Falls to become ‘sister city’

After years existing side by side, Fort Frances and International Falls will get a little closer when they become “sister cities” later this year.
“We’ve always called each other neighbours but we never made it official,” said Mayor Glenn Witherspoon. “Now, we’re going down the aisle.”
Council unanimously decided on the agreement at Monday night’s meeting here.
Mayor Witherspoon said the partnership is an opportunity for both communities to benefit.
“We hope to see more co-operation, more events than just on a casual basis,” he said, referring to contests between the two councils like the recent slo-pitch challenge and January’s snowshoe race.
“And we can also check out each other’s strengths and hopefully learn from one another,” the mayor added.
“The joke is that once we become sister cities, we can borrow each other’s clothes. But seriously, our towns do stand to benefit from this relationship,” said Mayor Harry Swendsen of International Falls.
“We can create an atmosphere where cultural, community and economic development is strengthened for both towns.
“Our governments, businesses, and volunteer organizations have a wonderful opportunity to collaborate on shared goals. We’ve been so close to each other for so long, perhaps we have taken for granted all the opportunities available,” he added.
“I would love to see some community organizations organize an annual ‘Sister City’ event to highlight our similarities and appreciate our differences.”
The Falls council unanimously approved the agreement at its June 24 meeting.
The signing ceremony likely will be scheduled for Sept. 12 when a KDLH half-hour program, “Our Border,” will be broadcast at 6 p.m. on Cable Channel 4.
The common “declaration of objectives” both municipalities agreed to is as follows:
“The mayor, councillors, and residents of Fort Frances, Ont., Canada, and the mayor, councillors, and residents of International Falls, Mn., U.S.A., sharing a longstanding mutual desire for international peace and goodwill, now seek a wider understanding of their respective countries and people, their community life, customs, and traditions.
“Located in different countries and sharing the same border of the northern hemisphere, bound by a common language, and born of a similar heritage, Fort Frances and International Falls wish to promote and illustrate the example of international goodwill.
“In support of these ideals, the respective Town of Fort Frances and International Falls agree to accelerate support of national and international events with similar aims and objectives.
“However, primarily, their relationship is based on people-to-people contact, and therefore, the respective elected authorities are charged with the renewed responsibility of encouraging participation in those events of mutual interest by individuals and groups throughout both communities.”