>> Northern Lawmakers Hold Economic Meeting on Wildfires
(Grand Marais, MN) – Two state lawmakers will be holding another economic impact meeting today on the wildfires. Senator Grant Hauschild of Hermantown and Representative Roger Skraba of Ely will join the Cook County Chamber of Commerce to discuss the impact of the northern wildfires on tourism and other industries. The meeting will be held at Hungry Jack Lodge on the Gunflint Trail of Grand Marais starting at 11:30 a.m.
>>Campaign underway to restore 125-year-old theater in southern Minnesota
(Fairmont, MN) – A fundraising campaign to restore the historic Fairmont Opera House in southern Minnesota has received a boost from two major donations. Executive Director Blake Pothoff says architectural, and engineering work is underway on the 125-year-old building, with construction bids expected in early 2027. The project still needs about one million dollars to move forward. Renovations include reinforcing the roof with steel supports. The opera house has been closed to the public for the past two-and-a-half years.
>>Farmers Market Week is next week
(Undated) – Minnesota is celebrating Farmers’ Market Week August 2nd through the 8th. Governor Tim Walz has proclaimed the week in recognition of the state’s more than 400 farmers’ markets and over 10,000 vendors. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture and several agriculture groups will host events at nine markets across the state. Organizers say farmers’ markets support local growers, strengthen communities, and improve access to fresh, locally produced food. Consumers can find nearby markets through the Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association or Minnesota Grown websites.
>> Maple Plain Man Faces Multiple Minnesota Tax Crime Charges
(Maple Plain, MN) – A Maple Plain man is facing 13 felony charges in a Minnesota tax fraud case. State revenue officials say Todd Alan Long failed to file or pay individual and corporate income taxes between 2019 and 2022 and was found with untaxed tobacco products at his business, Super Smokes Incorporated. Investigators allege Long owes more than 384-thousand dollars in taxes, penalties, and interest. Authorities say he received hundreds of notices about delinquent taxes over the years. Long is presumed innocent unless proven guilty
>> Hazelden Nurses Ratify First-Ever Union Contract
(Center City, MN) – Nurses at Hazelden Betty Ford’s Center City campus have approved their first union contract, ending more than a year of negotiations and a two-week unfair labor practice strike. The agreement includes workplace safety improvements, protections for health insurance benefits, and recognition for all nurses in the bargaining unit, including on-call staff. Union leaders say the contract creates a stronger voice for nurses and includes commitments to add panic buttons and dedicated safety personnel. The nurses became the first unionized nursing group in Hazelden’s history last year.
>> Minnesota Responds to Cyberattacks Targeting Water Systems
(Undated) – Minnesota officials are responding to a series of cyberattacks targeting technology at more than 30 community water systems across the state. Authorities say the incidents involved equipment used to remotely monitor and control water operations, but there are currently no requests for residents to change their water use. Investigators have not identified a specific suspect, and the inquiry remains active. State, federal and local agencies are working with utilities to secure systems, restore operations and prevent additional disruptions.
