Rukavina Endorsed by Communication Workers' Union

(AP) In the crowded race for Governor, Democrat Tom Rukavina has been endorsed by the Minnesota branch of the Communications Workers of America Union. It's his first endorsement from a State-wide union. Rukavina, a long-time State Representative, also has the backing of five United Steelworkers' locals and several union leaders.

More Banks Shuttered By The Fed

Regulators have shut down two banks in Georgia and one each in Florida, Minnesota and California. In Minnesota, the Marshall Bank of Hallock was closed down Friday with $59.9 million dollars in assets and $54.7-million dollars in deposits. No word from the fed what the future of the Hallock bank will be.

Cass County Hosts Simulation

(AP) Emergency Responders in Cass County will be dealing with more than icy-cold temepratures when they break through the ice on Cass Lake. They'll be diving into frigid water to practice rescuing a snowmobiler. Last year, the practice event drew 150 personnel from 25 agencies.

RIAA Seeking Re-trial of Brainerd Woman

(AP) A new trial will be sought by the Recording Industry Association of America to determine damages against a Minnesota woman convicted of sharing 24 songs over the internet. A Judge had reduced the verdict to about $54,000. The RIAA can accept the smaller amount, or seek another trial.

Multi-Agency Recreational Rescue Training Exercise

On Saturday, January 30, from 8:00am - 4:00pm a Multi Agency Emergency Rescue Exercise will be conduted on the ice and in the waters of Cass Lake. This is the 9th year that is exercise has been conducted, sponsored by the Cass County Sheriff's Office and the Cass Lake Fire Department.

Last year 25 agencies participated with over 150 participants involved in the exercise. The goal is to bring area agencies together to work with equipmetn, view new purchases of equipment and develop a good working relationship among agencies.

MN Woman Rejects Settlement In Song-Sharing Case

(AP) The Recording Industry Association of America says it will seek a new trial to determine damages against a Minnesota woman found guilty last year of sharing 24 songs over the internet.

Last week, a federal judge in Minnesota reduced the verdict against Jammie Thomas-Rasset from nearly $2-million dollars in damages to about $54-thousand dollars. The RIAA has until this Friday to accept the smaller penalty or as for another trial to set new damages.

On Wednesday, the RIAA told the Associated Press it would seek a new trial after Thomas-Rasset refused to settle for $25-thousand dollars, which the RIAA offered to donate to a charity for struggling musicians.

Joe Sibley is an attorney for Thomas-Rasset. He confirms she refused the settlement, and says they are prepared to keep fighting in court.

New HIV Cases in Minnesota Climbs to 17-Year High

(AP) According to Minnesota Health Officials, the number of new HIV cases in the State has climbed to a 17-year high. A preliminary report says that 368 cases were reported last year. The HIV/Aids Department's Manager says the increase may be partly due to complacency about the disease.

Miss Nisswa Scholarship Pageant Set For Valentine's Weekend

The Nisswa Area Women of Today will be kicking off the 2010 Nisswa Winter Jubilee by hosting the 2010 Miss Nisswa Scholarship Pageant on Friday, February 12 at the Lutheran Church of the Cross in Nisswa. The events begins at 7:00pm and will culminate when the reigning Miss Nisswa, Laura Haeg, crowns one nine local seniors as the area's newest royalty. Tickets for the pageant are $5.00 at the door and a cake and punch reception immediately following the pageant.

The first appearance of the 2010 Miss Nisswa will be during the Nisswa Winter Jubilee parade at noon on Saturday, February 13. Dozens of other Winter Jubilee activities are also planned.

EQIP Funds Available To Minnesota Farmers

Agricultural producers looking to solve naturual resource problems on their farms should apply now for assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) administered by the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service. The Brainerd District Office announced that a scoring period to determine priority for funding applications will occur at the end of February, 2010. Nearly $22-million dollars is available to assist producers. To find out more, contact your local NRCS field office in Brainerd or visit www.mn.nrcs.usda.gov.

Ice Cracks On Hanging Kettle Lake Near Aitkin

Due to warmer temperatures and changing weather conditions, a huge crack has formed in the ice leading to the Aitkin Lions Senior Fish House on hanging Kettle Lake. It is impassible with any vehicle except a four wheel drive. If you are using the fish house and live a distance away, you are asked to call Brien Smeltzer at 218-927-6200 for the day to day ice conditions.

27 Miles of Roads To Close In Remer Area

Hackensack, MN -- The Woodtick Wheelers ATV/OHM Club would like the public to know that the Chippewa National Forest, Walker Ranger District, is planning to close 27 miles of roads in the Remer area to all vehicles and is now inviting comments from the public regarding the closings. Comments must be received by the CNF by February 19, 2010.

The road closings are part of the Proposed Action for the Moon Resource Management Project, which includes activities regarding timber harvests, road management and the improvement or possible replacement of the Laura Lake bridge.

The project area encompasses an area on the east side of the Chippewa National forest, Walker Ranger District. The boundary is roughly described by lines from Goose Lake and Highway 65 on the north; Vermillion Lake and Remer on the east; Mable, Swift and Lucille Lakes on the west, and the Chippewa Forest boundary to the south.

For additional information, maps showing the roads proposed to be closed to all vehicles, and comment sheets, contact Carolyn Upton, District Ranger, Chippewa National Forest, 201 Minnesota Avenue East, Walker, MN 56484-2189 or call (218-547-1044).

Westbrook High School Sleep-Over

(AP) A number of students spent the night last night at the High School in Westbrook, Minnesota, as school officials said that the blizzard they were experiencing made it unsafe to send the students home. According to Westbrook Principal, Bill Richards, the students would be sleeping on wrestling mats and on donated blankets and sleeping bags. About 100 students were expected to spend the night.