Paul Knapper News Today

Use of marijuana by adolescents raises the risks for mental illness. It's now legal, more potent than ever, and more likely to get into the hands of youth, the St. Paul couple warn.

The arts and entertainment scene in west central Minnesota offered much for its communities in 2022. This included celebrations of major anniversaries of arts organizations, new authors, art exhibits, historical milestones and the return of several favorite events following the pandemic.

Friends of the Arts was created 20 years ago to support and promote the arts in and around Renville. Over the years the organization has staged numerous plays, sponsored art events in the area and provided scholarships to students.

The Willmar Area Symphonic Orchestra will be opening its 65th season with "Animalia." The concert will showcase the tunes from famous animal stories including Old MacDonald, Babar the Little Elephant and Mumble the Penguin of Happy Feet fame. The pair of concerts will take place at 3 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Performing Arts Center in Benson and 3 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Willmar Education and Arts Center.

Decision on industrial action could come as soon as this week

Renville Friends of the Arts, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, is performing "The Trip to Bountiful" this coming weekend. The play is a favorite of longtime FOTA member and regional actor Bev Raske, who is revisiting a role she played 10 years ago on the stage of the Barn Theatre.

(Photot: PA/Steve Parsons/Jacob King/) THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC has shaken up the travel industry and many of us are desperate to go on holiday again. However, lockdown restrictions are gradually easing and government officials are hopeful that holidays abroad will be able to resume in the coming months. Paul Knapper, manager of the Deansgate travel agency, Spires Travel, said it has been a confusing few months for the industry- but added that customers could still book with confidence wi...

As of April 12, pubs and restaurants were allowed to open their outdoor areas for customer.   People can also meet up in outdoor areas or gardens as long as they are following the rule of six. At the time of writing, more than 50 million coronavirus vaccinations have been given out in the United Kingdom which has been a large contributor to the fall in hospitalisations and deaths as a result of the virus. While many of us are thankful for our new found freedom there are still some step...