VIRGINIA — Nurses at Essentia Health-Virginia voted to ratify their union contract.
The Minnesota Nurses Association reported the vote Wednesday, Dec. 17, came after months of prolonged and challenging negotiations with the health care provider. Essentia Health said the agreement was reached after 10 bargaining sessions beginning in July.
The three-year contract covers more than 100 nurses and will be effective through July 31, 2028.
MNA stated the nurses remained “unified in their advocacy for patient care and a sustainable health care system on the Iron Range.”
In a statement, Essentia Health said the agreement “not only honors their vital contributions but also strengthens our shared dedication to protecting and advancing high-quality health care in this community we are privileged to serve.”
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Lorie ShaullNorthMet, formerly owned by PolyMet and now controlled by NewRange Copper Nickel, is one of three proposed copper-nickel mines in Minnesota. A reworked project plan is now before the DNR. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEAircraft play an essential role in fighting wildfires. Seaplanes from the Ely seaplane base drop water, fire retardant and deliver firefighters — and canoes — to the blazes. -
Contributed/Grand Rapids City CouncilTax increment financing is meant to encourage economic development. Per Minnesota regulations, 20% of units in a TIF rental property must be reserved for low-income housing. -
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Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe delayed Forest Service grants would have supported prescribed burns and other fuel-reduction efforts on thousands of acres near the Echo Trail, which has borne the brunt of this year’s fires. -
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Canva illustrationResponders used a winch line on a fire truck to pull the car from the water and found the woman later identified as Kaylee Smith inside. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe walk on July 25, 2026, spanned 13 miles from Big Sandy Lake in McGregor to Tamarack, with women taking turns carrying a bucket of water. -
Contributed/Crosslake Mayor Jackson Purfeerst Facebook pageThe building sustained significant damage near its front entry. U.S. Postal Service officials designated a temporary location for operations until further notice. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe Superior National Forest announced the July 31, 2026, openings as Phase 3 of its reopening of the BWCAW, as well as the opening of recreation sites in the western forest.
