>>Governor Walz Pitches $982M In Infrastructure Projects For 2024
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is proposing a bonding bill of 982 million dollars with nearly half of the funds going toward repairing state infrastructure. Both Walz and Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Erin Campbell said the chosen projects address deferred maintenance on state buildings. The governor added that 45 percent goes to preserving infrastructure, 22 percent toward water and transportation, 14 percent to public safety, ten percent to housing, and nine percent to other projects. (24/7 News Source)
>>Minnesota Man Wrongly Imprisoned 25 Years In Wife’s Drowning Death Sues Officials
(Minneapolis, MN) — A Minnesota man who was wrongly imprison for 25 years for the drowning death of his wife is suing an ex-medical examiner and other authorities. Thomas Rhodes is accusing the defendants of fabricating and withholding evidence to wrongly convict him of his wife’s murder in 1996. Rhodes was released from prison in January 2023. The suit is demanding a jury trial and for Chief U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz to award monetary and punitive damages.(24/7 News Source)
>>Early Primary Voting In MN Begins Friday
(St. Paul, MN) — Voters can begin making their choices in Minnesota’s upcoming presidential primaries this week. Early voting for the March 5th primary begins Friday. Voters must choose to vote in a specific party primary to receive a ballot. Prospective voters have until February 13th to register to vote in this year’s primary.(24/7 News Source)
BEMIDJI – United Way of Bemidji Area recently awarded Community Response Grants to two agencies doing work in the Bemidji Area. North Country First Responders was awarded funding for sensory emergency kits so they can respond effectively to pre-hospital emergencies and better serve all members of our diverse community. Bi-County Community Action Programs (BI-CAP) was awarded funding to assist individuals and families with one-time emergency housing assistance. United Way’s Community Response Grants are designed to respond swiftly in support of nonprofit organizations that are serving the escalating needs of our communities by providing funds to help solve short-term emerging needs and programs.. Visit www.UnitedWayBemidji.org/ to investigate grant opportunities.
(Bemidji) Bemidji State University’s Ballroom and Swing Dance Clubs are hosting their“SnowBall: Dinner and Dance” next Saturday January 27th, from 6:00-11:00pm at Suzy and Hondo’s School of Dance in Bemidji. BSU’s Ballroom and Swing Dance Clubs will be hosting a black-tie creative event in an effort to raise funds for the clubs to travel, attend competitions, have exchanges with other dance clubs, provide club apparel, and more. Fine food and entertainment including live music and dancing. $100 tickets can be reserved at BSUalumni.org. You may also contribute to the cause at that site.
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota is reducing the limit of PFAS chemicals, also called forever chemicals, found in water before they are deemed dangerous to consume. It is the first time the guidelines are being revised. Data shows these chemicals can cause cancer, causing the change. From the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Tom Higgins says a project to create healthier drinking water can cost a billion dollars. (24/7 News Source)
>>MN Supreme Court Justice Chutich Announces Retirement
(St. Paul, MN) — Another Minnesota Supreme Court justice has decided to step down. Justice Margaret Chutich announced yesterday that she will retire at the end of July. Chutich was appointed to the court in 2016, becoming the first openly gay justice to serve on the Minnesota Supreme Court. Justice G. Barry Anderson announced last week that he plans to step down from the court in May.(24/7 News Source)
>>MnDOT Says Creative Messages On Electronic Billboards Will Not Change
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Transportation doesn’t seem fazed by new federal regulations regarding messages on electronic highway signs. The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued new guidelines saying messages that reference pop culture or intend to be humorous should not be used on those signs. The federal agency says humorous messages may take longer for drivers to process and could be misunderstood. When asked about the new guidelines, Mn-DOT issued a statement saying the agency doesn’t anticipate changing the creative way it shares safety messages with the public.(24/7 News Source)
>>Country Legend Willie Nelson Announces MN Concerts
(Undated) — Country music legend Willie Nelson isn’t slowing down now that he’s hit his 90th birthday. Nelson will be coming to Minnesota in May as part of his Willie Nelson and Family concert tour. Nelson will play shows in Moorhead on May 20th and 21st before moving on to Duluth on May 23rd. Tickets for the shows go on sale on Friday.(24/7 News Source)
