December 2022

Kathleen (Kathy) Mary Breneman

Kathleen (Kathy) Mary Breneman of Ray, Minnesota passed away on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at Rainy Lake Medical Center, with her loving husband at her side, surrounded by close family. Kathy was born to Fred and Rose (Braun) Hauck on July 9, 1946 in Beulah, North Dakota. She married William Gardner on December of 28, 1965 and soon after he tragically lost his life due to a work accident in 1972. Kathy and her daughters lived in North Dakota until they moved to International Falls in 1977. On September 9, 1989 she was united in marriage to Bloyd Breneman of Ray, Minnesota.

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Religion, politics, and other off-limit holiday talk

Do you remember Aunt Gertrude? The one you and I never had, but really, we both had. And that’s because she gave some universal advice about what topics to stay away from during the holiday season. The kind of topics that just might start a wave of ire in a family or amongst friends during times when everyone is trying to simply catch a breath in this life and enjoy, celebrate, and hopefully give some reverent thanks.

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OUR VIEW: Life’s truths

Talking to someone who has experienced a huge change in their life often gives us a greater appreciation for our own lives. Former resident Dan Hilke’s attitude in facing challenges brought on by a surgery that left him a paraplegic are a great reminder of a few truths in life: No one feels better by complaining; no one’s life is improved by getting angry and bitter about their situation.

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Hometown Honoring

Old adventurer and long-term bride here made a quick overnight trip to Minnesota River Valley hometowns last week to help share funeral honors for longtime family friend. Hometown visits always generate nostalgic flashbacks graced with gratitude for the gift of life going back over five generations to 1854 family immigrant homesteaders from Germany.

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Looking Back

Today was a day for digging out after the first big snowstorm of the season pushed across Minnesota, dumping a foot of snow or more in northeastern parts of the state. Nearly five inches fell in International Falls… Myrtle Solveig Stenberg, 98, died yesterday at Falls Good Samaritan Center. Myrtle was born in Warroad on December 5, 1908, to Gunder and Mary Nybo. Her family operated a store in Birchdale on the Rainy River before moving later to International Falls, where Myrtle attended school, graduating from Falls High School in 1925. Myrtle married Alvin Stenberg in 1929 in Minneapolis, and they lived in Detroit, MI, until 1937, when they returned to International Falls to purchase their first business. Myrtle and Al owned and operated several businesses through the years, including Highway Market, Sleepy Hollow Cabins, and the Rambler Motel, until their retirement in 1965. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, December 4, at 10 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church.

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@YOUR LIBRARY

@YOUR LIBRARY Welcome to the last month of 2022! How are your reading goals for the year coming? Do you need to spend some time this month reading to complete your goals? Stop by the library and pick out some great books to round out your reading year. Here are a few newer titles that have been popular with our community.

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Pilot shortage causes local changes

The scheduling of commercial flights during a pilot shortage and unprecedented high demand is complex. That’s the message the Koochiching Economic Development Authority Board heard from its guest speaker, Thor Einarson, manager of the Falls International Airport, one of just 4 international airports in the state.

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Home for the Holidays

Top left, lights were a large factor in many floats, while at right, one of two reindeer got a closer look at the spectators in Smokey Bear Park. Middle left, Abeline Ruffing, Ray, and her dad got a look at the reindeer. At right, walkers and float riders gave the Broncos a new look. Below, a grinch with his pup walks the route carrying a Christmas tree. At right, a float rider gets into the spirit.

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