Roseau

Police chief says it's tough to find officers

Roseau recently lost a part-time police officer to neighboring Warroad, which offered the officer a full-time position. The loss highlights how hard it is right now to find officers in a small town, Police Chief Ward Anderson told the City Council at a recent meeting

The department is advertising to fill the position; meanwhile, a Roseau County sheriff's deputy may agree to take a few shifts for the city.

"This is a tough time for law enforcement," Anderson said. "This is a unique time in the country and in Minnesota. It is hard to find people who want to be in law enforcement."

Anderson added that at least 32 other police agencies in Minnesota are advertising open positions.

john Reinan

Warba

Campground adds upgrades for tourism

The American Legion Post 432 campground on Sand Lake, 2 miles west of Warba in Itasca County, recently upgraded its electric hookups to modernize its facility for RVs and campers.

The campground, which is in a 6-acre public park with a sand-bottom swimming beach, picnic pavilions and a fishing pier, has 19 camper/RV sites, a tent area, and an event building with a kitchen and dining room for community functions. The recent upgrades were paid for with a grant from the Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation. About 3,500 campers stay at the campground annually, while the public beach and park are used by an estimated 2,000 local residents. The campground opens for the season this weekend.

Reid Forgrave

Albert Lea

City reopens offices, encourages visitors

Albert Lea city offices and the public library are now open to the public. The city posted a notice of reopening last week.

"Walk-ins welcome; appointments with staff encouraged," the notice read. Although the library will be open, there are still some restrictions on visitors.

Library patrons cannot be seated. They also cannot read newspapers, play with toys or use the computers in the children's area.

john Reinan

Wadena

Council meeting on benches and lawsuit

The City Council will hold a special meeting Thursday. Topics include authorization to build two park bench areas in a city park and a closed discussion of "active, threatened or pending litigation."

john Reinan