Essentia Health

The healthcare companies announced the merger on Sept. 29, 2026. The combined company would include 22 hospitals and over 135 clinics in Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.

The new 3-year contract includes wage increases for around 40 nurses serving the Deer River hospital and clinic.

A Polk County district judge ordered the parties to return to arbitration in their yearslong dispute over Essentia's management of the local hospital.

The project is one of Essentia's two recent emergency department expansions in Northern Minnesota.

Dr. Daniel Hoody at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center advises precautions for combatting flu and other respiratory illnesses, and Essentia Health advises choosing care carefully.

From Ada to Winnie and Anders to Wylder, Northern Minnesotans' 2025 baby names range from one-of-a-kind to one-of-many.

KAXE covered natural disasters, federal funding chaos, Eichorn's arrest and resignation, mining permits and wild rice, library budget cuts, sheriffs teaming with ICE and more.

The agreement with the Minnesota Nurses Association was reached after 10 bargaining sessions beginning in July 2025.

The district plans to open a school-based health center by the end of 2026 using a state grant. The work is a continuation of efforts to meet students' needs.

Freewill donations collected at the event will support grief support services at Essentia-St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd.