INTERNATIONAL FALLS  (AP) - Loggers have gone to court in an attempt to keep harvesting timber in the wake of Minnesota's state government shutdown.

Three members of the Minnesota Tiber Producers Association are asking a Koochiching County District Court judge to issue a temporary restraining order that would allow them to continue their work.

The Department of Natural Resources has halted timber harvesting in state forests during the government shutdown that began at 12:01 a.m. Friday. The loggers claim the DNR is violating contracts they have with the state.

Judge Charles LeDuc could issue a ruling later Friday.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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