The Commission on Judicial Selection announced Monday that three candidates have been nominated to fill two judicial openings in northwest Minnesota, including a current opening in Polk County and an future vacancy in Marshall County.

The Polk County opening became available after Judge Anne Rasmusson was elevated to the Minnesota Court of Appeals, creating an immediate need for a replacement on the bench. In Marshall County, Judge Jeffery Remick is set to retire later this year, prompting the commission to begin the selection process in advance.

The nominees include (left to right) Max Schafer-LaCoursiere, an assistant public defender based in Thief River Falls; Symon Schindler-Syme, who serves as an assistant county attorney in the Beltrami County Attorney’s Office; and Eliza Scott, an assistant county attorney with the Roseau County Attorney’s Office.

The three nominees bring a mix of public defense and prosecution experience, and one of them will ultimately be chosen to serve in each county. The final appointments will be made by the governor in the coming weeks.

A Stitch and Swap will take place this Saturday, March 21 at Warroad RiverPlace. The event invites anyone interested in knitting, sewing, crocheting, or other handmade crafts to come together and be creative!

Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or trying something new for the first time, everyone is welcome—no experience necessary.

There will also be a casual swap. Bring along fabric, yarn, patterns, kits, or even a finished project to show and tell, and trade supplies, ideas, and inspiration with others.

The Mendery will also be open during the event. Bring clothing or textiles that need a little repair, and volunteers can help fix them—or show you how to do it yourself.

The Stitch and Swap runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more details, visit warroadriverplace.org.

Hunters donated nearly 14-thousand pounds of venison to food shelves and feeding programs last year in the state of Minnesota, a jump of more than 50 percent from 2024. Jennifer Stephes with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture said not everyone has the ability to hunt.

Last year’s donations were the highest total in a decade and well above the 8,900 pounds donated the previous year. The venison program which was established in 2007, reimburses licensed processors and requires strict food safety standards.