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April is National STI Awareness month. Get tested, stay informed and be safe

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Did you know that April is National STI Awareness Month? Polk-Norman-Mahnomen Community Health Services is taking this opportunity to highlight the importance of STI prevention, testing, and education as part of your overall health.

We offer comprehensive STI testing at all locations in Polk, Norman, and Mahnomen counties. Anyone who is sexually active can get an STI. Learning more about STIs, and how to prevent them, is an important step toward protecting your health and your partner’s health. STIs (sexually transmitted infections) are passed from one person to another through vaginal, oral, or anal sex. They are very common, and many people who have an STI don’t experience any symptoms. Without treatment, STIs can lead to serious health complications—but the good news is that most are easy to test for and treat.

There are more than 30 types of bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can be transmitted through sexual contact. Some STIs can also be passed from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. Eight pathogens account for the majority of STIs. Four of them are currently curable—syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis—and can be treated with antibiotics. The other four are viral infections—hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV), HIV, and human papillomavirus (HPV)—which can be managed with treatment, though not cured.

Prevention is key. When used correctly and consistently, condoms are one of the most effective methods to protect against STIs, including HIV. We recommend using dual protection: a barrier method like condoms, along with another effective contraceptive method (such as the pill, Depo shot, patch, ring, IUD, or Nexplanon) to help prevent both unintended pregnancy and STIs. Getting tested is simple, fast, and confidential. Some STI tests require just a urine sample or a quick finger poke. Cost should never be a barrier—our services are low-cost or no-cost, and no one is turned away for inability to pay. Take charge of your sexual health. Get tested. Stay informed. Stay safe.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Polk County Public Health at 218-281-3385 or text 218-280-1117 to make an appointment.

The post April is National STI Awareness month. Get tested, stay informed and be safe first appeared on KROX.

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Dennis Joel Tollerud – OBIT

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Dennis Joel Tollerud, age 90, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Riverview Hospital in Crookston, Minnesota. He was born June 11, 1934, in rural Gary Minnesota, to Helmer and Mamie (Johnson) Tollerud.

Growing up, he attended rural country schools around Fertile, and Gary High School. Dennis dropped out of high school to work on his family’s farm, later earning his GED while serving in the U.S. Army. Dennis was baptized and confirmed into Sundal Lutheran Church, rural Fertile, and was currently a member of Concordia Lutheran Church of Fertile, Minnesota.

Dennis married Bonnie Stine on August 18, 1956, at Sundal Lutheran Parsonage, and were later blessed with their daughter, Denise Renae.

He entered the U.S. Arm in July of 1957. While serving, he completed Wheel Vehicle Mechanic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and Fuel and Electric System Repair training at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland. He then worked in the motor pool while stationed in Oahu and Hawaii. He was honorably discharged in June of 1959, with the rank of SP4 E-4.

Dennis worked for local farmers in the Fertile/Gary/Borup communities; Uptown Service Station and Thorkelson and Jacobs Pontiac dealer, both of Fertile; partnered with Marlyn Sandnass at Fertile Auto and Implement; and Polk County Highway Department. In 1969, he gained employment in the Grounds Division of UMC, later transferring to the Agricultural Division as Laboratory Service Coordinator. He retired from UMC June 1, 1996, and was rehired to work several summers in the Grounds Department.

Dennis had a natural talent for mechanics, and was happiest when tinkering, repairing, or restoring something. To state he had a love for automobiles, motorcycles, tractors, or machinery would be an understatement. He traveled many miles with his motorcycle buddies – some trips being to Branson, Missouri; Sturgis, South Dakota; Mackinac Island; the Grand Canyon, and West Coast. However, most miles accumulated just cycling local country roads and enjoying the outdoors. Dennis had a knack for restoring old tractors- John Deer, Ford, Allis Chalmers, Case or Massey, whatever was available and in fairly good condition but needing TLC made for a happy man!

His talents didn’t end with fixing things, he was also a vocalist and banjo player with several bands over the years and enjoyed that second to mechanics. 

Dennis is survived by his wife, Bonnie; daughter, Denise and her significant other, Dave Colburn; sister, Sonia Stark; nephew, Dan Stark; Nieces, Carrie Stark, Christy (Nick) Mackaman, and Janet (Ron) Cameron; ex sister-in-law, Norma (Bruce) Erikson; sisters-in-law, Iris (Oris) Moen, Julie (Marvin) Holstad, Sandra (Dale) Cormican; and other nephews and nieces-in-law. He was preceded in death by his parents, Helmer and Mamie Tollerud; brother, Duane Tollerud; father and mother in-law, Lester and Bernice Stine; brothers and sisters in-law, Leslie and Ardell Stine, Gene and Jean Stine, Robert and Kitty Stine; brothers-in-law, Oris Moen, Marvin Holstad, Dale Cormican, and Edsel Johnson.

May God bless the memory of Dennis Tollerud. 

The post Dennis Joel Tollerud – OBIT first appeared on KROX.

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3 U.S. soldiers found dead, 1 still missing after training mission in Lithuania

Pabrade Lithuania A Leopard 2A7 main battle tank is captured in action^ firing its main cannon during a live-fire exercise. 10-13 - 2020

Military officials said Monday that the bodies of three U.S. Army soldiers — who went missing in Lithuania during a training exercise last week after their armored vehicle sank in a body of water — have been found. Search and recovery efforts were ongoing to locate a fourth missing soldier.

The soldiers had been deployed to Lithuania in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, and were permanently stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia. Lithuanian armed forces and law enforcement worked alongside them during last week’s training exercise. The Army later shared in a statement that the soldiers’ identities were being withheld pending notification of their next of kin.

The soldiers, assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, went missing the morning of March 25 after their M88A2 Hercules armored recovery vehicle became submerged in a peat bog during a mission to repair and tow an immobilized tactical vehicle. The submerged armored recovery vehicle was found by the Army and Lithuanian authorities last Wednesday; in an update from over the weekend, the Army said the vehicle was under at least 15 feet of water, clay-like mud and silt. Their 63-ton armored vehicle was removed from the peat bog early Monday morning.

Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie, 3rd Infantry Division commanding general, said in a statement: “our hearts are heavy with a sorrow that echoes across the whole Marne Division, both forward and at home. We stand in grief with the families and loved ones of these extraordinary ‘Dogface Soldiers’ during this unimaginable time.”

Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nausėda expressed his condolences to President Trump and the United States in a post on social platform X. “It is with deep sadness and sorrow that I received the news of the tragic loss of three U.S. soldiers during a US-led training exercise in Lithuania. The search and rescue operation will continue until the fourth soldier is found. @realDonaldTrump, Lithuania mourns together with the American nation. Please accept my heartfelt condolences, as well as those of the Lithuanian people, to you, the loved ones of those who lost their lives, and all the people of the United States of America. During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with you.”

Editorial credit: Karolis Kavolelis / Shutterstock.com

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Online mortgage company Rocket to acquire Mr. Cooper in all-stock $9.4 billion deal

ROCKET Mortgage Fieldhouse^ in the heart of downtown Cleveland^ Ohio. Cleveland^ Ohio

The financial technology platform Rocket Companies — , which includes real estate, title and personal finance businesses, and mortgages under its umbrella — has acquired the mortgage company Mr. Cooper Group Inc. in an all-stock deal valued at $9.4 billion.  The acquisition of Mr. Cooper by Rocket creates an entity that will represent nearly 20% of all mortgages in the United States.

Per AP News: Rocket said Monday that the purchase of Mr. Cooper Group Inc. will create a business representing one in every six mortgages in the United States and give it almost 7 million additional clients. The deal will boost loan volumes, while lowering client acquisition costs; with Rocket stating in a press release that “it will bring its industry-leading mortgage recapture capabilities to a combined servicing book of $2.1 trillion across nearly 10 million clients, representing one in every six mortgages in America.”

The move comes just weeks after Rocket acquired real estate listing company Redfin in an all-stock deal worth $1.75 billion.. The acquisitions of Mr. Cooper and Redfin will allow Rocket to speed up its AI-powered platform “and remove the friction and complexities plaguing today’s homebuying process,” according to the release.

The combined company will see Mr. Cooper Group Chairperson and CEO Jay Bray become President and CEO of Rocket Mortgage, who will work under Rocket CEO Varun Krishna. Bray said in a statement: “By combining Mr. Cooper and Rocket, we will form the strongest mortgage company in the industry, offering an end-to-end homeownership experience backed by leading technology and grounded in customer care.”

Rocket shareholders will own approximately 75% of the combined company, while Mr. Cooper stockholders will own about 25%. The combined company’s board will have 11 members, with nine being from Rocket and two from Mr. Cooper.

Editorial credit: Adam McCullough / Shutterstock.com

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See Adam Sandler in the new trailer for ‘Happy Gilmore 2’

Adam Sandler attends the 2nd Annual Cam For A Cause Gala. Hollywood CA USA - June 1^ 2023

Netflix dropped a teaser trailer for the highly anticipated sequel to Adam Sandler’s classic comedy Happy Gilmore, available on the streaming service beginning on July 25.

The newest trailer features Sandler and several other actors from the first movie reprising their roles — including Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin, Julie Bowen as Virginia Venit and Ben Stiller as Hal. The trailer also gives viewers a glimpse of Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio (otherwise known as musician Bad Bunny) who joins a cast which also includes Conor Sherry, Ethan Cutowsky, Maxwell Jacob Friedman, Philip Fine Schneider, Blake Clark, and Sandler’s daughters, Sadie and Sunny.

In addition, real-life golfers including Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau and John Daly are featured, with other figures from the sports world confirmed (or rumored) to appear in the flick– including Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, former NFL running back Reggie Bush, WWE Superstar Becky Lynch and All Elite Wrestling star MJF.

An official description of the new film reads: “At the end of the original Happy Gilmore, Sandler’s titular character was finally at rest after a long, strenuous season of golf…He showed the golf snobs who’s boss, saved his grandmother’s house, and returned home at last.”

Happy Gilmore 2 arrives on Netflix July 25; see the trailer – HERE.

Editorial credit: Michael Mattes / Shutterstock.com

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NBC renews Reba McEntire’s ‘Happy’s Place’ for Season 2

Reba McEntire at the NBCUniversal TCA Press Tour at the Langham Hotel on July 14^ 2024 in Pasadena^ CA

NBC has greenlit a second season for Reba McEntire’s Happy’s Place, which premiered in October 2024. The series was initially picked up for 13 episodes, but NBC ordered five additional scripts last fall for a total of 18 episodes last season.

Happy’s Place reunites some of the cast of McEntire’s popular “Reba” series, premiered on October 18th, garnering ten million viewers across NBC and Peacock.  The series airs on Fridays at 8 pm ET/PT on NBC or the next day on Peacock.

In the series, McEntire plays Bobbie, who inherits her late father’s tavern, Happy’s Place, and discovers that she has a new business partner in Isabella (Belissa Escobedo) — a twentysomething half-sister she never knew she had. Melissa Peterman, Pablo Castelblanco, Tokala Black Elk and McEntire’s boyfriend Rex Linn stars.

Former Reba executive producers Michael Hanel and Mindy Schultheis are returning alongside Julie Abbott and McEntire. The series was written by Kevin Abbott (the showrunner for Reba from 2002-2007).

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com