with all the vigor of a sportsman and the boundless energy of a bear. He loved to hunt and fish and spend time with his family at their cabin on McGregor Lake.

John was a shield and a rock to his family. He was a rollicking treasury of stories and wisdom gained through great exploits and hard experience.

He was preceded in death by his two sons, Mike and John Lengstorf.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his daughter, Kathy; grandsons, Bryce Provo and Ben Drent; and granddaughter, Jennifer Jasmin; six great-grandchildren; three sisters, Cecelia Bertram of Kalispell, MT, Alice Gamble of Spokane, WA, Laura Rajala of Bigfork, MN; and a brother, Charles Lengstorf of Louisville, KY. Memorial services for John were held on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at Kalispell, MT. Paid Obituary

Public Notice PROBATE DIVISION STATE OF MINNESOTA DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ITASCA NINTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT Court File No. 31-PR-09-3841 In Re: Estate of Aureilo J. Santolin, Deceased

NOTICE OF INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS: Notice is hereby given that an Application for informal probate of the above-named Decedent’s last Will, dated January 14, 2008, has been filed with the Court herein, and the Application has been granted informally probating such Will. Any objections may be filed in the above-named court and the same will be heard by the Court upon notice of hearing fixed for such purpose.

Notice is hereby further given that informal appointment of Craig Santolin whose address is E4490 Pinewood Circle, Eleva, WI 54738, as Personal Representative of the Estate of the above-named Decedent, has been made. Any heir, devisee, or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as Personal Representative or may object to the appointment of the Personal Representative, and the Personal Representative is empowered to fully administer the Estate, including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of his letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease, or distribute real estate, unless objections thereto are filed with the Court (persuant to Minnesota Statutes §524.3-607), and the Court otherwise orders.

Notice is hereby given that ALL CREDITORS having claims against said Estate are required to present the same to said Personal Representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this notice or said claims will be barred.

Dated:December 16, 2009.

(COURT SEAL) LINDA R. MACHEN ACTING COURT ADMINISTRATOR BY: /s/Judith L. McIlwain Judith L. McIlwain, Probate Registrar ATTORNEY FOR APPLICANT Leif A. Nelson (#78001) Lano, Nelson, O’Toole & Bengston, Ltd. Attorneys at Law 515 N.E. Second Avenue Grand Rapids, MN 55744 218-326-9603

Seedlings from State Forest nurseries for purchase Minnesota’s state forest nurseries have more than 25 species of evergreens, deciduous trees and shrubs available for purchase. Seedlings are sold in orders of 500 or more, although purchases may be broken down into increments of 100 of a species. Prices for 500 seedlings run from $90 to $470.

To purchase seedlings from Minnesota state forest nurseries, call 800-657-3767.

By law, seedlings purchased from state forest nurseries may not be planted for ornamental purposes, nor can they be resold, given away or removed with roots attached for a period of 10 years from the date of purchase. In addition, State forest nursery seedlings can only be planted in Minnesota.

Since 1933, Minnesota’s state forest nurseries, which are operated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Forestry Division, have provided healthy, native stock for Minnesota plantings. Seedlings grown from a local seed source are generally more adapted to prevailing and changing environmental conditions.

For more information about the nurseries and the seedlings they produce, visit www.mndnr.gov/forestry/nurseries.

Plant seedlings to create a windbreak and shelterbelt, which will help reduce energy consumption and provide privacy. Mixed plantings of trees and shrubs provide excellent cover and a source of food for a wide variety of animals, big and small. The roots for trees and shrubs stabilize the soil and help reduce soil erosion from water and wind. Trees also play an important role in mitigating climate change by absorbing and storing greenhouse gases.

Minnesota Energy natural gas final rates drop, small refund to follow in March 2010 The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) has approved new final natural gas rates effective January 1, 2010 for customers of Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation (“MERC”), a subsidiary of Integrys Energy Group (NYSE: TEG). The new rates will average from $0.35 to $0.68 per month less than interim rates granted earlier in October 2008 that residential customers are currently paying, depending on the customer’s location. The final rates differ because MERC has four different rate zones thoughout Minnesota, and because average customer use varies throughout the state.

However, the new final rates do reflect an increase of about $3.56 to $5.23 monthly over rates in effect prior to October 2008. The increase is due to rising costs for safety and reliabililty infrastructure improvements made

by Minnesota Energy Resources.

Still, the company expects customers to pay nearly 20% less in heating costs this year due to lower costs for the natural gas commodity.

“We’re expecting a typical residential customer using 71 therms of natural gas monthly will see a savings of more than $100 from last year’s heating costs, based on normal temperatures this year.” said Carlon Several factors are influencing the current lower prices of natural gas,” said Ann Carlon, Senior External Affairs Manager for Minnesota Energy. “There is good supply and a relatively mild entry into the winter heating season helping to hold down the demand for natural gas. This is good news for customers, especially in this difficult economic climate. We’ll also make a small refund to customers.”

Refunds for individual customers will vary by their actual usage during the interim period, but typical customers will receive refunds between $10 and $25. The refund is being made because the final approved rate increase was lower than the interim rate increase that went into effect in October 2008. The refund will reflect the amounts over-billed for each customer, plus interest, and will be shown as a credit on customer’s March 2010 bills.

Deer River Publishing Business Hours Mon., Tues. Thurs. - 8:30-5:00 Wed. - Office Closed Friday 8:00-4:30

Police Report

Cancer.

Wednesday, Dec. 16 — Responded to a juvenile disturbance on 1st Ave. N.E. at 8:33 a.m.

Provided public assistance on 1st Ave. N.E. at 8:40 a.m.

Responded to a complaint of harassing calls on Division St. at 12:01 p.m.

Received a report of theft by check on Division St. at 1:06 p.m.

Responded to a report of a suspicious person on 1st Ave. N.E. at 6:28 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 17 — Provided public assistance on 1st Ave. N.E. at 10:31 a.m.

Responded to an assault on 1st Ave. N.E. at 10:56 a.m.

Provided public assistance on Division St. at 3:38 p.m.

Performed an infant car seat inspection on 2nd St. S.E. at 5:39 p.m.

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WIR, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, Page 17

The Bible Says ...

Have a Happy New Year

by C. Marvine Scott ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE NEW YEAR’S

By Charlie Grier ‘Twas the night before New Year’s and all thru the earth The people were seeking for pleasure and mirth – While down in their hearts was the ill-concealed fear That world-wide catastrophe lingered quite near.

The more the earth shrinks the more complex our borders.

Must cultural improvement bring on new disorders?

The higher our standards the more discontent – I racked my poor brain to see what it all meant?

3. I am naturally impatient. I will try to take one day at a time.

4. I will separate worries from concerns. I need to be concerned, but I must not worry!

5. I will live within my budget, avoid credit cards, and trust God for my needs.

6. I will carry my Bible, or a good book, to read when I am delayed, or whenever occasion affords.

7. I will try to see the funny side of every adverse situation, realizing that if I can’t laugh throughout the year, I may not live throughout the year.

8. I am resolved not to give up when the going gets rough, aware of the fact that “if God be for us, who can be against us.”

-Endquote

Then out of it all there came clearly the hunch To save this old world I must put in MY punch!

No longer down-grading what other folks do The plain path of duty is MINE to pursue!

I can’t stop the war, but I CAN stop the feud ‘Twixt me and my neighbor, my wife and the brood.

The financial ills of this world I can’t solve, But MY OWN obligations I’ll meet with resolve!

The Leaders of State may continue to blunder – The selfish and grasping continue to plunder – I’m against many wrongs, like corruption, and war, But this year I’ll ask myself, “WHAT AM I FOR?” The church may not meet with my highest approval But I will not ask for the Pastor’s removal.

The faults of my neighbor are easy to see But this year I’ll ask myself, “WHAT ABOUT ME?” New decade unfolding, a new year begins – Who knows what we’ll face before it all ends?

We never will master the world’s problems grim Until grace has MASTERED the monster within!

I can tell you that he did keep his resolutions that year! I watched him continue on under unbelievable odds. The doctor said his heart was too weak to last more than a few months back in 1995. He preached on his 100th birthday! Why? It was because he trusted in His God to give him the strength to go on and be a blessing.

He loved God with all his heart. His humor was awesome. He became patient and took one thing at a time.

He learned how to operate the computer at age 90! I believe his secret was his love for his God and for his fellow man.

I think one secret to having a Happy New Year is found in Philippians 3:13-15 where Paul tells us to take the past and put it behind us and to reach for the things God has in store for us with eager open hands.

MY GOAL FOR 2003

By Charlie Grier 1. I want to pray more, and with increased faith.

2. My resolve is to go to bed on time, eat properly, and give my body every possible advantage in order that I might continue to do service for the King.

Members of the Northwoods Saddle Club, Inc. of Effie elected senior and junior officers for 2010 at their annual Christmas banquet on Dec. 13 at the Effie Community Center.

Individuals who were elected into the senior office and their positions were: Greta Drewlow-president; Deanne Elhardt-vice president; Jill Letsch-treasurer; Jaymie Rahier-secretary.

The junior officers are: Hilari Dostal-junior president; Eli Olson-junior vice president; Brent Hoyt-junior treasurer; and Amanda Graves-junior secretary.

“We also discussed several different ideas for upcoming events,” said Drewlow, “and possible new members. If anyone is interested in joining our club, all they need to do is contact one of our current members.”

Thursday, December 31: St. Catherine's, Squaw Lake, 4 p.m.

St. Augustine's, Cohasset, 5:30 p.m.

St. Michael's, Northome, 7 p.m.

I look not inward; that would make me wretched; For I have naught on which to stay my trust.

Nothing I see save failures and shortcomings, And weak endeavors, crumbling into dust.

But I look up – into the face of Jesus, For there my heart can rest, my fears are stilled; And there is joy, and love, and light for darkness, And perfect peace, and every hope fulfilled.

I look not back; God knows the fruitless efforts,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Area Worship Schedule SQUAW LAKE Centennial Lutheran LC-MS Rev. James Anthony Sunday Service 8:30 a.m.

St. Catherine's Catholic Father Thomas P. Galarneault (218)659-4353 Saturday Mass 4:00 p.m.

JESSIE LAKE Jessie Lake Baptist 832-3911 Rev. Howard Williams Sunday School 10 a.m.

Sunday Worship 11 a.m.

Wednesday Bible Study Jesse Lake Lutheran Pastor John Hanson Parsonage 832-3834 Church 832-3883 Church Service 8:30 a.m.

Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Marcell Community Church Pastor Paul Olson Sunday School 9:15 a.m.

Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

Wed. Bible Study 10 a.m.

Caribou Chapel Pastor Ron Grossman (218) 326-3574 Sunday 9 a.m.

Bible Study Wed. 7 p.m.

All denominations welcome!

At Marcell Town Hall

SUOMI Suomi Evangelical Lutheran Pastor John Hanson Parsonage 832-3834 Sunday Service 10:30 a.m.

SAND LAKE Northwoods Chapel Rev. Howard Williams Non-Denominational On Corner of Co. Rds. 35 and 36 Sunday Service 9:00 a.m.

Fellowship following Wednesday Bible Study For info 1-218-259-0425 Sand Lake Alliance Pastor Sam Muntean Cty Rd 4 just east of Anchor Inn Resort) Worship 10 a.m.

Bible Study - Wed. 7 p.m.

218-798-2872

EFFIE

Holy Day, Mary, Mother of God Mass times:

I look not round me; then would fears assail me, So wild the tumult of earth’s restless seas, So dark the world, so filled with woe and evil, So vain the hope of comfort and of ease.

I LOOK NOT BACK

By Annie Johnson Flint

MARCELL

Northwoods Saddle Club officers elected

I look not forward; God sees all the future, The road that short or long, will lead me home.

And He will face with me its every trial, And bear for me the burdens that may come.

When we put things behind us and look forward to what Jesus has for us, we find a brand new beginning.

One of the things I love about New Year’s Day is the illustration of what God has for His children. We mess up.

We go to God and He forgives us and cleanses us. Then He gives us a brand new start! New Year’s Day is for me an example of God’s Brand New beginning. “Putting those things behind, I press toward the mark of the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus.” May this year be a new beginning for all of us!

-Homespun Poems (1973)p.20

Today is New Year’s Eve! It is hard to believe that another year has gone by. As we reflect on 2009 and consider the future of 2010, many people will be making New Year’s Resolutions.

I was reviewing some of Charlie Grier’s New Year’s articles and I found something interesting in his article for 2003. Perhaps He found the secret! He made some very inspiring resolutions for that year. In 2003 Charlie was 97 years old. Let’s take a look at what he desired to do.

The wasted hours, the sinning, the regrets I leave them all with Him who blots the record, And graciously forgives, and then forgets.

Effie Fredheim Lutheran Church ELCA Rev. Ryan Aarestad Office 743-3368; Parsonage 743-6986 Sunday Worship 8:45 a.m.

246-8191 DEER RIVER BALL CLUB Lay Pastor Apostolic Faith Church St. Joseph's Catholic Peg Christensen Pastor Timothy Schultz Father Stephen Solors 212 2nd St. S.E. Saturday Mass 5 p.m.

Sunday School & 246-2243 Sunday Mass 9 a.m.

Worship Service 9 a.m.

Sunday School & Worship Service Hwy. 6 N Right on Cty. Rd. 142, 10:00 a.m.

Ball Club Assembly Left on Cty. Rd 144 - 1 mile.

Bible Study, Wednesday of God Church 6:00 p.m.

Rev. Greg Baudeck BENA Pastor - 327-1005 Deer River Bible Church St. Anne’s Catholic Church-246-2511 246-9570 Father Stephen Solors Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Pastor Gaylord Finch Saturday Mass 7 p.m..

Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

Home 246-2093 Sunday Evening 6:30 p.m.

FEDERAL DAM Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday Bible Study 7 p.m.

Sacred Heart Catholic Morning Worship 10:45 a.m.

Father Stephen Solors Evening Service 6 p.m.

COHASSET Sunday Mass 11 a.m.

Family Bible Study & Prayer West Cohasset Chapel meeting Wednesday 7 p.m.

Pastor Joe Franzone BIGFORK 1 mile north on Hwy. 6 Sunday School -9:15 a.m.

Bigfork Lutheran, ELCA Worship Service - 10:30 a.m.

Rev. Ryan Aarestad Evangelical Covenant AWANA Wednesday - 6:30 p.m.

Office 743-3368; Pastor Ron Grossman 999-9030 Parsonage 743-6986 Sunday School, 9:45 a.m.

On Hwy. 6 one mile Sunday Worship: Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m. north of Hwy. 63 Bigfork Lutheran and First Wed. Night Bible Study 7 p.m.

Presbyterian are having blended 246-8062 St. Augustine’s worship services at the First Catholic Church St. Mary's Catholic Church Presbyterian Church two blocks Fr. Paul Larson Fr. Paul Larson west of Bigfork City Hall Sunday Mass 8:30 a.m.

Parish Office 246-8582 at 10:15 a.m.

Confessions half hour before mass Saturday Mass 4:00 p.m.

Bigfork Assembly of God Sunday Mass 10:30 a.m.

Calvary Pines Baptist Church Pastor Mike Stevens Confessions half hour before Pastor Charles Pratt 101 Golf Course Road Saturday mass 7 miles north of Cohasset at Morning Worship 9:30 & 10:30 crossroads of Co. Rd. 256 & 62 United Methodist Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School (ad. & youth) 9:30 a.m.

Pastor Richard Wilder Evening Service 6:30 p.m.

Worship Service 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m.

218-743-6316 Sunday Bible Study - 6 p.m.

Office (218)246-8591 Riverside (Presbyterian) Chapel Wednesday Bible Study - 7 p.m.

Cell (218)360-4795 Sunday Worship 8:30 a.m.

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Cell (218)360-4795 Redeemer Lutheran LC-MS Pastor Chris Gorshe Rev. James Anthony Pastor Bill Zeige Our Lady of Snows Catholic Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

35568 Foxtail Lane, Cohasset Father Thomas P. Galarneault Worship Service 10:30 a.m.

328-5165 (218) 743-3255 Evening Service, Thursday, 7 p.m.

Sunday 9:00 Sunday Mass 9:00 a.m.

Memorial Day thru Labor Day Wednesday Evening 7 p.m.

Wed., Thurs., Fri..- 8:00 a.m.

Sunday School & Bible Study Bethany Lutheran, ELCA 10:30 a.m.

First Presbyterian Church Rev. Dwight Rudquist Rev. Ryan Aarestad Highway 6 North, 246-8398 New Life Christian Fellowship Office 743-3368; Worship - 9:30 a.m.

35 N.E. 3rd St., Cohasset, MN Parsonage 743-6986 Wednesday - ‘Club 100’ Sept.-May (Formerly Redeemer Lutheran Church Sunday Worship: (1st-6th grade) behind SuperAmerica) Bigfork Lutheran and First "The Welcome Place" Sunday Prayer 8-8:30 a.m.

Presbyterian are having blended 9:00-9:45 a.m. Sunday School Oteneagen Chapel worship services at the First Worship 10:00 a.m.

(An Independent Bible Church) Presbyterian Church two blocks Sunday Evening 6 p.m. prayer Church Services 10-11 a.m. west of Bigfork City Hall 6:30 p.m. Worship Sunday School 11:15-11:45 a.m. at 10:15 a.m.

Wednesday 6:30 p.m. Bible Study Deer River Church of God BOWSTRING Good News Bible Church (Pentecostal) Bowstring (Presbyterian) Chapel Rev. Tom Adams Rev. Lee Pederson located 15 miles north on Hwy. 6, 9 a.m. Sunday 246-8760 1 block west on Co. Rd. 133 Wednesday 7 p.m.

304 - 4th Ave. S.E. Sharron Lewis 326-5972 Sunday School 9:00 a.m.

Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Sunday Worship 10 a.m.

Sunday Worship 10:15 a.m.

Sunday Evening Prayer 6 p.m.

Wed. Night Bible Study 7 p.m.

Clara Lutheran

Jurvelin Hardware Deer River 246-8628

Friday, January 1:

Rajala Timber Co.

Our Lady of the Snows, Bigfork, 9 a.m.

St. Mary's, Deer River, 10:30 a.m.

Deer River & Bigfork

246-8277 or 743-3333 24DWchtr

Deer River Publishing 246-8533 North Itasca Electric Co-op Bigfork Area 743-3131

Carroll Funeral Home Deer River & Bigfork 246-8181 or 1-800-457-8181

WIR, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, page 18

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Deer River Publishing 15 1st St. N.W., Deer River

246-8533 1-888-685-0800

WIR, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, Page 19

Western Itasca Review

Classified Ads FOR SALE For Sale: Comfortable Home in Bigfork. Call: 743-6554. .....................23-26DWpd

SERVICES Monuments and Markers: Available in granite and bronze. Also do final dating, cleaning and foundation work. FREE estimates Serving your area, Jerry Pula, Sales rep. (218)7433711. ......................05-25DW3 Deer River Area Food Shelf: 1006 Comstock Drive. Every Thursday from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DWtfn Free Kid’s Clothing!

WeeCare Hope Chest.

Open every Thursday, 9-11 a.m. and last Saturday of every month, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. 304 4th Ave. SE., at Deer River Church of God. .........................16DWtfn

STORAGE Mini Storage Units. Five different sizes available at Northern Star Cooperative. Call 2468296 to reserve. . . . . . . . . . . . 12DWchtfn

FOR RENT For Rent: 1 bedroom $569/month, $569 deposit, available immediately, utilities included. Non-smoking. Laundry on-site.

Wilderness Apartments, Effie, MN. Call Jeff or Paula 218-743-1618 day.

218-743-3859 evening. ......................19DWchtfn

For Rent: 2 bedroom $685/month, $685 deposit, available immediately, utilities included. Non-smoking. Laundry on-site.

Wilderness Apartments, Effie, MN. Call Jeff or Paula 218-743-1618 day.

218-743-3859 evening. ......................19DWchtfn For Rent: 2 bdrm apt. $525/mo. + dep. Call 218244-6790 for details. ......................22DWchtfn For Rent: Super Efficiency Apartment.

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500 month/500 deposit. Nonsmoking, utilities included, laundry on-site. Wilderness Apartments, Effie, MN. Call Jeff or Paula at 218743-3616 day 218-7433859 eve. ..............15W16DWchtfn For Rent: Condor Bigfork Apartments, Bigfork, MN. Applications are being taken for one and two bedroom apartments. 62 years of age or older, disabled or handicapped. Must meet certain income guidelines to qualify for Section 8 assistance. EHO. Contact (218)743-3735 or Oliver Management Service, Inc. (218)628-0311. ......................08DWchtfn For Rent: Business space in Deer River. Call 3275415. . . . . . . . . .18DWchtfn

FITNESS DRHS Fitness Center Holiday Hours: Closed Dec. 24, 25, 28. Open Dec. 29, 30, 31. 6:30-7:30 a.m.; 2-4 p.m. Free usage! ...................23-24DWchtr

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Deadline for all advertising material for the Western Itasca Review is by noon on Monday

CLASSIFIED ADS MUST BE PREPAID

The Deerpath Shopper goes to nearly 6,500 homes in western Itasca County!

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Deer River Publishing 246-8533 • Toll Free 1-888-685-0800 e-mail: drpub@paulbunyan.net 15 1st Street N.E., Deer River

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WIR, Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, page 20

2009 photos in review

Readers will remember the excitement of the 2009 North Star Stampede’s 54th Annual rodeo at the North Star Ranch in Effie during the winter months and be looking forward to next summer’s events.

The Arts & Craft Fair at the Bigfork School, put on by the Bigfork Valley Hospital Auxiliary and co-sponsored with EOW Community Center and Independent School District 318 Community & Family Education, is an event that a lot of people look forward to and have fond memories of from year-toyear. From the left are, in front, Rose Danielson, Marcie Lindgren, Bailey Olsen and Deb Johnson. In the back are Daryl Reinen and Mary Marino.

Free entertainment is getting to be a bigger and bigger draw for the Deer River Lions Club Wild Rice Festival. In 2009 one set of the entertainers putting on a free concert during this celebration were Wayne Renn of The Wayne Renn Band, on the left, and “Ragin’ Cajun” Doug Kershaw.

The Bigfork Wilderness Days celebration keeps growing and growing. The 2009 planning committee included Angie Storlie, Tara Duval, Kristi Gustafson, Franki Oakes and Father Steve Daigle, with help from Joe Zimmer, Billy Bloom, Paolo Matuco, Julie Nelson, Blessing Rahier and Susie Schmickle. In the photo are Duval, seated, in the back from the left, Gustafson, Storlie and Zimmer.

Happy New Year from everyone at Deer River Publishing!

Aerial photos, taken by Eric Hutchins of Deer River, were a fun way to track the continuous arrival of pipe and mats for the Enbridge Alberta Clipper and Southern Lights pipeline project coming into the Deer River area and the line’s continuous progress.

It’s time to bring in the new year!

Hope it’s a good one!

Happy New Year from everyone at Ott Pharmacy!

Deer River 24Wch*

The year 2009 also featured many fun things for youngsters, like the appearance of Dora the Explorer at the Deer River Lions Club Wild Rice Festival this past summer.