Northwest Regional Development Commission

05/26/2026

THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. Advance Thief River has completed and finalized the “Thrive in Thief River: 55+ Housing Strategic Plan” with a grant from Age-Friendly Minnesota and support of the Age-Friendly Minnesota Council. The plan, presented April 9 at Northland Community and Technical College, focuses on expanding housing options, supporting aging in place and strengthening the local economy. “Older adult housing hasn’t traditionally been part of economic development conversations,” said Michelle Landsverk of Advance Thief River. “But it plays a critical role in the overall housing system.” The effort included community forums, focus groups and stakeholder engagement, with research support from University of Minnesota Extension. More than 80 participants contributed to the process.

Jim Retka of the Northwest Regional Development Commission said limited housing options for older adults affect availability across the market.
“When older adults don’t have appropriate housing options, it impacts the entire housing system,” Retka said. The plan outlines strategies to engage developers, explore financing tools and expand housing types. A proposed 42-unit development for residents 55 and older is already in early planning. Leaders say the focus now shifts from planning to implementation.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, the Northwest Regional Development Commission honors the heroes who gave their lives for our nation. We are grateful for their courage and sacrifice, which continue to shape the strong communities we serve across northwest Minnesota. Today, we remember. We honor. We give thanks. Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

05/24/2026

Adopt a Highway volunteers remove 35,000 bags of trash from Minnesota highways each year! MnDOT welcomes more groups to volunteer and visit MnDOT’s Adopt a Highway website to connect with their local Adopt a Highway coordinator.
https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.dot.state.mn.us%2Fadopt%2F%3Futm_content=%26utm_medium=email%26utm_name=%26utm_source=govdelivery%26utm_term=/1/0101019e21dc4970-259d5fc4-2561-46f4-b6fb-74013fa4954e-000000/0GFMu-IkCiuFXXDdBLSsKJC7bdZZlUyT9t-l31YuS0Q=452

05/23/2026

Your Voice Matters
Your Story Can Shape the future. Consider sharing a life experience to help improve Minnesota services. Share your story, shape the future for older Minnesotans.
MN Story Collective is a way for you to share your experiences, generate ideas for change, and help support Minnesota communities
MN Story Collective connects the voices of residents with those making decisions. Together, we’ll strengthen Minnesota’s communities as we strive to create a brighter future for all. Share your story, shape our future. Register Here: http://app.spryng.io/c/v/agingstories

https://mn.gov/mmb/mnstorycollective/

MN StoryCollective

05/22/2026

Offering family caregivers a break. Our Community Care Group Respite provides safety, security and socialization for older adults, age 60 years and older, while their caregiver takes a break.

05/21/2026

Social Media Post for MN Comprehensive Aging Survey

The Minnesota Comprehensive Aging Survey is a statewide survey that asks older Minnesotans about their daily lives, needs, and experiences.
• You can take this survey if you’re 60 or older and live in Minnesota.
• The survey is optional and takes about 20 minutes.
• Your answers are private and won’t be linked to your name.

Complete the survey online: http://vtlr.us/cas26

The Minnesota Department of Human Services and Minnesota Board on Aging are working with Vital Research, an independent research company, to run this survey. Your answers will help the State of Minnesota improve services and supports for you and your community.

For more information visit: https://mn.gov/dhs/aging-survey

Spanish Language Option / Opción en español:
La Encuesta Integral sobre el Envejecimiento en Minnesota está disponible en español. Complete la encuesta en línea en español: http://vtlr.us/cas26esp

05/20/2026

Justice North (formerly Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota) will host a Legacy Links Estate Planning Clinic for low-income homeowners in Moorhead on June 24.
At this in-person clinic, clients will meet one-on-one with a pro bono attorney and leave with completed estate planning documents, including a:
• Health care directive
• Power of attorney
• Simple will
If a transfer on death deed is needed, it will be completed after the initial clinic appointment. To apply for a Legacy Links clinic appointment, you and/or the homeowner may call 218.322.6035. Register Here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/oBL9pdB3Sk6-zCK_u7p39w #/registration

05/19/2026

Hope for Recovery Workshop – Saturday June 6th 8am – 12pm - Lake Reion Healthcare Fergus Falls
A free education program for families, friends, and loved ones of a teen or adult living with a mental illness. You are not alone.

Otter Tail County's Local Advisory Council on Mental Health invites families and caregivers to come together and learn about mental illnesses, the diagnostic assessment process, treatments, and recovery. You will also learn about crisis management and su***de prevention, tools for healthy relationship building while helping a loved one, and local resources. This workshop is for family, friends, and loved ones of a teen or adult living with a mental illness and not for professional development or observation. Led by trained family members who have been there, this workshop includes presentations, discussions and interactive exercises, as well as support and connection among peers.

A free education program for families, friends, and loved ones of a teen or adult living with a mental illness. You are not alone.

05/18/2026

Highway 75 culvert replacement south of Argyle begins May 18
Bemidji, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced today that construction on Highway 75 south of Argyle begins May 18. Motorists traveling on Highway 75 will experience a detour during the culvert replacement project. The project will improve aging infrastructure and is expected to be complete by May 30, weather permitting.
Motorists will detour using Marshall County roads 4, 108 and 19. Property owners will have access to their homes and businesses during construction.
Work zone safety reminders
• Slow down when approaching every work zone
• Never enter a roadway that has been blocked with barriers or cones
• Stay alert; watch for workers and slow-moving equipment
• Obey posted speed limits. Fine for a violation in a work zone is $300
• Minimize distractions behind the wheel
• Be patient; expect delays, especially during peak travel times

Hwy 75 culvert replacement south of Argyle begins May 18 - MnDOT News Release

05/18/2026

This class assists older adults to remain in their homes or return to their home from a facility, along with offering guidance and support to family members and caregivers.

Every 3rd Tuesday of the month from 10:30 - 11:30 AM

To Register call MN Aging Pathways at 800-333-2433 or click the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/resource-coordination-tickets-1980652905157