Tax panel considers creating a new exemption for school supplies
By Rob Hubbard House Public Information Services Every parent knows that kids can get expensive. But school teachers tend to say the same thing, when you consider how often they purchase school supplies for their students out of their own take-home pay. Rep. Elliott Engen (R-White Bear Township) hopes that such a burden could be eased…
Read MoreOffice of Inspector General bill moves forward — although reluctantly for some members
By Mike Cook House Public Information Services An Office of Inspector General may yet be created this session to fight the fraud, waste and abuse in state programs. Stuck in the House State Government Finance and Policy Committee for the past month, HF1338/SF856* finally got through Tuesday with bipartisan support, although some is tepid. “Fraud in…
Read MoreBill aims to codify ‘kickbacks’ in state law definition of fraud
By Winter Keefer House Public Information Services Legislators are responding to a March 17 report by the Office of the Legislative Auditor that found the Department of Human Services has more power than it believes to investigate kickback complaints in autism programs. Rep. Mary Franson (R-Alexandria) sponsors HF4566 to specify that a credible allegation of fraud includes an allegation of illegal…
Read MoreJanet Olsonawski, 76
Janet Olsonawski, 76, of Hallock, Minn., passed away at her home on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. Janet Lynn Reed was born Feb. 5, 1950, in Chicago, Ill., to Wayne and Marian (Jenkins) Reed. At the age of 2, her family moved to Wisconsin where her father had been raised. They settled on a farm near…
Read MoreDeloris Peterson, 84
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Deloris Elmae (Norman) Peterson. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and treasured friend, who departed this life peacefully on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Heather’s House in Fargo, N.D. Deloris was born on Oct. 3, 1941 in Hallock, Minn., to the late…
Read MoreMicheal Klegstad, 73
Micheal Levern Klegstad, 73, Hallock, Minn., passed away peacefully Monday, March 9, 2026, at Kittson Memorial Healthcare Center, Hallock. Mike was born June 4, 1952, to Catherine and Levern (Ernie) Klegstad and grew up in Hallock. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, where he served as a sacristan and usher. He attended…
Read MoreStable budget outlook projects $3.7B surplus now, no deficit in next biennium
By Lisa Kaczke House Public Information Services The projected surplus for Fiscal Years 2026-27 is now higher than it was in the November estimate, and no deficit is projected for the next biennium. “Minnesota’s budget outlook has improved amid significant near-term economic and fiscal uncertainty,” according to the February forecast released Friday by Minnesota Management…
Read MoreUnwind in Hallock a way to reset before spring
By Anna Jauhola As the long winter months often drag into early April, the Hallock Mainstreet Committee wanted to host one more winter event. Unwind in Hallock will feature several relaxing, hygge-focused activities such as yoga, self-care lessons, fika time and crafting. “We’re really trying to focus on being content in Hallock in the winter,”…
Read MoreSnowy owls in Kittson County
Snowy owls along Highway 75 and Highway 11 have been prominent this winter. On Tuesday, March 10, this reporter spotted three snowy owls along these corridors. Often, they perch on power poles. At left, this owl took off, annoyed with the photographer. At right, this owl was content to concentrate on its morning hunt. (Enterprise…
Read MoreLancaster City Council approves request for RLF business loan
By Anna Jauhola Lancaster City Council approved a new loan for a business during its regular meeting on Wednesday, March 11. Jesse Peterson applied for an $80,000 loan from the Revolving Loan Fund to assist him in purchasing the former RPM Motor Sports facility. He plans to create a business repairing small engines and ATVs.…
Read More