Iron Range reps fight GOP plan to raid taconite fund

"It is going to kill jobs for generations to come," Rep. Carly Melin, DFL-Hibbing, said of a plan by Minnesota Republicans to use $60 million from a fund derived from taconite production taxes. The Duluth News Tribune reports that Iron Range lawmakers are fighting the plan outlined in a House GOP budget proposal.

Also clicking on MN Today

ND wind turbine accident pegged to bolt failure

Bolt failures caused a wind turbine's rotor and blades to fall from a tower in north-central North Dakota, and six other turbines have been shut down while their bolts are replaced (WDAZ).

Chisholm student expelled over 'hit list' on Facebook

The list on Facebook included 30 names of school staff, students and graduates. The posting made no specific threat other than the heading (Dulluth News Tribune).

What killed fish in Agnes and Henry lakes?

The "suspects" include treated water from Alexandria Lakes Area Sanitary District, chlorine from water used to battle a blaze at the SunOpta plant, chemicals from the plant that burned in the fire, or a combination of factors that depleted oxygen levels (Alexandria Echo Press).

Green Plains completes acquisition of Otter Tail Ag

Green Plains Renewable Energy announced that it has completed the purchase of an ethanol plant from Otter Tail Ag Enterprises. The plant is located near Fergus Falls and brings Green Plains' total expected ethanol production capacity to approximately 740 million gallons annually (Fergus Falls Journal).

Flood update

Flood outlook: Lower, but drawn out

Flood crest predictions were revised downward slightly Thursday but preparations continue for what could be Minnesota's third siege of near-record high rivers in 12 months (Star Tribune).

NWS scales back prediction but warns danger still lurks

With water expected to remain high throughout April, there's still the threat of a major storm adding to the problem, as happened in both 1965 and 2001."We're not out of the woods yet," meteorologist John Wetenkamp said (Winona Daily News).

Minnesota prepares for flooding in 40 to 50 counties

Nine counties, mostly around the Red River, were affected by floods two years ago. A year ago, 20 counties were flooded. This year, state officials say 40 to 50 counties in most parts of the state are likely to see floods (Grand Forks Herald).

More more news on floods and possible flooding from Floods '11.

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