Local and Regional News – 9/19/2025 – KSDM/KGHS
The 26th Annual Rainy River Walleye Tournament is currently underway, happening September 18th through 20th on the shores of Rainy River.
The event started yesterday with the boat parade at 4 o’clock, followed by the Fisherman’s Dinner and the official rules meeting for anglers.
Friday and Saturday will be packed with action — angler flights, weigh-ins, silent auctions, raffles, food booths, and kids’ tournaments.
The beer gardens open both nights, with live music featuring Dark Horse Friday at 9 p.m. and Pop Vegas on Saturday night.
Admission is five dollars during the day, with weekend all-access passes available. Organizers say volunteers are still needed for tent setup, security, and door shifts.
For more details or to get involved, head to rrwalleye.com or check the tournament’s Facebook page.
The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce is set to host its 28th Annual Business Awards Supper Celebration on Wednesday, September 24th at La Place Rendezvous, starting at 5 p.m.
The evening will feature dinner, door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, dessert lottery, and an interactive auction. Tickets are $60 for Chamber members and $65 for non-members, available now by calling 807-274-5773.
This year’s nominees reflect the strength and diversity of our local business community.
🏆 Customer Service Award – Individual nominees include Darcy Banman, Denise Bragg, Jesse Hasiuk, Joelle McKinnon, Ken Kellar, Naomi Kellar, Tanner Calder, Tom Bedard, and Wendy Stevens.
🏆 Customer Service Award – Business nominees include Penalty Box Canteen, Piston Ring, PWR Contracting, Reflexion Studio, and Ron’s Auto Body.
🏆 Home-Based Business nominees are Arielle Langlois of Elleair Candle Co., Chantel Derendorf of Batter and Cream Baking Co., Darlene and Julianna Rousseau of Hen and Chick, and Sara Jackson of Baked by Sara.
🏆 New Business nominees are Amanda Gruttner of Pretty Kitty, and Cathy Handberg of Talk on the Street.
🏆 For Small Business Trainer of the Year, nominees include Alicia Anderson of Stylush Salon, Marty DeGagne of Sunset Dynasty Construction, Riley Pollard of Penalty Box Canteen, and Tim & Shayla Marden of Nestor Falls Marine.
🏆 Indigenous Business nominees are Calder Law, Couchiching Convenience Complex, Denise Bragg of The Den, and Terrance McMahon of 807 Selects.
🏆 Business Woman of the Year nominees include Cathy Handberg, Tanya Mueller of Hallett Brewing, Stacey & Christine Cridland of The Flinthouse and Northwoods Gallery, Denise Bragg of The Den, and Joan Foley of Best for Kitty.
🏆 In the Business Owner/Manager of the Year category, nominees are Chris Martin of The Bargain Shop, Ben Cohen of Rideout Bay Development, and Travis Strachan of RGB Trucking.
🏆 For Business of the Year (1–15 employees) nominees include Ron’s Auto Body, Hallett Brewing, Tit4Tat, Eat Best Charcuterie, Wright Physiotherapy, Penalty Box Canteen, and Ski’s Variety.
🏆 Business of the Year (16+ employees) nominees are Safeway and the Fort Frances Dental Centre.
🏆 Tourism & Hospitality Award nominees are Rainy Lake Sports and Westside Bait and Tackle.
🏆 And finally, the Young Entrepreneur Award nominees are Alex French, Simeon Firth, and Riley Pollard.
The Chamber says your presence adds to the joy of this celebration. Once again, the 28th Annual Business Awards Supper Celebration is set for Wednesday, September 24th at 5 p.m. at La Place Rendezvous.
Continuing Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re sharing the story of ISD 361’s Mrs Christianson and how one Peruvian exchange student became part of the Borderland.
Her exchange year led to a lifelong connection — and eventually, a career as a Spanish teacher here in International Falls.
Back in Peru, she had been training as an English teacher with French as her backup. But she tells her students today that learning Spanish opens doors far beyond the classroom.
For her, language is more than words — it’s about building bridges between cultures.