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ISD 361 is preparing for an emotional return to school on Monday, with a full mental health crisis team deployed across all buildings following what the district described as “last week’s tragedy within our community.” Outside, International Falls remains locked in a deep mid-March chill with single-digit highs and subzero lows.
ISD 361 will have a full mental health support and crisis team at all buildings when students and staff return on Monday, March 16, following a tragedy in the community during spring break. The superintendent expressed gratitude for the outpouring of calls, concerns, and offers of help, noting that the week ahead will require “compassion, care and awareness” alongside the importance of routine and normalcy.
On-site support Monday includes school social workers, the school nurse, the Northland Counseling crisis team, clergy from First Lutheran Church, and all district administrators:
Families can submit a referral for their student through the district’s online form or by calling their site principal or the superintendent.
The ISD 361 School Board meets Monday, March 16 at 5:15 p.m. for its regular meeting. The agenda is now available online through BoardBook.
Congrats to the Falls High School speech team on a strong showing at the Hawk Talk tournament in Hermantown, competing against 19 schools:
Students from Littlefork-Big Falls School District got a hands-on tour of Rainy Lake Medical Center on Thursday, visiting every department as part of RLMC’s Healthcare Explorations program. The visit is designed to show students the wide variety of careers and skills that keep a hospital running every day.
The International Falls City Council has a busy Monday ahead with two meetings on March 16. A public hearing on the 6th Avenue West project is on the docket, along with the regular council meeting at 5:30 p.m. Details and agendas are available on the city website.
KOOTASCA Community Action reminds residents that Energy Assistance is available for income-eligible households in Itasca and Koochiching County. The program helps cover electric, natural gas, propane, oil, and firewood costs, plus provides crisis assistance for heating or electric emergencies and energy-related repair for no-heat situations.
Apply in person in Grand Rapids or the Falls, by mail, or online. Contact the Energy Assistance Department at 218-999-0824 or eap.support.info@kootasca.org. After-hours no-heat emergencies: 888-249-8879.
Rainy Lake Medical Center is highlighting the importance of preventive care this month. Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, and a colonoscopy at RLMC can make all the difference. The clinic’s therapy and wellness team is also available for injury recovery and health condition management, right here close to home.
To schedule an appointment with Rainy Lake Clinic’s family practice team, call 218-283-5503, option #1.
Start your Sunday right — Thunderbird Lodge is hosting its brunch buffet today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The spread includes walleye fillets with hollandaise, roast beef, biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon, and more. Bring your appetite.
The Kooch County Senior Center has posted next week’s AEOA Senior Lunch menu for March 16–20:
Prom season is sneaking up! Mason’s On Main is reminding students and families that they’re ready to help with prom prep. Whether you’re heading to the L-BF Prom or another upcoming dance, now’s the time to start looking.
The Library Restaurant is serving all-day breakfast today — a great way to warm up on a frigid Sunday.
KCC-TV has a new video feature on the Koochiching County Historical Society and Museums now available on YouTube — worth a watch for anyone interested in local history.
Birchdale United Congregational Church celebrated a milestone today — the church was established in 1905, making this its 121st anniversary. Judith presented a history slideshow during the service and read the church’s original Covenant, brought in by Larry. The congregation extends a warm welcome to anyone interested in joining them Sundays at 10 a.m. for worship, followed by Coffee Time and fellowship. Children’s Sunday school starts at 11 a.m.
Voyageurs Conservancy will present at the Minnesota Indian Education Association Conference next week, sharing their work with the Teen Ambassador Program, which supports Indigenous youth in reconnecting with ancestral lands through mentorship, traditional ecological knowledge, and cultural craft. The panel explores how youth-centered co-stewardship helps make parks more inclusive and culturally responsive spaces.
Border Chevrolet GMC (Beyak Automotive Group) is hiring for two positions in the Falls:
Both positions include employer-paid benefits and a retirement plan. Apply by Friday, April 3 — send your resume to josh@beyakautogroup.com or apply in person at Border GM.
Sammy’s Pizza celebrated Pi Day on Friday — is there a better excuse to order a pizza pie? The local favorite is one of 14 Sammy’s locations across Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Coffee Landing Cafe had carnitas street tacos on the menu Friday — always a crowd favorite. Keep an eye on their page for daily specials.
Ronnings is getting into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit with a new green layered crew — perfect timing with March 17 just around the corner.
Small Town Tech shared a few handy tips this week: use Google Gemini or ChatGPT to identify unfamiliar bugs, mushrooms, or plants in your yard — just upload a photo and describe what you see. They also recommend a quick spring cleaning of forgotten app subscriptions and free trials that turned into charges. Ten minutes with your bank statement and a cup of coffee might save you more than you’d expect.
The Rainy Lake Sportfishing Club has released its 2026 Catch and Release hat, celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary. Hats are $20 and available at Sportsman’s Service and Outdoorsman’s or Farmers Insurance. Not local? They can mail one to you.
Rainy Lake Houseboats is already looking ahead to summer — their floating getaways on Rainy Lake offer a chance to truly unplug surrounded by nature and comfort. It’s never too early to reserve your stay.
Voyageurs Conservancy celebrated the first-ever National Loon Day on Thursday, marking the anniversary of Minnesota naming the common loon its state bird in 1961. Voyageurs National Park is prime loon country, with more than 190 adult loons counted across the park’s lakes in recent years. Minnesota has the largest loon population in the lower 48 states, and loons communicate with four distinct calls: the tremolo, the wail, the yodel, and the hoot.
The International Falls Peewee A hockey team competed at the State Tournament on Friday, falling to Orono 3-0. The young Broncos trailed 2-0 after two periods before the final score was set. A state tournament appearance is something to be proud of — great season, Broncos.
