Governor Tim Walz is taking action to block copper-nickel mining in the watershed that feeds the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Walz signed an executive order Tuesday directing state agencies to halt permitting and environmental review for nonferrous mining projects, mining for metals such as copper and nickel rather than iron, in the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed.

Minnesota’s District 8 Representative Pete Stauber introduced the bill that led to Congress lifting a 20-year federal mining restriction in the area earlier this year. Twin Metals, the Minnesota subsidiary of Chilean mining giant Antofogasta, is pursuing a proposed copper-nickel mine near Ely and Babbitt.

For more information, visit the Minnesota Governor’s website at mn.gov/governor.

The Warroad School Native American Education Program is offering free backpacks and school supplies to students during the school open house.

The program says parents and students can also enter a parent and student prize giveaway, sponsored by Open Arms Native Missions and the Oyate Kinipi Archery Program.

Families who cannot attend the open house can arrange an alternate pickup by contacting the Native American Education Program by email.

The program also thanks Bryan Snyder for his continued support of the annual back-to-school backpack giveaway.

The Native American Education Program says, “Miigwech,” to its community partners and families for helping students start the school year prepared.

With a new school year just around the corner, families with children ages five and younger are encouraged to sign up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

The program provides children with a free, age-appropriate book delivered to their home each month, helping build early literacy skills and a love of reading.

The program is sponsored locally by Warroad Area Women of Today and Warroad Friends of the Library.

For more information or to enroll your child, visit imaginationlibrary.com.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

ROSEAU, Minn — 21-year-old Iver N. Hanson of Roseau is facing three misdemeanor DWI allegations following an arrest by the Minnesota State Patrol.

Hanson was booked into the Roseau County Jail on August 12th.

According to booking information, two of the listed allegations are assigned to Roseau County Court. The third is a fourth-degree DWI charge, which is a misdemeanor under Minnesota law.

The booking information does not provide details about what led to the arrest or where the alleged driving took place. It also does not include a full police report or a release date.

Additional information could become available through Roseau County Court as the case moves forward.

Minnesotans receiving food assistance may soon be receiving more eggs through their food assistance program or local food shelves. R&J News Prestin Douville explains.