The Canada Border Services Agency is seeking feedback from border communities as it determines new telephone reporting sites for crossing the border in remote locations.
Designated telephone reporting sites will be made available for travelers to connect and report to a border services officer before crossing into Manitoba or Ontario from remote areas. The Remote Area Border Crossing program, which allowed travelers with permits to cross the border without physically presenting themselves at a port of entry, will be phased out in mid-September.
The Border Services Agency said the new process will ensure a consistent level of security and expectations of compliance from everyone.
“It is a measure that will also more closely align with how travelers report to U.S. Customs and Border Protection when entering the U.S. in remote areas,” stated a news release.
Proposed sites in Minnesota for telephone reporting locations include the Northwest Angle area, and Pigeon River through to and including Lake of the Woods.
Indigenous communities, local residents, businesses and other interested stakeholders are encouraged to submit feedback by Feb. 13.
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Contributed/NWSThe snow will likely stick around for at least a few days, with temperatures near zero possible Monday night, April 6, 2026, in the extreme north. -
Contributed/Minnesota Farmers Union via FacebookThe People's Town Halls are an opportunity for the public to share how elected officials can help them meet their needs and build strong rural communities, the union said. -
Plus: St. Louis County to choose between local labor or risking federal funds. -
Contributed/U.S. Forest ServiceThe office is one of 47 research and development facilities closing amid a major reorganization of the agency. The Superior and Chippewa offices and their staffing are not impacted. -
Contributed/Carlton County EMS via FacebookThe recognition of a Kettle River first responder's efforts illustrates the balancing act between passion for their mission and funding woes. -
Screenshot/St. Louis County via YouTubeThe federal government is behind schedule in approving the county's requirement of project labor agreements. County staff are asking for a temporary waiver to ensure they don't lose funds. -
Plus: Ruby's Pantry will cease operations in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa; Hermantown will accept public comment on a study for the proposed Google data center through April 30; and the Soudan Mine State Park will offer underground mine tours beginning Memorial Day weekend.
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Contributed/Ruby's Pantry - BemidjiRuby's Pantry, a faith-based nonprofit coordinating monthly pop-up food events with local churches, including 11 in Northern Minnesota, closed its operations as of March 31, 2026. -
Contributed/NWSHeavy and wet snow, freezing rain and mixed precipitation are possible. Highest snowfall rates of around one-quarter to a half-inch per hour are expected during the daytime April 2, 2026. -
Flooding in June 2024 closed the underground mine to tours for nearly two years, following another two-year closure in 2022 for restoration.
