Pure maple syrup produced in Hibbing has taken top honors at the annual international competition held by the North American Maple Syrup Council.
David Dahl, a hobbyist member of the Minnesota Maple Syrup Producers Association, was judged the North American Council’s Best In Show.
Dahl’s syrup was among entries from fifteen states and Canadian provinces. It also took first place in the golden maple syrup category, one of four categories judged.
Golden syrup comes in early spring and makes up a small portion of a season’s crop. The delicate taste of golden maple syrup pairs well with vanilla and dairy, or in light flavored cocktails.
Dahl taps about 100 trees each spring to make his Cedar Valley Pure Maple Syrup for family and friends.
He also won Best In Show last year at the Minnesota State Fair.
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Throughout most of 2026, the Chippewa National Forest will have contract employees out surveying people at developed and dispersed recreation sites, gathering information on how the national forest is used.
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In March, Trump directed U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to seek information about suspected election crimes. The DOJ has since shared voter information it collected with the Department of Homeland Security.
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Plus: Weeks of hearings begin for Bemidji and Northern Township over wastewater issue; State and federal agencies are partnering to address emerald ash borer in the Chippewa National Forest; and work began Monday on Highway 64 between Laporte and Akeley.
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Community centers have vital roles in Indigenous life, hosting birthday celebrations, funeral services, basketball games and bingo nights for these tight-knit communities.
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The state’s Office of Cannabis Management offers guidance on the laws but has no legal authority to compel cities or counties into compliance. This leaves it up to individuals to challenge local ordinances in court.
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State and federal agencies are partnering for a biological control effort to slow the spread of invasive emerald ash borer in the Chippewa National Forest.
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The administrative trial over who will manage wastewater around Lake Bemidji began in July 2025, with hearings Sept. 29-Oct. 10, 2025, in Northern Township and Bemidji.
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Faculty will host an open reading to read passages from books people cherish that have been banned, censored or removed from libraries and school curriculums.
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The 401 Water Quality Certification is required when construction-related activities are proposed near a navigable lake, river, stream or adjacent wetland in Minnesota.
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The proposed sale to a private equity firm is seen as a possible roadmap for complying with clean energy laws. Opponents say the deal is riddled with transparency issues and conflicts of interest.
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The program is designed to estimate how many people recreate on national forests and grasslands, what activities they do and how satisfied people were with their visit.
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is recruiting members of various advisory groups, with terms to start in 2026, with a goal of reflecting various perspectives.