Minnesota has the capacity to launch mass timber manufacturing, according to a new study by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research and the Center for Economic Development at the University of Minnesota's Duluth campus.

The study considered the feasibility of introducing mass timber manufacturing to the state of Minnesota and/or Minnesota's Arrowhead region, according to the Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation. Researchers specifically analyzed the market for cross-laminated timber (CLT), which is a manufactured wood product in wide use in Europe.

The study concluded that multifamily housing construction and the trend toward sustainable building materials have increased demand for cross-laminated timber panels in the United States. Sufficient lumber exists in the Great Lakes region and mills have the ability and capacity to meet market demands.

Dan Browning

Mahnomen

Bank to foreclose on American Legion hall

A bank has filed a foreclosure petition on American Legion Post 31, claiming the veterans' group owes it more than $46,000.

In a court filing last week, United Valley Bank said it loaned the Legion more than $51,000 in 2016 and was supposed to be repaid at a rate of about $450 a month for 15 years.

However, the post in Mahnomen closed last summer. The bank agreed to suspend payments for several months while the Legion tried to sell its building.

With sale attempts unsuccessful, the bank is seeking to have the Legion hall sold at auction and collect the proceeds.

The Legion hasn't filed a reply to the foreclosure suit.

JOHN REINAN

Lake Superior

Chance to win a trip on a Great Lakes ship

Fans of freighters working the Great Lakes can vie for a chance to ride on one by entering a mail-in raffle with the Soo Locks Visitors Center in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.

The center is awarding a round trip for four on an Interlake Steamship Vessel during the summer of 2020, with details including a route, dates and ports to be worked out between the winner and the company.

Tickets for the Sept. 6 drawing are $10 each or three for $25.

Go to saultstemarie.com to download raffle forms and get more information. The raffle is a fundraiser for the Soo Locks Visitors Center.

Pam Louwagie

Correction: An earlier version misidentified the American Legion post in Mahnomen. bank has filed a foreclosure petition on American Legion Post 31, claiming the veterans' group owes it more than $46,000.