Rainy Lake Gazette

10/11/2025

Find out more about the the Giniw Collective in this week's Rainy Lake Gazette and from 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Loony’s Grill in Ranier, with the collective with share a meal with the community.

Growing up in International Falls was the best world for Tara Houska, but like many in their youth, she left the small-town life with a yearning to find out what else was out there, beyond Borderland.

10/10/2025

A better future depends on informed communities. Supporting local journalism means ensuring civic engagement, accountability, and resilience.

This National Newspaper Week, join us in shaping that future. Subscribe for just 99 cents.

10/09/2025

Throwback Thursday with today's Looking Back!
60 years ago:
A spunky 89-year-old grandmother who lives alone at Birchdale scared off an invading bear Friday night. Mrs. Mary Slauson, who tips the scale at 120 pounds and stands at five feet, heard the bear at her door at about 9 p.m.

The door was wired shut, so she knew the bear couldn’t enter there. Failing at the door, the bruin went to the window and ripped its translucent covering to shreds. Ready to do battle, the dauntless little white-haired woman grabbed the butcher knife, confronted the bear at the window and shouted out, “You try and get in that window and I’ll stab your eyes out.”

Thwarted by Grandma’s threat, the bear lumbered off into the night. Mrs. Slauson’s son and grandson, Merle Bennett and Leslie Whitcomb, each of whom lives half a mile on either side of her home, kept a vigil Saturday night but failed to see the bear.

15 years ago

10/09/2025

Did you know? Thriving local media strengthens small businesses, boosts local economies, and creates opportunity.
This National Newspaper Week, support the paper that supports YOU. Subscriptions start at just 99 cents.

10/08/2025

Check out these exclusive deals for Rainy Lake Gazette subscribers, offered by our business partners to help support the community and local journalism.

Please support our Community Insider Perks partners, who are offering the following deals exclusive to Rainy Lake Gazette subscribers.

10/07/2025

The new WMA, about 35 miles west of International Falls, at County Road 84, offers more opportunity for the public to experience Borderland outdoors.

It was a gathering that former International Falls Mayor Bob Anderson would have loved, and former state Sen. Bob Lessard reveled in.

10/07/2025

Local journalism means being in the know. From town hall meetings to neighborhood events, our reporters cover what impacts YOUR daily life.
Celebrate National Newspaper Week by subscribing for just 99 cents and stay informed, connected, and empowered.

10/06/2025

Carol Anderson and Bob Lessard pose for photos today at the dedication of Lessard Anderson Wildlife Management Area, 35 mile west of International Falls.

10/06/2025

People are asked to stay away to allow the fire crews to do their jobs. We will share more updates as we get them.

A 40-acre wildfire broke out just outside the community of Margie on Sunday afternoon, prompting a coordinated emergency response from multiple agencies.

10/06/2025

Are you looking for a loyal friend?

Hello Borderland! My name is “Bronco.” I am 77 pounds and about 2 years old. I love to play, and everyone tells me I’m such a good boy!

10/06/2025

This week, we celebrate National Newspaper Week!
Local journalism is the heartbeat of an informed community — bringing you stories about school boards, city councils, local businesses, and the people who make our town thrive. 📰
👉 Support your local paper today. Subscriptions start at just 99 cents.

10/05/2025

Holding signs, more than 20 people lined the street across from Smokey Bear Park in International Falls Saturday in a demonstration that showed what they see as a need to solemnly mourn the loss of the ideals of democracy under the Trump Administration.