Rainy Lake’s been producing big fish and plenty of them, according to many anglers and others in the know.

Just ask angler Trevor Belanger of International Falls. The 7-year old caught a 25-inch walleye on Rainy Lake’s Birch Point Jan. 3. He caught the fish on a Tri Magic jig.

And there’s rumor of a 31 1/2-inch walleye given up by Rainy Lake’s Sand Bay. But nobody’s got a name of an angler to go with the rumor.

Regardless, several people say that ice fishing on Rainy Lake has never been better — especially for big fish on Sand Bay.

A group of instructors at Rainy River Community College is making a push to bring education at the college online.

They hope to target students from International Falls and along the U.S.-Canadian border who, because of distance, have less access to higher education institutions in Minnesota, said Joe Chlebecek, a history and political science instructor.

The Koochiching Economic Development Authority Board is scheduled to hear an update on a wetlands plan during its meeting.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the council chambers at the International Falls Municipal Building.

During the meeting, Dave Serrano, of Arro of the North, is scheduled to discuss a mitigation plan for wetland issues on property identified as a foreign trade zone east of Ranier.

Broncos crush Eveleth-Gilbert/Mesabi East 12-2 to set up showdown with Hermantown

Jacob Casareto scored four goals and International Falls once again dominated Eveleth-Gilbert/Mesabi East in a 12-2 victory Thursday at Bronco Arena.

The Broncos crushed the Golden Bears 11-1 back on Dec. 9, while holding a 68-21 advantage in shots on goal. The advantage this time around was only 45-8, but it served as a good tune-up for Saturday’s showdown with No. 3 Hermantown, who’s undefeated at 12-0.

Alexis Podpeskar had 17 points and Virginia defeated International Falls 45-33 on Thursday to capture its 10th win of the season.

Heaven Grinsell led the Broncos (3-9) with 10 points, Danika Stelton chipped in with eight points and Ariel Arch had six points in what head coach Shawn Gilbert dubbed his team’s best defensive performance of the year. The Broncos packed it in with a 2-3 zone to limit Virginia’s play inside, and it prevented a lop-sided defeat.

The Falls continues to struggle on offense, however, and failed to score 40 points for the fifth time in its last six contests.

FHS Band to take coats at home basketball games
The Falls High School Band will check coats at home basketball games this season. Coats may be left at the cafeteria door and a number will be provided. When ready to leave, stop by the cafeteria and coats will be returned. The service is provided free of charge. However, a donation jar will be available, with proceeds going to the New York Fund.

Bronco boys hockey game Jan. 16 is at home

The Broncos boys hockey team is only 5-12-1 all-time against Hermantown, and coach John Prettyman is 2-7-0 against the Hawks in five years as head coach. Prettyman and the Broncos beat Hermantown 4-3 last season and 2-1 in overtime in the 2003-04 season.
The Broncos (8-4-1) and No. 3 Hawks (12-0) square off at 3:15 p.m. Saturday in Hermantown.

Date Time Location Comments
1-12 7:00-8:00AM Bronco Arena FHS Cheer Practice (Owen)
1-12 2:15-3:30PM Bronco Arena RRCC Women's Practice
1-12 3:50-5:20PM Bronco Arena Bronco Girls Varsity Practice
1-12 5:30-6:50PM Bronco Arena Bronco Girls JV Practice
1-12 7:00-8:30PM Bronco Arena Bronco Boys Varsity Practice
1-12 8:40-10:00PM Bronco Arena Bronco Boys JV Practice
1-12 4:00-5:00PM Kerry Park Arena Mighty Mite Practice
1-12 5:00-6:00PM Kerry Park Arena Squirt Practice
1-12 6:10-7:10PM Kerry Park Arena Girls U12 Practice

Rainy Lake and the International Falls and Ranier area will be featured on the “Fishing the Midwest” television show this weekend. The show was taped last July and features host Bob Jensen fishing with Rainy Lake guide Barry “Woody” Woods.

The program airs on WDIO/WIRT (Duluth/Iron Range) at 9 a.m. Sunday and on KSTC (Minneapolis/St. Paul) at 11 a.m. Saturday. The show is also carried on cable systems through Fox Sportsnet at 11:30 a.m. Saturday.

Jensen said he’s fished Rainy Lake and Rainy River many times through the years and have enjoyed every trip there.

VNP Staff Report

Significant snowfall has created excellent snowmobiling conditions on land-based trails in the Voyageurs National Park region.

The Green Trail from Rainy Lake to Kabetogama Lake and on to the Ash River Trail is in fair to good condition. Patches of slush are still present along the trail and winds have created snow drifts.