It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Roman Theater gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Jordan, MN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care comes in to help my”
“I am a current client of this provider Always Best Care comes in to help my dad a shower at night. When the guy came out to interview, he was really good and helpful, but it was just hard to find someone to help with dad been a little bit bigger and heavier. They like the person that they had come out a couple of times. The caregiver is good.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Willow River State Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Levant Restaurant or visit Amman Citadel, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Jordan, MN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Jordan, MN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Jordan, MN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings and 49ers on Tuesday finalized a trade that will bring running back Jordan Mason to Minnesota.The deal includes the Vikings receiving the 187th overall pick (in the sixth round) this year by sending the 160th overall selection this year (in the fifth round) and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the 49ers. Minnesota last week acquired a 2026 sixth-round pick by trading Ed Ingram to the Houston Texans.Mason first joined San Francisco as an undrafted free agent out o...
EAGAN, Minn. — The Vikings and 49ers on Tuesday finalized a trade that will bring running back Jordan Mason to Minnesota.
The deal includes the Vikings receiving the 187th overall pick (in the sixth round) this year by sending the 160th overall selection this year (in the fifth round) and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the 49ers. Minnesota last week acquired a 2026 sixth-round pick by trading Ed Ingram to the Houston Texans.
Mason first joined San Francisco as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia Tech in 2022. He has appeared in 45 games through his first three pro seasons and made his first six career starts in 2024.
During his first two seasons, Mason contributed as a rotational player on offense behind a strong backfield led by 2023 Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey and on special teams. He logged 82 offensive snaps and 246 on special teams as a rookie and followed with 99 and 248, respectively, in 2023.
Last season, he took advantage of increased opportunities, playing a career-high 378 offensive snaps, which included 153 rush attempts for 789 yards and three touchdowns, as well as 11 receptions for 91 yards on 14 targets.
His escapades included three games with 100-plus rushing yards last September, including in Week 2 at U.S. Bank Stadium when he rushed 20 times for 100 yards, including a 10-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to cut into Minnesota's 20-7 lead. The Vikings eventually prevailed 23-17.
Mason's 2024 numbers could have been even higher, but he suffered a high ankle sprain and was placed on Injured Reserve in December.
When he was on the field, he was hard to take down. According to Next Gen Stats, Mason recorded 57 missed tackles forced, which was good for an MTF percentage of 37.3 that led all NFL players with at least 150 rush attempts in 2024. NGS credited Mason with 207 rush yards over expected, which ranked seventh among NFL qualifiers, and TruMedia counted his yards after contact per rush at 3.62, which ranked sixth among qualifiers.
After redshirting at Georgia Tech as a freshman in 2017, the native of Gallatin, Tennessee, rushed 449 times for 2,349 yards (5.2 yards per attempt) and 17 touchdowns. He added 25 receptions for 202 yards and one score through the air for the Yellow Jackets (2018-21).
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EUGENE – The 2025 NFL Draft is on the horizon, and several Oregon Ducks...
EUGENE – The 2025 NFL Draft is on the horizon, and several Oregon Ducks are anticipating hearing their names called. One of these athletes is running back Jordan James.
Despite James headlining one of the best offenses in the nation with the Oregon Ducks, James is projected to get drafted in the mid-to-late rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft by multiple mock drafts. Despite his low draft projection, various analysts have high praise for James. One of these analysts is ESPN NFL Draft analyst and current Ringer host Todd McShay.
"I want to say this right now... Jordan James is the most underrated running back in this class."
- Todd McShay
A large reason for James’ draft projection is due to the fact that he is part of a jam-packed running back class headlined by Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton, Arizona State’s Cameron Skattebo, and Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, James had a solid performance; however, his numbers didn’t stack up against the other running backs in his class.
Following the combine, NFL.com rated James with a 6.16 prospect grade on its eight-point scale. This score indicates that the former Duck will be a “good backup with the potential to develop into a starter."
Pro Football Focus (PFF) lists James as the No. 21 running back in this year’s draft class.
Here is what Pro Football Focus said about James:
"James' lack of top-end athletic traits and question marks on passing downs will likely prevent him from being a true lead back. However, his efficiency and back-to-back years of elite rushing production make him a strong rotational option at the next level."
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Despite concerns about his “top-end athletic traits,” James has proven to be a force on offense. James consistently maneuvered through the dominant defensive lines of the Big Ten Conference while repeatedly picking up additional yardage after contact. Not to mention, James has never fumbled the ball in 386 career college rushing attempts. His consistent performance earned him a rushing grade of 90.9 from Pro Football Focus.
James’ consistency will certainly be something NFL front offices take into consideration.
James has been projected to go as early as the second round, though most predictions place him between rounds three and six. However, he has a chance to go earlier in the draft depending on team needs.
The New England Patriots could be a destination for James, as the organization seemed to show interest in the running back ahead of Oregon’s Pro Day. The Patriots met with James in Eugene the day before Oregon's Pro Day, per a report from Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda.
New England lead-back Rhamondre Stevenson had ball security issues last season, fumbling the ball six times in the 2024 season. This could make James an intriguing prospect, as he excels in ball security, never fumbling once throughout his college career.
The Minnesota Vikings are another franchise in search of a reliable running back. While Aaron Jones provided help, the team’s overall rushing attack ranked in the bottom half of the NFL last season, averaging just 109.1 rushing yards per game.
While Cam Akers and Ty Chandler are short-term options, they lack the consistency needed to take the Vikings’ run game to a different level. The Vikings are in search of a reliable backup for Jones with the potential to take on a bigger role.
Whether he lands with New England, Minnesota, or another franchise looking for a steady contributor in the running game, James has the opportunity to exceed expectations and make an impact in the NFL.
The Minnesota Vikings have got their man with the signing of Jordan Mason. It would appear he is leaving Christian McCaffrey in his rear view mirror. The deal is completed by the Vikings also giving up their fifth round pick(#160 overall) of this years draft as well as their sixth round pick for the 2026 season. The trade seems to fit the Vikings short term plans at the expense of draft picks in the future.Can Jordan Mason bring a new energy to the Vikings that has been lacking recently?With the trade between the San Francisc...
The Minnesota Vikings have got their man with the signing of Jordan Mason. It would appear he is leaving Christian McCaffrey in his rear view mirror. The deal is completed by the Vikings also giving up their fifth round pick(#160 overall) of this years draft as well as their sixth round pick for the 2026 season. The trade seems to fit the Vikings short term plans at the expense of draft picks in the future.
With the trade between the San Francisco 49ers and the Minnesota Vikings being finalized recently, the fans in Minnesota are looking forward to what Jordan Mason might bring to their city’s team. With the Vikings struggling recently to match the success or popularity of the bigger teams in the NFL, all eyes are on coach Kevin O’Connell and the management team to improve things in Minnesota. And they are not sitting still.
Some might see the move as a short term solution to the team’s problems. With the excitement of getting a new player in, one must see the long term effect in giving away two draft picks for a single player. However, the teams in the NFL are known for their last minute, deadline day trades so if O’Connell plays his cards right, it might a gamble that pays off at the end of the day.
With Jordan Mason receiving a fraction of what some players in the league are payed, and his less than impressive rotation at the 49ers, questioned have been asked if Mason is the right choice for the Vikings. After playing under Christian Mccaffrey in San Francisco, his opportunities were cut short with a long term injury. The 49ers signed him as an undrafted player in out of Georgia Tech in 2022.
The NFL is awash with rumours and teams signing players every other day. For teams like the Minnesota Vikings the focus is competing with the teams at the top like the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs. While the other teams have a bigger budget to work with, the Vikings are one of those teams looking to make an impact by wheeling and dealing to develop a lineup capable of competing for a Super Bowl.
With Jordan Mason putting up promising numbers that saw him lead the NFL in 2024 with at least 150 rush attempts. He also has an ability that he is yet to use to its full potential yet, he is incredibly difficult to tackle with 57 missed tackles forced last season. If he has the right players next to him, that might allow him to be a force for the Vikings. The fans in Minnesota certainly hope so.
While certain players seem to have their heart set on playing for Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings, players like Jordan Mason will hopefully be part of the rebuild in Minnesota. As a young player who is yet to reach his full potential, Mason knows the impact he can make in Minnesota is profound. As long as he stays healthy and does not play too hard that sees him suffering long term injuries like in December of 2024, he can make a success of this move.
The fans that flock to the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota have a long history of supporting the team through the hard times and the good. With players like Mason joining the team, the city and fans are hopeful recent political events like Governor Tim Waltz failed vice-presidency campaign can be left behind in favor of a new story of success for the Vikings and in turn, Jordan Mason.
Owner Robert Wagner runs the candy store his way, which means no credit cards or checkout scanners.JORDAN, Minn. — Editor’s note: This story originally aired in the summer of 2014. At its seasonal opening this past weekend, Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store still does not take credit cards, or have a business phone, or barcode scanners, or a website. Some things have changed. Owner Robert Wagner’s parents, Delores and Hippy, have both passed away. In their absence, the candy store has continue...
Owner Robert Wagner runs the candy store his way, which means no credit cards or checkout scanners.
JORDAN, Minn. — Editor’s note: This story originally aired in the summer of 2014. At its seasonal opening this past weekend, Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store still does not take credit cards, or have a business phone, or barcode scanners, or a website.
Some things have changed. Owner Robert Wagner’s parents, Delores and Hippy, have both passed away. In their absence, the candy store has continued to expand.
A 60-foot-tall dome went up in 2017. This year, Robert repurposed a superhero room into one newly painted in a jungle theme.
Also, you may have heard the candy store was moving to a new location in a land swap with Scott County. Robert says the proposed site proved to be too wet, so the candy store will be staying where it is, on Minnesota State Highway 169, south of Jordan.
Credit: Shawn McCann
Here’s the original story:
Retailers call on ad agencies with the goal of increasing their traffic. Robert Wagner just drives to the hardware store and picks up more yellow paint.
An entire marketing plan summed up by one paint color: marigold.
“You can never have enough yellow fence,” Robert laughs.
Apparently not.
Sections of Robert’s marigold picket fence line more than a mile of Minnesota State Highway 169 between Jordan and Belle Plaine.
Credit: Hannah Marie Plonsky
A fitting fanfare for the equally bold collection of connected barns that make up the Wagner family business: Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store.
“I’ll give you that,” says the man in the red suspenders. “It’s different.”
Different could well be the Robert Wagner business cornerstone.
Let’s start with the store’s chief pie baker, an 88-year-old nicknamed Hippy, who also happens to be Robert’s father, Herbert Wagner.
“Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate,” Hippy rattles off in quick succession. Quick is all Hippie does when pies are in the oven. He darts to another section of the store. “Licorice, licorice, licorice, licorice,” he says, while whisking past stacked tables.
Credit: Renee Wagner
“There’s so much candy in here you never could see it all,” he proclaims.
He may be right.
Thanks to a series of additions, Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store is now more than a football field long, filled with more than 3,000 varieties of candy, 6,000 jigsaw puzzle designs and an assortment of other odds and ends that nearly overwhelm the eyes.
All of it is dispensed by employees more than likely to be family members, including two cousins named Madison Hartmann.
They go by Maddie 1 and Maddie 2.
The Maddies will greet you warmly when you approach the cash register, but they will not take your credit card. Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store does not accept them.
Credit: Shawn McCann
Nor will the Maddies scan your purchase. No scanners either.
And if you are looking for a link to the candy store website, forget it. “There isn't one,” explain the Maddies. “We don't have a website or a phone number.
“If we had a phone number out there, we'd be answering the phone all the time,” Hippy says.
Some businesses might consider that a good thing. Not Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store, where yellow paint is celebrated and business books ignored.
"I do not like to read any business stuff,” Robert says. “If we start reading the Walmart book, we’re going to be like Walmart.”
Boyd Huppert is always looking for great stories to share in the Land of 10,000 Stories! Send us your suggestions by filling out this form.
For the first two years of Kevin O’Connell’s tenure as head coach, the Minnesota Vikings running game was neglected like the backyard of that one neighbor nobody has seen outside the house since they moved in.That’s why, in 2024, the pass-happy play-caller made an intentional effort to hand the ball off far more often. It started with the signing of former NFL North rival, Aaron Jones, who responded with a career high 255 carries and 1,138 rushing yards to go with 5 touchdowns.Between ...
For the first two years of Kevin O’Connell’s tenure as head coach, the Minnesota Vikings running game was neglected like the backyard of that one neighbor nobody has seen outside the house since they moved in.
That’s why, in 2024, the pass-happy play-caller made an intentional effort to hand the ball off far more often. It started with the signing of former NFL North rival, Aaron Jones, who responded with a career high 255 carries and 1,138 rushing yards to go with 5 touchdowns.
Between 2023 and 2024, the Vikings offense jumped 14 spots in team rush attempts, from 28th (393) all the way to 14th (457). They also jumped 10 spots in team rushing yards, from 29th (1,553) in 2023 to 19th (1,855) in 2024.
But that isn’t good enough. This offseason, the MN Vikings have doubled down on their dedication to the run game, not only with their rhetoric, but in their actions as well. It started in early March, with a contract extension for Aaron Jones worth a similar cap hit ($7 million) to what he came with in year one wearing purple.
About a week later, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah surprised the league when he swung a trade with the San Francisco 49ers, sending a 2026 6th round pick out West (along with a 6th round pick swap in 2025) in return for Niners RB2, Jordan Mason, who the Vikings really like as their short yardage back.
Related: O’Connell Hints at Major Changes to Minnesota Vikings Offense in 2025
But that’s not the only role they like their new running back for. On paper, Aaron Jones is this team’s RB1. His new contract says as much. But when games start being played in September, O’Connell’s running back blueprint for 2025 calls for the split between Jones and Mason to be much closer to 1A/1B situation.
The Vikings have Jones penciled in as their starting running back. They paid Jones more to return ($20 million over two seasons) than they did to acquire Mason from the 49ers and pay their new backup. By all accounts, however, Mason isn’t going to be a typical backup —“When [Aaron Jones] has historically had that 1A/1B backfield structure, he can be a total game-changer every time he touches the ball,” O’Connell said.
Mason will spell Jones for some series, but O’Connell left little doubt about some additional roles he foresees, including some areas where the Vikings have been particularly weak over time — “I do think Jordan’s going to bring something to the table in those short-yardage situations…where we’ve really left a lot to be desired as a football team.”
The Vikings believe Jordan Mason — who’s entering his fourth season out of Georgia Tech — is ready for a more expanded role than what he had in San Francisco, as Christian McCaffrey’s backup. Last year, Mason took advantage of the opportunity presented to him by McCaffrey’s injury, rushing for a total of 789 yards and 3 touchdowns (5.2 YPC) in 12 games (6 starts).
If the Vikings are right about the soon-to-be 26-year-old Mason, his addition should allow Aaron Jones more rest and recovery in 2025. That, in theory, should lead to even better results out of the 30-year-old Jones than his first very successful season in purple.
it’s been awhile since the Vikings had a big, dynamic running back like Jordan Mason pic.twitter.com/sPByNoGYgO
— Krauser (@Krauserrific) March 16, 2025
With all of that focus on the backfield, prior to the opening bell ringing on free agency, the Minnesota Vikings once again proved their dedication to improving the run game by signing former Colts center, Ryan Kelly on day two of the NFL negotiating period.
The 32-year-old 4X Pro Bowl mauler then turned around and convinced one of the best free agent guards on the market, 27-year-old Will Fries, to do the same thing. He agreed to terms on a 5-year deal the next day. And just like that, the Vikings offense looks ready to run the football in a way we have not seen since KOC took over.
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This change in philosophy aligns perfectly with the introduction of JJ McCarthy as starting quarterback. Not only is JJ a redshirt rookie, but the big hit on him coming out of Michigan was that he starred in a run-first offense that relied much more on his 3rd down acumen than his ability to throw in bulk.
Thus, it makes even more sense for the Minnesota Vikings to turn more to the run game, in order to make McCarthy feel more comfortable in his first games under center. Of course, all of this sounds great in theory. But we have a lot of months between now and when 2025 regular season games are played.
Mentioned in this article: Jordan Mason
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