Minnesota PUC urges residents to prepare for extreme cold, conserve energy, and know their rights
[January 22, 2026 – 2:14 pm]
With dangerously cold temperatures forecast across Minnesota this weekend, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is urging residents to prepare for extreme weather, take steps to use energy wisely, and be aware of the protections available under Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule.
Periods of extreme cold can place significant strain on the energy system and lead to higher-than-normal household energy use. When many customers use more electricity and natural gas at the same time, overall demand increases, which can also contribute to higher energy costs.
Know your rights: Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule
Minnesota’s Cold Weather Rule protects residential utility customers from having their electric or natural gas service disconnected between October 1 and April 30. To protect service from disconnection customers must make and keep an agreed-upon payment plan.
The PUC encourages any customer who is struggling to pay their energy bills to contact their utility company immediately to discuss payment plan options and avoid disconnection. Additional energy assistance resources may also be available through local and state programs.
Tips for consumers during extreme cold
The PUC urges residents to stay informed and consider simple steps to reduce energy usage when temperatures plunge. Customers are encouraged to follow their electric and natural gas utilities on social media, sign up for outage and emergency alerts, and monitor utility websites for the latest information and updates.
Additional tips include:
- Adjust your thermostat – Lowering the thermostat a few degrees, especially when you are away or asleep, can significantly reduce energy consumption.
- Seal leaks and drafts – Use weather stripping, caulk, or door sweeps to block cold drafts and keep warm air indoors.
- Use natural sunlight – Open curtains and blinds on sunny days to let in warmth and close them at night to help retain heat.
- Bundle up indoors – Dress in layers and use extra blankets to stay warm without turning up the heat excessively.
- Maintain heating systems – Change furnace filters regularly and schedule maintenance if possible, to ensure systems run efficiently.
Higher use can mean higher bills
During extreme cold, heating systems often run much more frequently, which can significantly increase energy usage and monthly bills. Conserving energy where possible can help manage costs and reduce pressure on the energy system during peak demand periods.
For more information about the Cold Weather Rule and consumer protections, visit mn.gov/puc/consumers or contact your utility provider directly.
Clearwater County Sheriff Darin Halverson announces he will not seek reelection
[January 20, 2026 – 3:30 pm]
The following press release was issued by Clearwater County Sheriff Darin Halverson today (January 20, 2026):
“Serving as your Clearwater County Sheriff for the past 11 years has been a tremendous honor. I am deeply grateful for the trust and support of this county. Together, we have achieved meaningful improvements and navigated significant challenges.
After careful personal reflection and thoughtful discussions with my family, I have decided not to seek re-election for a fourth term as your Clearwater County Sheriff this fall. I will continue to serve the citizens of Clearwater County with the same commitment and integrity until my term concludes in January 2027.
This decision has not been easy. I have dedicated the past 34 years to serving the people of Clearwater County, beginning as a part-time officer with the Clearbrook Police Department, then serving as a K9 officer and Police Chief in Bagley, and ultimately as Sheriff of Clearwater County. In addition, I found great joy in being a DARE Officer for 20 years.
It has been a remarkable journey, full of challenges, growth, and countless blessings, but all chapters must eventually come to a close. While no time is ever perfect, I have relied on my faith and gentle signs from God guiding me and confirming that this is the right moment to step back and turn the page. I am at peace with this decision and look forward to what lies ahead.
I was fortunate to follow outstanding sheriffs and build upon a strong foundation. During my tenure, we have implemented numerous upgrades and improvements that have enhanced efficiency, transparency, officer safety, communication, and the successful prosecution of criminal cases, while strengthening the overall safety and security of our citizens.
Throughout my career in law enforcement, I have consistently held myself to a higher standard. Leading with compassion, understanding, and empathy for our fellow citizens has always been central to my approach, and I hope those principles define the legacy I leave behind. While it is not possible to satisfy everyone in law enforcement, it is always possible—and essential—to treat every person with respect and dignity.
I would like to extend my gratitude to all the outstanding individuals I had the honor of working alongside during my career. Some of those are no longer with us, but each person made a lasting impact on me, not only professionally but personally as well. I will forever value the memories we shared and wish continued success and happiness to those I leave behind as I begin the next chapter of my life.
After a long career in public service, I am excited to spend more time with my family. In this line of work, families often receive what is left over after everything has been given to serving others. I am deeply grateful to my wife, who has stood by my side throughout this journey—we will be celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary this fall—and to my grown children, who have known nothing different, having grown up in a law enforcement household. They understood from an early age what it meant when duty called—whether missing a family dinner or attending events with only their mom—and they always showed remarkable respect, empathy, and understanding that has made me proud.
I also want to thank my parents for instilling in me the strong morals and ethics that have guided my life and career. Who would have thought your little boy growing up on the family farm would one day become a Sheriff?
Finally, I want to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my career. Your encouragement and trust made it possible for me to accomplish all that I have. It has been the honor of a lifetime serving as your Sheriff, and I will be forever grateful. God bless you all.”
Nominations Sought for 2026 First Lady
[January 19, 2026 – 2:10 pm]
The 2026 Clearwater County First Lady will be held on April 11 at the Bagley American Legion Auditorium. The Bagley Auxiliary will be co-hosting the event.
Since 1977, Forty-six women in Clearwater County have been recognized as a Clearwater County “First Lady” for their accomplishments either for their service in a variety of community projects and organizations or for success in their careers.
Your help is needed to select the 2026 recipient. If you know a woman who should be considered for the award, please send a letter with her name and include your reasons for her nomination- this can include any accomplishments in her life such as her career highlights or volunteer years of service and other characteristics that you think should be considered. First Lady nominees must currently live in Clearwater County and be able to attend the event on April 11. Nominations of women of all ages are encouraged.
If you have nominated someone previously, be sure to send in a new nomination. Please include your name and phone number or email so we can let you know if your nominee is selected.
Letters should be sent to – 2026 First Lady, History Center, PO Box 241, Bagley, MN 56621. Letters will be delivered unopened to a selection committee. Please do not send emails. Nominations must be received by March 1.
Questions? Call Tamara at (218) 785-2000.
Past First Ladies
1977- Laurel Carlson
1978- Edith Refshaw
1979- Mangeline Kirkeby
1980- Arlene Cease
1981-Dorothy Katzenmeyer
1982- Adeline Beltz
1983- Sharon Dukek
1984- Olga Peterson
1985- Lois Bromaghin
1986- Dolores Johnson
1987- Zella Tangjerd
1988- Ruth Offerdahl
1989- Karen Gesell
1991- Lucille Kildal
1993- Judy Carver
1994- Ruth Anderson
1995- Marilyn Melby
1996- Alma Burr
1997- Hennie Merseth
1998- Mildred Mathison
1999- Lila Strandlien
2000- Dee Strandlien
2001- Grace Nelson
2002- Lillian Sauer
2003- Crystal Schmitz
2005- Charlotte Stoker
2006- Vivian Torkildson
2007- Betty Johnson
2008- Ardella Lindberg
2009- Darlene Sawyer
2010 – Linda Kaul
2011- Opal Friborg
2012- Shirley Gunderson
2013- Lois Hoie
2014- Marilyn Stinar
2015- Ardis Thompson
2016- Eileen Lien
2017- Alice Gunderson
2018- Donna Rae Jacobson
2019- Elaine Johnson
2020 – Marilyn Ames
2021- Sharon Braaten
2022- Janice Feil
2023- Gladys Luecken
2024- Eileen Vorderbruggen
2025- Ruth Halvorson
City Council decides to continue operation of Bagley Police Department
[January 15, 2026 – 5 pm]
During the regular city council meeting held on January 14, the fate of the Bagley Police Department was discussed.
Mayor Duane Lewis distributed cost alternatives to the council members and stated “You guys can all see the numbers there. So, it is apples for apples. So, what Darin (Sheriff Darin Halverson) did was a number 10, a number five, and a number one. And that’s the numbers that he brought back. We had a little bit of discussion, and he pretty much wants three deputies on.” Lewis went on to say, “There isn’t really a cost savings, which you can see.” Lewis added that the costs comparisons were for three police officers versus three deputies. The council had the option to move on with the process or to leave the department as is – meaning no change.
Councilman Chad Bonik stated “there’s two issues. It’s not a savings in just a three-year term. We can’t go long-term for either one of our, I mean, you can’t go long-term on the county, you can’t go long-term on our end. We don’t know what kind of circus is going to happen down in Saint Paul, with what’s happened in the last six weeks. So, if they cut LGA (local government assistance), we’re all screwed. Countywide and citywide, so we’re going to have to figure that out.” Bonik went on to say, “If they cut LGA, we might not have a choice … we might be down to Andy Griffith, one cop car, and Barney and Andy, and that’s all we can afford. We’ll have to cross that when that comes. But (right now) I don’t think it’s even worth it.”
Lewis replied “Yeah. But (in the future) if we want to add more (officers), all we can do is add it to the taxes.” After some additional comments about city residents being taxed twice for law enforcement, Bonik said “you know, we were looking for a savings … that’s all the only reason this came up.”
Lewis then asked if any of the other council members had comments or questions, with Councilman Dennis Merschman saying, “Yeah, no, I agree.”
Sheriff Darin Halverson was in attendance and made the following statement “there is a risk on both sides. There’s a risk on the city’s side and there’s a risk on the county’s side. I mean, on the city side, like I say, you guys may not feel you’re getting what you’re paying for. Or … the county board might decide they’re going to increase it higher than that. Or the next sheriff that comes along might say, ‘I don’t want a contract or I want to raise the price’, and then on the county’s side, they run the risk of entering into this and then the city decides we’re not going to pay for this anymore and then the county has to absorb everything. So … it’s a risk on both (sides).” Halverson added, “like I said at the public hearing, … I know you guys don’t have the money for it but I said a four-person department would be the best.”
With no other comments from the council members, Lewis said “Okay. Sounds good. That should be it.” Then Lewis addressed the audience and said, “it’s really not a Q&A, but if you guys have anything to (say), just be brief.” There were no comments from the audience.
Without a motion to proceed in discussions with the county, the police department will remain in operation under the previously approved 2026 budget. At that point, Lewis moved on to the next item on the meeting agenda.
BCA statement regarding investigation of ICE fatal shooting in Minneapolis
[January 8, 2026 – 9:58 am] On Jan. 7, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) was notified that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel were involved in a shooting in Minneapolis that resulted in a woman’s death. That morning, after consultation with the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI, it was decided that the BCA Force Investigations Unit would conduct a joint investigation with the FBI. The BCA responded promptly to the scene and began coordinating investigative work in good faith.
Later that afternoon, the FBI informed the BCA that the U.S. Attorney’s Office had reversed course: the investigation would now be led solely by the FBI, and the BCA would no longer have access to the case materials, scene evidence or investigative interviews necessary to complete a thorough and independent investigation.
Without complete access to the evidence, witnesses and information collected, we cannot meet the investigative standards that Minnesota law and the public demands. As a result, the BCA has reluctantly withdrawn from the investigation. The BCA Force Investigations Unit was designed to ensure consistency, accountability and public confidence, none of which can be achieved without full cooperation and jurisdictional clarity.
The BCA Force Investigations Unit was created in 2020 by the legislature to provide an independent, consistent and trusted mechanism for investigating use of force incidents involving law enforcement officers. This unit is the result of years of scrutiny, public engagement and bipartisan legislative action following the Deadly Force Encounters Working Group. Minnesotans made it clear that they expect a transparent and thorough process when a peace officer uses deadly force in our state, and the BCA has earned their trust by delivering on that expectation.
We expect the FBI to conduct a thorough and complete investigation and that the full investigative file will be shared with the appropriate prosecutorial authorities at both the state and federal levels.
The BCA remains fully committed to our partnerships to build public trust in use of deadly force investigations. If the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI were to reconsider this approach and express a willingness to resume a joint investigation, the BCA is prepared to reengage in support of our shared goal of public safety in Minnesota.
Governor Walz Readies State Resources, Notifies National Guard to Prepare to Protect Public Safety in Minneapolis Following Federal ICE Shooting
[January 7, 2026 – 3:30 pm] – Following a shooting involving federal ICE agents in Minneapolis, Governor Tim Walz today directed state agencies to mobilize resources to support public safety efforts in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. The Governor has directed the National Guard to conduct necessary preparation in the event they are needed to assist local and state authorities. The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) has been activated to coordinate the state’s response and ensure resources are positioned efficiently.
At this time, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is jointly investigating the incident along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). State leadership in the SEOC is also coordinating with Minneapolis and Saint Paul police departments, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Minnesota National Guard.
The Minnesota State Patrol has mobilized 85 members of its Mobile Response Team to support law enforcement efforts in the Twin Cities. The National Guard remains on standby and is prepared to deploy if needed to assist with public safety and emergency response operations.
“Our top priority is keeping Minnesotans safe,” said Governor Walz. “State and local leaders are taking every step to support law enforcement and protect residents and state resources have been deployed to ensure our neighborhoods remain safe. We have repeatedly warned that this federal mobilization was putting residents at risk. I encourage Minnesotans to remain calm. This mobilization was about putting on a show from the beginning – let’s not give it to them.”
The SEOC will continue to oversee state response efforts, coordinating the Guard, State Patrol, and other agencies to respond quickly to threats and ensure public safety.
Home damaged by chimney fire South of Bagley
[January 7, 2026 – 3:55 pm] A Bagley man is facing the middle of winter without heat after a chimney fire destroyed his lifelong family home late Saturday night on Stockyard Road. The fire broke out on January 4, leaving the chimney completely destroyed, the oil furnace unusable, and significant water damage in the basement, though the homeowner was not injured, according to the GoFundMe.
The family of Mike Hromidko has launched a GoFundMe to urgently restore heat and prevent burst pipes that could cause further damage.
“He’s safe but has no heat as the fire took out the chimney. And oil furnace is also unusable. Trying to get some funds going to help him get some heat and fix the water damage in the basement. That’s been his childhood home all his life mine too as I grew up out there too with my grandma,” the GoFundMe shared.