Local and Regional News, Friday 3/20/2026
The International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of its 2026 Annual Awards Gala, recognizing outstanding contributions across the community.
This year’s honorees include:
Large Business of the Year, Packaging Corporation of America
Small Business of the Year, The Sports Shop
Non-Profit of the Year, Elks Lodge 15-99.
Citizen of the Year honors go to Jeff Hardwig while the Hospitality Award goes to Karen Layman of AmericInn by Wyndham.
The annual gala is set for Thursday, April 23rd at The Thunderbird, with tickets available now through the Chamber.
Organizers say the awards highlight the leadership, service, and community spirit that help make the International Falls area strong.
The Town of Fort Frances is inviting bids for the purchase of land through a public tender process. Tenders are now being accepted for available properties within the community. Descriptions of the lands can be found on the Town of Fort Frances website.
Additional details, including property packages, are also available online for a small fee.
All tenders must be submitted by 3:00 p.m. local time on April 22nd at the Fort Frances Civic Centre on Portage Avenue. Tenders will then be opened publicly later that same day. For more information, visit the Town of Fort Frances website.
A new report is raising concerns about the future of America’s public lands, including one right here in northern Minnesota.
Experts say areas like the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness—one of the most visited and beloved wilderness regions in the country—are facing increasing threats from potential mining and development.
Public lands make up nearly 28 percent of the United States, but conservation groups warn many areas remain unprotected and vulnerable to environmental damage.
In the Boundary Waters, concerns center around proposed copper-nickel mining near the watershed, which could impact lakes, rivers, and wildlife across the region.
Advocates say while challenges are growing, public support remains strong to protect these landscapes for future generations.
They’re urging residents to stay informed and involved as decisions continue at the federal level.
A big weekend is ahead at Bronco Arena, as the International Falls Figure Skating Club presents its annual ice show.
This year marks the club’s 52nd production, featuring around 60 local skaters and a theme centered on “Happiness Is,” highlighting everything from local traditions to everyday moments that bring joy.
Longtime coach Darlis Kroenke says the show includes more than 30 different performances, all put together after months of hard work by skaters and volunteers.
The show runs about two hours, with performances Saturday at 6:30 p-m and Sunday at 1 p-m at Bronco Arena.
Tickets are available at the door, and the community is encouraged to come out and support the skaters for this annual tradition.