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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

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Home Care In Jordan, MN

Home Care Jordan, MN

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 Umayyad Reservoir 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.

In-Home Care Jordan, MN

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 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.

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“Always Best Care comes in to help my dad a shower at night. When the”

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.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

Gloria285054

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Jordan, MN?

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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.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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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.

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Senior Care Jordan, MN

Types of Elderly Care in Jordan, MN

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal 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:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming
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Respite Care Jordan, MN
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
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Caregivers Jordan, MN
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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 Pekarna Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
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Home Care Jordan, MN
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

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 Tria Restaurant Bar and Event Center 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.

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In-Home Care Jordan, MN

Benefits of Home Care in Jordan, MN

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:

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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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

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.

Elderly Care Jordan, MN

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your MN's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
Senior Care Jordan, MN

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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.

Respite Care Jordan, MN

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:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
Caregivers Jordan, MN

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:

  • Valleyview Of Jordan
  • Oak Terrace Senior Living of Jordan
Home Care Jordan, MN

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.

In-Home Care Jordan, MN

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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.

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Elderly Care Jordan, MN

Latest News in Jordan, MN

Vikings place linebacker Jordan Hicks on injured reserve

EAGAN, MINN. — The Vikings placed linebacker Jordan Hicks on injured reserve Tuesday.Hicks, 31, is in his second season with the Vikings.He got injured in Sunday's win over the New Orleans Saints. Hicks had surgery at a local hospital after the game due to swelling in his leg.MORE NE...

EAGAN, MINN. — The Vikings placed linebacker Jordan Hicks on injured reserve Tuesday.

Hicks, 31, is in his second season with the Vikings.

He got injured in Sunday's win over the New Orleans Saints. Hicks had surgery at a local hospital after the game due to swelling in his leg.

MORE NEWS: What is compartment syndrome? Vikings LB Jordan Hicks developed condition following leg injury

On Tuesday, defensive coordinator Brian Flores addressed Hicks' injury.

"Thoughts and prayers with him. Obviously, a big loss to us as a team, defensively, as a captain, as a leader on the team," Flores said.

Flores said he went to the hospital to visit Hicks, who was in "good spirits" and "raring to get back out there." Flores added that he believes Hicks was playing at a Pro Bowl level before the injury — and younger players will need to step up in his absence.

MORE NEWS: Minnesota Vikings officially bring back linebacker Anthony Barr on practice squad

Flores said Hicks "just got out" of the hospital and that they have been texting back and forth. "Excited to get him back as soon as possible."

Hicks is a leader on the defense and relays Flores' defensive play calls to the other players.

Head coach Kevin O'Connell said rookie Ivan Pace Jr. would take over those duties.

Per NFL rules, Hicks can stay on the injured reserve as long as he needs to, be he must miss at least four games.

The earliest he could return is week 16 against the Detroit Lions.

The Vikings (6-4) travel to Denver to face the Broncos (4-5) on Sunday at 7:20 p.m.

Johnny Kahner

Johnny Kahner is a Digital Content Producer at WCCO. He primarily covers Minnesota sports for the website.

Dr. Jordan Peterson and Beyond Order in Minneapolis

As college students who are bridging the gap between childhood and fully fledged adulthood, our ability and effort to listen and learn from people who can teach us impactful things about the lives ahead of us should be held at a notably high standard. As we experience this growth, it seems that we are exposed to an increasing number of challenges, opinions...

As college students who are bridging the gap between childhood and fully fledged adulthood, our ability and effort to listen and learn from people who can teach us impactful things about the lives ahead of us should be held at a notably high standard. As we experience this growth, it seems that we are exposed to an increasing number of challenges, opinions, and perspectives just about everyday. In light of this, I believe that it is important for everyone to spend time focusing on nailing down what ideas and values are most important to them, and allow themselves to use these to help guide them through the next stages of their lives.

This week, Dr. Jordan Peterson came to Minneapolis to lecture and discuss his recent book Beyond Order: 12 More Rules for Life which is a sequel to his 2018 book 12 Rules for Life. Peterson is a Canadian clinical psychologist, author, and media commentator who also has a presence on Youtube and runs a well respected podcast. Throughout these, he discusses issues, debates, philosophies and world events through the lens of his background in psychology. His background of extensive education and research have allowed him to excel at helping people explore their own psychology and put meaning to their ideas and values.

Order is not enough. You can’t just be stable, and secure, and unchanging, because there are still vital and important new things to be learned.

I went and saw him at the State Theatre in Minneapolis this week and I can honestly say, as a third year college student, that it was the most interesting and thought provoking lecture I’ve been a part of. He has a profound ability to use his education and experiences in combination with story to come to conclusions about life. He is able to discuss things that everyone can connect to from his unique perspective. Despite the fact that many of the things he discusses like issues, values and philosophies are quite serious, he is a surprisingly funny person.

Throughout his lecture, there were two points that really stood out to me. Now, as I retell my recollection of these points, keep in mind that I am not claiming to have anywhere near Peterson’s ability to discuss or teach psychology clearly, but these are just things that he discussed that really stood out to me and might stand out to you too.

The first of these points was told through the story of King Arthur’s Knights as they sat at the round table. They came to the conclusion that they would set out to find the Holy Grail, which Peterson later described can be thought of as the symbol of salvation itself. He also explained that the trope of salvation is common among stories, whether legend or truth, and can be thought of as an ultimate goal. He continued the story, and explained that the knights all set out in searching individually, and all started where they saw that the forest was darkest. The darkest parts of the forest, although different for each knight, are an analogy for the knights’ worst nightmares. He references the latin phrase “In sterquiliniis invenitur” which roughly translates to in filth it will be found. He goes on to explain that to find the things we most want, we must look in the places we most fear.

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What you need most is always to be found where you least wish to look. This is really a matter of definition. The more profound the error, the more difficult the revolution – the more fear and uncertaintly released as a consequence of restructuring. The things that are most informative are also frequently most painful. Under such circumstances, it is easy to run away. The act of running away, however, transforms the ambivalent unknown into that which is too terrifying to face.

— Dr. Jordan Peterson

The second point that really stuck with me was rooted in his 9th rule of Beyond Order. The rule is “If old memories still upset you, write them down carefully and completely.” He discussed this idea in great detail, but for me the biggest takeaway was using this reflection on old memories that had unfavorable endings as a tool to prepare for the future. He described the idea of having a collection of values and beliefs in life as a map, and these upsetting memories are times when the map failed, and you fell into a metaphorical hole. He explained that there were two sides to this. The first would be that your reflection and dissecting of this memory would allow yourself to not fall into that same hole again. The issue is not making a poor decision, the issue is making that poor decision a second or third time. Additionally, he explained that this writing allows you to have a more complete ‘map’ for decisions in the future. The additional information not only helps with the same metaphorical hole, but also unforeseen challenges in the future as well.

In the end, regardless of its source, I believe that it is important for everyone, especially college to find something or someone that helps them explore and find the things that they value and believe in life. These things keep us grounded, and allow us to live life the way we want.

16-year-old dead, three other teens injured in crash near Jordan

Investigators learned the three surviving teens were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash, while the victim was not.Credit: KAREJORDAN, Minnesota — One teen is dead and three others were injured in a crash near Jordan, Minnesota, Thursday night.The Scott County Sheriff's Office said a 16-year-old boy was pronounced dead after being ejected from the vehicle when the driver, a 17-year-old boy, lost control on a gravel road in Sand Creek Township. The vehicle then struck a power pole, causing it to flip on...

Investigators learned the three surviving teens were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash, while the victim was not.

Credit: KARE

JORDAN, Minnesota — One teen is dead and three others were injured in a crash near Jordan, Minnesota, Thursday night.

The Scott County Sheriff's Office said a 16-year-old boy was pronounced dead after being ejected from the vehicle when the driver, a 17-year-old boy, lost control on a gravel road in Sand Creek Township. The vehicle then struck a power pole, causing it to flip on its side. Police were alerted to the crash just before 9 p.m.

The sheriff's office said a 16-year-old girl, a 16-year-old boy and the driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries as a result of the crash. Investigators later learned the three surviving teens were wearing their seatbelts, while the victim was not.

On Tuesday, May 30, the victim was identified by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner as Benjamin Camacho, of Jordan.

"Last night's tragic car crash, claiming the life of a young passenger who was not wearing a seatbelt, is a painful reminder of the importance of this simple safety measure,” said Scott County Sheriff Luke Hennen in a statement.

"Let's work together to prevent such tragedies and ensure the well-being of our young drivers and passengers on our roads."

Jordan Public Schools Superintendent Ranae Case Evenson confirmed Camacho was a sophomore at Jordan High School in a statement Friday and offered "thoughts and condolences" to the teen's family and friends.

"As we enter the summer season with increased activity and more drivers on the road, especially during the Memorial Day weekend filled with celebrations and high school graduation festivities, it is crucial that we exercise caution and prioritize safety," Hennen said. "I urge parents to have open and honest conversations with their teens about the importance of driving safely and always wearing seatbelts."

Police say they don't believe alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash.

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Vikings rookie receiver Jordan Addison active for game against Packers

Initially, there was concern from the Vikings that rookie receiver Jordan Addison might not be able to suit up against the Green Bay Packers on New Year’s Eve. He suffered an ankle injury last weekend in a 30-24 loss to the Detroit Lions on Christmas Eve and was a limited participant in practice this week.In the end, Addison progressed enough to be active in the primetime game at U.S. Bank Stadium, perhaps knowing the Vikings needed a win to keep their playoffs hopes alive. Not only did his presence provide the offense with anot...

Initially, there was concern from the Vikings that rookie receiver Jordan Addison might not be able to suit up against the Green Bay Packers on New Year’s Eve. He suffered an ankle injury last weekend in a 30-24 loss to the Detroit Lions on Christmas Eve and was a limited participant in practice this week.

In the end, Addison progressed enough to be active in the primetime game at U.S. Bank Stadium, perhaps knowing the Vikings needed a win to keep their playoffs hopes alive. Not only did his presence provide the offense with another weapon for rookie quarterback Jaren Hall, it also opened up other areas of the field for star receiver Justin Jefferson.

It’s been a solid campaign for Addison since the Vikings selected him with the No. 23 pick in the draft. He impressed from the onset in training camp, carving out a niche for himself in the offense, and piling up 63 catches for 826 yards and nine touchdowns heading into the game between the Vikings and Packers.

Asked earlier this season about his personal goals, Addison noted that he wanted to reach 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie. That’s very much within reach for him as he prepares for the home stretch.

Blackmon ready to go

After being a limited participant in practice this week, rookie cornerback Mekhi Blackmon played through a shoulder injury on New Year’s Eve. That was a major boost for the Vikings in the secondary considering veteran cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. missed the game against the Packers with a knee injury.

Though he has had some ups and downs this season, Blackmon has used his aggressive style to slowly gain the trust of defensive coordinator Brian Flores. As a result, Blackmon entered the game between the Vikings and Packers with 30 tackles and an interception to his name.

Dobbs is emergency quarterback

Though the Vikings decided to bench veteran quarterback Nick Mullens this week, they still went into the game against the Packers with him as their backup. That meant journeyman quarterback Josh Dobbs was once again inactive for the Vikings, only available for emergency purposes if Hall and Mullens both got injured.

The fall from grace for Dobbs has been notable as he led the Vikings to a 31-28 win over the Atlanta Falcons and a 27-19 win over the New Orleans Saints this season before rapidly regressing to the mean. After struggling under center in a 21-20 loss to the Denver Broncos and a 12-10 loss to the Chicago Bears, he was benched midway through a 3-0 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

That signaled the end of the Josh Dobbs era.

Briefly

The inactives for the Vikings aside from Murphy and Dobbs included safety Theo Jackson, defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy, receiver Jalen Nailor, left guard Chris Reed and right tackle Hakeem Adeniji.

Jordan Nubin carries Minnesota to a 27-12 win over Michigan State

Minnesota Gophers football beat Michigan State 27-12 on Saturday, their first win against the program at home since 2009.The Gophers were without their star freshmen running backs Darius Taylor and Zach Evans. In addition, Minnesota ruled out guard Tyler Cooper, giving freshman Greg Johnson his first career start.Michigan Sta...

Minnesota Gophers football beat Michigan State 27-12 on Saturday, their first win against the program at home since 2009.

The Gophers were without their star freshmen running backs Darius Taylor and Zach Evans. In addition, Minnesota ruled out guard Tyler Cooper, giving freshman Greg Johnson his first career start.

Michigan State started redshirt freshman quarterback Katin Houser for the third time this season. Houser went 12-for-22 on pass attempts for 101 yards and an interception in last week’s 49-0 loss to Michigan.

A late October chill visited Minneapolis on Saturday just before kickoff with temperatures failing to breach anything more than 35 degrees. However, this did not stop Gophers linebacker Cody Lindenberg from warming up with the rest of the position group shirtless, preparing for his first game of the season.

Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck headed into Saturday with a 1-3 record against Michigan State, the lone win coming last season in a 34-7 drubbing in East Lansing.

Gophers starting quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis started the game by evading the Spartans’ rush while hitting tight end Nick Kallerup in his hands, but the pass then dropped and fell incomplete. Running back Sean Tyler fumbled on the next play, handing Michigan State great field position.

Lindenberg, on his first drive back as a starter, made a crucial open field tackle to force a field goal on third down. Spartans kicker Jonathan Kim hit the 38-yard field goal, making it 3-0 Spartans.

Immediately, Fleck pivoted to walk-on running back Jordan Nubin on the next drive and picked up five yards. Tyler received the next touch on a backside screen. However, his knee was touching the ground upon making the catch, making it an eight-yard loss. Two plays later, the Gophers fumbled again, this time by Kaliakmanis.

Minnesota’s defense was bailed out on the following drive from a drop on third down by Spartan Tre Mosley. The drop forced Michigan State to settle for another field goal, putting them up 6-0.

Heading into the second quarter, the Gophers defense came up with their fourth stop. They continued to trail while the offense picked up possession inside their 20-yard line.

Receiver Daniel Jackson caught back-to-back first downs, one being a jump ball in double coverage that totaled 44 yards. Michigan State’s defensive back Dillon Tatum was called for defensive pass interference, giving Minnesota a first down in the Spartans’ red zone.

The Gophers failed to pick up a yard in three plays, leading Gophers kicker Dragan Kesich to kick a 35-yard field goal. The kick was blocked, keeping it 6-0 Spartans.

On the following Gophers offensive drive, Kaliakmanis was sacked for a loss of nine yards on first down. Tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford then made an incredible contested catch for 30 yards and tacked on an additional 14 due to a facemask penalty by the Spartans.

During the post-game press conference, Kaliakmanis said Spann-Ford showed who he is as a player against Michigan State, especially on the 30-yard completion.

“Things haven’t gone Brev’s way, and Brev would tell you that, but today he showed he’s Brevyn Spann-Ford, he makes huge plays in big games,” Kaliakmanis said. “That is what he does. There’s never a doubt in my mind with him, there never has been since I started playing with him.”

After the catch, Minnesota did not punch it in for six, so Fleck opted to call out Kesich to drill a 25-yard field goal, making it 6-3 Michigan State with 4:54 left in the half.

The Spartans started the next drive picking up 34 yards from a deep pass from Houser to receiver Montorie Foster Jr. Minnesota then stood tall on the next set of downs, forcing a punt from their 40-yard line with just over three minutes left in the half.

Kaliakmanis continued to feed Jackson, picking up 32 yards on back-to-back plays. While set at the Spartans’ 20-yard line, Jackson sprinted free across the middle on his route, beating the coverage and catching Kaliakmanis’ pass for a 22-yard touchdown. The Gophers star wideout put up six catches for 110 yards and a touchdown in the first half.

Jackson said during the postgame press conference Minnesota had been waiting to use the touchdown play the whole first half.

“We were actually trying to get a certain look for it all game, lining up in that formation, but we never got it, so we were like, ‘At this point, screw it,’” Jackson said.

Kaliakmanis impressed in the first half, going 13-for-18 for 190 yards, including the touchdown pass to Jackson.

After both teams went three-and-out, Michigan State moved it to Minnesota’s 36-yard line before attempting a 53-yard field goal, which went wide left, keeping the score in the Gophers’ favor at 10-6.

Kaliakmanis, under heavy pressure, hit Jackson again over the middle of the field for a first down on third-and-eight. Nubin picked up 13 yards on the next play, moving the offense further into Spartans territory.

Kaliakmanis underthrew receiver Corey Crooms Jr. and was intercepted by Spartans Jaden Mangham who returned it to his 14-yard line. Despite the promising drive that was cut short, the Gophers’ defense got off the field, forcing the sixth Spartans punt of the game.

Nubin’s 24th carry gave him his first career 100-yard game as a Gopher. Minnesota fed Nubin two more times in which he gained 17 yards while they drove downfield with under a minute left in the third quarter.

Nubin sprung his following rush outside and, with a legal crack block from receiver Christian Autman-Bell, scampered into the endzone, making it 17-6 Minnesota.

Michigan State replaced Houser with freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt and picked up back-to-back first downs, one being a 29-yard pass to receiver Jaron Glover to get inside Minnesota territory.

A few plays later, Leavitt found his receiver, Tyrell Henry, over the middle in the endzone for a touchdown. Michigan State went for two but Minnesota made the tackle short of the goal line and held the score at 17-12.

Minnesota recovered Michigan State’s onside kick attempt with 8:36 left in the fourth quarter.

Kaliakmanis escaped the pocket on third-and-five and ran for seven yards. A defensive holding call added on five more, moving the Gophers to the 24-yard line.

Nubin was handed three straight touches, combining for 22 yards to the Michigan State two-yard line. Nubin took one more carry and fell into the endzone for the score, pushing the score to 24-12.

The Gophers reclaimed possession soon after with defensive lineman Jah Joyner knocking the ball out of Leavitt’s hands. Nubin got two straight carries, the second going for three yards and putting him over 200 yards on the day. His 40 total carries made him the second player to reach 35 or more carries during Fleck’s time at Minnesota.

During the postgame press conference, Fleck said that Nubin took advantage of his opportunity and spoke to his work ethic.

“Everybody wants their opportunity, then it is there, you don’t get to pick when that opportunity comes,” Fleck said. “He’s always been ready for his opportunity, always … he just works harder.”

Kesich drilled a 31-yard field goal, putting the Gophers up 27-12 with 3:25 left in the game.

Minnesota went back to their ground-and-pound identity with 26 rushing attempts and only one completed pass in the second half.

The last play of the game concluded just after the Spartans marched down the field. Leavitt launched it toward the endzone in a desperate attempt to score but was intercepted by Gophers defensive back Tre’Von Jones, sealing a Minnesota victory.

Minnesota will remain in Stadium Village next week as they host the Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday Nov. 4 with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 p.m.

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