U.S. Customs and Border Protection has launched the Border Wait Time app making it easier for travelers to plan their trip across the border. The app provides estimated wait times and open lane status at land ports of entry allowing travelers to make an informed decision of where and when to cross the border.
Wait times for pedestrian and passenger and commercial vehicle crossings are broken down by lane type (standard, SENTRI, NEXUS, FAST, Ready Lane, etc.). Travelers can download the app for free from Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
“CBP continues to deploy technology that enhances the travel experience at all of our ports of entry,” said Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowse. “The launch of this app will provide travelers crossing the land border with more information where and when they need it.”
The app is a one-stop shop for cross border travel. Travelers can locate the three ports of entry closest to their location and then map the best route to the crossing of their choice. For example, the app allows travelers in the Buffalo, New York area to compare wait times at the Peace Bridge, Rainbow Bridge and Lewiston Queenston Bridge and will then direct them to whichever crossing they chose.
The app was developed by CBP and does not require individuals to register or provide any personal information. CBP does not store or have access to any information regarding travelers using the app.
The Border Wait Time app is just one example of CBP’s effort to create a traveler-friendly processing environment. CBP has deployed Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks to more than 25 airports, including most recently at preclearance locations in Edmonton, Canada and Aruba.
Much like APC, CBP launched Mobile Passport Control, the first authorized app to expedite a traveler’s entry into the United States, at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport this summer. CBP has also enrolled more than three million travelers in trusted traveler programs such as Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI. These programs allow CBP officers to process travelers safely and efficiently while enhancing security and reducing operational costs.
25 YEARS AGO
The International Falls School Board acted on the resignation of Gertie Coran as playground supervisor.
The International Falls School Board also accepted resignations from George Fraik as head wrestling coach, and Duane Strand as year book adviser.
40 YEARS AGO
Robert Phillips recently returned from Denver, Colo., where he attended the installation ceremony of George Zimmerman as Worshipful Master of Berkley Masonic Lodge No. 134 A.F. & A.M.
The four Janttie chirldren, Michael, Marilyn, Steven and Karen of 1214 Main Ave., entertained Mrs. Annele Sparks at dinner in honor of her birthday. Marilyn baked a delicious cake for the occasion.
50 YEARS AGO
Dear Santa — Please bring me and my brother some play dough and roller skates. I would like a doll made in Italy. I try to be good. Love, Deann
Rodney C. Page transferred from Vancouver to the Falls to replace Alvin Price as immigrant inspector. Mr. and Mrs. Page and son, Gregg, are living at 515 Second St.
Bruce Bishop Will, 24, son of Dr. and Mrs. C.B. Will, 117 Riverview Boulevard, and husband of the former Loretta Straume, passed away at Bloomington, Ind., Saturday, where he had submitted to surgery twice recently.
International Falls Chief of Police Richard Ellison warned residents of the city today that it is dangerous and unlawful to run heating cords across sidewalks from homes to automobiles parked in the street.
60 YEARS AGO
A daughter was born today at Littlefork Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Runyan, Littlefork; weight, 6 pounds, 8 ounces; name chosen, Judith Ann.
A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. James Palm, International Falls, at the Littlefork Hospital; weight, 8 pounds, 3 1/2 ounces; name chosen, Janet Kay.
A daughter was born today at Littlefork Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Carl Imhof, Littlefork; weight, 9 pounds, 7 1/2 ounces.
A daughter was born today at Falls Memorial Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Vigoren; weight, 9 pounds, 9 ounces.
70 YEARS AGO
Employees of Stevenson’s, including Mrs. Mae Allen, manager; Mrs. Aileen Brothern, Miss Virginia Cantwell, Mrs. Pearl McCormack, Miss Joan Huckins, Miss Elise Mickelson and Mrs. Martha Donahue, gathered at the Dutch Room for a Christmas party. Mrs. Cecile Bement, a former employee, was guest of honor.
Bulky Christmas greeting editions such as The Daily Journal has published in previous years will not be produced this season because of the newsprint shortage. The New War Production board regulations in force since Oct. 1 have forced a program of curtailed newsprint consumption on all news publications.
Wayne Judy, of 420 Third Ave., junior high school industrial arts teacher and operator of Sportsmen’s Service, was appointed first ward alderman at the Monday evening meeting of the city council. He will fill the unexpired term of William O. Jornlin, who resigned last week after being inactive in municipal affairs since July.
Seven little friends helped celebrate the seventh birthday of Harriet Mether at a party last Saturday at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Sven Mether.
On Dec. 31, the nation celebrates National Make Up Your Mind Day. The timing is perfect to coincide with those pesky New Year’s resolutions. Some decisions are big and you might need time to plan before you make up your mind. Other decisions are small, but they matter all the same.
You might say to yourself, “Someday… I’ll dust behind the television. But getting back there is a pain and have you seen the spaghetti of power cords?” You might say to yourself, “Someday… I’ll stop eating that one cookie a day. Someday… someday…” But that one cookie a day could save you more than a thousand calories a week—depending on the cookie. That could potentially allow you to lose a pound of body weight a month. But hey, cookies are good. And it’s the holidays, so everyone you visit is offering up fresh-baked cookies.
We all have our own personal somedays. Just out of reach. Just over the horizon. But you don’t have to wait for someday to plan for your retirement or make up your mind to sign up for your own personal my Social Security account. Planning for your retirement is one of the most important things you will do in your life and we’ve made that decision as easy as pie. (That’s something else you may want to give up someday!) Put the cookie — or piece of pie — aside and go to www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to create your personal account. It only takes a few minutes. Once you’ve made that decision, life gets a little easier. It really does.
When signing up for my Social Security, you can see whether you’ve earned enough credits to apply for Social Security benefits and verify that your earnings history is correct. It’s very important that you verify your earnings, because we base your future Social Security retirement benefits on your lifetime earnings.
You can also estimate how much money you will receive when you start collecting cash benefits. If you’re already receiving Social Security, you can instantly get a benefit verification letter when you need it. Most importantly, you can relax because you will have the ability to securely control, plan, and manage your receipt of Social Security benefits throughout your life.
If you have friends or family who have a hard time making up their minds, giving them the gift of security is a great present. Let them know how easy it is to sign up for my Social Security. Over the holidays, in between watching A Christmas Story and passing the dessert tray, grab your electronic device and huddle around the hearth.
The holidays are here again, and with the price of gas lower than it’s been in years, it’s likely more people will choose to hit the road this holiday season. If you’re one of those travelers, Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota offers some basic tips to help keep you safe and maybe save you some money.
Prepare a budget – Planning is important. Make a little room in your budget by allowing for unexpected occurrences and emergencies.
Be resourceful – Book hotel rooms in advance and consider exploring money-saving sites like Priceline or Hotels.com. See if there are any good discount (such as Groupon) offers in the city you’re visiting.
Avoid unnecessary costs – Don’t find yourself trapped by additional charges or fees. For example, avoid hotel room phones, which often carry hefty surcharges. When you’re on the road, travel with a cooler and purchase snacks ahead of time. It’s a lot cheaper than the hotel mini-fridge.
Create a car safety kit – Holiday driving often includes the threat of dangerous winter weather. Snow and ice can lead to accidents, car troubles, long delays and road closures. You can be ready for bad weather by creating your own safety kit. Basics for the kit include a blanket, flashlight with extra batteries, radio, first aid kit, jumper cables, non-perishable foods like granola bars and nuts, bottled water, an ice scraper and warm gloves. Having a cellphone charger for your car is also a good idea.
Get a tune-up – If your car is due for a tune-up, take it in before making that long haul. At the very least, check the car’s fluid levels, wipers and tire pressure. Check the condition of your tires and, if you plan on driving through serious winter weather, consider getting snow tires.
Take BBB with you – When you’re away from home or in the midst of an emergency, it’s hard to know which businesses – such as tow trucks and locksmiths – you can trust. The good news is that free BBB Business Reviews are optimized for smartphones. Now you can easily find businesses you can trust when you’re on the go by visiting bbb.org.
Get an early start and take your time – The best way to fight holiday traffic is to give yourself some extra time to make the trip, and don’t speed. Also, if you’re caught speeding by law enforcement, that adds travel time and puts a dent in your holiday budget.
Drop the distractions – A lot of tragic accidents take place when people are talking on their cellphone or sending text messages. When you’re behind the wheel, don’t text and drive. Let incoming calls go to voicemail or hand your cellphone to a passenger and let them take the call. Also, don’t make or return calls – or send or read – text messages until you reach a safe spot off the road, such as a rest area or a gas station.
For the latest fraud alerts, consumer news and free BBB Business Reviews, visit bbb.org.
The mission of Better Business Bureau is to be the leader in building marketplace trust by promoting, through self-regulation, the highest standards of business ethics and conduct, and to instill confidence in responsible businesses through programs of education and action that inform, assist and protect the general public. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact BBB at bbb.org or 651-699-1111, toll-free at 1-800-646-6222.
Mass of the Resurrection for Geraldine Mary (McCabe) Dobie, 92, of International Falls, who died Friday, Dec. 12, 2014, was conducted Wednesday, Dec. 17, at St. Thomas Catholic Church.
Officiating was Fr. Ben Hadrich and Deacon Fran Zaren.
Music was by Joe Belanger and Mandy Baron.
A reading was given by Keith Goulet with Presentation of Gifts by Lyle Windnes, Diane Windnes and Bo Marie Baron.
Eucharistic ministers were Bunny Green and Marion O’Brien.
Casketbearers were Tommy Baron, Mark Lindquist, Joe Dobie, Owen Snyker, Joel Nelson and Jonah Nelson. Honorary casketbearers were Cindy Westman, Bo Marie Baron, Brian Dobie, Chrissy Silvers, Jody Eastman, Christianne Johnson, Joseph Nelson, Joshua Nelson and Jon Nelson.
Usher was Frank Watkinson.
Interment was at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery, International Falls.
Condolences may be left at www.greenlarsen.com.
Arrangements were with Green-Larsen Mortuary Inc., International Falls.
