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Community Roundup: March 9, 2026

On a late-winter Sunday in International Falls, The Library Restaurant shared a message that’s likely on the minds of many local business owners — a heartfelt call to rally behind the community’s restaurants and shops after a slow season and the recent closure of Cine 5. With temps sitting near freezing and northwest winds picking up, the reminder to #ifallsstrong couldn’t come at a better time.

Weather — Partly sunny today with a high near 32°F, though temperatures will drop to around 29 by afternoon with northwest winds 10 to 15 mph and gusts up to 25 mph. Bundle up tonight — mostly cloudy skies and a low around 15°F. Tuesday looks similar: partly sunny, high near 33°F, with a low of around 18°F overnight. Full forecast →

Business Happenings

The Library Restaurant opened up about the challenges facing local dining this winter — a sewer backup, the slowest tourism and snowmobile season in memory, and the loss of their neighbor Cine 5. They noted that Big Rainy also had to close for a week to install a new grill, and said similar pressures are likely felt across the local restaurant industry. They’re back open and the ask is simple: eat local, support local.

“When times are good it is us locals supporting local events and charities. This isn’t about just us at The Library — this is about our community and our colleagues in the industry. We need you more now than ever.”

The Library Restaurant community support message
The Library Restaurant is open and asking the community to show up for local businesses this winter — The Library Restaurant

Today’s soups at The Library: Sausage Tortellini, Chicken Wild Rice, and Turkey Dumpling. The Library Restaurant

Ronnings is featuring a Honey Lavender Espresso Shaker as Drink of the Week, with $1 off all Caribou feature drinks all week long. Ronnings

Mason’s On Main is sending a reminder to Littlefork families: prom is coming up soon, and tux orders shouldn’t wait. Mason’s On Main


Community Events & Activities

The RLMC Auxiliary is hosting a Taco in a Bag fundraiser to benefit the Auxiliary Scholarship Program for area high school seniors. The meal includes a taco in a boat/bag, dessert, and lemonade. Enter RLMC through Door #1 and head to the end of the hallway.

  • Date: Wednesday, March 18
  • Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Location: Riverbend Room, Rainy Lake Medical Center

Rainy Lake Medical Center

Taco in a Bag for a Cause fundraiser flyer
Taco in a Bag for a Cause — Wednesday, March 18 at RLMC — Rainy Lake Medical Center Auxiliary

The International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce has opened nominations for the Annual Awards Gala 2026. Nominations close March 18 at 11:59 p.m. This year’s awards include:

  • Citizen of the Year
  • Small Business of the Year
  • Large Business of the Year
  • Non-Profit/Civic Organization of the Year
  • NEW: Hospitality Excellence Award (in partnership with Rainy Lake CVB)

Nominate online at ifallschamber.com/annual-banquet/ or stop by the Chamber office in person. Ticket sale announcements are coming soon. IF Area Chamber of Commerce

KOOTASCA Head Start will be at the Marble Early Childhood Center Open House tomorrow, sharing information about their free program for 3 and 4 year olds. The evening includes classroom activities, school tours, door prizes, and free popcorn.

  • Date: Tuesday, March 10
  • Time: 4:00–6:00 p.m.
  • Location: Marble Early Childhood Center

KOOTASCA Community Action

The International Voyageurs Snowmobile Club wrapped up their first annual snowmobile event this weekend to an enthusiastic crowd. Special recognition went to Stephanie Christianson for contributing prizes, B3 Designs’ Brock O’Loughlin for crafting custom hats, and Boondocks Bar & Grill for their all-in hospitality and support throughout the event. Organizers are already looking ahead to the second annual in 2027. Int’l Voyageurs Snowmobile Club

International Voyageurs Snowmobile Club first annual event
A great turnout for the IVSC’s first annual event — already looking ahead to 2027 — International Voyageurs Snowmobile Club

Health & Wellness

Rainy Lake Medical Center has good news for patients waiting on surgical guidance: general surgeon Dr. Rachel Knudson is now seeing patients in a clinic setting with minimal wait times. No need to travel far for expert care — call 218-283-5503 (option 1) to book an appointment. Rainy Lake Medical Center

This week RLMC is spotlighting its pulmonary rehabilitation program — care that helps patients breathe easier and rebuild strength after lung conditions. More information is available at rainylakemedical.com/services/respiratory-therapy/. Rainy Lake Medical Center


Schools & Education

Mrs. Balaski’s PreK classroom at ISD 361 wrapped up a wonderful Dr. Seuss Week, complete with special guest readers and a community vote on whether to try green eggs and ham — which sparked plenty of excitement and laughter. The week was a hit for igniting young imaginations and a love of reading. ISD 361

Mrs. Balaski's PreK class celebrating Dr. Seuss Week at ISD 361
Dr. Seuss Week brought guest readers and green eggs to Mrs. Balaski’s PreK class — ISD 361

Sports

Congratulations to Chad Baldwin, named Section 7A Head Coach of the Year by the International Falls Broncos program — a well-earned recognition for a strong season. International Falls Broncos

Chad Baldwin named Section 7A Head Coach of the Year
Chad Baldwin earns Section 7A Head Coach of the Year honors — International Falls Broncos

The Rainy Lake Visitors Bureau had a moment in the spotlight over the weekend — their logo appeared on the Jumbotron during the Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament, with a shoutout to Warroad on their tournament run. Rainy Lake Visitors Bureau


Outdoors & Recreation

Voyageurs Conservancy marked the return of Daylight Saving Time with a silver lining: that lost hour of sleep now comes back as an extra hour of evening daylight for exploring the lakes, forests, and trails of Voyageurs National Park. Spring exploration season is creeping closer. Voyageurs Conservancy


Faith & Community Organizations

Birchdale United Congregational Church UCC held their Sunday service and has posted a full recording online for anyone who couldn’t attend in person. Birchdale UCC

This roundup is compiled from posts shared on community social media pages. For complete details, follow the links to the original posts. Have news to share? Visit our Submit Content page.

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