Hunting Season Reminders Gun Safety

Hunting season has arrived in the Red River Valley, and law enforcement agencies are reminding hunters to make sure they are following the proper gun safety protocols. Gun Safety Instructor Bruce Coonfield highlights some gun safety tips that all hunters should follow.

As for the law side of things, he says that the number one complaint they receive from people during hunting season is trespassing, and he says there’s apps that can help you avoid trespassing on someone’s property. 

Finally, he encourages adults to be a good example for younger hunters, especially if they are hunting with a young hunter. 

More hunting safety tips and materials can be seen online at the Minnesota DNR website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety.

Fort Frances Museum Hosts Métis Dot Art Session

The Fort Frances Museum and Cultural Centre hosted a Métis dot art session on September 27, giving participants a hands-on way to explore cultural art.

The session focused on traditional dot art techniques, inspired by beadwork, and allowed participants to create designs on keychains, clothing, and jewelry. More than a dozen people attended, learning the techniques and experimenting with their own creations.

The event reflects the museum’s ongoing efforts to showcase history, art, and culture, including recent exhibits on Métis heritage, Treaty No. 3, and residential schools. The session highlighted how cultural traditions continue to be shared and experienced in the community.

Sugarbeet Harvest Update

Sugarbeet Pre Piling continues to move along, and sugarbeet producers and organizations are reporting a very promising crop. Harrison Weber of the  Red River Valley Sugarbeet Growers Association says this year’s pre-pile harvest has gone well, and the sugarbeet yields look good. 

The Red River Valley has seen some uncharacteristically warm temperatures recently, and Weber says this has actually led to an improved crop.

However, Temperatures have caused delays in the main fall campaign, but Weber says that producers should stay in contact with their piling sites.

For more agricultural news and programming, go to the Farm News webpage at rjbroadcasting.com.

Itasca State Park Update 

The Staff at Itasca State Park have another weekend of fun activities this weekend. Itasca State Park Lead Naturalist Connie Cox gives us a look into this week’s programming, which includes the return of a fan favorite event. 

While it may not feel like it yet, cold temperatures are expected to arrive in the coming weeks, and Cox says that they will be closing some facilities in the park.

Cox says they are excited to have one open for the season.

More information about park programs and facilities can be found on the Itasca State Park webpage on the Minnesota DNR website at dnr.state.mn.us. 

Health Insurance Rates to Jump in 2026

Minnesotans who buy health insurance on the individual market will see a sharp increase in premiums next year. 

The Minnesota Department of Commerce announced today that rates for 2026 will rise an average of 21.5% for individual plans and 14.2% for small group plans. Officials say the hikes would have been even steeper without the state’s reinsurance program. 

Without that financial backstop, insurers estimated individual market rates would have surged by 69%. The reinsurance program helps cover high-cost claims, keeping premiums more stable for everyone. Lawmakers extended the program earlier this year. The finalized rates apply to plans sold on MNsure and directly through insurers.