Moving up there soon to be in God's country

Bad move. Haven't you seen the car driving around town with the "I Survived Falls Memorial Hospital" bumper sticker? tee hee hee

I highly recommend living in International Falls, I'm a 10 year transplant. There is no "perfect" place to live, there are positives & negatives everywhere. As for surviving the hospital, I've heard people complain about the Mayo Clinic & they are supposed to be the world's best!

As a resident of the area for five years, I can say that the move up north was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It really is God's country! The local economic development organization has set up a website: www.yourtickethome.biz to facilitate a move to the area. Check it out and sign up to recieve info on job opportunites and more. Best of luck and we look forward to having you!

My family and I just moved to I-falls in June, and I have to agree with your feeling. This is home. The people are friendly and happy to see you. The scenery is like something from a Robert Frost poem. I'm not sure how, but the trees and sky change everyday and are always amazing. My wife and I like to sit in our sunroom and look into the woods, we often comment on how we used to have to pay to go on vacation in order to get this kind of view, now it's our own backyard.

I hope you do join us up here.

I am so glad to hear that new people are currently making the "Falls" their home. I grew up there and moved from the area when I was 21. I still have family there and even tho I try to get home every year, sometimes life just does not always make that possible.

International Falls needs new residents because it's new residents that is going to generate new jobs in that area and that is what is so desperatly needed. I have thought many many times about moving back "home", but with the economy the way it is there and the lack of employment for my husband and myself, that puts a thought like that right out of my head instantly.

If you have kids, I hope that they enjoy the schools as much as I did as there are some awesome teachers there and also enjoy the area as yes, it really is God's Country up there.

Happy Holiday's
nrse1231

First of all, moving up here is a step up from Illinois. Just is. But as much as you love God's country, you will feel the effects of two paper mills and the interesting leftovers they leave in the air and water. Want proof? Just head east toward Ranier anytime in the summer or fall, and breathe deep, if you can! Yeah, I agree with the great skies and the beautiful waters and wildlife, after all, it is home to me. I just want you to know that this is not a '50s friendly town. People struggle to live up here. The county population is overwhelming poorer than other neighboring counties and we are very conservative, which mean we don't like new ideas or lifestyles up here. That's not me talking, it is just the way it is. Anyway, it is only a matter of time before we all have jobs at the new casino on the riverbank across from Sorting Gap Marina or are buidling half million homes made out of white pine on the strip of land that is directly across from a a paper mill. Nothing better than sitting on your deck, watching the tranquil Rainy River go by and take in the wonderful sunrise and breathe that odor that has no name. Welcome!

I agree with you icesicle. The reason local government and business will not or can not invest in us is two fold.First, we are not important enough or good enough and secondly, the local economy has dropped to the point where they are just fighting for their survival not our survival. I too just moved " back home" and am happy I have done so. Its my home, the place of roots, but I would not have been able to do so had I not been retired. Others have tried to return but were not able to stay due to the economic conditions. It really is an unfortunate state of affairs when your children cant raise their children here or even stay themselves.

Cindy, there are several ways that I think you might fit in and be popular to boot. Find a "very" good blueberry patch but try not to let anyone else know just exactely where it is. Find a spot where you can "often" get good walleyes but remember to point in a general direction and say "we catch them over there". And leave your deer hanging in the garage with the garage door open for two months so all can see, but never say exactely where you got them. This will effect a large number of locals to visit often, trying cleverly to find out your "secret spots" which you must never reveal, thus causing them to visit often. Keeping the coffee pot full also is a good thing to do in Int'l Falls.

I am really glad I used this blog before we moved. The comments that have been made really opened my eyes. I appreciate all the feedback. I realize now that things aren't always as they appear.I think my family and I will have to find somewhere as to move to. Thank you.

Quality of life does include having enough income to put food on the table, the ability to pay the bills, visit the Doctor when neccessary. The Jobs available in this town that offer a LIVING WAGE
are few and far between.There is a large difference between struggling and surviving.I spoke in my previous comment about MY personal experience since moving "back home". I do also talk with many people I know and work with in this town too,and listen to their experience "living" here. I know far more people who are working part time minimum wage jobs here in I.Falls than I know of who have the chance to work full time jobs with all the perks. Perks meaning a secure job,with Health Insurance and Full time hours they can rely on.The people I know who are in these part time,low paying,non benifitted jobs are all hard workers,with families,who would jump at the opportunity to work full time.It would greatly improve their life. Make no mistake, I include myself in this group of people also! It is my personal opinion that Local Government and Local Business Owners in International Falls do NOT desire more shopping related Businesses in this Community.Why? Fear that their businesses will fold due to lack of patronage if true competetive Business existed here. Industry? The Boise Cascade Mill is King here.
Once in the low paying job(s) that exist in this town,almost no advancement is possible. Dead end jobs.I still make under 10.00 per hour after 5 years of service. My Employer likes to just keep my hours under 40 per week,so I receive no benefits of any kind. No PTO, no Vacation, no Health Insurance, yet I am willing (and do) pick up extra shifts, fill in when neccesary and perform my job to the best of my ability.
Look around town, drive down any Street here in Int'l.Falls. How many "For Sale" signs do you see on each Street? Remember when "The Mill" closed down in the 80's? How many families HAD to leave town then? Wasn't it over 600 that ended up saving themselves by moving elsewhere to find Employment? This town is dying.The Self Serving Interest that Local Businesses and Local Government have displayed get the Local Economy nowhere. As for getting involved in the Local Government...shouldn't the Local Government become involved in the concerns and REAL issues the Citizens of this town have, such as employment for EVERYONE in town? Does Local Government realise that lack of job opportunities contribute to Drug Use, Alcoholism, Higher Crime Rates? How about Local Citizens Quality of Life instead of "The Tourists" quality of life? I am "involved" in this town. I want to live here. I have purchased a Home, I pay my Taxes,I vote in each and every Election, I spend a large portion of my income here, my child attends School here.I just keep hoping that maybe, just maybe, someone does something to HELP the state of things here for ALL in this town.Everyone has their own experience here in town.Everyone's opinions are based on what life they lead. Shouldn't each Citizens quality of life here matter?

We need solutions, not complaints. Posting negative comments about our community causing potential new residents to change their minds about moving here is not the answer.

If a lack of jobs or income is the problem, what can be done? Funny, though, how a lack of income causes an increase in drug use or alcohol consumption ... where does that money come from?

I don't have the answer but I know it's not bashing our town publicly. I have read recently about how the school system is going to be in need of teachers in the coming years. A very noble profession that requires special people as I belive it's a very thankless job. A job, nonetheless, that would probably have benefits.

No, that is what a forum is, not a blog!

I guess Freshface is right. This is a blog, not a complaining site. We do need to find ways to make our fair city better. I am all for that. This web log of mine is help others see the dark before the dawn. I believe in the Falls and this area. I think we deserve the best of everything. Unfortunately, other people that control the purse strings of the world won't put stores to shop in and employ people here, restaurants that are well known won't serve here because a few months of tourism won't justify their costs. This is not the Falls I know and love. This is a poor substitute because as Icesicle has said you need money to live. It is the way of the world. So I thank Freshface for their opinion and Icesicle for his, but a web log of things bad and good might be the impetus to make things better for all of us.

Wow. I can't believe people are complaining about the state of I Falls, and then using this site to drive people away?! You guys are the ones that should move. You don't know how good you have it in that town. But I guess you get what you deserve. It isn't the mill that stinks, it's some of the people who live there.

Oh, I just wanted to add that Boise has nothing on Crystal Sugar--our beet plant!

You didn't start anything Cindy. I am sure everything you thought about our wonderful city is still true. Its a fine place to raise children, the environment is healthy, the people at their worst are actually good people. The standards of these fine people are probably a little more exacting then you are used to. The economy is probably resrictive and a little hard but the locals who live here while wanting more for their pocketbook always get by. When spring rolls around they all survived the winter and you and your husband and boys will also. Give it a try, and I am sure you will stay as many others have.

Cindy, don't let some negative people keep you away. This is a beautiful place to live and the people are among some of the most generous you will ever meet. They support one another in times of pain and illness; they will smile at you and say hello on the street even if they don't know you.

Right now out community is suffering but I agree with norpole (quote from previous post) "Then it is up to us to keep our city a place where you WANT to live. With another town across the river that wishes to be a part of the Rainy River Revival, we can do it. The first part is the belief, the second part is the doing. So let's do it! You know we can!)

I moved my family (wife and child) to the Falls a month ago, and I'm cautiously happy with the decision.

Our combined income is now a fraction of what it was before the move. That's the major problem, and may ultimately determine our long term fate here, no matter how much we like it. The next few years will be tough.

But the town is small, friendly, and has a much stronger sense of community than our former home. And the outdoor activities are limited only by our ambition level. The schools are smaller. No to mention, those fantastic long summer days...

It's a lifestyle move. We gave up shopping, cultural activities and bigger paychecks (as well as traffic, crime, and the rat race) for community, environment, recreation, and family time.

No place is perfect. Pick a place to live based on what you value most. You'll have to make sacrifices, no matter where you live. It's far from perfect, but International Falls has a LOT to offer. It's a great town, and I hope it will be our home for a long time to come.

I happen to agree with both sides of this conversation. As someone who grew up in a town with a similar population in central Minnesota I can honestly say that the majority of the problems this city faces are the same ones that most other small towns deal with. The main difference is the remoteness of our location up here. What I do not like is the fact that so many people from this area are so resistant to change. The population of this city is aging fast and with our young people leaving as fast as they possibly can, what does that mean for our future?

I have only been in town for a few years but I can honestly say that this is the place where I want to raise my children....at least for right now. They love to hunt, fish, camp, hike through the woods, etc. One of the things that I loved the most when I first came to town was that the children are still able to celebrate holidays in school. In the Cities there can be NO traces of Christmas, Easter, etc. The first time I walked in to the elementary school up here (Holler) it was like stepping back in to my childhood. Unlike my children's school in the Cities where there were even elementary students actiing like tiny little wanna-be gang members using every four letter word in the book up and down the hallways. I was actually appalled by the behavior of some of these children. I have never encountered a situation like that in the schools up here...not even in the high school.

Up here I feel it's okay to let my children outside in the yard after dark....not in the Cities. Up here they can walk several blocks to the park or a friend's house....not in the Cities.

What I do not like is the fact that no matter how well I raise my children, I know that the best thing for them when they grow up is to leave this town. I can't see there ever being a future for them here. Would I like them to grow up in and live and work in a small community surrounded by family and friends? Of course! On the other hand, I do not want them to settle for a low paying job where they can barely make ends meet. If they were by chance one of the few lucky ones to actually be able to get a decent paying job (I've been lucky here), then they are forced to worry and wonder what would ever happen to them if by some stroke of bad luck they lost their job. I don't want my children to grow up and have to work two or three low paying jobs just to pay the bills.

This town needs industry! It doesn't have to be a company that is going to compete with any of the local businesses. A manufacturing, machining, or assembly type of company that ships its products elsewhere would be perfect! Even the casino that was proposed a few years ago would have been great.

Come on, people! I want to stay here AND I would like my children to be able to stay here when they are old enough to make that choice. How can we make this a place where young people want to stay instead of flee at the first oportunity? We need to welcome new business AND new people to our community. It seems that we've already scared off one family, which is very unfortunate.

I keep hoping that maybe someday the future of this community will look a little brighter.

A person would get the impression reading these comments that the Falls is the worse place on earth to live. To those that hate it so much I invite you to move down to the Cities. There's lots of opportunity here. We've got a serial rapist on the loose in St. Paul, last month a man was shot in the head because he allegedly "disrespected" an other driver, an 18 year old was arrested for killing 2 people in a car crash after bragging about it on Myspace, Boston Scientific is cutting 600 jobs, an airport employee allegedly stabbed a woman in airport lot ramp, police shot and killed a suspect after he broke into a Stillwater home on the 5th, a man chased down his girl friend in a car and rammed her car causing her to crash into a parked car and killed her, a wrong-way driver caused a deadly crash in Lakeville, a man was arrested on suspicion of criminal vehicular homicide after he hit a pedestrian with his taxicab, an armed man robbed an Apple Valley store, a car was stolen with a baby still inside in Minneapolis Thursday morning, and there have been at least 3 murders in Minneapolis alone this year. Oh I forgot about the traffic. Ah the traffic. There's tons of opportunities here that people in the Falls don't have.

Yea things are bad in the Falls alright. Admittedly there isn't a Wal-Mart on every corner like here, nor are there 100 of the same exact chain restaurant per square mile, and not every square inch of open space is being flattened so yet another 1000 townhomes priced at a resonable $300,000 can be built, but hey you can't have everything.

Things are not bad in the Falls. This town does need an economic boost, that's for sure. It's going to take some thinking outside the box to draw business. In fact the entire population is going to have to be willing to accept some change, especially stanch union people.

My wife and I moved here a little more than a year ago after vacationing here for many years. My wife found a decent job in a very short time and after a few bumps in the road I found a job I thoroughly enjoy although it is seasonal at this point.

There are jobs available up here but you need to be flexible and get out and look. We moved here from the Rochester area and nobody either there or here came knocking my door down begging me to work for them.

If I were at the beginning of my career and wanted to move here I would explore self-employment. While some businesses have closed since our move here, I believe with adequate research of the area's needs, good customer service skills and providing good value in a product or service would result in success.

As far as the smell, there are plenty of residential areas in the city not affected that much. We live near McDonald's and notice it maybe 1/month and then it's not that bad. With technology today it could be better than it is so why not I don't know. $$? I'm surprised the MPCA hasn't been involved.

The economic development piece is a puzzle. We have one of the top lakes in the state for scenery and fishing, a unique National Park, one of the busiest border crossings on the country's northern boundary and a number of other assets. In answer to the question of some residents asking why would anyone want to move here, my job involves talking to a lot of out of town people and I found many that would like to move here if there were jobs. If good jobs were more readily available and the smell was decreased this community would have no economic problems. I understand Marvin wanted to build a plant here at one point. Why didn't they? How many other opportunities have been turned away? And why?

Another comment from out of town people - there are eye sores along both highways coming into town that don't make a very good first impression.

uffdapete:

Are you the same one from the fishing forum I've been reading for years? If so, thanks for becoming involved. I'm fairly new to the area. (homeowner since 2000, but not native). I just really want to see something happen in this town. ECONOMICALLY! SOCIALLY!

Come on....people are reading this thread like crazy! Please let your opinions be known. That is the wonder of a forum like this. If enough people let their voices be heard, it will be noticed.

I'm pleased to see so much HONEST discussion about our Town happening here. I think it is long overdue. First, let me state that I do love this Town. I do live here. I chose to return here. I also believe that some people who have read the comments posted about our Town are letting their emotions lead them when they respond. There is good and bad in every town. Why is it such taboo to discuss it here? Statements about Mill Smell, Local Economy etc., should not signify "hate" of this town in any way. For many townsfolk, unfortunately, low paying jobs are a fact of life here. I for one do NOT believe it is due to lack of education of the residents either, as a previous poster stated. It does me good to see that there are many open minded responses too. That is what we need, open minded discussion in able to move forward. I also do NOT believe any of these comments were made to "scare" someone (Cindy) away from moving to this town. I would hope that Cindy is an intelligent adult , who would base her decision on many things. Most of all, an informed decision is the best decision. I did live in "The Cities" until I returned here. I left from here, and returned 13 years later. Since returning 6 years ago I experienced Criminal Acts here that I did not experience there. The first one was a Meth Lab at the residence directly across the alley from my home. The Border Patrol, State Police, D.E.A, and, Local Police were all there. The whole block was shut down an entire day and into the evening while fully suited Hazmat cleaned that up. I have had one Hit and Run of my car while it was parked in my own driveway. Two times I have had windows in two vehicles broken by vandals. One time graffiti on one vehicle. Two eggings of vehicles while parked in my driveway. One theft of items out of a vehicle. Now, before people get up in arms and think I am putting "the town" down, I am not. Once again I am telling you of my experience.
That last of these occurences was 2 years ago, so that is a good thing. I live within blocks of Super One. Now, these occurences do not cause me to hate the town, or hate the people, or cause me to even dislike living here. I do enjoy living here. The perks are being able to drive a very short distance and Hunt or Fish in any number of Beautiful Areas that surround us. Which my family does regularly. The Small Town atmosphere is terrific. The people who live here are typical "Minnesota Nice". Close proximity to my job is wonderful. No long commutes, no Traffic Jams, even better. I do wish for several things here though. A Diversity of People. I truly miss seeing a diverse group of people. Jobs, jobs, jobs....to be able to have a choice of solid Employment Options available in the Community I "want" to live in. Something that would help keep a "Next Generation" here. International Falls does have it's good points, but being blind to things that could and would improve our Community is like signing its Death Warrant. Let's all keep an Open Mind and hopefully City Government will take notice of this discussion and join in too. Last , but , not least , Thank You to each and every person who has contributed to this discussion. I know this town matters to each and every one of you.

One of the things I would like to see happen is about 15 new buildings ie. stores that sell things, built on 3rd street and another 15 stores on highway 53. Sure seems like a lot of wages are going to Virginia and Duluth that could stay here if there were products being offered that would cause folks to shop here. An effort to re-vitalize these two routes by local government would sure be a good thing. There must be federal and state money which might be used and "local" government can do a few things with regard to taxation at various levels that can be effective. There is "old money" still in town that could be used but of course investments have to return a profit. I think a whole new way of thinking needs to be adopted not only by local government but by the residents themselves. A new mindset would do wonders. That new antique store in the old Ace hardware building was gutsy and its doing just fine as well as the bike shop. I hope they both do well in the future.

I was a one time resident of "The Falls" for 10 years and I miss it terribly. My family and I moved there in the Spring of 1991. I loved it because I felt my sons were safe from living in the "Big City". At the time it was a quiet community, laid back...not in any hurry to get from point A to point B. I liked the small classrooms, the fact that I could go for a walk and not worry, and not have to worry about my sons. The Falls was a great place to live. I do hope it hasn't changed much over the years. If I had my way I would move back in a heartbeat. But, I do have memories and lots of pictures from 10 years! I hope your move will be as exciting as it was for us. One day I plan on returning at least for a visit. I may not have been born in this terrific town, but I will always call it home.

To pimmyann...I am really sorry that there are no jobs up here for the educated and driven. Living and working Int'l Falls, I now feel stupid and lazy.

NorthernGirl...this is not a personal attack! I NEVER stated that people in the place that I still call HOME are lazy or anything of that nature. If I am fighting to get back, why would I think that?

Another former Falls grad here that would LOVE to be living in the Falls! Unfortunately, what is happening, in my opinion, is a downward cycle. You have people that would like to come back, but can't because there aren't enough jobs for every hard working, highly educated person. Just a few of the lucky ones get to stay. Less people coming back into town means less families, which means less consumers, students, patients, etc. If you don't have enough people to buy things, or go to the dentist, or go to school, or go to the clinic, then those jobs aren't needed. Then you have lay-offs or closings and you end up with less people in town...which means less jobs are needed...and the cycle continues. The Falls needs a major business to move in. How that's going to happen? I don't know, but something needs to be done or else it's going to shrink to nothing.

Though I agree with the general intentions, we can't be completely swept up in the need for a "major" employer. Any jobs will help the current population and small numbers of jobs beyond that will begin to add the need for more families to locate, which will spur growth. It may not be dramatic, but it will begin to create the need for more service jobs as well as jobs for teachers, doctors, etc.

Lets not set our sights only on a sudden insurgance of a great many jobs. A slow growth is better than the pattern the Falls has been experiencing for the last 30 to 40 years.

Let's face some rather ugly facts about our beloved home. It is a haven for rare cancers. It claims more people than virtually any other cause. Where do you think all the cancers come from, pristine Rainy Lake, a poplar tree, or maybe the large industry that does what it wants. I guess money will always be more important that people's lives. This topic is especially close to me as I have lost loved ones, as many of us have, because of a cancer that you would never believe was a part of our country. But it is prevalent, and it has been for a century. Our citizens fill Mayo, Duluth and Minneapolis medical facilities. Eat a walleye out of the Rainy River, take a deep breath on a humid August evening, or look at the check-out cash registers at most stores, there is a coffee can asking for donations for expenses to defray medical costs of a cancer-stricken citizen. By refusing to deal with these serious issues and improving our health, we all do our prospective citizens a disservice because no one should have to trade their life for a pittance.

Cindy,

I have briefly read through the postings. I personally don't want to join the debate. I grew up in I. Falls. I attended St. Thomas Catholic (grade) School, went to Falls High School, graduated from Rainy River C.C. and then moved to the Cities to finish my degree. I have returned to the area with my family after being gone for 4 years. That being said, let me offer some wisdom in making your decision. You mentioned this was "God's Country", then be sure this is where God wants you to be. Go with peace! Yes, find out the facts, but don't let that stop you if God is calling you to move here. Many people follow the calling of God to the most remote places of the world for missions. So set all that has been said aside (briefly) and seek the One who will guide you to the best destination for your family. "God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind." 2 Tim 1:7

I wasn't trying to scare anyone. I was trying to wake you up. A healthy environment is part of what it means to have a great city. I am not bitter or angry, I simply want to know what we can do about the perception if you wish to call it that, of the number of people who have rare cancers. Proof? At one time in the last few years, we had seven people with multiple myeloma, a cancer that occurs in 4 people out of 100,000 in Western Civilization. How does that happen in a town of 6,000? Was it fate? Dumb luck? I am proud we help each other, but that also means facing the demons wherever they may be and dealing with them. That is what real life is all about. If Cindy and her family do wish to move here, then they should know what they are getting into.

I grew up in the Falls and moved away when I was 30. Every community I have lived in since, ranging in size from a few hundred people to 15,000 people, experiences the same issues you've all been talking about. The main differences in all those communities has not been the issues they deal with, but how the people treat each other and how they deal with the issues. The most successful at dealing with their issues quit blaming others and work together to solve the issues.

Many people in the Falls have lived a sheltered life there and don't have a basis for comparison because they've never lived anywhere else. The perfect community does not exist. Every community has people who will have difficulties in finding jobs, affordable housing, etc. Every community has something it's residents complains about: the smell of the turkey farm; the noise from air traffic; the state of the roads; the need for a new libary...and on and on it goes. Every community I've ever lived in complains that the city government isn't doing enough to make things better. What I hear the loudest complainers in this thread saying is that "the powers that be" should be doing something. My question to all of you is "What are YOU doing?" It's very easy to post a comment on an Internet forum. It's much more difficult to put yourself out there in real life. If you don't like something, WORK to change it.

This comment ended up longer than I intended. I really just wanted to say, "If you aren't part of the solution, you're part of the problem."

Educated and driven? Rare cancers? HA! A "rare" cancer is pretty "rare"...no such thing...cancer is cancer, everyone has carcinogens (correct my spelling as I know you all will) in their bodies, however, it takes 'something' to make that carcinogen react to ones body. May it be stress, may it be smoking, whatever the "poison" may be, EVERYTHING causes cancer people, everything, so, before you put the whole town down due to the mills' pollution, do your research. I have been reading these comments, these editorials, all the posts for the past 4 months and it's been pretty comical in my eyes! Everybody has a right to say their opinion, but man oh man, quit yer ******en, start worrying about your own life. Never even thought about saying my own opinion, own thoughts, but, hey, if ya'll are, why cannot I?