Koochiching County says it is still trying to do whatever it can to reopen the River Golf Course.

The privately owned course closed last year.

There were local efforts to purchase the facility, but they ended without a deal being reached.

County Board chair Jason Sjoblom says they did talk with the owner and a potential operator.

“But for our county board at this time, it’s not the right move to contribute to it,” says Sjoblom.

“We don’t have any other entity with us, private or public. So it’s quite a bit to chew off for us at this time.”

However, some users feel there is a role for the County and that it work with the city on a proposal.

Brian McBride, a former commissioner, notes the number of publically owned and operated golf courses within a 140-mile radius.

“Here we have a county parcel that adjoins the city of International Falls. And what an opportunity for these two government units to work together to make something better for this community,” says McBride.

The lack of a course in International Falls has forced local golfers to the greens elsewhere, including in Fort Frances.