Essentia Health

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.

After arbitrators found no breach of contract with Essentia Health ending labor and delivery services at Fosston, the city announced it is seeking to end the provider's role in the hospital.

Proceeds from the Nov. 30, 2025, event will support hospice care services at Essentia Health-Fosston.

The new contract will cover the almost 300 nurses who work for Essentia in the Brainerd lakes area for the next three years.

Plus: A winter-hardy cover crop is being explored as a sustainable jet fuel source; and the Esko girls finished 4th place at the state soccer tournament.

The health event, sponsored by Youth Emergency Shelter & Supports and Essentia Health, will be at the Armory Arts Center in Park Rapids on Oct. 21, 2025.

Plus: Leech Lake Tribal Council members and Itasca County Commissioners entered into a new memorandum of understanding after breaking ground on a new community and wellness center in Ball Club.

A third-party study calculated Essentia's impact in the Brainerd lakes area and the greater Iron Range.

Plus: Essentia Health is touting an independent economic impact study of its operations around Brainerd and the Iron Range.