Local and Regional News 2/17/2026

In a press release from Perryn Hedland, at approximately 2 p.m. on February 16th, search and rescue personnel located a deceased individual believed to be Mark A. Rood near Tilson Bay. The individual was found about 60 feet off a trail on the north side of Highway 11. Authorities say the area had been previously searched and is frequently traveled by local residents. Recent warm temperatures and rain are believed to have aided in the discovery.
The Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office is working with the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office to positively identify the individual.
The Sheriff’s Office thanked CAM Search and Rescue, Northstar Search and Rescue, and Wings of Hope for their assistance. Additional agencies involved include the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota State Patrol, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and U.S. Border Patrol.
The investigation remains active, and no further information has been released at this time.

Save the Boundary Waters will host a press conference Wednesday morning at 10:30 on the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol ahead of a U.S. Senate vote on HJ Resolution 140.
The resolution would use the Congressional Review Act to revoke Public Land Order 7917, which currently protects more than 225,000 acres of federal land in the headwaters of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park from sulfide-ore copper mining for 20 years.
Speakers will include U.S. Senator Tina Smith, along with state lawmakers and representatives of conservation and business groups.
Public Land Order 7917 was signed in January 2023 following a multi-year environmental review that drew nearly 700,000 public comments in support of the mineral withdrawal.
Supporters say the upcoming Senate vote will determine whether those protections remain in place.

The International Falls City Council will hold a special meeting Tuesday, February 17th, beginning at 4 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 600 Fourth Street.
Council members will recess into a closed session to discuss labor negotiation strategy related to the collective bargaining agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 49, representing Public Works and Administrative Office staff. The council will then reconvene in open session and summarize the discussion.
The regular City Council meeting will follow at 5:30 p.m.
Items on the agenda include consideration of amended water and sewer rates, a feasibility report for paving 6th Avenue West, and several requests related to the International Falls Bass Championship at Smokey Bear Park. The council will also consider an employment agreement for the Chief of Police position and proposals related to emergency response planning.
Both meetings are open to the public.

The Sister Betty Kennedy Advisory Committee will meet Wednesday, February 18th at 10 a.m. at the Fort Frances Seniors Centre.
The agenda includes the introduction of the new Community Services and Facilities Manager, discussion on grant funding, the seniors directory, a volunteer appreciation event, and review of the 2025 financial statement and proposed 2026 budget. The committee will also begin planning for Seniors Month in June.
Later that day at 5:30 p.m., the Committee of Adjustment will meet at the Civic Centre in the Committee Room, with an option to join virtually through Microsoft Teams.
The committee will consider a minor variance application for property located at 982 Erin Crescent and receive updates on other pending applications.
Both meetings begin with a territorial acknowledgement recognizing Treaty Three territory.