>>Motorcycle Passenger Suffers Life-Threatening Injuries near Cloquet
(Cloquet, MN) — A motorcycle passenger has life-threatening injuries after an accident Monday afternoon near Cloquet. The State Patrol says a cycle driven by Jeffrey Baker of Virginia lost control and crashed due to a greasy substance on a roundabout intersection from Highway 33 to Interstate 35. Troopers say Baker had minor injuries, but his passenger, 39-year-old Ashley Lind, was airlifted to a Duluth hospital with life-threatening injuries. The report says neither rider was wearing a helmet, and alcohol was not involved.
>>14-Year-Old Rider Seriously Hurt in Wright County ATV Crash
(Buffalo, MN) — A 14-year-old boy is hospitalized with serious injuries suffered in an ATV crash near Monticello in Wright County. Sheriff’s deputies say it appears the teen from Clearwater left the roadway and ATV rolled over last week. He was airlifted to the hospital for treatment.
>>Blood Test Can Detect Alzheimer’s Disease
(Undated) – Promising new research from the Alzheimer’s Association shows that a simple blood test can accurately detect the disease in early-stage patients. Heidi Haley-Franklin of the Minnesota-North Dakota chapter says what’s exciting about this is that “these blood tests are about 90 percent accurate in identifying Alzheimer’s in people with cognitive symptoms seen in both primary care and in specialized memory care clinics.” Haley-Franklin says primary care doctors were 63 percent accurate in identifying the disease, while specialists were 73 percent accurate in using traditional diagnostic methods.
>>MDA Seeks Input Before 2025 Legislative Session
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is asking for Minnesotans’ opinions on the state’s 2025 biennial budget. Through two virtual public input sessions, farmers, businesses, and others impacted by food and agriculture systems are invited to share policy, funding, and program suggestions. Participation is free, but registration is required. The sessions are Monday, August 12th, from noon-1 p.m. and Tuesday, August 13th, from 5-6 p.m. Online, written submission forms are open through Friday, August 16th.
>>MN Children’s Center Offers Kindergarten Readiness Testing
(Minneapolis, MN) – A new Comprehensive Kindergarten Readiness Test is looking to provide parents with insights into their child’s preparedness for school. Julie Carver with the Minneapolis-based Washburn Center for Children says the process starts with interviewing a parent and getting hands-on experience with the child. For a full listing of current testing packages, Carver points caregivers and providers to their website. (washburn.org/testing.)
