The Bloomington-based lawn equipment manufacturer is testing some of its snowblowers in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The Associated Press reports, because of the lack of snow in northern Minnesota, Toro had to find it elsewhere -- about 250 miles away.

A nationwide sporting goods store closed its doors to a pair of politically charged events. A spokesperson with the National Rifle Association said they are up in arms after Gander Mountain canceled workshops at the stores in Rothschild and Eau Claire this week.

Operators at Wild Mountain in Chisago County said Oct. 7 is the earliest start on record. But a cold start to October created the right conditions for the hill in Taylors Falls for snow-making.