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Community Roundup: March 23, 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

A life-saving gesture highlights this Monday’s roundup — the International Falls Police Department donated an AED to the Ranier Rec Club in honor of Kellie Adee, while ISD 361 speech students brought home impressive results from Blackduck and the district gears up for the final 10-week stretch of the school year.

Weather — A mix of sun and snow kicks off the week, with a high near 43°F today under mostly sunny skies after early morning snow showers clear out. Tonight gets tricky with a chance of rain, snow, and a low around 18°F. Tuesday looks pleasant — mostly sunny with a high near 40°F. Full forecast →
What’s Happening Today

  • • Grief Group (all day) — Backus Community Center
  • • Volleyball (all day) — Backus Community Center
  • • Veterans Lodge Bridge (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) — Backus Community Center
  • • Veterans Lodge Open Hours (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) — Veterans Lodge
  • • ODC Visit (1 – 2 p.m.) — International Falls Public Library
  • • Local 589 (4 p.m.) — Backus Community Center – Room 101/102
  • • Rainy Lake Community Orchestra (5:30 p.m.) — Backus Community Center

Full calendar →


Government & Public Services

The International Falls Police Department was awarded an AED as a result of a qualified save back in 2024. This past Tuesday, during the Ranier City Council Meeting, Sergeant Ballejo and Officer Lahmayer donated the device to the Ranier Rec Club in honor of Kellie Adee.

IFPD officers present AED to the Ranier Rec Club during a City Council meeting
IFPD Sergeant Ballejo and Officer Lahmayer present the AED to the Ranier Rec Club in honor of Kellie Adee — International Falls Police Department

International Falls Police Department


Schools & Education

Congratulations to the ISD 361 speech team on a strong showing at the Blackduck competition this weekend. Several students placed in their categories:

  • Duo — Jaden Stroik and Eli Camick, 2nd place
  • Prose — Linnaea Yount, 2nd place; Leah Boe, 4th place
  • Poetry — Ila Hemstad, 6th place
  • Drama — Lynn Batdorf, 7th place
  • Humor — Joe Sullivan and Lauren Snyder, 7th place
  • Creative Expression — Gracie Froemke, 8th place
  • Informative — Rainie Warner, 10th place

ISD 361

Youth softball season is getting into gear! After a successful first “Learn to Pitch” session, ISD 361 is bringing it back next weekend — Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. — and adding a new “Learn to Play” session for minor girls from 11 a.m. to noon. Bring a friend!

ISD 361 youth girls softball Learn to Pitch and Learn to Play announcement
Youth girls softball sessions continue next Saturday — ISD 361

ISD 361

With just 10 weeks left in the school year, ISD 361 is encouraging families to prioritize attendance and prepare for state assessments. The district shared tips for finishing strong, including creating study schedules at home, engaging actively in class, and taking advantage of teacher communication and tutoring sessions.

ISD 361

ISD 361 school board meeting minutes are now available online for both the March 16 and February 17 regular meetings. Minutes can be accessed through the district’s BoardBook public page.

ISD 361 BoardBook


Health & Wellness

Rainy Lake Medical Center is sharing a local patient’s positive colonoscopy screening experience to encourage others to get checked. Maxine recently spoke about how easy the SuTab prep made the process and the quality of care she received at RLMC.

“Everyone who knows Maxine knows when she finds something that works, she shares it.”

To talk with your healthcare provider about scheduling a colonoscopy screening at RLMC, call 218-283-4481.

Rainy Lake Medical Center


Outdoors & Recreation

On World Water Day, Voyageurs Conservancy is sounding the alarm on a congressional resolution that could reopen the door to sulfide-ore copper mining upstream of Voyageurs National Park. The U.S. House passed H.J. Res. 140 in January, which would overturn the current federal mineral withdrawal in parts of the Superior National Forest.

Sulfide-ore mining is fundamentally different from traditional iron mining — when exposed to air and water, it generates sulfuric acid that can leach toxic metals into surrounding waterways. The Conservancy is urging residents to contact their U.S. Senators, oppose the resolution, and stay engaged with public comment opportunities.

Voyageurs Conservancy water protection action alert for World Water Day
Voyageurs Conservancy calls for action to protect the waters of Voyageurs National Park — Voyageurs Conservancy

Voyageurs Conservancy


Community Events & Activities

Servants of Shelter hosted a Taco in a Bag lunch and Bingo fundraiser at the VFW in International Falls on Saturday to raise funds for their food programs. The event featured lunch at noon followed by bingo games at 2 p.m. — a great turnout for a great cause.

International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

KOOTASCA Community Action is highlighting the complex, locally driven work behind addressing poverty in our region. The organization tackles both immediate needs and long-term self-sufficiency through coordinated strategies — and they say the results speak for themselves.

KOOTASCA Community Action


Business Happenings

Tilson Bay Company wrapped up a Sunday evening name change — welcome to International Falls, Dylan!

Tilson Bay Company

Small Town Tech is expanding its offerings in two big ways. First, the local tech company has been building an AI-powered tool that empowers their team to create affordable, beautiful websites complete with social media and marketing automations. They’ll be accepting new clients this week with more details coming soon.

And if you didn’t know — Small Town Tech is also a licensed low voltage contractor. They handle security cameras, access control, and network installation and monitoring for businesses, nonprofits, and government facilities across Koochiching County.

Small Town Tech

Northland Sales & Service is putting the spotlight on the craftsmanship details that set quality furniture apart — from stitching to finishes, every little detail matters. Browse their collection at northlandifalls.com.

Northland Sales & Service


Faith & Community Organizations

Birchdale United Congregational Church UCC had a full Sunday with a special worship service led by Soren, featuring a volunteer cast performing a visualization of Resurrection and the story of Lazarus. Sunday school kids learned about the Last Supper and Jesus praying in the Garden.

Everyone is welcome to join for worship any Sunday at 10 a.m., followed by coffee time and fellowship.

Birchdale United Congregational Church UCC


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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