Local and Regional News, Monday 3/9/2026

Authorities in International Falls are investigating after two people were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds early Friday morning.
According to the Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy on patrol around 4:40 a.m. noticed a vehicle running in the driveway of a home on the 4100 block of Highway 11. The deputy recognized the vehicle as being connected to a protection order involving the homeowner.
After attempts to contact anyone inside went unanswered, deputies and officers forced entry into the home, where 35-year-old Ashley E. Kittelson and 44-year-old Nicholas D. Kittelson were found deceased. Investigators say both had gunshot wounds, with Nicholas Kittelson’s believed to be self-inflicted.
The investigation remains ongoing with assistance from the International Falls Police Department, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office. Authorities say no additional details have been released at this time.

International Falls School District 361 is sharing support resources with families following a recent tragedy affecting the community.
In a letter to families, Superintendent Beth Shermoen expressed sympathy for those grieving and said the district is committed to helping students, families, and staff during this difficult time.
When students return from break on March 16th, the district says trained support staff and additional resources will be available at West End Early Education, Falls Elementary, and Falls High School.
Families looking for support can access local resources including **CredibleMind for Koochiching County, Northland Counseling, and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
District officials say more details about available support services will be shared with families before students return to school.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters that now is the time to sign up for firearms safety training—well before fall hunting seasons arrive.
Each year, the DNR and volunteer instructors host hundreds of classes and certify more than 23,000 students across the state. But officials say classes often fill quickly, and people who wait too long may have trouble finding a class close to home.
Firearms safety certification is required for anyone born after December 31st, 1979, who wants to purchase a hunting license in Minnesota. Officials say even hunters who aren’t legally required to take the course can benefit from the training.
Jon Paurus says signing up early helps ensure a smoother process as available classes become more limited later in the year.
For more information or to find a class, visit the firearms safety certification page on the Minnesota DNR website.

Koochiching County Public Health is reminding residents that help for mental health and well-being is available anytime through the online platform CredibleMind.
The free resource provides reliable, evidence-based information on a wide range of topics—from managing stress and anxiety to understanding difficult or traumatic situations.
Public Health says the platform offers tools, articles, videos, and self-assessments designed to help individuals and families learn more about mental health and find support when they need it.
To explore the resources available in Koochiching County, visit koochiching.crediblemind.com.
Public Health encourages anyone looking for trusted information or support to check out the site anytime.

March is National Reading Month, and the International Falls Public Library is encouraging everyone to pick up a book and spend some time reading.
Library director Diane Adams says March is the perfect time to slow down and enjoy a good story.

Adams says the library is highlighting a variety of titles this month, ranging from cozy heart-warming stories to thrillers and mysteries including new books from authors like Fannie Flagg and several Midwest-set mystery series. The library also continues its regular programs throughout the month.

Adams says no matter what genre people enjoy, National Reading Month is a great reminder to make reading part of your daily routine. For more information on programs or book recommendations, visit the International Falls Public Library.