November 2022

DNR proposes classifying 13 invasive plants, animals as prohibited

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comment through Dec. 9 on its proposal to classify 13 high-risk invasive aquatic plants, fish and invertebrates as prohibited. The DNR classifies invasive species as prohibited to prevent their introduction and spread in Minnesota, and to protect the state’s environment, economy, natural resources and outdoor recreation. The reasons for listing the species are summarized below. More information on these species can be found on the AIS Classification page of the DNR website (mndnr. gov/Invasives/AIS/ Classification.html).

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CO Reports

CO Darrin Kittelson (International Falls #1) reports continued work activities include small-game hunting and fishing enforcement. Winterizing boats and maintenance of other related equipment were performed. Several animal-related complaints were handled along with a few reports of bears causing concern for residents.

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Birchdale Oktoberfest

It was a fantastic night in Birchdale for the 23rd annual October Fest on Saturday, Oct 29. It started off with the 14th the annual Chili Contest and the winner, Haylee Kosobucki, is now the Birchdale Chili Champion of 2022. Then there was a spooky trail with reflective stickers in the woods around the community building for the little ghosts, goblins and superheroes to run on with their flashlights and some fun games outside. After that, everyone got to enjoy and eat all the chili that was entered in the contest, plus sloppy Joe’s and hotdogs and participate in some visiting with friends and neighbors.

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MNC Rainy River

Minnesota North College’s Rainy River campus hosted a “Preview Day” for prospective students on Tuesday Oct. 25. The event also included a ceremonial ribbon cutting with community members and members of the Rainy River Campus Foundation Board to celebrate the new brand of the college.

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DEED seeks reviewers

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is looking to recruit about 100 community members to serve as grant reviewers for competitive workforce development grant programs during the fall of 2022 and winter of 2022-23. Community reviewers will be involved in the agency; s grantmaking decisions for other DEED divisions soon.

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Task force reports activities

The Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force recently reported it has removed from the streets nearly 2 pounds of heroin or fentanyl with a street value of $147,000 in the third quarter of 2022. International Falls and Koochiching County are a part of the task force collaboration with Beltrami County, Bemidji, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Cass County, Hubbard County, Leech Lake Reservation, Mahnomen County, Park Rapids, and the White Earth Reservation.

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Ashley Hall

Hall elected to Northland board

The Northland Foundation’s Board of Trustees has elected a new member: Ashley Hall of International Falls. Hall is the executive director of the Falls Hunger Coalition, a nonprofit food shelf addressing food insecurity in Koochiching County. She is also an entrepreneur and fitness instructor who has owned Evolve U Fitness and Wellness since 2013. In addition to the Northland Foundation, Hall sits on the board of Second Harvest North Central Food Bank and is a past president of the International Falls Rotary Club as well as served at the Rotary Club district level. “It’s been several years since we’ve had a member from Koochiching County, and we’re pleased to welcome Ashley,” stated Northland Foundation’s President Tony Sertich. “Her experience in both nonprofit and small business leadership is a great match for our mission in the region.” The 2022-2023 Northland Foundation Board Officers are: Angie Miller, chair – executive director (retired), Community Action Duluth; Shaye Moris, vice chair – executive director, Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank; Peter McDermott, treasurer – president/ CEO (retired), Minnesota Diversified Industries, and Cindy Anderson Bina, secretary – counselor (retired), Vermilion Community College.

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