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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And: Minnesota partners hope opioid prevention success spreads to youth; and a community storytelling initiative aims to capture recovery stories in St. Louis County.
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The plan will guide the implementation of voluntary conservation projects and programs in the northeastern Minnesota watershed over the next decade.
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A foundation coordinating with local partners says the opioid crisis isn't over, and a new Minnesota grant is an example of the urgency felt in preventing youth tragedies.
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The Grand Rapids area fishing guide and former Itasca County deputy died in his home on July 5, 2026. He contributed to the Minnesota fishing community in numerous ways.
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Bruce Larson was reported missing July 9, 2026, in the Wabana area, north of Grand Rapids. He was found safe later that morning.
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And: Carlton County continue discussion of data center moratorium; MN could have its first saint; and business owners assess paid leave law
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A motion was started at the Carlton County Committee of the Whole meeting July 7, 2026, for an interim ordinance on the development of data centers.
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Plus: Second Harvest Northland selects a new site for the Grand Rapids Food Shelf; and the St. Louis County Landfill may get double the trash with expansion in the five-county region.
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The storm caused damage to buildings, trees and power lines. Thousands experienced power outages due to the storm.
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The nonprofit's new food shelf location in downtown Grand Rapids is closer to other services and more walkable compared to the current location off Highway 2 in LaPrairie.