Local and Regional News – Wednesday 2/18/2026

The International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce is partnering with NE MN Small Business Development Center to host a Minnesota Paid Leave Lunch and Learn next month.
The free one-hour workshop is set for Thursday, March 5th at noon at the Cobblestone Hotel & Suites.
Designed specifically for small business owners, the session will cover who’s covered under Minnesota’s paid leave law, what types of leave qualify, compliance timelines, small business benefits, and step-by-step action items for employers. There will also be a Q-and-A session with small business consultants.
Lunch will be provided for all registered attendees. Businesses are asked to register by March 2nd by contacting JJ at jj@intlfalls.org or calling 218-283-9400.
The event is free, but space may be limited.

University of Minnesota Extension is helping farmers plan ahead for the growing season through its Strategic Farming: Let’s Talk Crops webinar series.
During a recent session, Extension educators discussed how winter weather impacts pest survival and how degree-day models help forecast crop development, pest emergence, and disease pressure.
Experts say while extreme cold can kill overwintering pests, this winter’s temperatures have not been cold enough to significantly reduce soybean aphid populations in much of Minnesota.
The weekly Strategic Farming webinars continue through March. Recorded sessions and registration information are available online at z dot umn dot edu slash strategic-farming.

The Keep It Clean program is expanding its presence on Rainy Lake this winter, encouraging anglers to properly dispose of trash and waste while out on the ice.
Jolene Simon with the Koochiching County Soil and Water Conservation District says the program began in Lake of the Woods more than a decade ago and has grown significantly.

The effort focuses on preventing garbage, human waste, and pet waste from being left on the ice, where it can enter the lake during spring melt.

This season, partners have placed portable restrooms at Rainy Lake City and Sand Bay, along with garbage bins at key access points including Birchdale, Ash River, and Lake Kabetogama.
Organizers remind anglers to use the provided receptacles or pack out what they bring in — helping protect area waters throughout the winter season.

The Falls Education Foundation has released its February Alumni Newsletter, highlighting continued support for students in International Falls.
Foundation Board President Gordy Dault notes declining enrollment continues to impact the local school district, with current enrollment now around 900 students. Despite financial challenges, the Foundation has helped fund classroom furniture upgrades, interactive smart boards, and graphing calculators through its grant program.
The Purple Pride Committee also donated 22-thousand dollars during the latest grant cycle, supporting projects like new athletic equipment, a golf simulator, gym sound system upgrades, and facility improvements.
The Foundation is encouraging alumni to stay connected and submit updates for the next newsletter, with a content deadline of April 30th.
More information can be found through the Falls Education Foundation online.

If a summer trip to Voyageurs National Park is on your bucket list, there are a couple of upcoming lunch-hour sessions designed to help you plan.
“Voyageurs Trip Planning 101” takes place March 5th from noon to 1 p.m., featuring National Park Service staff and representatives from gateway communities. The session will cover how the park’s water-based system works, where to stay, boat tour options, and what families should know before visiting.
Then on April 7th, a second session will focus on paddling, boating, and camping — including permits, campsite logistics, safety, and essential gear for overnight trips.
Both sessions run from 12 to 1 p.m. Registration is available now at voyageurs dot org slash events.