Minnesota

Residents Urged To Watch For Stranded Loons This Migration Season

Published

2 days ago

April 6, 2026

Residents Urged To Watch For Stranded Loons This Migration Season

With the weather we saw over the weekend, there was a chance of a loon fallout. A Wisconsin bird rescue wrote about what it was seeing over the weekend, and with Minnesotans starting to make the same migration as our state bird, heading north to open up cabins, here’s what to know if you encounter a ‘downed’ loon.

Loon Fallout In Parts Of Wisconsin

The Raptor Education Group posted on Saturday about Wisconsin residents finding loons not in area lakes, but rather on roads or roadsides, after the weather created unfavorable migratory conditions for the aquatic bird.

“Possible Loon Fallout in Central WI Related to Severe Weather Pattern, Portage and Waushara Counties

We admitted our first loon of the 2026 last night…he was found on a road in Almond, in Portage, County WI.

We have another loon being transported at this time from Coloma, Waushera County, WI.

It was found on a residence lawn. The locations are about 25 miles apart in Central WI. Neither area is near water.

The area had serious ice and wind damage with the recent ice storm which includes power outages. If a fallout has occurred, it is possible many loons will be found on the ground in wooded areas, yards or roads. It will be important for residents, birders or those interested in wildlife to be aware that loons may be down in that area. If they are on the ground, they will need your help as they cannot walk, nor fly from the ground.”

This has happened before here in Minnesota, and it’s an awful sight, as the common loon wasn’t built for being on land, and to see them struggle can tug at your heartstrings.

If you weren’t aware, this is about the time loons start to migrate back to Central and Northern Minnesota.

What Should You Do If You Encounter A Loon Out Of The Water?

If you find an injured loon, or one that may have been a part of a fallout as they had in Central Wisconsin, the recommendation is to call Minnesota Loon Rescue at 855-552-1500 or the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota at 651-486-9453.

You shouldn’t try to grab the loon or approach it. You can learn more about what to look for with injured loons here.

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Minnesota

Another Minnesota city moves toward displaying old state flag

Published

4 hours ago

April 8, 2026

Press Room

Another Minnesota city moves toward displaying old state flag

Elk River leaders are moving to keep Minnesota’s retired state flag flying in the city after residents backed the idea in a survey.

The Elk River City Council voted 5-0 on Monday night to draft a resolution to display the old flag instead of the new design adopted two years ago.

The move came after more than 1,000 residents responded to an online survey posted by the city. In that survey, the city says almost 75% supported displaying the old flag.

A final council vote is expected at its next meeting on the 20th.

Minnesotans hold onto old habits when buying a state flag

Other cities across the state have taken similar steps to fly the retired flag, including Champlin and Zumbrota.

The flag design turned into a political dispute when planning for a new design first began. Two years later, debates continue, with some believing the old flag celebrated the displacement of Native Americans and others embracing it due to its history.

Lawmakers, commission member discuss new legislation for state flag, seal designs

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Minnesota

Brad Paisley to perform at 2026 Minnesota State Fair

Published

16 hours ago

April 7, 2026

Press Room

Brad Paisley to perform at 2026 Minnesota State Fair

Country music star Brad Paisley will be bringing his talents to the Grandstand at this year’s Minnesota State Fair.

Paisley, along with special guest Avery Anna, will take to the stage on Sept. 3. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, with prices ranging between $52 to $113.75.

Paisley has won several awards, including three Grammys, two American Music Awards, 15 Academy of Country Music Awards and 14 Country Music Association Awards.

Brad Paisley performs during The Big 98’s Friendsgiving at the Grand Ole Opry House on November 10, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Jason Kempin / Getty Images

In 2008, Paisley became the first artist to achieve 10 consecutive Billboard Country Airplay No. 1 singles. Last year, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

This year’s Grandstand acts also include TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, En Vogue, Rod Stewart, “Weird” Al Yankovic and Bonnie Raitt. Pre-fair discount admission tickets are also still available.

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Minnesota

ATHENA Award Honors Lori Kloos For Decades Of Service To SCTCC And Local Charities

Published

1 day ago

April 7, 2026

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ATHENA Award Honors Lori Kloos For Decades Of Service To SCTCC And Local Charities

ST. CLOUD (WJON News) — The Women’s Fund of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation has announced this year’s ATHENA Award winner.

Lori Kloos is the 2026 recipient.

She serves as the President of the St. Cloud Technical and Community College, where she has also held other leadership roles, including Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Administration for nearly 30 years. Prior to her time at SCTCC, Kloos served as a State and Legislative Auditor for Minnesota.

In addition to her professional achievements, Kloos is actively involved in the community, serving on several local boards and committees, including Greater St. Cloud, United Way, and the St. Cloud Downtown Rotary.

The ATHENA Award is a lifetime achievement honor recognizing exceptional women leaders who inspire others to achieve excellence in both their professional and personal lives.

Kloos will be honored on June 8th at the Women’s Fund Presents: Dancing With Our Stars Live at the College of St. Benedict.