Gubernatorial candidates Republican Lisa Demuth, and DFLer Amy Klobuchar have said they would ask President Donald Trump to end the war in Iran. Rising fuel and grocery prices have emerged as a major issue in the governor’s race, with both candidates pointing to the conflict as a factor driving up costs for Minnesota families.

With the Trump administration now seeking another $70 billion for the conflict, Klobuchar said the war with Iran is taking a growing financial toll on American taxpayers. Speaking on the Senate floor, Klobuchar cited a Pentagon estimate of what the conflict has cost so far:

Demuth said she recognizes the financial impact of the war in Iran on Minnesotans. She said rising prices tied to the conflict are putting additional pressure on people across the state:

The cost of the conflict is likely to remain a key issue in the governor’s race as candidates debate its impact on Minnesota families and taxpayers.

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Elizabeth Heath, chair of the Oncology Department at Mayo Clinic, says prostate cancer rates have increased by 3%. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men.

Despite effective treatments, prostate cancer remains the fourth-leading cause of cancer death among men in the U.S. Heath says treatment is most effective when the disease is caught early, and she discussed when men should talk with their doctors about screening.

For more information about prostate cancer, risk factors and screening, visit the American Cancer Society at cancer.org, or talk with your health care provider about whether screening is right for you.

Greenbush Public Library is sponsoring an afternoon of Scandinavian music at LifeCare Manor on Friday, October 2, beginning at 1 p.m.

The program will feature Project Constellation, a violin and guitar duo from Grand Forks, made up of Santiago and Christina Silva. Santiago Silva was raised in Sweden and performs Scandinavian classics with his wife.

They’ll be joined by Finnish musician Steven Solkela, who is known in the Scandinavian music scene.

The event is open to the public at LifeCare Manor in Greenbush.

Minnesota animal health officials are warning rabbit owners after a highly contagious and deadly disease was detected in two colonies in Lake of the Woods County.

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type 2, or RHDV2, was confirmed in one colony after about 15% of its rabbits died suddenly. A second colony lost about half its rabbits and is considered a presumed case.

Officials say the virus can kill up to 90% of infected rabbits. Owners are encouraged to talk with a veterinarian about vaccination and take steps to prevent the virus from spreading. RHDV2 is not known to affect people. More information can be found on the Minnesota Department of Health’s website.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

WARROAD, Minn — Shakespeare’s Othello is coming to Warroad RiverPlace next Tuesday, September 29th, and the Lord Chamberlain’s Men will bring the classic tragedy to the stage at 7 p.m. The UK based theater company works to recreate the traditional Shakespearean theater experience, including an all-male cast.

At the heart of Othello are themes that are still familiar today — love and trust, but also jealousy and deception. Artistic Director Peter Stickney says those themes are a big reason this centuries-old story continues to connect with audiences.

And while the story may be centuries old, the production itself takes audiences back to the way Shakespeare’s plays were originally performed. Stickney says having an all-male cast also adds something unique to this production.

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men perform Othello next Tuesday, September 29th, at 7 p.m. at Warroad RiverPlace.

That Full interview with Peter Stickney:

Residents in the Greenbush area will have a chance to pick up free fresh produce next week. The North Country Food Bank is holding a Produce Drop Tuesday, September 29th, at the City Shop of Greenbush, located at 244 Main Street North. 

The distribution starts at 11 a.m. and will continue until the food runs out. The event is being held in partnership with the Strandquist Food Shelf. For questions or more information, contact Kristin Osowski at 218-399-7360.

A community food drive is underway in Roseau to support the Roseau Area Food Shelf and local residents in need.

Organizers are asking residents to donate nonperishable food items or bags of groceries. Donations can be dropped off at Citizens State Bank, Annie’s Trading Post, Transfers and Roseau County Ford. Those who prefer to give money can donate through Citizens State Bank, where contributions will be matched, according to organizers.

The Roseau Liquor Store also will hold its annual food drive and fundraiser throughout October. Organizers say every donation, large or small, can help stock the food shelf and support local families.

Families in Warroad will soon have another place for young children to play, socialize and get creative. The Kid Zone indoor playroom is reopening for the winter season, with a kickoff party set for September 28th at 8:30 a.m. at the Warroad Community Center. 

The event, organized by the Warroad Area Women of Today, will include coffee and donuts. The Kid Zone is designed for children ages zero to six and is open most Mondays from 8:15 to 11:30 a.m. Adults must stay with their children. For updates and activity ideas, follow the Warroad Area Women of Today on Facebook.