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December is a busy month
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Project Bookshelf deadline is today, Wednesday, Dec. 3. This project provides each head start student in the county a free book at their holiday party which is tomorrow. So if you haven’t wrapped a book appropriate for a preschooler and dropped it off at the library, we’d love your help. Children’s books in the home are one of the best indicators of future success, so let’s help start all our county children off with plenty of books. Thank you.

December is a very busy month and we don’t usually do a lot of special programming but we have some programs this month. Storytime and stay to play continues on Thursday mornings at 10:30 through Dec. 18. All three December storytimes will feature holiday stories. We will then take a two-week break and resume on Jan. 8.

This Saturday, Dec. 6, is board games at the library from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Join us for a couple of low-key hours playing games together before the holidays get too wild. Saturday, Dec. 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the monthly Friends of the Library book sale will be held. Come check out our large selection of books and movies all available for a donation.

Monday, Dec. 22, at 1 p.m., we have a very special program for teens. The Arrowhead Library System is pleased to present the Art and History of Henna Body Art with Kristy Johnson. This free program will include the history and culture of henna through the ages as well as how to mix and apply pure, natural henna. This program is made possible by money from Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Crafty Tuesday is at the library each week. Stop by the junior room and complete a craft project with all supplies and instructions provided. Come create, check out a book or two and maybe even a movie each week. Supplies are available all day long while the library is open.

Holiday books and movies are out. Stop by and borrow an old favorite or check out a new title. Holiday books for adults checkout for three weeks, children’s titles for one week and all the holiday movies check-out for two days. Come see what we’ve got and make us part of your holiday season. Lots of your favorite authors have written holiday titles, many shorter than their normal works, perfect for the busy holiday season. Let us help you find a wonderful story for this holiday season to read and maybe one to share with those you love.

The December “Pictures and Pens” theme is ‘the holidays.’ We want to see and read your holiday pictures and stories, they could win you $50. Deadline for submissions is Wednesday, Dec. 31. See the library for full details.

A reminder as the temperature plummets. Please do not return media to the outside drop if the temperature will be below zero. The plastic gets very brittle and the can break. Thank you for helping us keep our collection in good shape.


Looking Back

25 YEARS AGO

The International Falls School Board recently accepted the resignations of Don Villalta, industrial arts teacher; Virginia Milette, elementary teacher; and Audrey Lucachick, elementary teacher.

A longtime Falls resident, Anna Bocnuk, a Ukrainian immigrant, has four relatives from the Ukraine staying at her home this holiday season.

40 YEARS AGO

Ronald E. Ostman, 31, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ostman, South International Falls, received the doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree from the University of Minnesota.

A boy was born today at La Verendrye Hospital, Fort Frances, to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Beck, the Falls.

Al Renollet of the Border Bowl presented Tom Tweeter a trophy for being the most improved bowler during the high school’s annual physical education program at the bowling alley.

50 YEARS AGO

Theresa Louise Christensen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Christensen, Island View Route, celebrated her first birthday Dec. 1. In honor of the occasion, a family dinner was held at her parents’ home.

Dale Deason, who has completed his boot training at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station, arrived in Littlefork last Friday to spend a few days leave with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Keith Bugbee, and family.

New officers of the Papermaker’s Colony 4-H Club are president, Betty Henrickson; vice president, Becky Johnson; secretary, Ardell Henrickson; treasurer, Tim Cullen; and reporters, Mary Donahue and Annette Scholler.

Recently initiated into membership of the Job’s Daughters of Bethel 14 are Margaret Gunther, Audrey Henrickson and Pamela Kraske.

60 YEARS AGO

A son was born today at Falls Memorial Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. James Morin, Island View Route; weight, 8 pounds, 10 1/2 ounces.

A daughter was born today at Falls Memorial Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Claude Radford; 5 pounds, 13 1/2 ounces.

A son was born yesterday at Falls Memorial Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Marlin Denny, South International Falls; weight, 8 pounds, 3 ounces.

A son was born today at Falls Memorial Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. John Hart, 316 Fifth St.; weight, 8 pounds, 2 ounces.

A son was born today at Falls Memorial Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Taylor, 1415 First Ave. W.; 8 pounds, 1 ounce; name chosen, Donald Ernest.

70 YEARS AGO

Mrs. Gerald Grimboldy, with her children, Shirley and Kathy, left for Norfolk, Va., to stay with her husband until he leaves again for active sea duty.

John Reichel was appointed attendant of the International Falls skating rink for the coming season at a meeting of the city council. His salary was fixed at $160 per month.

Mrs. Tom Edens, who is at Northern Minnesota Hospital suffering from a severe attack of bronchitis, is reported to be much improved.

Cpl. James Sutch arrived from Douglas, Ariz., to spend a brief leave with his mother, Mrs. Anna Sutch, and his sister, Miss Rose Sutch.


Pet_of_the_week
Pet of the Week
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Hi, my name is “Bear.” I am a gentle boy who loves to go for walks. When I am out on walks, I am told I don’t really pull much on the leash. I find it funny how my people friends have to stay connected to me through the leash — maybe they are afraid of getting lost? That would be strange though, considering we basically explore the same areas each day. If you take a look at my photos, you will see that I have a special collar, it is actually a child’s seat belt. It fits me perfectly. I just love it. My foster parents say I am a good listener and I love to snuggle all the time. They make a point of pointing that out when people come to visit. I can’t wait to find my forever home. I will be patiently waiting for you to come and take me there. Sincerely, Bear

For more information, visit the website at www.borderlandhumanesociety.org or call 218-324-2313 or 283-9276.


Lifestyle
Memoriam
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In loving memory of my husband, Dennis Kaushagen, who went to be with the Lord seven years ago on Dec. 3, 2007.

Miss you lots,

Miss your love,

Miss your kindness,

Miss your joy,

Miss your humor,

All in all I miss you and love you!

Your wife, Ann


Lemon Laws offer new car buyers sweet protection

Paying a hefty price for a new vehicle only to discover that it doesn’t live up to promised standards can be frustrating. Fortunately for consumers, all states have a lemon law in place to help those who purchase new cars with unfixable flaws. Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota reminds consumers that such laws are there to help them resolve their issues with most manufacturers when vehicles don’t meet performance and safety standards.

What’s covered:

Minnesota’s Lemon Law applies to new vehicles that are driven at least 40 percent of the time for personal use. The law covers pickup trucks and vans, as well as used vehicles still under the original manufacturer’s warranty. The first report of a defect must occur within the warranty period, or two years, whichever comes first. The defect must also be major enough that it “substantially impairs the use and value of the vehicle.” Examples of such defects would be:

  • Engine knocking/noise
  • Failure to stay in alignment
  • Overheating
  • Sunroof/Moonroof leakage issues

It should be noted that these are just examples. Other flaws could also qualify the vehicle as a lemon. Small problems like cosmetic defects, a bad radio or a faulty air conditioner may not be covered. Dealers, however, are required to honor warranties for such issues. Also worth noting: To qualify for the lemon law, the problem cannot be the result of abuse, neglect or unauthorized modifications by the consumer.

Lemon laws also state that a reasonable number of attempts to fix existing problems must first be made before a car is covered. Under Minnesota’s law, cars fit the lemon category if:

  • There have been four unsuccessful attempts made to repair the same problem
  • The vehicle has been out of service at least 30 days during the warranty period, due to a warrantable repair.
  • At least one repair attempt for safety issues, such as the failure of steering or braking systems, has been made.

The Lemon Law has Minnesota roots. In 1975, prior to the enactment of the Minnesota Lemon Law, BBB of Minnesota entered into a consent pilot program with General Motors, the first of its kind in the nation. The program was to offer consumers that purchased new cars – which were still under warranty – relief from vehicles they alleged had defects which could not be fixed. The program would keep the issue out of the court system and offer an opportunity to use BBB alternative dispute resolution services in the form of arbitration. Trained, neutral arbitrators were able to award remedies such as replacement, repurchase, repair or denial of the claim.

Nationally, BBB still offers this free arbitration program – called BBB Auto Line — with General Motors and many other car manufacturers. Visit bbb.org/council/programs-services/dispute-handling-and-resolution/bbb-auto-line for a list of participating manufacturers.

What you will need

Consumers are advised to keep all paperwork involved in every repair made to the vehicle in question. Here is what should be documented:

  • Phone calls and trips to the dealership, repair department and manufacturer
  • Dates and reasons for each visit
  • Defects with the vehicle and what attempts to repair were made
  • Expenses you have had to pay
  • Towing receipts

To ensure a smooth process with Auto Line you will need the vehicle identification number, make, model and year of the vehicle and the current mileage. If you have questions about the Minnesota Lemon Law, visit thefirstbbb.org and click on the “Is your car a lemon?” button.

The mission of Better Business Bureau is to be the leader in building marketplace trust by promoting, through self-regulation, the highest standards of business ethics and conduct, and to instill confidence in responsible businesses through programs of education and action that inform, assist and protect the general public. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact BBB at bbb.org or6 51-699-1111, toll-free at 1-800-646-6222.


Births
Birth
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The following birth has been reported from La Verendrye General Hospital, Fort Frances, Ontario.

Born to:

Edwin and Suzanne Heatwole, Barwick, Ontario, a daughter, Jalynn Kyla Heatwole, 6 pounds, 7 ounces, Nov. 13, 2014.


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