Local and Regional News, Wednesday 5/6/2026
May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, and health officials are reminding Minnesotans to take precautions as tick season ramps up.
Lyme disease is the most common tickborne illness in the U.S., and in Minnesota, about one in three blacklegged ticks carry the bacteria that causes it. The good news—ticks typically need to be attached for more than 24 hours to transmit the disease, so early removal is key.
Experts recommend using EPA-approved repellents, wearing protective clothing in wooded or grassy areas, and checking your body daily—especially behind knees, under arms, and around the waist.
If you find a tick, remove it promptly with tweezers, pulling straight out, then clean the area with soap and water.
Also remember to check pets and clothing, and watch for symptoms like fever, fatigue, or a bull’s-eye rash in the weeks after a bite.
Stay aware and take steps to protect yourself this spring and summer.
Ice-out has officially been declared on Rainy Lake—marking a long-awaited milestone for anglers across the Borderland.
After a stubborn spring, conditions have finally shifted. Officials say while ice lingered longer than usual, the lake is still close to its typical May third ice-out window.
Boaters are urged to use caution, especially with cold water temperatures and remaining ice chunks. Life jackets and layered clothing are strongly recommended.
Fishing may still be a bit delayed, with colder water pushing fish into shallow, transitional areas as spawning wraps up.
Despite the slow start, optimism is building for the opener, with improving conditions expected through the weekend.
For now, anglers are advised to stay safe, stay patient—and enjoy the return to open water on Rainy Lake.
Minnesotans struggling to pay their energy bills could soon see some relief.
State lawmakers are considering a 15-million-dollar emergency aid package to boost the state’s energy assistance program. The funding would help eligible households cover heating and electricity costs, as many families fall behind on payments.
Advocates say the need is urgent. Some Minnesotans are collectively behind by as much as 145-million dollars on utility bills, driven by rising fuel prices, a cold winter, and global conflicts impacting energy markets. Supporters of the bill say it would not only provide immediate crisis assistance, but also expand outreach to reach more qualifying households—since currently, only about one in four eligible residents receive help.
The proposal could also extend aid into the summer months, when utility shutoffs tend to increase without cold weather protections in place. Lawmakers have yet to decide if the measure will pass this session.
May marks National Treatment Court Month, highlighting a local program aimed at helping people break the cycle of addiction and crime.
Officials say treatment court is a high-supervision diversion program designed for individuals facing criminal charges tied to substance use or mental health challenges. Instead of jail time, participants commit to an intensive 18 to 24 month program focused on recovery and accountability. Judge Jerrod Shermoen says the program takes a different approach than traditional probation.
Participants receive frequent check-ins, treatment services, and support from a full team focused on long-term success. Coordinator Alyssa Hackenmueller says eligibility is limited to those who both need treatment and are at higher risk of reoffending.
Officials say the program has had a lasting impact locally, helping participants rebuild their lives and become productive members of the community.
Judge Shermoen says the results speak for themselves.
Treatment court leaders also stress that recovery is a community effort—and continued support can make all the difference.