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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Chelsey Perkins/KAXECrow Wing County's Eric Klang said agents worked out of the sheriff's office while temporarily stationed in the lakes area, asking him for guidance on "what's off limits." -
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Contributed/Beltrami County Sheriff's OfficeCorey Adam Bryant was last seen in Bemidji on Dec. 19, 2025, but was last in touch with family in January 2026. -
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Contributed/Alyssa Chen | Minnesota ReformerMinneapolis businesses are estimated to have lost $10 to $20 million in sales each week of Operation Metro Surge, which began in December 2025. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEAn administrative law judge ruled in favor of the township's petition to become a city while denying Bemidji's counterpetition to redraw its boundary around Lake Bemidji. -
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Contributed/Brainerd Public SchoolsThree rural Northern Minnesotans placed at the state alpine ski meet in Biwabik on Feb. 10, 2026.
