Local and Regional News, Tuesday 3/16/2026
Lawmakers at the Minnesota Legislature spent the past week advancing a number of bills focused on supporting veterans across the state.
The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs reports 15 veterans-related bills were heard in six legislative committees as lawmakers work toward upcoming committee deadlines.
Among the measures moving forward are proposals to expand benefits for veterans of the Secret War in Laos, increase the Disabled Veteran Homestead Market Exclusion, and allow the department to partner with organizations using non-monetary resources to support veteran programs.
Another proposal would add veterans and active military status to the Minnesota Human Rights Act, giving additional protections under state law.
Officials say several of the bills have already advanced to the House or Senate floor, while others continue moving through committee review in the weeks ahead.
Residents in the Rainy River area will have a chance this weekend to learn how collecting tree cones can actually earn them some extra cash.
The Koochiching Soil and Water Conservation District is hosting a cone collecting workshop Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Rainier Community Building.
Program coordinator Jolene Simon says the free event will teach people how to identify and collect cones that nurseries use to grow future forests.
The workshop will include a presentation from Kira Pollack, who will explain which cones to collect and where they can be sold.
Simon says cone collecting helps address a growing need for tree seeds across the state.
Registration is encouraged by Wednesday, but organizers say walk-ins will also be welcome, and gloves and tools will be provided.
Spring load restrictions are about to take effect on roads across Koochiching County.
County officials say spring load limits will go into effect Friday, March 20th at 6 a.m. on all county and unorganized township roads. The restrictions are put in place each spring to help protect roads from damage during the thawing period.
Drivers and trucking operators can find a map of affected roads on the county website under the Engineer page.
The Koochiching County Highway Department thanks the public for their cooperation during the seasonal restrictions.
Anyone with questions can contact Jake Juen at 218-324-2957 or Trent Nicholson at 218-283-1186.
A folk music trio from Canada will be making a stop in International Falls this week for a live performance.
The Janzen Boys will perform Wednesday, March 19th at the John Faith Little Theatre.
The Winnipeg-based group says their sound blends folk, roots, and country music, built around strong vocal harmonies.
The band says audiences can expect a harmony-heavy acoustic show inspired by classic folk acts.
Tickets are 25 dollars, with discounts available for groups, and can be purchased online or at the door. The show will take place Wednesday evening in International Falls.