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Like waiting in line for gas in the 70's, this is another historic thing for us to live through that will hopefully have minimal long-term impact.  However, for now there are services that are a part of the latest political chess game that are being impacted.  I hope for those being impacted that this will be a very short-term deal.  Here is a guide to what should stay open during the shutdown;

 

COURTS

Will remain open at all levels.

DRIVER'S LICENSES

People will be able to renew licenses at driver's license agent offices. Driver tests will not be available. City, county and privately owned offices can distribute tabs and license plates. To find one, go to mndep.com.

EDUCATION

State funding for K-12 schools will continue, but the state Education Department will largely be closed.

HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES

Medical Assistance, MinnesotaCare, food stamps, welfare benefits, child support payments, county child protection services, refugee assistance, supplemental aid and some services for disabled people will continue. Child-care assistance, services for the deaf, Senior and Disability linkage lines, criminal background checks and food shelf distributions will stop. Licensing for food, beverages, lodging and swimming pools could be interrupted. For details, go to the state's BeReady website at bereadymn.com.

HIGHWAY REST STOPS

Will close. Three waysides, partners with other entities, will stay open: Brainerd Lakes Welcome Center, Park Rapids Area Welcome Center, Floodwood rest area in St. Louis County.

HISTORICAL SITES

Minnesota Historical Society's 26 sites and museums will close, including the History Center, Mill City Museum, Historic Fort Snelling and Split Rock Lighthouse.

HUNTING, FISHING LICENSES

Will not be issued. DNR officers will continue enforcement.

LICENSE PLATES

State Driver and Vehicle Services Division will be closed, but deputy registrars could renew license plates.

MILITARY/VETERANS

Veterans homes will stay open, along with critical assistance programs. Tuition reimbursement claims will stop, and veterans' outreach claims offices will close.

MINNESOTA ZOO

Will close to the public. Zoo staff will care for the animals and maintain security. IMAX and zoo concerts will stay open. For updates, go to www.mnzoo.com.

PUBLIC SAFETY

State Patrol will stay on. The state's prison system will keep 3,600 of its 4,200 employees, including most of those who deal directly with offenders. Local police will likely be unaffected, since the state will still send local government aid.

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