Local News

Airport funding slated for more discussion

Funding of the jointly owned Falls International Airport is on the agenda for further discussion by local officials.At issue is the funding budgeted for the airport in 2024 by the city of International Falls, which is half what was anticipated and what is being budgeted by the Koochiching County Board.The airport is owned by the county and city and governed by a joint powers agreement and the International Falls-Koochiching County Airport Commission, made up members of the Falls City Council, county board and at large members.

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ODC, ServiceMaster: ‘A win-win’

When Todd Coulombe stands with his ServiceMaster ODC crew, everyone – in front of and behind the camera - smiles and smiles BIG.And the picture can only be taken after all his crew members have adequately greeted him, even before he can get his coat off..Coulombe’s ServiceMaster has been named a 2023 Outstanding Disability Employer by the Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation.

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Sharing the love

For the third time, International Falls Rotary has given a book to every pre-k and kindergarten student in International Falls and Littlefork.The first two book giveaways were prompted by COVID 19, when “Rotary Readers” were unable to read to kids at school in the annual event.“But Rotary is continuing the tradition, largely because Readers and teachers have observed how much the children love books as a gift,” said Jeff Hardwig, Rotary member and LORE leader.

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City preps for EV fires

The International Falls City Council Monday agreed to purchase a fire blanket to use in the case of fires in electric vehicles and batteries.Fire Chief Adam Mannausau told the council that studies are proving that fire blankets are more efficient and safer to use in case of a fire in an electric vehicle, EV, or battery than applying water.He said electric vehicle fires are difficult to put out and can require up to 25,000 gallons of water.

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Sharing the love

For the third time, International Falls Rotary has given a book to every pre-k and kindergarten student in International Falls and Littlefork.The first two book giveaways were prompted by COVID 19, when “Rotary Readers” were unable to read to kids at school in the annual event.“But Rotary is continuing the tradition, largely because Readers and teachers have observed how much the children love books as a gift,” said Jeff Hardwig, of Rotary.

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Raising awareness, dispelling myth

Homeless and Hunger Awareness Week is held nationally on the second week in November, bringing awareness of the onset of winter - the time being homeless and/or hungry becomes more difficult in much of the United States.In Borderland, however, cold weather often sets in before November, illustrating that the need to be aware of hunger and homelessness in our community is truly year around.“This is the time when people see we’re heading into winter, and heading into the holidays; please be thinking about people who are not housing secure and the challenges with hunger we have in our country,” urged Ariana Daniel, executive director of Servants of Shelter of Koochiching County.SOS describes itself on its website as “a community-based nonprofit 501(c)3 that upholds the dignity of persons in need of temporary shelter, permanent supportive housing, supportive services, and resources.”Daniel urged people to direct anyone experiencing housing instability to SOS before they have no home.

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