The Walz administration says taxpayers have an extra week — until April 22nd — to file their *Minnesota* income tax returns, *if* they’re in 64 counties affected by rapid snowmelt flooding or the winter storm that’s hammered the state this week. The extension also applies to the Prairie Island Indian Community, Red Lake Band of Chippewa and Upper Sioux Community. State officials emphasize the filing extension until April 22nd applies to *state* taxes only. It *does* include Minnesota business taxes. From MN Dept. of Revenue news release: Taxpayers in 64 Minnesota counties and 3 tribal nations who were affected by the [...]

State Patrol Chief, Colonel Matt Langer promises a “full court press” to educate Minnesotans before the new hands-free cell phone law takes effect for drivers. “Our goal is…, by August 1st, no Minnesota should be surprised by this law. That’s our absolute goal,” he says. Langer contends although enforcement is certainly part of the strategy, better education will mean fewer tickets. Langer says, “We’ll get resources out and a website up to make sure that Minnesotans learn how to comply with the law and we’re not just threatening it’s illegal, it’s illegal, it’s illegal — but actually helping people understand exactly [...]

(ST. PAUL) - There were smiles and some tears in the room also, as Governor Tim Walz this morning signed a bill that, beginning August 1st, makes it illegal to use a cell phone while driving except in hands-free mode. Present at the bill signing were not only lawmakers who championed the legislation over a number of years, but also families of those whose loved ones were killed by distracted drivers. Thomas and Wendy Goeltz from Hudson Wisconsin lost their daughter Megan and her unborn child in a crash near Stillwater in February 2016. Thomas says, “This is a great first [...]

Tyler, MINN(KMHL)- The Russell-Tyler-Ruthton School Board held a special meeting last night and discussed their new school proposal and where to build. The district recently passed a 35-million-dollar bond to build a new K-12 facility in Tyler. The board had three options on the site of the school. The current campus, Just north of the current campus over the football field or on land the City of Tyler recently purchased on the west side of town along County Road 8. They board voted to build the school on that lot that the city purchased on the west side of town. Building [...]