Local and Regional News, Tuesday 3/10/2026

Work is picking up at the Minnesota Capitol as lawmakers take up several bills focused on veterans services.
Both the House and Senate veterans committees met last week to review proposals involving the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.
In the House, the Veterans and Military Affairs Division heard testimony on three bills, including HF 3919, which would implement recommendations from the Special Guerrilla Unit Task Force. That measure has now moved on to the House Transportation Committee for further consideration.
Lawmakers also discussed HF 3467, a department policy bill that would allow the Veterans Affairs commissioner to direct non-monetary agency resources toward veterans initiatives. That bill was laid over and will be taken up again this week.
Another measure, HF 3741, would update laws related to veterans’ higher education benefits and was advanced to the General Register on a unanimous vote.
Meanwhile in the Senate, the Veterans Subcommittee reviewed companion legislation, including proposals addressing veterans homes operations and updates to state veterans statutes.
Both committees are scheduled to meet again this week as work continues during the Minnesota Legislature session.

Tickets are now on sale for the return of Power of the Purse, hosted by the United Way of Northeastern Minnesota.
The popular fundraiser is coming back after a long break. Organizers say the last time the event was held in Koochiching County was in 2018.

The event brings women together for a night of raffles, games, and community fundraising, all supporting United Way programs across the county.
This year’s event will take place May 8th at the Minnesota Elks Lodge #1599 in International Falls, and it will feature a brand-new theme.

Organizers say tickets are already on sale and typically sell out quickly.

Proceeds from the event support local United Way programs in Koochiching County, including Buddy Backpacks, Imagination Library, and several youth and family initiatives.

The Koochiching County Board of Commissioners will meet Tuesday morning to discuss a range of county business.
The meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Historic Third Floor Courtroom at the Koochiching County Courthouse.
Commissioners are scheduled to review the county’s February payment listings, payroll, and claims, along with several personnel items including the retirement of an appraising specialist and approval to fill the vacant position.
The board will also consider requests from the Voyageur Country ATV Club, including serving as a fiscal agent for a grant application and providing a letter of support.
Other agenda items include the possible purchase of election equipment, technology contracts for the county’s new Law Enforcement Center, and several environmental services items, including agreements related to aquatic invasive species inspections.
A public comment period will be held during the meeting before commissioners move on to additional county business and committee updates.

St. Thomas Aquinas School has received a major opportunity to boost fundraising efforts.
School leaders say they were recently awarded a $50,000 matching grant from the Catholic Schools Center of Excellence. That means if the school can raise $50,000 by the end of April, the organization will match it—bringing the total to $100,000.

Principal Kaylee Simonson says the funding will help support the school’s overall operating costs as enrollment continues to grow.

Community members who want to help can donate online or through the parish office.

School officials say reaching the $50,000 goal by the end of April would unlock the full matching grant and provide a major boost for the coming school year.