>>Additional Counties Added to Red Flag Warning
(Grand Rapids, MN) — A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 8 p.m. for most of western Minnesota, with 54 counties under high fire danger. The National Weather Service expanded the alert this morning as warm temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds create conditions where fires can ignite and spread quickly. Leanne Langeberg with the Interagency Fire Center says April fire activity is common, with about 500 wildfires each month in April and May. She adds that spring yardwork can easily spark a blaze, and it “only takes one spark for a wildfire to start.” Officials urge people to avoid burning and use caution with anything that could create heat or sparks.
>>Senate Passes Manufactured Home Park Residents Bill of Rights
(St. Paul, MN) – Residents of manufactured home parks are a step closer to having more protections. The Minnesota Senate passed the Manufactured Home Park Residents Bill of Rights on Tuesday. Provisions of the bill include limiting rent increases for the lots, capping late rent fees at 8 percent, and providing access to itemized utility bills from the park owners. More than 180,000 Minnesotans live in manufactured homes. The bill passed the Senate 35-31 and is headed to the House.
>>Minnesota National Guard Soldier Killed in Rollover Crash
(St. Joseph, MN) — A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the family of a Minnesota Army National Guard soldier who died in a rollover crash last Friday in St. Joseph. Authorities say 22-year-old Cody Strong lost control of his vehicle, went into a ditch, and rolled. He was partially ejected and died at the scene. A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help cover unexpected funeral expenses. About $2,000 of the $10,000 goal has been raised so far. Funeral services for Strong will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28th, at The Waters Church in Sartell. Strong served as a combat engineer in the U.S. Army National Guard for the past three years.
>>Le Sueur County Man Injured in Field Fire Injures
(Sharon, Township, MN) — Le Sueur County Sheriff’s officials responded to a field fire Tuesday afternoon in Sharon Township in south-central Minnesota. First responders found a 67-year-old man with severe burns to his lower legs. He was treated at the scene and airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
>> Beyond the Yellow Ribbon/”Craving Connections” Workshop
(Arden Hills, MN) — Beyond the Yellow Ribbon will host a workshop on Thursday at the Gen. John W. Vessey Readiness Center, bringing together Minnesota companies and communities to strengthen support for veterans, service members, and military families. Army Brig. Gen. Joseph Sharkey will speak at the event, emphasizing the importance of connection and community support for military readiness and well-being. The “Craving Connections” workshop features presentations, networking, and breakout sessions on deployment support, translating military experience to the workplace, and building community networks. Beyond the Yellow Ribbon includes 90 companies and 50 community networks. Last year, the organization supported 636 events, logged nearly 50,000 volunteer hours, sent more than 2,100 care packages, and provided over $624,000 in assistance to Minnesota’s military community.
>>Healthcare Industry Marks Earth Day with Renewed Push for Sustainability
(Bloomington, MN) — Healthcare leaders are using Earth Day to spotlight the sector’s significant environmental impact. Dr. Shannon Neale, Director of Sustainability at HealthPartners, notes that hospitals are among the nation’s largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions. She says shifting to renewable energy and cleaner transportation systems could meaningfully reduce that footprint. Operating rooms are a major driver of waste, Neale explains, generating roughly 30 pounds per patient each day. Much of that waste comes from single-use plastics, which often end up in landfills and can even contaminate drinking water. Neale says cutting back on disposable plastics and investing in renewable power are two of the most effective steps healthcare organizations can take to build a more sustainable future.
