Worker shortage; Spammy study in Neveln, Merging music and Lake Superior

Shortage of workers looms

Alexandria Echo Press: "Survey shows manufacturing firms are confident of future. Minnesota's manufacturers remain confident in their firms' futures, as solid revenue, profitability and capital expenditure projections hold steady for the second year in a row."

Magnetation bill dropped in Minnesota House

Duluth News Tribune: "Legislation that would have waived the environmental review process for the proposed Magnetation pellet plant in Itasca County was shelved Tuesday in favor of a compromise bill that offers faster environmental permitting for up to three pilot projects in the state."

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Fun in the sun at citywide ski meet

Pine Journal: "Cloquet's annual citywide ski meet turned into a festival of spring Sunday, complete with half-naked skiers and water-skiing."

Hormel Foods to study breakfast protein deficiency at Neveln

Austin Daily Herald: "That's why researchers are looking into protein intake at Neveln. Scientists figure first-graders are still honest enough about what they eat that any data collected will be reliable, as opposed to older, possibly more food-conscious survey participants."

Outdoors groups back higher fishing, hunting fees

MPR News: "More than 60 outdoors and environmental groups want lawmakers to raise the state's hunting, fishing, and boating fees.They say the move would bring in more money for the state's Game and Fish Fund which is projected to run a deficit next year."

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Public invited to flood recovery 'thank you' event with former President Clinton Saturday morning

Grand Forks Herald: "The city of Grand Forks is inviting the residents of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks to a special thank you to former President Bill Clinton Saturday for his efforts and support of our community's flood recovery. Clinton will be in Grand Forks for the North Dakota Democratic-NPL Convention."

Faribault School board goes from $1.3M to $400K in cuts

Faribault Daily News: "After a harsh list of cuts from the Faribault Public School Board last week board members came up with the possibility of a total number that might be less painful for the schools.

Northland group tries to save Superior family from foreclosure

WDIO: "Hundreds of people are trying to help a Superior family who is at risk of losing their home. Krystal and Chris Dunbar bought this house in 2007 but in 2009 Chris lost his job. They were unable to make full payments and fell behind."

Willmar retailers say they are seeing uptick in sales as economy grows

West Central Tribune: "Nationwide, a stronger job market is strengthening the economy, and retailers are reaping the benefits. ... In the Willmar area, businesses are starting to see that upward trend reflected in their own sales figures."

Tycoons' Rathskeller is no ordinary basement bar in downtown Duluth

Duluth News Tribune: "The Rathskeller, in the sub-basement of Duluth's old city hall at 132 E. Superior St., has a pre-Prohibition theme with an air of exclusivity that nods to a time when secret societies were en vogue."

Musician seeks to merge music and Lake Superior

Ashland Current: "Washburn musician Marlin Ledin plans to sail Lake Superior this spring, summer and fall, recording the sounds of the lake and making music aboard his sailboat, Voyageur."