Kick’n Up Kountry makes its way to Wagon Wheel Ridge once again this June. In its 22nd year, the four-day camping and music festival draws over 60,000 fans annually and has a storied history of hosting top country acts. Lineups are stilling being announced, with acts such as Little Big Town already announced. In 2024, the lineup featured Lady A, Parmalee, Josh Turner, Diamond Rio, and more, alongside genre-crossing acts like The Kentucky Headhunters and Warrant. Originally launched in 2004 in Hallock, Minnesota, the festival has brought legendary names like Charlie Daniels and Pam Tillis to its stages.
The Minnesota lake real estate market remains strong this winter, with a total market value of $2.36 billion, nearly unchanged from last year. There are 3,985 listings, down from 4,338 last winter. Lake Minnetonka leads as the largest market for both homes and land, with an average home price of $2.79 million. Across the state, 420 lake homes are listed for over $1 million. Most buyers are aged 45 to 64, with men making up 65% of the market. Outside of Minnesota, the top interest comes from Chicago, St. Louis, and Omaha.
LifeCare Medical Center is temporarily restricting visitors due to a rise in respiratory influenza cases in the community. Those experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms are asked to avoid visiting patients or residents to help keep everyone healthier. The hospital reminds everyone to practice good hygiene by covering coughs, sneezing into elbows, and frequently washing hands or using sanitizer. It’s also not too late to get your flu or COVID vaccine—call 218-463-4779 to schedule an appointment. Messages are checked twice daily, and staff will respond within one business day. Thank you for helping protect our community!
With $7.2 billion set to be invested in U.S. cancer research in 2025, the non-profit SmileHub has released its rankings for the Best Charities and Best States for Cancer Research. Minnesota earned an impressive 10th place overall, excelling in key areas like clinical trials per capita (10th), NIH grant funding (11th), and researchers per capita (6th). The state also ranked 17th for cancer mortality rate, highlighting areas for further improvement. SmileHub’s analysis used 13 metrics, from clinical trial availability to hospital quality, to assess how each state contributes to the fight against cancer.
And a reminder there will be no mail delivery by the United States Postal Service today in a national Day to honor the death of former President Jimmy Cartert. Regular operations will resume tomorrow, January 10th.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date for James (Jim) Thunder of Buffalo Point Manitoba. Jim died peacefully in his home surrounded by family on Tuesday, December 31st at the age of 94. Birchwood funeral Home of Steinbach Manitoba has charge of arrangements.
A Funeral Service for Tyler L. Carr of Warroad will be held tomorrow at 1 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Warroad. Helgeson funeral homes has charge of arrangements.
Last modified: 01/09/2025
