State briefs: Feds, Fargo, Moorhead sign off on Red River partnership

But even as the signing ceremony was taking place, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was still debating whether it would permit the project to go forward. DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr fired off a letter to Corps officials warning them that the DNR's recent completion of an environmental study "should not, by any means, be interpreted as a project approval or as indication that the state permits are likely to be forthcoming."

The Red River Diversion would protect Fargo from floods by channeling some water around the city, while blocking the rest with a dam across the Red that would back water onto thousands of acres in Minnesota and North Dakota.

The DNR raised concerns about the effect the project would have on Minnesota's environment and residents, and has not yet issued a permit to allow a dam across the Red.

Jennifer Brooks

The 10th Judicial District in east-central Minnesota is now offering weekly walk-in, self-help hours for the growing number of people representing themselves in court.

Self Help Center staff members are now available at varied hours at courthouses in Anoka, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Pine, Sherburne, Washington and Wright counties. Staffers instruct people on how to complete forms, answer questions about the court process, and help people locate free or low-cost legal services and programs.

Help by phone is available from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday at 763-279-4325 or by e-mailing 10CourtHelp@courts.state.mn.us.

For information on all of the resources available to people representing themselves in courts across Minnesota, visitmncourts.gov/selfhelp or call 651-259-3888.

Pam Louwagie

The Concordia College Memorial Auditorium in Moorhead will be transformed into a 100-chair dental clinic Friday and Saturday to help treat up to 2,000 patients who cannot afford dental care.

The free care is being provided by more than 1,000 volunteers, including dentists from Minnesota and North Dakota. It's part of Minnesota Mission of Mercy, which provides free dental care to children and adults who face barriers in accessing dental care.

Services include cleanings, fillings, extractions, limited treatment for partial dental appliances and some root canals in front teeth.

There is no advance sign-up and patients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis each day. The doors open at 5:30 a.m. Early arrival is encouraged.

Mark Brunswick