Politics

Other effects of the federal government shutdown in Minnesota

By Kelly Smith

January 16, 2019 at 3:22AM
A boat navigates the waters of Namakan Lake near Kettle Falls in Voyageurs National Park.
Namakan Lake near Kettle Falls in Voyageurs National Park. (Tns - Tns/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

• Voyageurs National Park: Some ski trails will be open at Voyageurs, thanks to special funding from the Voyageurs National Park Association, the nonprofit friends group of the park. That funding and other fee revenue will allow staff to pack and groom some cross-country ski trails and staff the visitor center on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. over the next few weeks.

• Federal courts: Paid operations were secured through this Friday, but if the lapse in funding isn't resolved by then, Chief U.S. District Judge John Tunheim will decide whether to issue an order deeming all 223 staff members as "essential," which means they will be required to work without pay.

• Free tickets: Furloughed federal employees can get some free entertainment during the shutdown if they show a valid government identification card. The Minnesota Orchestra is offering two free tickets to certain concerts through June. Those tickets must be reserved before Feb. 28 with promo code FEDERAL. The Science Museum is providing free admission to the exhibit gallery and Omnitheater for federal employees and up to three guests.

about the writer

Kelly Smith

Reporter

Kelly Smith covers nonprofits/philanthropy for the Star Tribune and is based in Minneapolis. Since 2010, she’s covered Greater Minnesota on the state/region team, Hennepin County government, west metro suburban government and west metro K-12 education.

See More

More from Politics

See More
Elections

How the Star Tribune is covering the 2024 election

card image

Our mission this election cycle is to provide the facts and context you need. Here’s how we’ll do that.

Elections

Fact check: Walz and Vance made questionable claims during only VP debate

card image
Elections

In Tim Walz’s home city, opposing groups watch him debate on the national stage

card image