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Community Roundup: April 7, 2026

▸ This article was created with AI assistance

AI Model: Claude Opus 4 by Anthropic

Sources:

AI-generated content may contain errors. Community members are encouraged to verify important details independently.

Report an Error · info@ifalls.news

The community is stepping up for a local family in need this week as Ronnings dedicates its April Community Care Days to the Kittelson children, who recently lost their parents in International Falls. Meanwhile, veterans and their families have a fun trivia night to look forward to on Wednesday, and area resorts are already counting down to summer on the lake.

Weather — A mostly sunny Tuesday with a high near 36°F and south winds up to 10 mph. A chance of light snow moves in tonight with lows around 28°F. Wednesday turns messy — rain and snow likely all day with highs near 44°F and a 100% chance of precipitation. Less than an inch of new snow possible. Full forecast →

Rivers remain well behaved — the Rainy River at International Falls sits at 14.61 ft, while the Little Fork (3.38 ft) and Big Fork (3.72 ft) are far below their flood stages.

What’s Happening Today

  • • Voyageurs National Park Trip Planning Webinar: Paddling, Boating & Camping (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.) — Virtual Webinar
  • • Friends of the Library Book Sale (4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.) — International Falls Public Library

Full calendar →


Community Events & Activities

Ronnings is holding its April Community Care Days today and tomorrow, with all in-store cash donations going directly to the Kittelson children, who recently lost their parents in the Falls. Customers who donate also receive 20% off their purchase. The give-back event runs the first Monday and Tuesday of every month, each time benefiting a different local family or organization facing hardship.

Nominations for future months can be submitted at ronningsmn.com.

Ronnings Community Care Days announcement supporting the Kittelson children
Ronnings Community Care Days — all April donations support the Kittelson children — Ronnings

Ronnings

The Koochiching County Veterans Service Office reminds local veterans, service members, and family members that United for Veterans Connections Trivia Night is this Wednesday at the VFW 2948 Post & Grill. Doors open at 5 p.m. with dinner provided, and trivia kicks off at 6 p.m. — five rounds plus a kids’ round, with prizes for the top three teams.

  • Date: Wednesday, April 8
  • Time: Doors at 5 p.m., trivia at 6 p.m.
  • Location: VFW 2948 Post & Grill
  • Cost: Free (registration required)

Registration is free but required at www.unitedwaynemn.org/veterans-connections.

United for Veterans Connections Trivia Night flyer for April 8 at VFW 2948
Veterans trivia night this Wednesday at the VFW — Koochiching County Veterans Service Office

Koochiching County Veterans Service Office

KOOTASCA Community Action hosts a free community meal today from 4 to 6 p.m. at their main office building, 822 NE 5th Ave, Grand Rapids. Everyone is welcome — no pre-registration required. The meals run every Monday.

KOOTASCA Community Action

Voyageurs Conservancy invites park fans to Voyageurs on Tap on Thursday, May 14 at Bang Brewing in St. Paul from 4 to 8 p.m. The evening features live music, locally sourced food and drinks, interactive wildlife and cultural heritage experiences, and an outdoor-themed silent auction.

Grab your ticket by May 1 for a complimentary raffle entry. Proceeds support habitat protection, outdoor education, dark sky preservation, and keeping Voyageurs wild. Details at voyageurs.org/ontap.

Voyageurs Conservancy


Health & Wellness

Rainy Lake Medical Center is highlighting Dr. Scott Johnson, who brings over 20 years of experience in comprehensive obstetric and gynecological care, with a specialization in advanced gynecological surgery. To schedule an appointment, call Rainy Lake Clinic at 218-283-5503.

Rainy Lake Medical Center

It’s Patient Access Week, and Rainy Lake Medical Center is celebrating the team members who are often the first smiling faces patients see — helping with appointments, registrations, and insurance questions.

“Your work truly sets the tone for extraordinary care.”

Rainy Lake Medical Center


Business Happenings

The International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce reminds folks that the area resource guide is available — your go-to directory for local businesses, services, and organizations all in one place. Stop by to grab a printed copy or check out the digital version at ifallschamber.com/area-resource-guide.

Also from the Chamber: member renewal letters start going out April 8. Membership helps put your business in front of locals, visitors, and newcomers through referrals, events, and social media.

International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce area resource guide
The Chamber’s area resource guide — your local business directory — IF Area Chamber of Commerce

IF Area Chamber of Commerce

Thunderbird Lodge is gearing up for Friday Night Fish Fry this week with two walleye options: a new Tempura Beer Battered Walleye with homemade tartar sauce and lemon, or their signature Parmesan Crusted Walleye topped with lemon cream sauce. The lodge also reminds folks they’re a great spot whether you need to eat or need a place to work.

Thunderbird Lodge Friday Night Fish Fry walleye options
Friday Night Fish Fry at the Thunderbird — two walleye options to choose from — Thunderbird Lodge

Thunderbird Lodge

Mason’s On Main is open today and notes it’s a good time to place your tux order for prom. Students planning ahead — now’s your chance.

Mason’s On Main

Congratulations to Falls Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram customer Wayne Lepper on his new ride! And congrats to Jax and Niya, winners of the Border Chevrolet GMC Easter basket drawing — parents can pick up the baskets at the dealership.

Falls CDJR · Border Chevrolet GMC

Koerter’s Fuel & Car Wash has announced the first quarter drawing winners:

  • Brian Kelly — $50 Thunderbird Lodge gift certificate
  • Roger Wegleiter — $50 Shell gift card
  • Derek Foss — $50 Boondocks Bar & Grill certificate
  • Steve Cassibo — $50 Shell gift card
  • Alice Kaushagen — $50 MN Lottery tickets
  • Chad Belanger — $50 MN Lottery tickets

Koerter’s Fuel & Car Wash

Northland Sales & Service invites you to browse their furniture selection — invest in comfort that lasts. Visit northlandifalls.com to see what’s available.

Northland Sales & Service


Government & Public Services

The City of International Falls is hiring an Equipment Operator for sweeper and excavator work. Interested applicants can find details and a printable application on the city’s website.

City of International Falls

The Koochiching Technology Initiative is flagging an important report from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC): the Midwest electric grid needs additional power sources. Check out the analysis at the Real Power Now website for more on what the experts are saying about long-term grid reliability.

Koochiching Technology Initiative


Outdoors & Recreation

Summer anticipation is building on the lake. Both the Rainy Lake Visitors Bureau and Sha Sha Resort are counting down to open water season — summer hours will be posted at a later date, but the excitement is already here.

Rainy Lake Visitors Bureau · Sha Sha Resort

Rainy Lake Houseboats shared a nostalgic look back through the decades — going strong since 1978.

“Different years, same feeling. Rainy Lake just has a way of sticking with you.”

Rainy Lake Houseboats


Recent Articles

A Medicare scam warning, a Backus 1920s music show Oct. 17, a fifth-place Broncos swim finish and school reminders for Oct. 12–14 lead the Oct. 11 roundup.
Oktoberfest comes to Ranier October 10, a volleyball night honors Sarah Peterson, and county commissioners meet October 13.
The Lake of the Woods Control Board's October 8, 2026 bulletin puts Lake of the Woods below its normal range. Rainy Lake's outflow for the period ending October 9 is 147 cubic metres per second.
Koochiching County commissioners will take up airport grant agreements, the 2025 audit and budget reviews at the Oct. 13 meeting.
Broncos volleyball wins Set 5, Haven Co. turns one, Loony's Brew hosts Oktoberfest October 10, and Backus offers an Icebox Sessions giveaway.
Call Kootasca Community Action at 218-283-9491 or the Salvation Army at 218-283-3394 for an appointment about HeatShare heating help.

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