Local legislator honored for work with rural EMS programs During the Minnesota Ambulance Association (MMA) Stars of Life Event on March 18, Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls) was recognized as a 2025 Legislator of the Year. This award is presented to members who are champions for the needs of the state’s emergency medical services (EMS)… Read More

Contributed photo Katie Vasey was honored by GROW Frazee-Vergas Coalition for her time and commitment as the Chair of the Coalition. Vasey recently stepped down from this position, as her job with Essentia Health has her concentrating on a new area of focus.

Samantha Siedow Report for Minnesota Supporters say two bills being considered in the Minnesota House and Senate could help significantly reduce the number of teens dying from opioid overdoses. Minnesota is feeling the effects of a nationwide increase in opioid-involved overdoses after the emergence of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid drug 50 times stronger than heroin. Opioid poisoning… Read More

Herd of cows under quarantine until further testing can be completed H5N1 influenza has been confirmed in a Stearns County dairy herd from samples collected as part of Minnesota’s milk surveillance plan. The USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories confirmed the results March 21, and the Board of Animal Health has quarantined the herd until they meet… Read More

New bill would require school districts to report when students miss several consecutive days Yvette Higgins Report for Minnesota Lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle are pushing for improved attendance reporting in schools to address frequent absences among Minnesota students.  A bill by Rep. Heather Keeler, DFL-Moorhead, and Rep. Ben Bakeberg, R-Jordan, would require schools… Read More

DNR has reached nearly 1,000 participants but there is still room for more Last January, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources launched a new enrollment program for private woodland owners to participate in the forest inventory program, aimed at developing a broader understanding of Minnesota’s forests across all landscapes. Minnesotans responded enthusiastically, with more than 800 private… Read More

Essentia Health is has announced Dr. Stefanie Gefroh as its new West Market president. Dr. Gefroh has served in this role on an interim basis since August 2024. “I appreciate Dr. Gefroh’s many valuable contributions during this time, demonstrating her abilities in strategic thinking, management and coaching of colleagues,” said Essentia CEO Dr. David Herman. “Through… Read More

Farm Bureau Financial Services (FBFS) recently held its annual banquet, celebrating the accomplishments of the individuals and teams who made significant contributions to the company’s success over the past year.  Over 30 FBFS agents and managers from across the state were recognized during the evening program. Among them was Michelle Beck, of East Otter Tail County,… Read More

Spencer McGrew, Otter Tail County AIS Specialist and chair of the Statewide Aquatic Invasive Species Advisory Committee (SAISAC) called on lawmakers to reconsider proposed Local Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Aid cuts.  McGrew testified before the Minnesota State Senate Taxes Committee on March 25 to address the proposed funding reductions that threaten Minnesota’s successful AIS prevention… Read More

Robin Sand, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner in emergency medicine, is excited to join Essentia Health St. Mary’s-Detroit Lakes. “Essentia has a great background of in-demand care with up-to-date practices,” said Sand, who grew up in Freeport, Minn. “Essentia really works with the community, which is a huge part of why we… Read More