For Minnesota students, Tuesday, Sept. 7, was the first day of school. In Thief River Falls, it was also the first day of all-day every-day kindergarten. Administrators report that the response from area residents, parents and teachers has been positive. The schools received an unexpected increase in the number of students attending kindergarten this year. For the past few years, the school has recorded roughly 140 students enrolling in kindergarten on the first day. This year, the number is up to 170 students. It was also a big day for several teachers. This year, Challenger Elementary School has five new kindergarten teachers, a result of some retirements as well as having to add sections.

Crookston receiver Austin Proulx (right) won this battle with Thief River Falls defensive back Ryan Hutton for possession of a second quarter Mark Bittner pass in Friday’s high school football match-up. The Prowlers jumped out to a 14-0 lead, but needed overtime before laying claim to a 20-14 season-opening win.

    After making a defensive stop to start overtime, there was little suspense in Thief River Falls’ play calling during the Prowlers’ extra-session offensive possession in Friday’s season opening high school football game at Crookston.
    If Thief River Falls was going to score on a four-play series from the Crookston 10-yard line, only two players – either 6-0, 205-pound junior fullback Kaleb Torgerson or 5-6, 130-pound senior kicker Jerry Guerrero – were going to have the opportunity to pick up the points.
    As it turned out, three straight bulldozer-like runs by Torgerson put the ball in the end zone, giving the visitors a key 20-14 Heart O’ Lakes and Section 8AAA victory.