Government

ST. PAUL -- Claiming new momentum for a cause that’s been a perennial loser at the Capitol, opponents of Minnesota’s law banning Sunday liquor-store sales said Thursday that they’ll push for a repeal this session. “Coming off an election cycle where this was...

ST. PAUL -- Tax season is underway in Minnesota, as residents have been able to file state income tax forms as of Tuesday. The Minnesota Department of Revenue said its online filing system will be available until the file date of April 15. The department’s website also has resources...

The Perham-Dent School Board approved a 32.23 percent increase on the school’s portion of property taxes for 2015. A balanced budget for the 2015-2016 school year is expected as a result of the increase. The levy was approved as part of the board’s regular meeting on Dec....

ST. PAUL – Let’s face it: What most Minnesotans want to know about the upcoming legislative session is whether lawmakers will raise their taxes. The answer is a resounding maybe. In most years, Republicans could be expected to reject any tax increase proposal....

ST. PAUL -- Minnesotans will have an extra five days to shop for coverage effective Jan. 1 on the state’s health insurance exchange. MNsure announced Monday it has extended its enrollment deadline to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday as a response to market timing changes. Monday...

Perham City Councilors have approved a final property tax levy increase of 2 percent. The final levy amount, payable in 2015, is unchanged from the preliminary levy approved in September. The increase will mean the city will collect about $23,000 more in taxes next year than...

ST. PAUL -- Minnesota legislators and governor will have a bit more to spend in the next two years. State officials announced this morning that better-than-expected revenues are expected to give the state budget $1 billion more than previous predictions. Revenues are expected...

The developers behind Victory Estates have gotten the final go-ahead from city leaders to move forward with their plans. Perham-based Stoderl Land, LLC aims to bring more affordable housing options to town with its Victory Estates project. Perham has struggled for years to keep...

Perham’s Barrel O’ Fun Snack Foods (a KLN Family Brands company) has been fined $45,000 by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The fine came after a follow-up investigation related to the odor at Perham’s municipal wastewater treatment ponds, according to a statement...

ST. PAUL – MNsure’s marketing department approved more than $925,000 in contract work without first obtaining required authorization, according to a financial audit released Tuesday by the state Office of the Legislative Auditor. The money was available and...

Voter's Guide Minnesota Governor The candidates are: Mark Dayton, DFL, incumbent Jeff Johnson, GOP Hannah Nicollet, Ind. Chris Holbrook, Libertarian Chris Wright, Grassroots – Legalize Cannabis Watch the Perham Focus home page for future stories on these...

Voter's Guide U.S. Senator The candidates are: Al Franken, DFL, incumbent Mike McFadden, GOP Steve Carlson, Ind. Heather Johnson, Libertarian Watch the Perham Focus home page for future stories on these candidates.