Home Care In Glencoe, MN

GLENCOE, MN — A pregnant Glencoe woman will not be cut off from receiving medical care after people who read of her plight donated to help pay her debts and allow her to keep her doctors, she said.

“I don't even know where to begin to say thank you,” Stephanie Beesing wrote in a GoFundMe. “I am overwhelmed and in awe of people's generosity.”

Beesing was told while eight months pregnant that she would be cut off from clinic care due to $4,100 in medical debt owed to Glencoe Regional Health, according to the Star Tribune. Beesing was able to ensure care during the birth of her child and two additional visits, but would then only have access to the provider’s emergency services, the Tribune reported.

“ER and Urgent Care only access is not helpful when you have a chronic or ongoing illness that you need specialists for,” she wrote. “I don't want this to happen again, to myself, and definitely not to anyone else.”

Beesing and her husband were in bankruptcy two years ago after suffering pandemic-related job loss and chronic health issues, according to the Tribune, which reported their state insurance had a high deductible and they struggled with copays and out-of-pocket costs.

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Glencoe Regional Health told the Tribune that patients are encouraged to pursue financial help and consider payment options and that it tries to avoid cutting off care.

Tribune readers donated money for Beesing’s bills, according to Beesing, who was scheduled to be induced Thursday due to diabetes and a high-risk pregnancy. She is also debating whether to return to work at a local library after her unpaid three-month leave, as childcare could cost more than her salary, the Tribune reported.

“I want to encourage people to contact the State Attorney General and the clinics who have these policies: they need to change,” she wrote. “Especially when we are hard-working people and have medical insurance but the costs of specialists or continued care for chronic issues just keeps piling up before anyone can even get a chance to get ahead.”

Allina Health recently fell under scrutiny when a similar policy was reported by The New York Times, but the provider has since paused the practice.

Hutchinson hasn’t been the only city in the area discussing hotels this year.

While the Hutchinson City Council is working with a developer interested in renovating the former Jorgenson Hotel building into an upscale venue, the city of Glencoe is trying to get ahead of other cities on U.S. Highway 212 to construct a hotel of its own. To that end, Glencoe Assistant City Administrator Jon Jerabek asked the McLeod County Board this past week to participate in a hotel tax abatement with Glencoe for a total of $500,000.

The request was unanimously denied.

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“The city of Glencoe has been without a hotel since early 2021 after the Super 8 was purchased by Seneca Foods for workforce housing. The last hotel was that same hotel built in the mid-1980s,” Jerabek said.

He said a study conducted by the city found it had significant need for a hotel, and that other cities along the highway had found the same. Developers and hotels, however, have signaled its unlikely there is a market for more than one project.

Proposed in Glencoe is a $6.9 million project for an AmericInn on Morningside Drive south of U.S. Highway 212. The developer is Ikwe Development of Wisconsin. The Glencoe City Council unanimously approved a resolution to participate in the roughly 13-year tax abatement. The proposed timeline of the project calls for a May or June, 2022, close on a loan, an August, 2022, groundbreaking and construction that would last until April, 2023.

McLeod County Board members said they would have preferred more opportunity to discuss the proposed tax abatement ahead of last week’s meeting.

“I don’t think we’re ready for it,” said Board Member Joe Nagel. “The Economic Development Committee is trying to get those benchmarks set. I think eventually we will be. I agree, I think it’s great for Glencoe. I support it. … I just don’t know that we’re prepared for that because we want to make sure the standard is set for future requests.”

“We really need a countywide policy format before we jump into this,” said Board Vice Chair Paul Wright. “Otherwise, if we approve one it becomes some kind of a benchmark for the rest without vetting properly through our committees how we want to approach this as a countywide option. I think the tax abatement is a great recruiting tool, but as far as a county abatement we’re just not to that point yet.”

McLeod County Attorney Michael Junge said the only other abatement he can recall was a partnership with Stewart to construct a road from Form-A-Feed on the north side of Stewart. Traffic had increased from 100 trucks to 230 trucks a day.

Jerabek said there had not been time for additional discussion due to the aggressive timeline of the project.

“I represent Glencoe and I had to read about it in the newspaper,” said Board Chair Doug Krueger. “There is no question Glencoe can use a hotel. I’m disappointed in that I couldn’t do any groundwork.”

But, he said, the county couldn’t make this project a precedent when it has spent recent years building up steam to create an economic development plan, which would lead to guidelines for such projects.

Minnesotans have responded to the plight of a pregnant woman in Glencoe, Minn., who was about to lose access to her doctors over her medical debts.

Stephanie Beesing received an outpouring of support following a Star Tribune story about her situation on Monday, and her attorney said she received multiple checks, including one for $6,000, that could pay off those debts.

"All I could do was cry," Beesing said. "I am overwhelmed and in awe of people's generosity."

Glencoe Regional Health Services had notified Beesing and her husband that they would lose access to non-emergency medical services from the provider unless they made progress in paying $4,100 in overdue bills.

The cutoff was postponed until after Beesing's scheduled baby delivery on Thursday and a couple of postnatal visits. Now the charitable support could prevent that loss altogether.

Glencoe Regional Health is an independent provider in central Minnesota, and is among the health systems in the state that will suspend access to non-emergency care as a last resort when patients have substantial unpaid bills.

A spokeswoman said the health system is prevented by medical privacy laws from even acknowledging that a patient is in its care.

"We want to be as supportive to this individual as possible," said Lynn Beranek, director of community outreach and marketing for Glencoe Regional Health. "Please reach out to the individual directly for more information on any preferences she may have for accepting donations."

Beesing and her husband moved to Glencoe in 2020 on the promise of a job that went away when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. They eventually filed for bankruptcy and agreed to a court-ordered plan to slowly pay back debts.

Then Beesing got pregnant, which she said was a surprise because she thought she was infertile because of her health problems. The 35-year-old needed extra prenatal monitoring because her diabetes added risk to the pregnancy. A fresh round of bills stacked up.

Beesing works in the Carver County library system and her husband, Mark, is in management training for a restaurant. They have health insurance, but fell behind as a result of co-pays and deductibles.

Beesing has set up an online fundraiser and is represented by bankruptcy attorney Margaret Henehan. She said she is grateful for her Glencoe doctors and wants to pay her debts but disagrees with any policy that cuts off access to health care while patients try to catch up.

"We are hard-working people and have medical insurance, but the costs of specialists or continued care for chronic issues just keep piling up before anyone can even get a chance to get ahead," she said.

While Minnesota may be called the 'Land of 10,000 Lakes,' it could also be easily described as the land of 10,000 towns. While this is figuratively speaking to some degree, Minnesota does have an a large collection of communities, most with scenic landscapes in and around town, to explore. All across the state, there are unique towns that have both natural and man-made wonders that rival none. From its five national parks to its many state parks and recreation areas, every town in Minnesota has something new to offer. So, if you are considering taking a trip to the north-central region of the United States, take some time to visit some of Minnesota's smaller scenic towns, which you are sure to enjoy.

Minnetrista

With its name appropriately meaning 'twisted water' in the Dakota language, Minnetrista, Minnesota, once known as the Village of Minnetrista, was founded in 1859. The primary attraction of Minnetrista is its laid-back, lakefront lifestyle, with its northwestern border being on the shores of Whaletail Lake. Several other lakes also dot the town. There is a wide range of summer cottages in Minnetrista. However, there are also many lovely lodges with great scenic lakefront views for those looking to visit but want to avoid committing to a permanent vacation destination. Some popular local tourist destinations include the Winery at Sovereign Estate, Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and a little farther from town, Carver Park Reserve, which has some great hiking trails that range from family-friendly to strenuous.

8 Of The Friendliest Towns In MinnesotaFrom lake side communities to German settlements, the friendly and charming towns of Minnesota are great places to discover for the solo traveller and families alike.

Brainerd

For those looking to explore the natural scenery of Minnesota but with some adventure mixed in, Brainerd is a great town to set up your base of operations, so to speak. Less than half an hour from town, you will find Brainerd Zip Line Tours, considered 'The Best Way to See the Brainerd Lakes.' This 2.5-hour tour includes seven zip lines and a wobbling suspension bridge. This tour also offers a vantage point unlike anything else in the area, making it both an adventure and a delight. Other regional outdoor pursuits include the hiking trails at Crow Wing State Forest, which is also less than thirty minutes from Brainerd. If you visit Brainerd between the end of May and the beginning of September, make sure to visit Paul Bunyan Land, where you will find the Pioneer Village Museum, a great way to get kids into American history.

Pipestone

Although technically founded in 1857, Pipestone, Minnesota, and Pipestone County were collectively inhabited only by local Indigenous peoples until 1876, when 'Pipestone City' was platted, later changing its name to Pipestone. Two years later, in 1878, this village became a growing regional trading center. In modern Pipestone, you will find Pipestone National Monument Park, at 281.78 acres, a great place to learn about the historical local quarries and spend some time outdoors. On these grounds, there is the Three Maidens Monument, the Hike the Circle Trail, the Winnewissa Falls, and, during the winter, there are some fantastic snowshoeing trails. Less than a 15-minute car drive south of Pipestone, there is also Split Rock Creek State Park to explore. You can easily spend a full day exploring this scenic park with hiking trails, such as the Split Rock Creek Loop, a popular local trek.

Nisswa

Famous for being along the Paul Bunyan Trail, a 123-mile-long trail between Crow Wing State Park and Lake Bemidji State Park, the town of Nisswa, Minnesota, is filled with natural beauty. There are the Nisswa Parks and Recreation grounds, and less than half an hour southwest of town, there is Pillsbury State Forest. Closer to Nisswa, there is Nisswa Lake Park, from which there are some lovely tours that can be taken from which the shores of Nisswa are more easily viewed, particularly scenic around the sunset and sunrise hours. If you happen to be visiting Nisswa in the early fall, make sure to check out the Nisswa Fall Festival & Smokin' Hot BBQ Challenge, which promises a great time had by all.

Crosby

Crosby, Minnesota, and its twin town, Ironton, which is west of Crosby, are some of Minnesota's most popular fishing destinations. Just outside of town, you will notice many young forests and lakes with the notation of 'mine' in their name, including Portsmouth Mine Pit Lake and Yawkey Mine Lake. Due to this region's mining history, particularly the mining of iron ore, a range of land was deforested and open pit mines dug. In recent years, an effort has been made to reforest the land and bring back this region's natural scenic landscapes. For those looking to get out on the water, Crosby puts visitors near Portsmouth Mine Pit Lake Recreation Area, the Miner's Mountain region, and the public access park on the northeast side of Serpent Lake. Around these lakes are several hiking options, including the Serpent Lake Trail, the Cuyuna Lakes Trail, and the Mississippi River Trail, each offering year-round scenic delights.

Glencoe

Named for the valley in Scotland of the same name, Glencoe, Minnesota, was first founded as a village and then became a township in 1855. This town of nearly 6,000 people is a great place to explore local nature, as just outside of Glencoe, you will find Oak Leaf Park. An hour west of town, you will find Beaver Falls County Park, where the popular hike up to Beaver Falls is a must-do activity for nature lovers. There is also Buffalo Creek County Park to the east of Glencoe and Swan Lake County Park 20 minutes to the northwest. A lovely day trip to take from Glencoe is to Silver Lake, a small community about 20 minutes north of Glencoe, or to Cokato, which is just under half an hour north of Glencoe. On your way home from either, make sure to check out Crow River Winery, one of the best wineries in the region.

Stillwater

As one of Minnesota's oldest towns, Stillwater, on the St. Croix River's west bank, is abundant in man-made scenery while also being wrapped in and populated by the dense forests native to Minnesota. In the nationally registered Downtown Commercial Historic District, the oldest buildings in this town are open to tourists. The oldest building in Stillwater is the Historic Courthouse, which dates back to the mid-1800s, and the Arcola Mills, located 10 minutes north of town, dates back to 1847. You can use the self-guided tour, available online for free, to learn about Stillwater's historical buildings. Not to be outdone by Stillwater's historic buildings, the natural beauty in and around town is also worthy of note. There are the local state parks, William O'Brien State Park and Willow River State Park, less than a 20-minute drive from Stillwater, as well as the great hiking options, including Brown's Creek State Trail and the many trails in the St. Croix Boom Site State Wayside.

5 Most Charming River Towns In MinnesotaMinnesota is dotted with many river towns offering tourists great recreational activities all year round.

Luverne

Are you looking for the perfect place to spend the waning days of summer? Or a Minnesota town to celebrate the fall equinox in? Well, if either of these is true, then visiting the midwestern town of Luverne is an excellent option. While fall may be creeping into view, there are still lots of hot summer days left to enjoy, during which nothing is better than a nice cool body of water to swim. For this, the local River Rock Reservoir is a great option, across which lies Luverne City Park. There is also the local popular swimming destination, The Lake, to enjoy. Directly to the west of town, there is Hawkinson Park, while Redbird Field, to the east, is a great place to have a picnic. Near town, you will also find Blue Mounds State Park, where you will have the chance to see buffalo roaming and do some bird watching.

Biwabik

Those looking to get a taste of the true wilds of Minnesota without going completely off the grid will find Biwabik to be what you are looking for. Outside of town, there are a variety of parks and green spaces to explore, with the highlight being Giants Ridge Recreation Area. In the warmer months of the year, you can hike, golf, fish, and generally explore the park, while in the winter months, there are a range of cross-country skiing trails, snowshoe trails, and even a few downhill-ski runs to enjoy. For anyone who loves hiking, there is easy access to the trailhead of the historic Mesabi Trail just 15 minutes east of town. Hike this iconic 135-mile trail over a few days, or choose a short portion to explore. Either way, you will have the chance to revel in scenic views of the Mesabi Mountain Range.

These Small Towns In Minnesota Come Alive In SummerReady yourself to embark on a voyage through these paradisiacal locales that exemplify the authentic character of summer in Minnesota.

The Take Home

Minnesota's location may dictate that there are some seemingly barren times of the year. However, in reality, Minnesota towns have an aesthetic that is always changing. The rolling hills and deep clear lakes are just as beautiful in the summer as they are when covered in autumn foliage or in the crisp white snow of winter. So, no matter the season, you can enjoy the local scenery of Minnesota all year round.

With fewer than 6,000 residents and median household income of about $50,000, the city of Glencoe was hardly in a position to go it alone when the time came to upgrade its aging wastewater infrastructure plant.

The project is needed in large part to meet current state requirements for treating phosphorus, Glencoe Mayor Randy Wilson said. Wilson added that the expensive undertaking would be “overwhelming” without state funding.

The good news is that a project to modernize the plant is now under construction thanks in large part to a nearly $25 million package worth of grants and low-interests loans from various public sources.

Wilson said the state imposes requirements for updating wastewater infrastructure, but it balances that mandate with funding to help pay for the needed improvements.

“I thought it was a fair system,” said Wilson, whose town is about 54 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis.

Glencoe was the biggest winner in the latest round of water infrastructure funding awarded by the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority. In early May, the PFA said it approved $28.35 million for grants in Crystal Bay Township, Fertile, Glenwood, Rice County and Glencoe.

Awards ranged in size from $46,000 for a feasibility study to evaluate wastewater treatment alternatives in Rice County, to $24.9 million for the wastewater treatment plant rehab in Glencoe.

A big part of that $24.9 million is a $15.4 million loan — at 1 percent interest — from the state’s Clean Water Revolving Fund. The fund helps communities “build or upgrade wastewater treatment plants to comply with discharge standards in the federal Clean Water Act,” according to the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority.

Other funding sources include a $5.8 million Point Source Implementation Grant, and a $3 million appropriation from the Legislature.

Jeff Freeman, executive director of the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority, said clean water and wastewater infrastructure projects are placed on a priority list and awarded funding based on the age and condition of the infrastructure and water quality-related factors.

The Glencoe project was high on the list because of the existing plant’s condition and the need to provide additional treatment for phosphorus, which the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency determined was needed to protect water quality in the area, Freeman said.

In all, about $12 billion is needed over the next 20 years to maintain and improve wastewater infrastructure in the state, including replacement of underground infrastructure, pump stations and lift stations, Freeman said.

“Every city in the state, to a certain extent, faces those issues and will face those issues over the next couple of decades,” Freeman added.

Gary Schreifels, Glencoe’s public works director, said Glencoe’s existing treatment plant was built in the 1950s with additions in 1972 and 1992. The current project will reuse as much of the existing facility as possible while adding new space, he said.

In a project narrative, the city said existing equipment, mechanical systems, and electrical systems within the treatment plant have “outlived their useful life and need replacement.”

Scheduled for completion in September 2021, the project includes everything from site work and new piping to mechanical and electrical systems. The wastewater collection system includes nearly 37 miles of new piping, according to the city.

Wilson said the city has been planning the work for years. Cities need to have “all their pieces in place” to qualify for funding, he said.

“It’s a bit of checks and balances, too,” Wilson added. “You can’t overspend and you can’t try to get by on the cheap. You have to meet [the state’s] requirements, so the system you have in place does what it is designed to do.”