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International Falls City Council will hear from its state representatives when it meets tonight.
The Falls City Council is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers at the Falls Municipal Building.

At 6 p.m. tonight, the council will conduct a Truth-in-Taxation hearing to allow residents to comment on the 2009 levy and budget. The council has agreed to a levy of $1.75 million for 2009, which is 15-percent less than the amount collected this year. The levy will help support a $12.1 million budget which must be approved this month.

Chamber event received 74 nominations

The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce recognized outstanding businesses, organizations and people Nov. 8 at the 13th Rainy River District Business Awards Banquet.
The 12 awardees were selected from 74 nominees for outstanding business achievement and contributions to the economic growth and prosperity of the region.

The Littlefork City Council heard several reports during a brief meeting Thursday.
Councilors were told the city has not received reimbursement from its insurance provider for damage that occurred in Littlefork during a June storm, according to Littlefork City Administrator Mike Fairchild.
The council also heard that the plans for construction on Aspen Street planned for next year include installing a storm sewer, road bed and gutter, and paving the road, according to Fairchild.
The council also heard that construction on the ambulance facility is nearly complete, according to Fairchild.

Poll on four-day week to be mailed in next few weeks

LITTLEFORK — In a short review at its third meeting in three consecutive days, the Littlefork-Big Falls School Board Wednesday sized up public input received on a proposed L-BF four-day school week.
At public forums on Monday in Littlefork, and on Tuesday in Big Falls, significant disapproval of a change in schedule for L-BF students was voiced in large turnouts at both meetings. The length of the school day and sport conflicts were among major concerns.

A large craft fair with artisans from around the region will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Littlefork at the Littlefork-Big Falls School in the old gymnasium.

The Littlefork City Council is scheduled to hear several reports including those from its Ambulance and Fire Departments, at its regular meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday at Littlefork City Hall.
On the agenda are continued discussions on the ambulance facility, Aspen Street construction, the Community Education Recreation Commission director position and insurance reimbursement for storm damage to the city.
Also scheduled for discussion is the 2008 audit proposal and the cable TV agreement.
A public comment period is included at every regular meeting.

Mayor calls emails unethical, corrupt, demeaning and sexist

International Falls officials Monday alleged that Koochiching County and Minnesota Department of Transportation officials conspired via emails about the outcome of a hearing and other issues involving a proposal to realign Minnesota Highway 332.

RANIER — The Ranier City Council Monday adopted a resolution which delegates to Koochiching County the responsibilities of implementing the Minnesota Wetlands Conservation Act.
Mayor Ed Oerichbauer, who could not attend the meeting, forwarded a recommendation from the Buildings, Streets, and Grounds Committee that the full council adopt the MWCA.

The Littlefork-Big Falls school board will hold its regular meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday in the L-BF board room. It is expected to discuss a bestowal that will be made to the district.
Superintendent Fred Seybert has been informed of what could be a substantial sum bequeathed to the school from the estate of Robert W. Dahlen.
The board is also scheduled to approve the hiring of a Title I aide and a baseball coach.
The school day Dec. 15 is expected to be approved for early adjournment due to the Everyday Math program.

Shawn Mason will return for a second term as International Falls mayor, defeating newcomer Allen Kruse Tuesday.
Mason won reelection with 1,866 votes to Kruse’s 1,052 votes. Twelve write-in votes were cast in the mayoral race.
Incumbent Falls Councilor Cynthia Jaksa was unchallenged for the West Ward seat she was appointed to earlier this year. She’s filling out an expired term left with the resignation of Kelly Meyers. Jaksa got 982 votes Tuesday. Eight write-in votes were cast.