Fosston

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 Cass County, North Dakota, Coroner's Office reported that TeeJay Alvarez, 31, of Fosston, died June 9, 2026, as a result of injuries from a gunshot wound.

Area athletes to watch at the 2026 meet include Aitkin junior Ashley Asmus, Ely sophomore Violet Udovich and West Marshall seniors Emily Marquis and Markelle Pederson.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation will host an informational open house in McIntosh on May 13, 2026, for its planned project on Highway 2 from Fosston to Erskine in 2029.

Over 30 Northlanders from more than 20 schools earned "Spotlight on the Arts" awards to have their work featured at the state festival May 9, 2026, at Wayzata High School.

One program will be developed by Central Lakes College for an Eagan company. The other two are for manufacturers with locations in Brainerd and Fosston.

Three of the communities receiving grant funding in this cycle are in Northern Minnesota: Floodwood, Fosston and Deer River.

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

The qualifiers span 27 Northern Minnesota teams and all 13 categories. Over 30 are repeat qualifiers, including five medalists and one reigning champion.

Wrestlers from Grand Rapids, Staples-Motley and Badger-Greenbush/Middle River topped the podium at state Feb. 28, 2026, with another 35 Northlanders from 12 teams winning medals.