Local News

The Rainy Lake Gazette’s April 26 print edition inaccurately reported that bids for construction of a new jail were accepted by the Koochiching County Board.… Login to continue reading Login…

The April 7 fire that damaged the historic Irving “Pete” Peterson Bandshell in Smokey Bear Park was unintentional, according to a completed investigation.International Falls Police Chief Mike Kostiuk reported the investigation by the Police Department, with the assistance of the International Falls Fire Department, has concluded, and the nature of the fire appears to be unintentional.Authorities determined two juvenile males, ages 10 and 12, were responsible for the fire.

A 30-day comment period is open for the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement on plans for construction of a new United States land port of entry in International Falls.The U.S.

More than $2.5 million in federal money will be used to realign Highway 11 in a slope area along the Rainy River near Loman.Realignment is needed and can’t come fast enough, said Koochiching County District 5 Commissioner Dale Erickson, who represents the area.“The value is more than Loman, it’s the whole corridor from Lake of the Woods and Baudette to International Falls,” he said, adding that the highway is an important corridor for commerce and plays a critical role in the quality of life for area residents traveling over the road to attend school an access health care.“It’s still sliding to this day,” he said.

The International Falls City Council is awaiting information from its insurance provider before making decisions about the Irving “Pete” Peterson Bandshell that was destroyed in a fire April 7.But councilors voiced support to have a bandshell in Smokey Bear Park on the site, whether it is a rebuild or a new structure.

NORTHSPAN REPORT The third of seven workshops for the International Falls area Inclusion Learning Cohort is scheduled for 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Rainy River… Login to continue reading Login…

To bring awareness of the need for the work of community’s homelessness advocacy agency, an annual Family Supper Fundraiser will be held from 5-7 p.m.

International Falls officials say a fire incendiary in nature damaged the Irving “Pete Peterson Bandshell in Smokey Bear Park on Sunday.City officials in a statement said they are working with those involved to further determine details of the fire.The National Fire Protection Association defines an incendiary fire as a fire intentionally ignited in an area or under circumstances where and when there should not be a fire.No further details about the fire were provided in a statement released Monday by Fire Chief Adam Mannausau, City Administrator – Betty Bergstrom, and Public Works Director Ted Brokaw.The investigation is considered open and fire officials will continue to work with the International Falls Police Department and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal.People are asked to keep their distance from the structure for their personal safety.The iconic bandshell was built in the 1940s.Meanwhile, city officials say the fire was reported at 1:05 p.m.

Mike Holden, International Falls councilor-at-large, announced this week he will seek reelection to the position he’s held for the last four years.Holden said he’d considered running for mayor, after current Mayor Harley Droba announced earlier he would not seek reelection and instead challenge Roger Skraba, for the area’s state representative seat.“I can get more done in the at-large position,” Holden said.