Here you will find articles that have
been published by The Journal about
the Borderland Humane Society.
KCC-TV - an interview about the Borderland Humane Society, past, present & future. Click to watch the You Tube video.
KCC-TV - an interview with Julie & Kim Manley about their mother, Jean Manley - How the Borderland Humane Society Got It's Start
Dog rescued from Rainy River ice
By LAUREL BEAGER
Editor International Falls Journal
There's at least one lucky dog in Ranier, thanks to the efforts of Koochiching County's sheriff and deputy. A call at about 11:45 a.m. Wednesday that a dog had fallen off the edge of ice into open water on Rainy River put the Sheriff's Office in motion. The call came from a man that had attempted to walk onto the ice with a broom to help the dog, which appeared to be hanging on to the ice with its front paws, keeping its head just above water.
Sheriff Perryn Hedlund said Deputy John Kalstad got the call and deputies scrambled to prepare the county's air boat for launch. But it wasn't needed. Hedlund and Kalstad headed to the site, just west of the Ranier rail bridge and near County Road 130. Former police officer Willi Kostiuk, who now serves as county emergency management coordinator, was visiting with the two at the time of the call and came along to help. Kostiuk shot photos of the rescue.
Kalstad donned his Mustang survival suit and was tethered to land with a rope. He crawled across the ice and grabbed the dog, said Hedlund. "Deputy Kalstad did a tremendous job," said Hedlund.
The dog appeared healthy, but extremely cold. His collar had no identification tag, so its owner could not be located, he said. As Kalstad crouched to check on the dog, Kostiuk said the dog was shaking from exposure, appeared grateful to be out of the water and wagged his tail continually. Hedlund said the rescuers were going to attempt to locate his owner, but the dog had other ideas. "He took off playing with other dogs and ran from us," said Hedlund laughing. "It was all good on his part as far as we could see."
While the incident had a happy ending, it could have been worse, Hedlund said. He urged people to be aware of where their children and dogs are as ice conditions deteriorate. "John didn't go through the ice, he had been tied off with a rope, but a simple dog rescue and John put his life on the line," Hedlund said. And he said while the man attempting to save the dog had good intentions, he could have risked his life, as well as the lives of people who may have had to rescue him had he fallen into the water.
No ice is ever safe, especially near current and at this time of year, Hedlund said. "The ice is starting to go and it's not ever good there," he said of the area around Ranier, where current is swift as the lake narrows to begin Rainy River.
Meanwhile, Hedlund said Kalstad reports the main part of Rainy Lake still appears to be holding, but is starting to deteriorate along the shoreline. "Me?," asked Hedlund. "I wouldn't be out there."
He said he's heard of no reports on the U.S. side of vehicles or people falling through the ice. However, local people are talking about the front end of a pickup owned by a Falls resident dropping through the ice on the Ontario side of Rainy Lake.
Voyageurs National Park is reacting to the changing conditions and has closed all ice roads and recreation trails within the park.
There's at least one lucky dog in Ranier, thanks to the efforts of Koochiching County's sheriff and deputy. A call at about 11:45 a.m. Wednesday that a dog had fallen off the edge of ice into open water on Rainy River put the Sheriff's Office in motion. The call came from a man that had attempted to walk onto the ice with a broom to help the dog, which appeared to be hanging on to the ice with its front paws, keeping its head just above water.
Sheriff Perryn Hedlund said Deputy John Kalstad got the call and deputies scrambled to prepare the county's air boat for launch. But it wasn't needed. Hedlund and Kalstad headed to the site, just west of the Ranier rail bridge and near County Road 130. Former police officer Willi Kostiuk, who now serves as county emergency management coordinator, was visiting with the two at the time of the call and came along to help. Kostiuk shot photos of the rescue.
Kalstad donned his Mustang survival suit and was tethered to land with a rope. He crawled across the ice and grabbed the dog, said Hedlund. "Deputy Kalstad did a tremendous job," said Hedlund.
The dog appeared healthy, but extremely cold. His collar had no identification tag, so its owner could not be located, he said. As Kalstad crouched to check on the dog, Kostiuk said the dog was shaking from exposure, appeared grateful to be out of the water and wagged his tail continually. Hedlund said the rescuers were going to attempt to locate his owner, but the dog had other ideas. "He took off playing with other dogs and ran from us," said Hedlund laughing. "It was all good on his part as far as we could see."
While the incident had a happy ending, it could have been worse, Hedlund said. He urged people to be aware of where their children and dogs are as ice conditions deteriorate. "John didn't go through the ice, he had been tied off with a rope, but a simple dog rescue and John put his life on the line," Hedlund said. And he said while the man attempting to save the dog had good intentions, he could have risked his life, as well as the lives of people who may have had to rescue him had he fallen into the water.
No ice is ever safe, especially near current and at this time of year, Hedlund said. "The ice is starting to go and it's not ever good there," he said of the area around Ranier, where current is swift as the lake narrows to begin Rainy River.
Meanwhile, Hedlund said Kalstad reports the main part of Rainy Lake still appears to be holding, but is starting to deteriorate along the shoreline. "Me?," asked Hedlund. "I wouldn't be out there."
He said he's heard of no reports on the U.S. side of vehicles or people falling through the ice. However, local people are talking about the front end of a pickup owned by a Falls resident dropping through the ice on the Ontario side of Rainy Lake.
Voyageurs National Park is reacting to the changing conditions and has closed all ice roads and recreation trails within the park.
RRCC helps out Borderland Humane Society - 1.27.14
Last week, Rainy River Community College students went to newly-opened Borderland Humane Society to measure and make a materials list of everything needed to cut holes in the cat cages to allow the cats to roam back and forth.
The project took a little teamwork. While two students cut holes and sanded them down to be smooth, other students cut PVC pipe to fit the holes. The pipe is expected to be installed this week.
According to an RRCC official, Mike Turenne, RRCC foundation board member, contacted the college to find out if the industrial maintenance class could do some community volunteer work modifying these cat cages.
Mike Koski, who teaches the class, thought it would be a great way for the college and his class to give back.
An industrial technology student at Rainy River Community College volunteers at the Borderland Humane Society last week. Students cut holes in the cat cages to allow the animals more freedom roam.
The experience at the humane society gave students some hands-on learning, while helping out the newly-opened facility.
The project took a little teamwork. While two students cut holes and sanded them down to be smooth, other students cut PVC pipe to fit the holes. The pipe is expected to be installed this week.
According to an RRCC official, Mike Turenne, RRCC foundation board member, contacted the college to find out if the industrial maintenance class could do some community volunteer work modifying these cat cages.
Mike Koski, who teaches the class, thought it would be a great way for the college and his class to give back.
An industrial technology student at Rainy River Community College volunteers at the Borderland Humane Society last week. Students cut holes in the cat cages to allow the animals more freedom roam.
The experience at the humane society gave students some hands-on learning, while helping out the newly-opened facility.
Four-legged residents get new home - 1.21.14
By EMILY GEDDE Staff Writer International Falls Journal
After three years, a few Borderland animals are getting a new home.
Construction on the Borderland Humane Society holding facility is complete and volunteers gathered together Sunday to introduce the animals to their new pad.
“We’re feeling really good about,” BHS President Nikki Turenne said of the new facility. “We’re really excited.”
The new facility is located just west of Menards in a partnership involving International Falls and the Borderland Humane Society, with financial assistance from Koochiching County and local contributors and donors.
The city-owned holding facility was previously located in a construction zone as workers rehabilitate the North Koochiching Area Sanitary District treatment plant. The location made it difficult for volunteers with Borderland Humane Society, which manages the facility, to safely access the building, and noise and vibrations from the construction placed stress on the animals held there, Turenne said.
“We were getting a little worried that it was winter and we were still located in the old place,” Turenne said, noting the previous building was constructed as a garage in the 1960s.
The new building has features that will enable BHS volunteers to better take care of lost or abandoned dogs and cats. Turenne said dogs and cats will be in different rooms unlike at the old place, and cleaning amenities including a pet wash tub, a washer, dryer and grooming room will help improve the care the animals receive.
“It’ll take us awhile to get used to all the new features,” she said. “We will have to get into a routine of caring for the animals in a different way...But it is just 100 times better than what we had. This is definitely going to benefit the animals.”
An open house is not yet scheduled, but is expected in the near future, Turenne noted.
“Once we get everything put away and get adjusted to our new place, we can’t wait to invite the community to come see our new spot,” she said. “We hope to offer this in a month or so.”
For now, Turenne is hoping the new, updated facility will attract more people to offer their time and become a BHS volunteer.
“I think the old place scared some people off a bit,” she said. “Hopefully now, people will feel comfortable here and want to help out.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can call the BHS at 283-9276. Turenne instructed callers to leave a message and Kallie Kantos-Fritz will return their call.
After three years, a few Borderland animals are getting a new home.
Construction on the Borderland Humane Society holding facility is complete and volunteers gathered together Sunday to introduce the animals to their new pad.
“We’re feeling really good about,” BHS President Nikki Turenne said of the new facility. “We’re really excited.”
The new facility is located just west of Menards in a partnership involving International Falls and the Borderland Humane Society, with financial assistance from Koochiching County and local contributors and donors.
The city-owned holding facility was previously located in a construction zone as workers rehabilitate the North Koochiching Area Sanitary District treatment plant. The location made it difficult for volunteers with Borderland Humane Society, which manages the facility, to safely access the building, and noise and vibrations from the construction placed stress on the animals held there, Turenne said.
“We were getting a little worried that it was winter and we were still located in the old place,” Turenne said, noting the previous building was constructed as a garage in the 1960s.
The new building has features that will enable BHS volunteers to better take care of lost or abandoned dogs and cats. Turenne said dogs and cats will be in different rooms unlike at the old place, and cleaning amenities including a pet wash tub, a washer, dryer and grooming room will help improve the care the animals receive.
“It’ll take us awhile to get used to all the new features,” she said. “We will have to get into a routine of caring for the animals in a different way...But it is just 100 times better than what we had. This is definitely going to benefit the animals.”
An open house is not yet scheduled, but is expected in the near future, Turenne noted.
“Once we get everything put away and get adjusted to our new place, we can’t wait to invite the community to come see our new spot,” she said. “We hope to offer this in a month or so.”
For now, Turenne is hoping the new, updated facility will attract more people to offer their time and become a BHS volunteer.
“I think the old place scared some people off a bit,” she said. “Hopefully now, people will feel comfortable here and want to help out.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can call the BHS at 283-9276. Turenne instructed callers to leave a message and Kallie Kantos-Fritz will return their call.
BHS wraps up 2014 - 12.29.14
2014 has been, to say the least, interesting for the active members of the Borderland Humane Society. Challenges, yes … accepted. Obstacles, yes... overcome. Goals, yes … achieved.
More challenges, obstacles and goals in 2015 are lying in wait. Community members who want to be part of the bigger picture are encouraged and welcome join the elite group of “Angels in Action” and help out in the community.
For more information on how to make a significant difference in your life and the life of the voiceless, contact BHS by calling 283-9276 or stop in to the holding facility and be a part of the the transition over to the new building.
Meetings are scheduled at 5:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at River’s Edge Villa dining room.
The wish of BHS is to make an even bigger impact on the community in 2015.
More challenges, obstacles and goals in 2015 are lying in wait. Community members who want to be part of the bigger picture are encouraged and welcome join the elite group of “Angels in Action” and help out in the community.
For more information on how to make a significant difference in your life and the life of the voiceless, contact BHS by calling 283-9276 or stop in to the holding facility and be a part of the the transition over to the new building.
Meetings are scheduled at 5:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at River’s Edge Villa dining room.
The wish of BHS is to make an even bigger impact on the community in 2015.
Santa Paws Has Been Here - 12.26.14
Santa paws has been here Staff photo by Laurel Beager International Falls Journal
Dozens of items for needy pets in the community are being collected by Kallie Kantos-Fritz, left, and Robin Ramquist for delivery to the Falls Hunger Coalition. In its fifth year, food, toys, treats and other pet accessories are collected at the pet tree at The Journal/North Star Publishing in a team effort with the Borderland Humane Society. Donations may continue to be brought to The Journal, Highway 71 into the new year. Kantos-Fritz, who serves as BHS Volunteer Coordinator, and Ramquist, BHS Board member, said the donations are greatly appreciated.
Dozens of items for needy pets in the community are being collected by Kallie Kantos-Fritz, left, and Robin Ramquist for delivery to the Falls Hunger Coalition. In its fifth year, food, toys, treats and other pet accessories are collected at the pet tree at The Journal/North Star Publishing in a team effort with the Borderland Humane Society. Donations may continue to be brought to The Journal, Highway 71 into the new year. Kantos-Fritz, who serves as BHS Volunteer Coordinator, and Ramquist, BHS Board member, said the donations are greatly appreciated.
Holding Facility - 10.14.14
Work
on the interior of the International Falls animal holding facility continues
this week. The building is expected to be completed this month. The new facility is
being constructed just west of Menards in a partnership involving the City and
the Borderland Humane Society, with financial assistance from Koochiching
County and local contributions and donations.
The city-owned holding facility in use now is in a construction zone as workers rehabilitate the North Koochiching Area Sewer Treatment plant. The location makes it difficult for volunteers with Borderland Humane Society, which manages the facility, to safely access the building, and noise and vibrations from the construction are placing stress on the animals held there.
The location and the age of the existing facility have led to the new location and building, which meets state requirements for an animal facility, BHS President Nikki Turenne said during a tour of the building this week. Ideally, there would be no need for the facility, as responsible pet owners would have their dogs and cats neutered and spayed eliminating the many unwanted and abandoned pets in the community, she said. But, since that is not the case, Turenne said society volunteers are excited to move into the new facility because it will make it easier for volunteers to handle and process animals, as well as to work through adoptions. The facility should be in full use sometime this month.
The city pays the all-volunteer BHS $2,250 per month to operate the shelter, instead of making it a part of the Falls Police Department functions. City Public Works Director Gary Skallman said this week the interior walls are being painted and FRP board, a washable, stain-resistant board is being applied halfway up the walls of the cat and dog areas. An epoxy paint will be added to the floors of the dog and cat areas to allow for easy cleaning, he said.
BHS is purchasing kennels and other interior furniture which will soon be placed inside the building, he said. City officials had planned to be further ahead in the project at this time, but this spring’s wet weather, which caused flooding issues in the community, delayed work. He said landscaping will continue into the fall after the building is completed.
“It would have been nice is the weather would have cooperated this spring,” Skallman said. “We couldn’t get into the site to get started and the site work was delayed because of the miserable spring. It was one of those springs that caused problems for just about everybody everywhere.”
The facility has been constructed to last 40 to 50 years into the future.
Specifications for the building were donated by Lucachick Architecture Inc., with other design work donated by Martin Mechanical Design Inc., Fargo, N.D., Jones A.E., Clearbrook, and J.B. Electrical Design, Coon Rapids.
The city-owned holding facility in use now is in a construction zone as workers rehabilitate the North Koochiching Area Sewer Treatment plant. The location makes it difficult for volunteers with Borderland Humane Society, which manages the facility, to safely access the building, and noise and vibrations from the construction are placing stress on the animals held there.
The location and the age of the existing facility have led to the new location and building, which meets state requirements for an animal facility, BHS President Nikki Turenne said during a tour of the building this week. Ideally, there would be no need for the facility, as responsible pet owners would have their dogs and cats neutered and spayed eliminating the many unwanted and abandoned pets in the community, she said. But, since that is not the case, Turenne said society volunteers are excited to move into the new facility because it will make it easier for volunteers to handle and process animals, as well as to work through adoptions. The facility should be in full use sometime this month.
The city pays the all-volunteer BHS $2,250 per month to operate the shelter, instead of making it a part of the Falls Police Department functions. City Public Works Director Gary Skallman said this week the interior walls are being painted and FRP board, a washable, stain-resistant board is being applied halfway up the walls of the cat and dog areas. An epoxy paint will be added to the floors of the dog and cat areas to allow for easy cleaning, he said.
BHS is purchasing kennels and other interior furniture which will soon be placed inside the building, he said. City officials had planned to be further ahead in the project at this time, but this spring’s wet weather, which caused flooding issues in the community, delayed work. He said landscaping will continue into the fall after the building is completed.
“It would have been nice is the weather would have cooperated this spring,” Skallman said. “We couldn’t get into the site to get started and the site work was delayed because of the miserable spring. It was one of those springs that caused problems for just about everybody everywhere.”
The facility has been constructed to last 40 to 50 years into the future.
Specifications for the building were donated by Lucachick Architecture Inc., with other design work donated by Martin Mechanical Design Inc., Fargo, N.D., Jones A.E., Clearbrook, and J.B. Electrical Design, Coon Rapids.
Existing shelter - The existing shelter is located in the middle of construction at the community’s sewer treatment plant.
01.23.14
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New site - The site for a new shelter is surrounded by trees and located west of Menard’s lumber yard.
01.23.14
|
Bid for pet shelter awarded - 01.23.14
Abandoned and lost pets requiring the care of the Borderland Humane Society will soon have a new place to call their temporary home with the awarding of a contract to construct a new shelter at a new site.
The International Falls City Council Tuesday accepted the low bid of $250,000 from Up North Builders of International Falls. Construction is expected to be complete in August.
Councilors said while some people may believe the cost to be high for a pet shelter in the community, it is a one-time investment that meets state requirements and will last 40 to 50 years into the future.
In addition, the council said the building will be owned by the city, and outlined contributions that will help pay for the construction. The city and Koochiching County will each provide $80,000; $50,000 up front and $30,000 in forgivable loans. The Borderland Humane Society will contribute $50,000 and the North Koochiching Sanitary Sewer Board $10,000.
Designs and other specifications for the building were donated by Lucachick Architecture Inc., with other design work donated by Martin Mechanical Design Inc., Fargo, N.D., Jones A.E., Clearbrook, and J.B. Electrical Design, Coon Rapids. Materials used for the building will allow it to be expanded for future needs.
The shelter will be constructed on a frontage road just west of the Menard’s lumber yard. The tax-forfeited property was provided by county.
Designs of the building include a unisex accessible bathroom, office, separate cat and dog kennel areas, an intake area, mechanical and janitorial area and an animal bathing area.
Constructing a new facility grew from discussions that started in 2010, when city and county officials joined with BHS volunteers to consider ways to remove the existing shelter from its location within construction of the community’s sanitary sewer plant.
When more about state and federal requirements were known, it became apparent to the group the existing facility could not be temporarily moved and few places to locate the facility were available.
The new shelter is a bit larger than first anticipated in order to meet Americans with Disabilities Act and state shelter requirements.
The new site is expected to be surrounded by a public dog park and is not near residences.
The International Falls City Council Tuesday accepted the low bid of $250,000 from Up North Builders of International Falls. Construction is expected to be complete in August.
Councilors said while some people may believe the cost to be high for a pet shelter in the community, it is a one-time investment that meets state requirements and will last 40 to 50 years into the future.
In addition, the council said the building will be owned by the city, and outlined contributions that will help pay for the construction. The city and Koochiching County will each provide $80,000; $50,000 up front and $30,000 in forgivable loans. The Borderland Humane Society will contribute $50,000 and the North Koochiching Sanitary Sewer Board $10,000.
Designs and other specifications for the building were donated by Lucachick Architecture Inc., with other design work donated by Martin Mechanical Design Inc., Fargo, N.D., Jones A.E., Clearbrook, and J.B. Electrical Design, Coon Rapids. Materials used for the building will allow it to be expanded for future needs.
The shelter will be constructed on a frontage road just west of the Menard’s lumber yard. The tax-forfeited property was provided by county.
Designs of the building include a unisex accessible bathroom, office, separate cat and dog kennel areas, an intake area, mechanical and janitorial area and an animal bathing area.
Constructing a new facility grew from discussions that started in 2010, when city and county officials joined with BHS volunteers to consider ways to remove the existing shelter from its location within construction of the community’s sanitary sewer plant.
When more about state and federal requirements were known, it became apparent to the group the existing facility could not be temporarily moved and few places to locate the facility were available.
The new shelter is a bit larger than first anticipated in order to meet Americans with Disabilities Act and state shelter requirements.
The new site is expected to be surrounded by a public dog park and is not near residences.
2014 - Cause for Paws - Letter to the Editor - 11.01.13
To the editor,
An open letter to the community and Borderland Humane Society Board of Directors,
The Cause for Paws (CFP) Committee has thought long and hard about the wonderful five years of support we have received from you. Your support has benefited the animals and the development of the future holding facility (animal shelter) for the Borderland Humane Society. Due to the current economic situation we are now facing in our community and lack of necessary volunteer support to continue our Cause for Paws tradition, we find that it is not feasible to hold our annual event this year, even though a local business has agreed to sponsor a Cause for Paws and a speaker has
volunteered her services. At this time, we feel we cannot do the annual fundraiser justice, but we anticipate reviving what has become the tradition of a Cause for Paws annual fundraiser in 2015.
At this time we would like to clear up a common misconception, the Cause for Paws Committee is separate from the Borderland Humane Society. The Cause for Paws Committee has been sponsored by a local business and the Cause for Paws Committee has designated the monies raised go to the Borderland Humane Society. The Borderland Humane Society is simply the recipient of the funds raised by the Cause for Paws annual fundraiser.
While we know many of you are passionate about the welfare of the animals in our community and county, we hope you will continue to offer your support for the Borderland Humane Society and the new holding facility project that is underway. Your continued support for the well-being and health care of abandoned and neglected animals in the greater International Falls and Koochiching County area. is greatly appreciated. Donations, memorials and honors can continue to be made to the Borderland Humane Society for the general fund or monies may be designated to the “Future Holding Facility Fund” to donate specifically for the new holding facility.
Kallie Kantos-Fritz - Acting Cause for Paws Committee Chair - International Falls, MN
Editor’s note: This letter was also signed by previous Cause for Paws Committee Chair Angelique LaFrance and acting Cause for Paws Treasurer Robin Ramquist.
An open letter to the community and Borderland Humane Society Board of Directors,
The Cause for Paws (CFP) Committee has thought long and hard about the wonderful five years of support we have received from you. Your support has benefited the animals and the development of the future holding facility (animal shelter) for the Borderland Humane Society. Due to the current economic situation we are now facing in our community and lack of necessary volunteer support to continue our Cause for Paws tradition, we find that it is not feasible to hold our annual event this year, even though a local business has agreed to sponsor a Cause for Paws and a speaker has
volunteered her services. At this time, we feel we cannot do the annual fundraiser justice, but we anticipate reviving what has become the tradition of a Cause for Paws annual fundraiser in 2015.
At this time we would like to clear up a common misconception, the Cause for Paws Committee is separate from the Borderland Humane Society. The Cause for Paws Committee has been sponsored by a local business and the Cause for Paws Committee has designated the monies raised go to the Borderland Humane Society. The Borderland Humane Society is simply the recipient of the funds raised by the Cause for Paws annual fundraiser.
While we know many of you are passionate about the welfare of the animals in our community and county, we hope you will continue to offer your support for the Borderland Humane Society and the new holding facility project that is underway. Your continued support for the well-being and health care of abandoned and neglected animals in the greater International Falls and Koochiching County area. is greatly appreciated. Donations, memorials and honors can continue to be made to the Borderland Humane Society for the general fund or monies may be designated to the “Future Holding Facility Fund” to donate specifically for the new holding facility.
Kallie Kantos-Fritz - Acting Cause for Paws Committee Chair - International Falls, MN
Editor’s note: This letter was also signed by previous Cause for Paws Committee Chair Angelique LaFrance and acting Cause for Paws Treasurer Robin Ramquist.
Our View - Plan fits all needs - 10.22.13
The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.
That comment has been attributed to Ghandi, and many other people have voiced similar philosophies referring to the elderly, the poor, children and animals.
In this case, we believe this community’s measure will be ranked high though a partnership that has brought government and a non-profit organization together for the benefit of the community and the pets this community loses, abandons or
allows to proliferate without control.
We applaud Koochiching County commissioners, International Falls city councilors, and volunteers with the Borderland Humane Society for braving criticism to work toward establishing a pet shelter to take care of this community’s pets.
And while some people may think that the pet shelter being planned for construction next year is too costly or beyond what it needed, we disagree. The day of putting pets in crates in an old shed is over. This plan will meet the needs and the state requirements for a pet shelter.
For some, pets are nothing more than a bother or something to be used for their own pleasure until it becomes inconvenient. For others, pets provide a crucial role in our lives by giving humans the companionship they need, and a
physical contact that some may not get from anyone else. Either way, a civilized society must provide for the care of pets that are no longer of use to some, or simply cannot be cared for by others.
That’s why we give kudos to Steve Shermoen, city attorney and pet lover, who suggested a forgivable loan to BHS for a portion of the costs. Shermoen said that pet lovers could donate generously toward the effort, while other taxpayers could take comfort in knowing that a portion of the costs would be returned to the governments.
Clearly, a community that does not need a pet shelter is ideal. But that can only happen with responsible humans making sure that all pets are: neutered and spayed; taken care of humanely and appropriately; and identified through pet
tags and city licenses.
But, not all humans are responsible, which has led to other needs and rules in other aspects of life.
The new shelter will serve this community well and we encourage all that believe in the value of pets to consider a contribution toward it.
That comment has been attributed to Ghandi, and many other people have voiced similar philosophies referring to the elderly, the poor, children and animals.
In this case, we believe this community’s measure will be ranked high though a partnership that has brought government and a non-profit organization together for the benefit of the community and the pets this community loses, abandons or
allows to proliferate without control.
We applaud Koochiching County commissioners, International Falls city councilors, and volunteers with the Borderland Humane Society for braving criticism to work toward establishing a pet shelter to take care of this community’s pets.
And while some people may think that the pet shelter being planned for construction next year is too costly or beyond what it needed, we disagree. The day of putting pets in crates in an old shed is over. This plan will meet the needs and the state requirements for a pet shelter.
For some, pets are nothing more than a bother or something to be used for their own pleasure until it becomes inconvenient. For others, pets provide a crucial role in our lives by giving humans the companionship they need, and a
physical contact that some may not get from anyone else. Either way, a civilized society must provide for the care of pets that are no longer of use to some, or simply cannot be cared for by others.
That’s why we give kudos to Steve Shermoen, city attorney and pet lover, who suggested a forgivable loan to BHS for a portion of the costs. Shermoen said that pet lovers could donate generously toward the effort, while other taxpayers could take comfort in knowing that a portion of the costs would be returned to the governments.
Clearly, a community that does not need a pet shelter is ideal. But that can only happen with responsible humans making sure that all pets are: neutered and spayed; taken care of humanely and appropriately; and identified through pet
tags and city licenses.
But, not all humans are responsible, which has led to other needs and rules in other aspects of life.
The new shelter will serve this community well and we encourage all that believe in the value of pets to consider a contribution toward it.
City commits funding for animal shelter - 10.15.13
At this time next year, abandoned and rescued pets could have a new shelter in International Falls.
The Falls City Council Thursday agreed to fund a new animal shelter by committing from the 2014 budget $80,000 toward a new building, with $30,000 of that to be provided in a low, and potentially forgivable, interest loan to the Borderland Humane Society.
The council met in special session Thursday. Councilor Paul Eklund was absent.
The council agreed to seek bids for the project, contingent on all partners in the project approving financial investments. The Koochiching County Board, a partner with the city and BHS in the project, is expected to consider committing the same amount of funding in a similar flexible, forgivable loan when it meets next week.
In addition to the city and county funding, BHS is expected to provide $50,000, and North Koochiching Area Sanitation District $10,000, toward construction of the 40-foot by 48-foot building that will be owned by the city, with BHS providing the shelter services under a contract with the city. Tax forfeited property deeded to the city by the county on the west side of Menards is now being prepared for the structure.
Kelly Meyers, city building inspector, Thursday presented designs for the facility, which will be a bit larger than first anticipated in order to meet Americans with Disabilities Act and state shelter requirements.
Designs and other specifications for the building were donated by Lucachick Architecture Inc., with other design work donated by Martin Mechanical Design Inc., Fargo, N.D., Jones A.E., Clearbrook, and J.B. Electrical Design, Coon Rapids.
Meyers said he anticipates awarding a bid in December, with construction completed in August.
The city, county and BHS had expected to fund the shelter at $50,000 each, but meeting requirements drove the cost up by an additional $60,000.
City Attorney Steve Shermoen suggested the city consider a loan for the $30,000. He said BHS has indicated it will raise money to pay its portion of the building and has agreed to furnish the interior of the building on its own. The city pays the all-volunteer BHS $2,250 per month to operate the shelter, instead of making it a part of the Falls Police Department functions.
Shermoen said he anticipates BHS to be the recipient of donations, some in the form of provisions in wills and estates, that may allow the society to pay the city back at some point.
“Some people really, really care about animals, and some don’t,” he said. “This may be a way to allow those people to get involved and to recover a portion of the assistance.”
County Administration Director Teresa Briggs said that the county board discussed the loan idea Shermoen this week and agreed to the concept.
Meanwhile, Meyers discussed with the council the designs of the building, which include a unisex accessible bathroom, office, separate cat and dog kennel areas, an intake area, mechanical and janitorial area and an animal bathing
area.
“This meets all the criteria of what is needed for an animal facility,” he said. Wetland credits were required, he noted.
He described the materials that will be used for the building, which can be expanded for future needs. Utilities must be brought to the building, said Meyers.
Constructing a new facilty grew from discussions that started in 2010, when city and county officials joined with BHS volunteers to consider ways to remove the existing shelter from its location within construction of the community’s
sanitary sewer plant.
When more about state and federal requirements were known, it became apparent to the group that the existing facility could not be temporarily moved and few places to locate the facility were available.
The new site is expected to be surrounded by a public dog park and is not near residences.
The Falls City Council Thursday agreed to fund a new animal shelter by committing from the 2014 budget $80,000 toward a new building, with $30,000 of that to be provided in a low, and potentially forgivable, interest loan to the Borderland Humane Society.
The council met in special session Thursday. Councilor Paul Eklund was absent.
The council agreed to seek bids for the project, contingent on all partners in the project approving financial investments. The Koochiching County Board, a partner with the city and BHS in the project, is expected to consider committing the same amount of funding in a similar flexible, forgivable loan when it meets next week.
In addition to the city and county funding, BHS is expected to provide $50,000, and North Koochiching Area Sanitation District $10,000, toward construction of the 40-foot by 48-foot building that will be owned by the city, with BHS providing the shelter services under a contract with the city. Tax forfeited property deeded to the city by the county on the west side of Menards is now being prepared for the structure.
Kelly Meyers, city building inspector, Thursday presented designs for the facility, which will be a bit larger than first anticipated in order to meet Americans with Disabilities Act and state shelter requirements.
Designs and other specifications for the building were donated by Lucachick Architecture Inc., with other design work donated by Martin Mechanical Design Inc., Fargo, N.D., Jones A.E., Clearbrook, and J.B. Electrical Design, Coon Rapids.
Meyers said he anticipates awarding a bid in December, with construction completed in August.
The city, county and BHS had expected to fund the shelter at $50,000 each, but meeting requirements drove the cost up by an additional $60,000.
City Attorney Steve Shermoen suggested the city consider a loan for the $30,000. He said BHS has indicated it will raise money to pay its portion of the building and has agreed to furnish the interior of the building on its own. The city pays the all-volunteer BHS $2,250 per month to operate the shelter, instead of making it a part of the Falls Police Department functions.
Shermoen said he anticipates BHS to be the recipient of donations, some in the form of provisions in wills and estates, that may allow the society to pay the city back at some point.
“Some people really, really care about animals, and some don’t,” he said. “This may be a way to allow those people to get involved and to recover a portion of the assistance.”
County Administration Director Teresa Briggs said that the county board discussed the loan idea Shermoen this week and agreed to the concept.
Meanwhile, Meyers discussed with the council the designs of the building, which include a unisex accessible bathroom, office, separate cat and dog kennel areas, an intake area, mechanical and janitorial area and an animal bathing
area.
“This meets all the criteria of what is needed for an animal facility,” he said. Wetland credits were required, he noted.
He described the materials that will be used for the building, which can be expanded for future needs. Utilities must be brought to the building, said Meyers.
Constructing a new facilty grew from discussions that started in 2010, when city and county officials joined with BHS volunteers to consider ways to remove the existing shelter from its location within construction of the community’s
sanitary sewer plant.
When more about state and federal requirements were known, it became apparent to the group that the existing facility could not be temporarily moved and few places to locate the facility were available.
The new site is expected to be surrounded by a public dog park and is not near residences.
Cause for Paws
Cause for Paws (2012) an event for the animals
Cause for Paws (2012) an event for the animals
‘Cause for Paws’ howling success
Thursday, 18 April 2013 - 1:19pm
The fifth-annual “A Cause for Paws” (CFP) was a success this past Saturday in International Falls, raising $14,000 for the Borderland Humane Society.
Committee chair Kallie Kantos-Fritz was pleased with the event, noting it sold out a couple of days beforehand—a first.
The fundraiser, which also was a celebration of 40 years of the Borderland Humane Society, took place at Lenard’s.
Nikki Turenne spoke about the past, present, and future of the BHS, including the new holding facility, and also told “happy tails” stories and “then stories that tugged at your heart strings,” said Kantos-Fritz.
Falls Mayor Bob Anderson presented “Lizzy” the black lab with a plaque from the CFP committee for being a hero for saving the life of “her human,” Martha Baldwin. Baldwin accepted the award for her—Lizzy was too busy visiting people and getting pets, noted Kantos-Fritz. There also were live and silent auctions, and draws for prizes ranging from gourmet
desserts to a 50” LED TV. Paul Nevanen served as emcee while Dean Tveit was the auctioneer.
Funds raised at this year’s event will help support the well-being and health care of abandoned and neglected animals in the greater International Falls and Koochiching County areas, as well as the partial funding of a new holding facility (shelter) near Menard’s.
Committee chair Kallie Kantos-Fritz was pleased with the event, noting it sold out a couple of days beforehand—a first.
The fundraiser, which also was a celebration of 40 years of the Borderland Humane Society, took place at Lenard’s.
Nikki Turenne spoke about the past, present, and future of the BHS, including the new holding facility, and also told “happy tails” stories and “then stories that tugged at your heart strings,” said Kantos-Fritz.
Falls Mayor Bob Anderson presented “Lizzy” the black lab with a plaque from the CFP committee for being a hero for saving the life of “her human,” Martha Baldwin. Baldwin accepted the award for her—Lizzy was too busy visiting people and getting pets, noted Kantos-Fritz. There also were live and silent auctions, and draws for prizes ranging from gourmet
desserts to a 50” LED TV. Paul Nevanen served as emcee while Dean Tveit was the auctioneer.
Funds raised at this year’s event will help support the well-being and health care of abandoned and neglected animals in the greater International Falls and Koochiching County areas, as well as the partial funding of a new holding facility (shelter) near Menard’s.
Annual Fundraiser Will Help Fund New Holding Facility
By EMILY GEDDE Staff Writer, Saturday, March 23, 2013
Ash at the hoding facility.
When 20 pekingese dogs were willingly surrendered by their owner to the
Borderland Humane Society two weeks ago, the organization’s president said it was a big wake-up call that a new holding facility is much needed.
“At that time, we had 10 cats in addition to those dogs,” Nikki Turenne said
of the occupancy at the shelter located in the middle of the North Koochiching Area Sewer District construction zone. “It was an eye opener for us that we can’t handle that many animals.”
Each dog was in desperate need of a bath and Turenne said they were
eventually transported to a holding facility in Duluth to be cleaned, groomed and put up for adoption.
“With a more functional building, we might have been able to handle them,” she explained.
A new holding facility is one of the many bullet points on a list that will benefit from the BHS fundraiser, A Cause for Paws – a celebration of 40 years of the Borderland Humane Society, scheduled for 4:30-8:30 p.m. April 13 at Lenards in the AmericInn.
“The support of the community is needed to make the event and the dreams of the BHS come true,” said Kallie Kantos-Fritz, president of the Cause for Paws committee.
The fundraiser is the largest for the organization and committee members are hopeful the fifth-annual event will outdo the last.
“The 2012 CFP raised $16,100...We are grateful to live in such a generous community and this year’s generosity will be plentiful as always,” Kantos-Fritz said.
In addition to help fund a new holding facility that is planned to be located on about two acres of tax-forfeited land adjacent to Menards, money raised from the April 13 event will help cover the costs to spay and neuter animals, and pay
veterinary bills and other expenses.
“Many people are under the assumption that the Borderland Humane Society receives money from the Humane Society of the United States because our name is similar, but we do not,” Kantos-Fritz said. “The BHS is an entity all its own.
BHS receives money through donations, grants and monies allocated to us from the city of International Falls, Koochiching County, adoption fees, the re-claiming of animals and through fundraisers – Cause for Paws being the main
fundraiser.”
She added that the event will also recognize the 40-year anniversary of the BHS, which was established in 1973.
“A BHS representative will talk about the 40 years of the BHS and future plans,” she said. “A power-point presentation outlining the past 40 years of the BHS will be continually rolling throughout the event.”
She said that people who want to see their four-legged friends in the presentation can do so by purchasing a $25 ticket for Cause for Paws by April 5 and emailing the photo to bhsvolunteers@yahoo.com.
Tickets are available at City Drug, the Chocolate Moose and the Rainy River Veterinary Hospital. CFP committee members are also expected to be selling tickets March 29-30 at Stewart’s Super One. Kantos-Fritz said tickets will be
available during the afternoon March 29 and in the morning and afternoon March 30. Tickets will include dinner.
Turenne said each dime that is raised by or donated to BHS is monitored and spent carefully.
“We are probably a little too thrifty,” she admitted.
She added that when people donate to the organization, they can specify how their money is used.
“If people want their money to go to the new holding facility, they can specify that and it will be placed in a separate bank account that will only be used for that new building.”
Turenne said details on a new holding facility are still vague as plans are not yet finalized.
“When we have a plan, we will have a better idea of the cost,” she said. “We’re hoping to share a layout of what the building will look like with the community at Cause for Paws, but we are not sure if it will be ready by then.”
In the meantime, Turenne is hopeful the fundraiser will be successful and reminds everyone “it is for the pets.”
“We appreciate everyone’s kindness,” she said. “I hope that Cause for Paws will turn out to be a good event.”
Borderland Humane Society two weeks ago, the organization’s president said it was a big wake-up call that a new holding facility is much needed.
“At that time, we had 10 cats in addition to those dogs,” Nikki Turenne said
of the occupancy at the shelter located in the middle of the North Koochiching Area Sewer District construction zone. “It was an eye opener for us that we can’t handle that many animals.”
Each dog was in desperate need of a bath and Turenne said they were
eventually transported to a holding facility in Duluth to be cleaned, groomed and put up for adoption.
“With a more functional building, we might have been able to handle them,” she explained.
A new holding facility is one of the many bullet points on a list that will benefit from the BHS fundraiser, A Cause for Paws – a celebration of 40 years of the Borderland Humane Society, scheduled for 4:30-8:30 p.m. April 13 at Lenards in the AmericInn.
“The support of the community is needed to make the event and the dreams of the BHS come true,” said Kallie Kantos-Fritz, president of the Cause for Paws committee.
The fundraiser is the largest for the organization and committee members are hopeful the fifth-annual event will outdo the last.
“The 2012 CFP raised $16,100...We are grateful to live in such a generous community and this year’s generosity will be plentiful as always,” Kantos-Fritz said.
In addition to help fund a new holding facility that is planned to be located on about two acres of tax-forfeited land adjacent to Menards, money raised from the April 13 event will help cover the costs to spay and neuter animals, and pay
veterinary bills and other expenses.
“Many people are under the assumption that the Borderland Humane Society receives money from the Humane Society of the United States because our name is similar, but we do not,” Kantos-Fritz said. “The BHS is an entity all its own.
BHS receives money through donations, grants and monies allocated to us from the city of International Falls, Koochiching County, adoption fees, the re-claiming of animals and through fundraisers – Cause for Paws being the main
fundraiser.”
She added that the event will also recognize the 40-year anniversary of the BHS, which was established in 1973.
“A BHS representative will talk about the 40 years of the BHS and future plans,” she said. “A power-point presentation outlining the past 40 years of the BHS will be continually rolling throughout the event.”
She said that people who want to see their four-legged friends in the presentation can do so by purchasing a $25 ticket for Cause for Paws by April 5 and emailing the photo to bhsvolunteers@yahoo.com.
Tickets are available at City Drug, the Chocolate Moose and the Rainy River Veterinary Hospital. CFP committee members are also expected to be selling tickets March 29-30 at Stewart’s Super One. Kantos-Fritz said tickets will be
available during the afternoon March 29 and in the morning and afternoon March 30. Tickets will include dinner.
Turenne said each dime that is raised by or donated to BHS is monitored and spent carefully.
“We are probably a little too thrifty,” she admitted.
She added that when people donate to the organization, they can specify how their money is used.
“If people want their money to go to the new holding facility, they can specify that and it will be placed in a separate bank account that will only be used for that new building.”
Turenne said details on a new holding facility are still vague as plans are not yet finalized.
“When we have a plan, we will have a better idea of the cost,” she said. “We’re hoping to share a layout of what the building will look like with the community at Cause for Paws, but we are not sure if it will be ready by then.”
In the meantime, Turenne is hopeful the fundraiser will be successful and reminds everyone “it is for the pets.”
“We appreciate everyone’s kindness,” she said. “I hope that Cause for Paws will turn out to be a good event.”
Updates limited on Borderland Humane Society relocation project
By EMILY GEDDE, Staff Writer Saturday, August 18, 2012
As construction of the North Koochiching Area Sewer District continues, progress to relocate the Borderland Humane Society holding facility is at a standstill.
By EMILY GEDDE, Staff Writer Saturday, August 18, 2012
As construction of the North Koochiching Area Sewer District continues, progress to relocate the Borderland Humane Society holding facility is at a standstill.
Local government bodies expected to support plans to relocate Borderland Humane Society holding facility
By EMILY GEDDE, Staff Writer Saturday, June 16 2012
The Koochiching County Board and International Falls City Council are expected in the near future to support the relocation of the Borderland Humane Society holding facility currently located in the center of a construction zone.
“In order to move forward, we need to go back to the county and city to see if we have support to move forward,” said County Administrative Director Teresa Jaksa.
The holding facility, which is owned and managed by the city, sits on land owned by the North Koochiching Area Sewer District. Because of the age of the treatment plant and changes in regulation by state and federal agencies, updates and reconstruction are required for a new sewer district facility.
In May, officials told The Journal the holding facility is in the middle of a “a very dangerous situation.”
In order to establish an outcome in the best interest of the animals and BHS volunteers, a task force consisting of BHS volunteers and county and city officials was established to consider possible options. Jaksa said the first notion was to relocate the holding facility temporarily.
“We didn’t have a temporary location and we now know it needs to be something permanent,” she said.
Jaksa continued that an area of tax-forfeited land adjacent to Menards has been on the radar for a potential site, and that the acreage of the property would be ideal for a holding facility and a dog park.
At last month’s task force meeting, the group identified some possible costs to develop the land and to bring in an architect to design a new facility, according to Jaksa.
“(The task force) is still going back and forth on the size of the building, and county representatives will go back to committee and review the information,” Jaksa said. “The county board is supportive of this.”
She added that the board provides funding to the humane society annually and under state statute, the county has a responsibility to care for neglected animals.
“We’re going to give a one-time contribution to establish this facility and then it will be still owned and managed by the city,” Jaksa said. “After that, the board will continue to contribute to the humane society as established in the county’s budget.”
City Administrator Rod Otterness said he understands a recommendation is expected to be made to the city council next week to match funds contributed by the county for the project.
“The task force is working on this issue and has been making progress,” Otterness said. “The city council is in support of this project moving forward.”
Jaksa declined to release any “rough numbers,” however, she acknowledged that costs other than constructing the facility will need to be taken into consideration.
“To move forward, we need conceptual support from both bodies,” she said. “There are all kinds of reasons to support this, but in the end it will be about cost. We will need contributions from the humane society and private entities as well.”
By EMILY GEDDE, Staff Writer Saturday, June 16 2012
The Koochiching County Board and International Falls City Council are expected in the near future to support the relocation of the Borderland Humane Society holding facility currently located in the center of a construction zone.
“In order to move forward, we need to go back to the county and city to see if we have support to move forward,” said County Administrative Director Teresa Jaksa.
The holding facility, which is owned and managed by the city, sits on land owned by the North Koochiching Area Sewer District. Because of the age of the treatment plant and changes in regulation by state and federal agencies, updates and reconstruction are required for a new sewer district facility.
In May, officials told The Journal the holding facility is in the middle of a “a very dangerous situation.”
In order to establish an outcome in the best interest of the animals and BHS volunteers, a task force consisting of BHS volunteers and county and city officials was established to consider possible options. Jaksa said the first notion was to relocate the holding facility temporarily.
“We didn’t have a temporary location and we now know it needs to be something permanent,” she said.
Jaksa continued that an area of tax-forfeited land adjacent to Menards has been on the radar for a potential site, and that the acreage of the property would be ideal for a holding facility and a dog park.
At last month’s task force meeting, the group identified some possible costs to develop the land and to bring in an architect to design a new facility, according to Jaksa.
“(The task force) is still going back and forth on the size of the building, and county representatives will go back to committee and review the information,” Jaksa said. “The county board is supportive of this.”
She added that the board provides funding to the humane society annually and under state statute, the county has a responsibility to care for neglected animals.
“We’re going to give a one-time contribution to establish this facility and then it will be still owned and managed by the city,” Jaksa said. “After that, the board will continue to contribute to the humane society as established in the county’s budget.”
City Administrator Rod Otterness said he understands a recommendation is expected to be made to the city council next week to match funds contributed by the county for the project.
“The task force is working on this issue and has been making progress,” Otterness said. “The city council is in support of this project moving forward.”
Jaksa declined to release any “rough numbers,” however, she acknowledged that costs other than constructing the facility will need to be taken into consideration.
“To move forward, we need conceptual support from both bodies,” she said. “There are all kinds of reasons to support this, but in the end it will be about cost. We will need contributions from the humane society and private entities as well.”
McBride: ‘Animal shelter is in the middle of a very dangerous situation’
By EMILY GEDDE, Staff Writer Saturday, May 26, 2012
A pickup truck diverted a potentially harmful situation when a sludge chute at the North Koochiching Area Sewer District construction site came in contact with the vehicle instead of the Borderland Humane Society holding facility.
“The pickup was damaged, but had it not been parked there, the chute would have gone into the animal shelter considerably,” said Tim “Chopper” McBride, NKASD executive director.
The age of the treatment plant and changes in regulation by state and federal agencies prompted the need for a new sewer district facility. The animal shelter is located on NKASD property — right in the middle of the construction zone.
The potential dangers to the holding facility were addressed before construction began this month, and in January, a letter sent to Nikki Turenne, BHS president, said that the district would like to be proactive and begin discussions with BHS to consider options to minimize the possibility of dangerous conditions during construction at the plant for BHS volunteers and animals.
In March, McBride told The Journal NKASD was “in no way forcing BHS out, but we do want to come up with some kind of a solution because we see the construction as a potential hazard to animals and volunteers.”
With the construction well underway, McBride on Wednesday said the concern for the safety of animals and volunteers is extreme.
“The animal shelter is in the middle of a very dangerous situation,” he explained.
Referring to the close call with the sludge chute, McBride stressed that even with all safety precautions being taken, accidents can happen “in a flash.”
“We have some real heavy machinery operating in a very tight space,” he said. “Busy days (for BHS) are going to be a real problem for us. We can make arrangements when necessary, but we can’t change our operations everyday, we need to keep going.”
Turenne agreed that there is concern when it comes to volunteers and animals.
“It’s still new to us, but, yes, there is some concern,” she said. “It’s little things like remembering to close the windows so dust doesn’t fly in and that we won’t be able to let the dogs out to run as much as we like to during the summer months.”
But, the question of where to put and how to fund a new animal shelter remain the roadblock to a safe solution.
County Administrative Director Teresa Jaksa said meetings have been held with officials from BHS, the sewer district, International Falls, and Koochiching County to assess the situation and develop a plan for possible solutions. While no formal action has been taken by any of the local government bodies, Jaksa said the intent to reach a viable solution is there.
“We’re still in discussions because at the end of the day, it’s what are we going to build and where are we going to put it?” Jaksa said.
An area of tax-forfeited land adjacent to Menards has been on the radar for a potential site, Jaksa said, adding that the acreage of the property would be ideal for a holding facility and a dog park.
“It is centrally located and has a lot of room for the dogs to run,” she said. “Now, it is all about learning what it will cost to clear and develop the land and what (the cost) of the facility will be.”
McBride noted because construction is expected to last about two years, efforts to relocate the holding facility are being put on the “fast track.”
“We’re hoping there are people who will be donors towards this project,” he said.
To echo McBride, Jaksa added, “We really would need community support to make (a new facility) happen.”
In the mean time, McBride encourages visitors to the holding facility to use “extreme caution.”
“I ask that people park on the secondary road by the old Border Patrol building and please, no drive throughs,” he said of those who are visiting the holding facility. “We want everyone to stay safe.”
For questions, McBride can be reached at 283-9388.
By EMILY GEDDE, Staff Writer Saturday, May 26, 2012
A pickup truck diverted a potentially harmful situation when a sludge chute at the North Koochiching Area Sewer District construction site came in contact with the vehicle instead of the Borderland Humane Society holding facility.
“The pickup was damaged, but had it not been parked there, the chute would have gone into the animal shelter considerably,” said Tim “Chopper” McBride, NKASD executive director.
The age of the treatment plant and changes in regulation by state and federal agencies prompted the need for a new sewer district facility. The animal shelter is located on NKASD property — right in the middle of the construction zone.
The potential dangers to the holding facility were addressed before construction began this month, and in January, a letter sent to Nikki Turenne, BHS president, said that the district would like to be proactive and begin discussions with BHS to consider options to minimize the possibility of dangerous conditions during construction at the plant for BHS volunteers and animals.
In March, McBride told The Journal NKASD was “in no way forcing BHS out, but we do want to come up with some kind of a solution because we see the construction as a potential hazard to animals and volunteers.”
With the construction well underway, McBride on Wednesday said the concern for the safety of animals and volunteers is extreme.
“The animal shelter is in the middle of a very dangerous situation,” he explained.
Referring to the close call with the sludge chute, McBride stressed that even with all safety precautions being taken, accidents can happen “in a flash.”
“We have some real heavy machinery operating in a very tight space,” he said. “Busy days (for BHS) are going to be a real problem for us. We can make arrangements when necessary, but we can’t change our operations everyday, we need to keep going.”
Turenne agreed that there is concern when it comes to volunteers and animals.
“It’s still new to us, but, yes, there is some concern,” she said. “It’s little things like remembering to close the windows so dust doesn’t fly in and that we won’t be able to let the dogs out to run as much as we like to during the summer months.”
But, the question of where to put and how to fund a new animal shelter remain the roadblock to a safe solution.
County Administrative Director Teresa Jaksa said meetings have been held with officials from BHS, the sewer district, International Falls, and Koochiching County to assess the situation and develop a plan for possible solutions. While no formal action has been taken by any of the local government bodies, Jaksa said the intent to reach a viable solution is there.
“We’re still in discussions because at the end of the day, it’s what are we going to build and where are we going to put it?” Jaksa said.
An area of tax-forfeited land adjacent to Menards has been on the radar for a potential site, Jaksa said, adding that the acreage of the property would be ideal for a holding facility and a dog park.
“It is centrally located and has a lot of room for the dogs to run,” she said. “Now, it is all about learning what it will cost to clear and develop the land and what (the cost) of the facility will be.”
McBride noted because construction is expected to last about two years, efforts to relocate the holding facility are being put on the “fast track.”
“We’re hoping there are people who will be donors towards this project,” he said.
To echo McBride, Jaksa added, “We really would need community support to make (a new facility) happen.”
In the mean time, McBride encourages visitors to the holding facility to use “extreme caution.”
“I ask that people park on the secondary road by the old Border Patrol building and please, no drive throughs,” he said of those who are visiting the holding facility. “We want everyone to stay safe.”
For questions, McBride can be reached at 283-9388.
Officials consider new Borderland Humane Society animal shelter site.
EMILY GEDDE, Staff Writer Saturday, March 3, 2012
Construction upgrades to the North Koochiching Area Sanitary District treatment plant are initiating discussions among local officials to relocate the Borderland Humane Society animal shelter, which sits on the district’s property.
In January, a letter sent to Nikki Turenne, BHS president, said that the district would like to be proactive and begin discussions with BHS to consider options to minimize the possibility of dangerous conditions during construction at the plant for BHS volunteers and animals.
Tim “Chopper” McBride, NKASD executive director, told The Journal, “We are in no way forcing (BHS) out. But, we do want to come up with some kind of a solution because we see the construction as a potential hazard to animals and volunteers.”
The age of the treatment plant and changes in regulation by state and federal agencies prompted the need for a new facility. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in early June.
Two meetings have been held with officials from BHS, sewer district, International Falls, and Koochiching County to assess the situation and develop a plan for possible solutions. According to meeting reports, potential options include: building a new animal shelter, relocating the shelter to a new property, or not operating the shelter during the construction season.
The estimated price tag to build a new facility is $150,000 to $200,000, according to the meeting’s report. The report stated money could come from fundraising efforts and contributions from both the city and the county.
According to McBride, one of the meetings brought up a suggestion to use the vacant United States Army Reserve Center owned by the county as a potential temporary or permanent facility for the animal shelter. The building, which is located on Third Avenue West, was purchased by the county in 2008.
County Administrative Director Teresa Jaksa in committee Tuesday said, “We’d have to put some work into (the armory building) to make it halfway feasible to run as an animal shelter.”
Jaksa noted the building was structurally sound, but needed a new roof and didn't have any heat.
Concerns among commissioners arose when considering the long-term use of the building. Commissioner Wade Pavleck felt the board was moving more in the direction of getting rid of the property.
“Is it worth it?” Pavleck asked the board when referring to using the building for the shelter. “If we put a shelter in there, we’d be tying this board, future boards, and the public into this building. I don’t want to see the county as being a landlord.”
Commissioner Rob Ecklund agreed. “We need an animal shelter, there is no doubt about that. I just don’t want to see it on the county’s lap,” he said.
Jaksa suggested making a financial contribution to the city and BHS as the county’s role in addressing the problem. Pavleck suggested donating the armory building as the contribution.
No action was taken by the board on the role it would play in the process. The group decided to consider options and bring suggestions to the next meeting on the issue.
McBride said whatever decision is made, he hopes it is the best one for BHS volunteers and animals.
“It is good to see the city, county, sewer district, and Borderland Humane Society partner on this,” he said. “Everyone is throwing something into the pot and I’m confident we will come up with the best solution.”
EMILY GEDDE, Staff Writer Saturday, March 3, 2012
Construction upgrades to the North Koochiching Area Sanitary District treatment plant are initiating discussions among local officials to relocate the Borderland Humane Society animal shelter, which sits on the district’s property.
In January, a letter sent to Nikki Turenne, BHS president, said that the district would like to be proactive and begin discussions with BHS to consider options to minimize the possibility of dangerous conditions during construction at the plant for BHS volunteers and animals.
Tim “Chopper” McBride, NKASD executive director, told The Journal, “We are in no way forcing (BHS) out. But, we do want to come up with some kind of a solution because we see the construction as a potential hazard to animals and volunteers.”
The age of the treatment plant and changes in regulation by state and federal agencies prompted the need for a new facility. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in early June.
Two meetings have been held with officials from BHS, sewer district, International Falls, and Koochiching County to assess the situation and develop a plan for possible solutions. According to meeting reports, potential options include: building a new animal shelter, relocating the shelter to a new property, or not operating the shelter during the construction season.
The estimated price tag to build a new facility is $150,000 to $200,000, according to the meeting’s report. The report stated money could come from fundraising efforts and contributions from both the city and the county.
According to McBride, one of the meetings brought up a suggestion to use the vacant United States Army Reserve Center owned by the county as a potential temporary or permanent facility for the animal shelter. The building, which is located on Third Avenue West, was purchased by the county in 2008.
County Administrative Director Teresa Jaksa in committee Tuesday said, “We’d have to put some work into (the armory building) to make it halfway feasible to run as an animal shelter.”
Jaksa noted the building was structurally sound, but needed a new roof and didn't have any heat.
Concerns among commissioners arose when considering the long-term use of the building. Commissioner Wade Pavleck felt the board was moving more in the direction of getting rid of the property.
“Is it worth it?” Pavleck asked the board when referring to using the building for the shelter. “If we put a shelter in there, we’d be tying this board, future boards, and the public into this building. I don’t want to see the county as being a landlord.”
Commissioner Rob Ecklund agreed. “We need an animal shelter, there is no doubt about that. I just don’t want to see it on the county’s lap,” he said.
Jaksa suggested making a financial contribution to the city and BHS as the county’s role in addressing the problem. Pavleck suggested donating the armory building as the contribution.
No action was taken by the board on the role it would play in the process. The group decided to consider options and bring suggestions to the next meeting on the issue.
McBride said whatever decision is made, he hopes it is the best one for BHS volunteers and animals.
“It is good to see the city, county, sewer district, and Borderland Humane Society partner on this,” he said. “Everyone is throwing something into the pot and I’m confident we will come up with the best solution.”
What has the BHS been up to lately?
Christmas drive for the Falls Hunger Coalition (Food Shelf)
Give to the Max Day
Christmas drive for the Falls Hunger Coalition (Food Shelf)
Give to the Max Day
Christmas Drive - 2012
Angelique LaFrance and
Kallie Kantos-Fritz collect
donations from the
community to the Falls
Hunger Coalition for
pets in the community.
Kallie Kantos-Fritz collect
donations from the
community to the Falls
Hunger Coalition for
pets in the community.
Educational Pieces
Trapped cat should remind pet owners, trappers to be cautious
Ordinance prohibits animals running at large
Ordinance requires dogs, cats be licensed
Pets need to be licensed
Trapped cat should remind pet owners, trappers to be cautious
Ordinance prohibits animals running at large
Ordinance requires dogs, cats be licensed
Pets need to be licensed
Close call: Baldwins remind people of value of carbon monoxide detectors
By LAUREL BEAGER Editor - 02.26.13
Jerry and Martha Baldwin and Lizzy
Lizzy, Jerry and Martha Baldwin's dog, woke Martha Thursday morning after Jerry collapsed from carbon monoxide poisoning. The incident prompts the Baldwin family to urge people to have working carbon monoxide detectors.
There have been a lot of “what ifs” for Martha and Jerry Baldwin in the last few days.
What if their black Labrador “Lizzy” had not woke Martha early Thursday morning when Jerry collapsed. What if their son, Chad, had not answered that early morning call from his mother.
What if they had slept just 10 more minutes inside their Fifth Avenue East home that morning while carbon monoxide was building to deadly levels.
“I am so thankful to talk to you – the alternative would be that my name and my husband’s name would be in your paper in the obituary section,” Martha told The Journal Friday morning after spending much of Thursday at the Rainy Lake
Medical Center hospital campus being treated with her husband for carbon monoxide poisoning.
“I hope this can make a difference and save someone else,” she said growing emotional about the “what ifs” that did not happen that day. “We need to get the word out – people need carbon monoxide testers and to test them,” she said.
The morning began at about 3:30 a.m. for Martha with a nudge by Lizzy, indicating something was not right in the house.
Martha realized Jerry wasn’t beside her in bed and got up to look for him. She found him on the floor of the bathroom and they talked about whether he was experiencing the symptoms of stomach flu or food poisoning and then Martha, too,
collapsed onto the floor.
“It was kind of like we tried to take care of each other, but, it’s hard to explain – we were kind of with it and then out of it,” she said.
Martha described the “very weird feeling” of being somewhat disoriented. “But you know you are not right,” she said.
As they lay on the floor, she said they even wondered about carbon monoxide poisoning, but rejected the idea.
She said they knew they needed to do something and agreed to call an ambulance. But by then, with the carbon monoxide building in their bodies, Martha was able to get up, but again collapsed and Jerry couldn’t stand. Martha
said after numerous attempts to dial the phone, she connected with Chad and described the situation. He said open windows, suspecting carbon monoxide, but Martha said she told him she could not.
It was a scary call for Chad, he said, to receive and a tough call to make to his younger brother Jared, an International Falls firefighter. The effects – nausea, confusion, dizziness – made it difficult for Martha dial Chad and she
said it didn’t even occur to her to call 911.
Jared dressed and rushed to his parent’s house arriving just after Chad, who found his father on the floor unresponsive and his mother laying across the bed. Chad called 911 and lifted his father, who was breathing sporadically, into a
chair. Jared said Falls Police Officers Troy Tilander and Mitch Lessard were at the scene when he arrived and Jared said he called the Falls Fire Department and asked department Engineer Bruce Bergstrom to bring a carbon monoxide detector “because something just wasn’t right.”
A cracked heat exchange in the basement boiler system had been pumping carbon monoxide into the home, said Falls Fire Chief Jerry Jensen. Carbon dioxide readings of up to 600 parts per million were at the top of the stairs, which
meant the basement was filled with the poison, Jensen said.
“You’re not going to die from that environment in a couple of minutes, but for a period of time it will take you down,” Jensen said. “Often people go to sleep and do not wake up.”
Once the detector showed the house filled with carbon monoxide, police and ambulance staff cleared the house while firefighters wearing oxygen tanks opened doors and windows.
Martha and Jerry were taken by ambulance to the hospital, where tests revealed a carbon monoxide reading of 31 in Martha and 37 in Jerry, according to Jared.
“Anything over 9 is dangerous,” Jared said. “When we got to the hospital, they said they were at levels that had they spent 10 more minutes in the house they would probably be dead.”
Jared said something so simple – a working carbon monoxide detector – could have kept them safe. The Baldwins had a detector in the home, but it was not functioning.
“What me and my brother went through I never want to see anybody else go through,” he said. “We walked into that house thinking we would find both our parents deceased. I have little kids at home. How could I explain that to them
about someone they ask about every day? As a firefighter, they say carbon monoxide is a silent killer and that really is what it is.”
Jared said Lizzy is a hero for waking Martha. “Otherwise, it would probably be a different outcome, or a different outcome if my brother had not answered the phone,” he said.
All involved stressed the importance of having a carbon monoxide detector. Jensen said they should be located within 10 feet of sleeping areas and urged people to test them frequently and purchase a plug-in detector with battery backup. He urged anyone with questions about carbon monoxide detectors to call the Falls Fire Department at 283-2929.
Jared said purchasing a $35 detector is cheaper than the costs of ambulance rides, medical staff and in the worse case scenario, a funeral.
Jared also said it’s important to have the furnace cleaned and inspected.
“If a furnace runs and gives heat, people think it’s working, but a malfunctioning furnace could have took their lives,” he said.
Martha urged people to make sure their detectors are working. She said the beeping noise they make as their batteries run low shouldn’t be ignored.
“We took the battery out because of the beeping, and we knew we needed a new battery, but you know busy lives and people just don’t get to things like they should,” she said.
Now, Martha said, there will be a few changes in the Baldwin’s lives. She said batteries will be replaced, furnaces will be cleaned, and she’ll not likely complain any longer about Lizzy’s shedding.
“I feel like a guardian angel came through in our dog,” she said.
And, she said, she and Jerry have vowed never to pass up a chance to tell the people they care about that they are loved.
“You just don’t know when you’ll have the next chance,” she said. “I feel so fortunate and thankful for everybody that was there to save us.”
As she grew emotional talking about the “what ifs,” she acknowledged she was thankful to have her hands full that day taking care of Jared’s children.
“I hope this sheds light on the importance of,” she said, stopping to choke back tears. “If I could buy a carbon monoxide tester for everyone in this town I would. I never want this to happen to anyone. I am thankful, thankful, thankful.
That’s all I can say.”
What if their black Labrador “Lizzy” had not woke Martha early Thursday morning when Jerry collapsed. What if their son, Chad, had not answered that early morning call from his mother.
What if they had slept just 10 more minutes inside their Fifth Avenue East home that morning while carbon monoxide was building to deadly levels.
“I am so thankful to talk to you – the alternative would be that my name and my husband’s name would be in your paper in the obituary section,” Martha told The Journal Friday morning after spending much of Thursday at the Rainy Lake
Medical Center hospital campus being treated with her husband for carbon monoxide poisoning.
“I hope this can make a difference and save someone else,” she said growing emotional about the “what ifs” that did not happen that day. “We need to get the word out – people need carbon monoxide testers and to test them,” she said.
The morning began at about 3:30 a.m. for Martha with a nudge by Lizzy, indicating something was not right in the house.
Martha realized Jerry wasn’t beside her in bed and got up to look for him. She found him on the floor of the bathroom and they talked about whether he was experiencing the symptoms of stomach flu or food poisoning and then Martha, too,
collapsed onto the floor.
“It was kind of like we tried to take care of each other, but, it’s hard to explain – we were kind of with it and then out of it,” she said.
Martha described the “very weird feeling” of being somewhat disoriented. “But you know you are not right,” she said.
As they lay on the floor, she said they even wondered about carbon monoxide poisoning, but rejected the idea.
She said they knew they needed to do something and agreed to call an ambulance. But by then, with the carbon monoxide building in their bodies, Martha was able to get up, but again collapsed and Jerry couldn’t stand. Martha
said after numerous attempts to dial the phone, she connected with Chad and described the situation. He said open windows, suspecting carbon monoxide, but Martha said she told him she could not.
It was a scary call for Chad, he said, to receive and a tough call to make to his younger brother Jared, an International Falls firefighter. The effects – nausea, confusion, dizziness – made it difficult for Martha dial Chad and she
said it didn’t even occur to her to call 911.
Jared dressed and rushed to his parent’s house arriving just after Chad, who found his father on the floor unresponsive and his mother laying across the bed. Chad called 911 and lifted his father, who was breathing sporadically, into a
chair. Jared said Falls Police Officers Troy Tilander and Mitch Lessard were at the scene when he arrived and Jared said he called the Falls Fire Department and asked department Engineer Bruce Bergstrom to bring a carbon monoxide detector “because something just wasn’t right.”
A cracked heat exchange in the basement boiler system had been pumping carbon monoxide into the home, said Falls Fire Chief Jerry Jensen. Carbon dioxide readings of up to 600 parts per million were at the top of the stairs, which
meant the basement was filled with the poison, Jensen said.
“You’re not going to die from that environment in a couple of minutes, but for a period of time it will take you down,” Jensen said. “Often people go to sleep and do not wake up.”
Once the detector showed the house filled with carbon monoxide, police and ambulance staff cleared the house while firefighters wearing oxygen tanks opened doors and windows.
Martha and Jerry were taken by ambulance to the hospital, where tests revealed a carbon monoxide reading of 31 in Martha and 37 in Jerry, according to Jared.
“Anything over 9 is dangerous,” Jared said. “When we got to the hospital, they said they were at levels that had they spent 10 more minutes in the house they would probably be dead.”
Jared said something so simple – a working carbon monoxide detector – could have kept them safe. The Baldwins had a detector in the home, but it was not functioning.
“What me and my brother went through I never want to see anybody else go through,” he said. “We walked into that house thinking we would find both our parents deceased. I have little kids at home. How could I explain that to them
about someone they ask about every day? As a firefighter, they say carbon monoxide is a silent killer and that really is what it is.”
Jared said Lizzy is a hero for waking Martha. “Otherwise, it would probably be a different outcome, or a different outcome if my brother had not answered the phone,” he said.
All involved stressed the importance of having a carbon monoxide detector. Jensen said they should be located within 10 feet of sleeping areas and urged people to test them frequently and purchase a plug-in detector with battery backup. He urged anyone with questions about carbon monoxide detectors to call the Falls Fire Department at 283-2929.
Jared said purchasing a $35 detector is cheaper than the costs of ambulance rides, medical staff and in the worse case scenario, a funeral.
Jared also said it’s important to have the furnace cleaned and inspected.
“If a furnace runs and gives heat, people think it’s working, but a malfunctioning furnace could have took their lives,” he said.
Martha urged people to make sure their detectors are working. She said the beeping noise they make as their batteries run low shouldn’t be ignored.
“We took the battery out because of the beeping, and we knew we needed a new battery, but you know busy lives and people just don’t get to things like they should,” she said.
Now, Martha said, there will be a few changes in the Baldwin’s lives. She said batteries will be replaced, furnaces will be cleaned, and she’ll not likely complain any longer about Lizzy’s shedding.
“I feel like a guardian angel came through in our dog,” she said.
And, she said, she and Jerry have vowed never to pass up a chance to tell the people they care about that they are loved.
“You just don’t know when you’ll have the next chance,” she said. “I feel so fortunate and thankful for everybody that was there to save us.”
As she grew emotional talking about the “what ifs,” she acknowledged she was thankful to have her hands full that day taking care of Jared’s children.
“I hope this sheds light on the importance of,” she said, stopping to choke back tears. “If I could buy a carbon monoxide tester for everyone in this town I would. I never want this to happen to anyone. I am thankful, thankful, thankful.
That’s all I can say.”
Our Mission
The Borderland Humane Society provides safe shelter for companion animals in transition,
promotes responsible pet ownership and improves the quality of life for animals and people.
Borderland Humane Society • PO Box 543 • International Falls MN 56649 •
(218) 283-9276 or E-mail • MN Kennel License #47243
promotes responsible pet ownership and improves the quality of life for animals and people.
Borderland Humane Society • PO Box 543 • International Falls MN 56649 •
(218) 283-9276 or E-mail • MN Kennel License #47243