Local and Regional News 9/16/2025
Good morning — here’s what’s happening for Falls High and Falls Elementary Homecoming Week!
It’s Spirit Week at ISD 361, running now through Friday, and each day has a theme.
Yesterday was Royalty Day, and today students are cozying up for Sleeping In Day — rocking pajamas and slippers in the halls.
Tomorrow brings Once Upon a Lifetime Day at the high school — where students can dress for any age, from babies to grandparents — while the elementary celebrates Crazy Socks Day.
On Thursday, Falls High will be decked out in Class Colors, with each grade showing their spirit while staff wear red. Elementary students will show their pride with Sports Day.
And Friday is the big one — Bronco Day. Everyone is encouraged to wear purple and gold for the parade and the Homecoming football game.
After the game, tradition returns with a Homecoming Bonfire at the Bronco Arena parking lot. Students in grades 7 through 12 are invited for music and school spirit until 11:30 p.m. Organizers are still looking for firewood donations — contact Christina Dowty at the FHS office if you’d like to help.
This year’s Falls High Homecoming Float Contest will also be heating up. The best decorated grade-level float in Friday’s parade wins a pool and pizza party. Classes will be decorating throughout the week, so bring your creativity and Bronco pride.
And a big congratulations goes out to our Senior, Junior, Sophomore, and Freshmen Royalty on being nominated to the 2025 Homecoming Court! Coronation takes place Wednesday, September 17th at Sports Stadium. The fun starts at 5:30 with the Bronco Burger Booth, Bronco Brew, yard games, and music. The cheer team will perform, the Powder Puff Football Game kicks off, and of course — we’ll crown this year’s royalty in a celebration of Bronco pride.
The Fort Frances Museum is inviting the community to come together in the spirit of truth and reconciliation.
On Thursday, September 25th at 6 p.m., the museum will host an evening to honor Survivors, remember Indigenous children, and promote awareness of the legacy of residential schools. Participants will bead a memorial pin with guidance from instructor Joyce Witherspoon.
Snacks will be provided, and pre-registration is required by calling 807-274-7891.
The event is free and open to everyone, with support from the Fort Frances BIA and Chamber of Commerce.
The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 28th Annual Business Awards Supper Celebration on Wednesday, September 24th at La Place Rendezvous. The evening begins at 5 p.m. and will honor outstanding contributions from businesses, organizations, and individuals in the community.
Tickets are $60 for Chamber members and $65 for non-members, available by calling (807) 274-5773.
Along with the awards presentation, the night will feature door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, a dessert lottery, and an interactive auction.
Your presence helps celebrate the success and spirit of the Fort Frances business community — don’t miss this milestone event.
As the crisp air of fall settles in, Border Bank is once again collecting winter gear for families in need.
The Annual Winter Warmth Drive begins September 22nd and runs through October 17th, with all donations distributed to local agencies.
New or gently used coats, jackets, hats, mittens, gloves, and winter boots can be dropped off at any Border Bank location, including International Falls.
CEO Kory Shae says the drive is about looking out for neighbors and ensuring families face winter with comfort and warmth.
That’s the Border Bank Winter Warmth Drive—September 22nd through October 17th.
September is National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Month, and the International Falls community is getting involved.
At last night’s Bronco volleyball game, fans may have noticed a special event called Spike Stigma Night — organized in partnership with Northland Counseling Center.
Allison Myers, licensed psychologist and Director of Operations at Northland, says the goal is simple: raise awareness and fight stigma.
[Clip]: “The whole idea is really to raise mental health awareness and hopefully combat stigma around mental health so people feel comfortable accessing care if they need to, and they feel the support.”
Myers says stigma often comes from myths and misinformation — the reality is, anyone can face a mental health challenge regardless of age, gender, or background.
September is also Suicide Prevention Month, and Myers stresses the importance of spreading the word about resources like the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
[Clip]: “988 is meant to be similar to 911 in that it can give you access to the mental health crisis care that you need. It’s super easy to remember, and it connects you to help right away.”
988 is available nationwide, including in Canada, and connects callers directly to trained crisis counselors and mobile crisis teams.
For more information on services in International Falls, you can visit northlandcounseling.org, or follow Northland Counseling on Facebook and Instagram.
Remember: You are not alone. Help is available 24/7 — just call or text 988.