Local and Regional News, Friday 5/22/2026

Minnesota’s four State Veterans Cemeteries will honor Memorial Day with special programs this Sunday, May 24th. Ceremonies begin with music at 1:30 p-m, followed by programs at 2 o’clock recognizing the men and women who gave their lives in military service.
Services will be held at the State Veterans Cemeteries in Duluth, Little Falls, Preston, and Redwood Falls. Cemetery officials say Memorial Day is an important opportunity for communities to come together and remember the sacrifices made by America’s fallen service members.
Officials will also be available to speak with media about the history and significance of Memorial Day observances.

Minnesota communities will soon see major upgrades thanks to a new one-point-two billion dollar state bonding bill approved during the legislative session. The package funds public works projects across the state, including wastewater treatment plant improvements, state parks and trails, and infrastructure repairs.
Lawmakers say the investments will help local governments avoid covering the full cost of expensive projects on their own. Representative Fue Lee of Minneapolis says the funding will help protect Minnesota’s natural resources and public assets for years to come.
Republican Representative Mary Franson of Alexandria called the bill a bipartisan effort, but noted there are still major funding gaps to address in future sessions. The League of Minnesota Cities says the package delivers significant support for city infrastructure needs statewide.

Northwest Ontario employers struggling to fill skilled labour shortages are invited to a special information session next week in Fort Frances. The Employers Meeting takes place Thursday, May 28th from 1 to 2:30 p-m at the M-N-R Building on Scott Street. Experts from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program, and regional francophone organizations will discuss how economic immigration pathways can help businesses meet hiring needs and support skilled workers settling in the region. An interactive question-and-answer session will also be held. Organizers say the event is part of a broader tour across western Ontario.

The Minnesota Lions Hearing Foundation, along with the First City Lions of Bemidji and the Bemidji Lions Club, are inviting the public to take part in the D-Feet Hearing Loss Walk on Saturday, June 6 in Bemidji. Registration is now open for the fundraiser, which supports hearing research, services, and outreach through the University of Minnesota. The two-mile walk begins at 9:45 a-m at Diamond Point Park and travels to the Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statue and back. Lunch, children’s games, prizes, and live music from the Empty Cooler Band will also be featured. Registration is 25 dollars, with children under 12 free. More information is available at 5-M-H-F dot org.

Minnesota’s treatment court program is helping people rebuild their lives through accountability, recovery, and community support. On a recent “Let’s Talk About It” program, two local graduates shared how treatment court changed their futures.
Selina DeLise says before treatment court, her life was filled with chaos and addiction.

Stephen Waskell says the program taught him that addiction does not define who he is.

Both say treatment court gave them stability, support, and a second chance.