News

Thank You

The family of Colleen Hoekstra would like to express our deepest gratitude to all who came out to give us such a meaningful show of support. The hugs, handshakes, visits, phone calls, and texts we received were so appreciated. We loved hearing all the memories and stories that were shared about Colleen. Thank you to those who sent cards, memorials, flowers & plants, and food – we couldn’t have made it through this sad time without your support. Thank you to Father Labat for the meaningful service, the praise-worship group from Clara City for the beautiful music, and to the St. Mary’s funeral committee for the luncheon. We are grateful to Colleen’s co-workers at Avera Marshall for all their support and kindness shown. An Avera Marshall Colleen Hoekstra scholarship fund has been set up in her honor to be used to by employees to further their nursing education. Memorials received from the funeral have been donated to this fund.

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February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. During the month of February, teens, community members, and advocacy groups among others, raise awareness about the issue of teen dating violence. This campaign is headed by Love is Respect. Love is Respect is an initiative that engages, educates, and empowers young people to prevent and end abusive relationships. This is a safe, inclusive space where teens and young adults can access information and get support in an environment designed specifically for them. Love is Respect has a theme each year for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). The theme for 2022 is “Talk About It!” The goal of this is to theme is to emphasize the fact that everyone has their own valuable and unique story. Collective experiences and shared understandings can allow for better understanding and communication between teens and adults.

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Buysse named to Minnesota DNR Wildlife Oversight Committee

The group of Minnesota citizens that monitors fish and wildlife spending by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is in place for 2022. DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen appointed 15 new members and reappointed four people to the oversight committees that are responsible for reviewing the DNR’s annual game and fish fund report in detail and, following discussions with agency leaders and others, preparing legislative reports on their findings.

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