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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 Prior Lake, MN

Home Care Prior Lake, 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 Prior Lake Mural 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 Prior Lake, MN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

In-Home Care Prior Lake, 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 Prior Lake, 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 Prior Lake, MN

Types of Elderly Care in Prior Lake, 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 Prior Lake, 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 Prior Lake, 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 Lakefront 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 Prior Lake, 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 Perron's Sul Lago or visit Lakefront Park, 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 Prior Lake, MN

Benefits of Home Care in Prior Lake, 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 Prior Lake, 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 Prior Lake, 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 Prior Lake, 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 Prior Lake, 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 Prior Lake, 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 Prior Lake, 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:

  • New Perspective Senior Living
  • Prior Lake
  • Suite Living Senior Care of Prior Lake
  • McKenna Crossing
  • Touching Lives Community
  • NorBella Senior Living - Prior Lake
Home Care Prior Lake, 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 Prior Lake, 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 Prior Lake, 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 Prior Lake, MN

Latest News in Prior Lake, MN

LaunchPad Golf to open large attraction at Mystic Lake in Prior Lake

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is partnering with Canada-based LaunchPad Golf to open a golf facility on par with Topgolf next to the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake.The facility will feature a 160,000-square-foot driving range anchored by a 25,000-square-foot building featuring 40 heated golf suites, two bars and a full-service restaurant. The idea is comparable to the indoor/outdoor concept of Topgolf, where golfers can socialize and play golf games year round.According to a Monday news release announcing the...

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is partnering with Canada-based LaunchPad Golf to open a golf facility on par with Topgolf next to the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake.

The facility will feature a 160,000-square-foot driving range anchored by a 25,000-square-foot building featuring 40 heated golf suites, two bars and a full-service restaurant. The idea is comparable to the indoor/outdoor concept of Topgolf, where golfers can socialize and play golf games year round.

According to a Monday news release announcing the partnership, it will be the first LaunchPad Golf facility to open in the United States. Construction will begin as early as this spring and the facility is expected to open in mid-2025, according to the release.

LaunchPad Golf is represented in the Upper Midwest by Minneapolis-based Par3 Ventures, which was founded with the goal of opening LaunchPad Golf facilities across the United States.

“We are excited to welcome LaunchPad Golf to the U.S. and expand our tribe’s golf offerings,” SMSC Chairman Cole Miller, said in the release. “This year-round golf entertainment enterprise will provide an incredible experience for guests of all skill levels. It will be an excellent complement to our premium golf course, The Meadows at Mystic Lake.”

Minnesota continues to see increased interest in golf following the pandemic. Also, more people are seeking out alternatives to traditional golfing like the simulators LaunchPad will offer. According to a 2023 from the National Golf Foundation, an estimated 6.2 million Americans used a golfing simulator in 2023, compared to just under 4 million in 2019.

LaunchPad currently has two locations in Canada, And Like Topgolf, the facility will go beyond just practicing on the driving range and will allow golfers to play virtual courses along with a variety of other social games. Topgolf currently has one location in Brooklyn Center and plans to open another in Woodbury in 2025

“LaunchPad Golf is not your average driving range. We offer the most innovative technology to elevate your golf experience, plus a lively atmosphere and delicious food and drinks,” LaunchPad Golf Owner and CEO, Barry Ehlert, said in the release. “We look forward to partnering with the SMSC and bringing the LaunchPad Golf experience to Minnesota and the U.S. market.”

Toughest Golf Courses in the Twin Cities

USGA men's slope rating

RankPrior RankName / Rank in 2022 (* not ranked)
11Rush Creek Golf Club
22Spring Hill Golf Club
33Blackberry Ridge Golf Club

View this list

Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community to Open First LaunchPad Golf Location in United States

Tech-forward experience will offer year-round entertainment for golf enthusiastsThe two-story, 25,000-square-foot facility will include a 160,000-square-foot driving range with award-winning technology, 40 heated golf suites, two bars and a full-service restaurant. The facility will be able to serve more than 500 people. Construction will begin as early as this spring; the facility is anticipated to open in mid-2025."We are excited to welcome LaunchPad Golf to the U.S. and expand our tribe's golf of...

Tech-forward experience will offer year-round entertainment for golf enthusiasts

The two-story, 25,000-square-foot facility will include a 160,000-square-foot driving range with award-winning technology, 40 heated golf suites, two bars and a full-service restaurant. The facility will be able to serve more than 500 people. Construction will begin as early as this spring; the facility is anticipated to open in mid-2025.

"We are excited to welcome LaunchPad Golf to the U.S. and expand our tribe's golf offerings," said SMSC Chairman Cole Miller. "This year-round golf entertainment enterprise will provide an incredible experience for guests of all skill levels. It will be an excellent complement to our premium golf course, The Meadows at Mystic Lake."

Known for its next-level technology in golf entertainment, LaunchPad Golf is a Canadian company that features award-winning Inrange radar technology for superior ball tracking to create an immersive golfing experience. In addition to golf practice and virtual courses, LaunchPad Golf offers exclusive social games, including bay-versus-bay gaming. Regardless of skill level, LaunchPad Golf creates a fun experience for golfers and non-golfers alike.

The Prior Lake venue marks LaunchPad Golf's first foray into the United States after establishing two locations in Canada. Like its partnership with the SMSC and The Meadows at Mystic Lake, LaunchPad Golf's current locations have successfully complemented other award-winning golf courses including Mickelson National Golf Club and Heritage Point with elevated, year-round golf experiences.

"LaunchPad Golf is not your average driving range. We offer the most innovative technology to elevate your golf experience, plus a lively atmosphere and delicious food and drinks," said LaunchPad Golf Owner and CEO Barry Ehlert. "We look forward to partnering with the SMSC and bringing the LaunchPad Golf experience to Minnesota and the U.S. market."

LaunchPad is represented in the Upper Midwest by Par3 Ventures.

Download renderings here.

About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Dakota tribal government located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Following a Dakota tradition of generosity, the SMSC is one of the top philanthropists in Minnesota and is the largest contributor to other tribal governments and causes across the country. It is a strong community partner and a leader in protecting and restoring natural resources. The SMSC's government, Gaming Enterprise and various other enterprises are collectively the largest employer in Scott County and attract millions of visitors to the region.

About LaunchPad Golf

LaunchPad Golf is Canada's premier year-round entertainment experience. LaunchPad Golf offers serious swing practice with a selection of virtual golf courses for avid enthusiasts, and multiple modes of interactive game play - perfect for both corporate and social gatherings. Powered by innovative ball tracing technology, the climate-controlled suites ensure all-weather enjoyment. A lively atmosphere and delectable food and beverage options combine for a memorable outing for groups of all ages and abilities. LaunchPad Golf currently has two locations in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Contact Information

View the original press release on newswire.com.

Prior Lake experiences one of shortest ice-on seasons to date

This winter was one of the warmest on record to date causing lakes in the south metro and all across the state to freeze much later than usual, as well as thaw much quicker than expected.According to the Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District, Upper Prior Lake’s ice-on date this season was Jan.7, Lower Prior Lake’s ice-on date was Jan. 8, and Spring Lake’s was on Jan. 11. The ice-on dates were then quickly followed by ice-off dates as early as Jan. 23.The PLSLWD’s records date back to 1966 and show th...

This winter was one of the warmest on record to date causing lakes in the south metro and all across the state to freeze much later than usual, as well as thaw much quicker than expected.

According to the Prior Lake-Spring Lake Watershed District, Upper Prior Lake’s ice-on date this season was Jan.7, Lower Prior Lake’s ice-on date was Jan. 8, and Spring Lake’s was on Jan. 11. The ice-on dates were then quickly followed by ice-off dates as early as Jan. 23.

The PLSLWD’s records date back to 1966 and show that ice-on dates are moving later and later. Records also show that it is the first year on record that Upper Prior Lake’s ice-on date occurred in January. The previous record ice-on date for Upper Prior Lake in the last 57 years was in 2015, with an ice-on date of Dec. 28.

Experts at the PLSLWD say that 2015 and 2023 have strong El Niño events in common that have contributed to later ice-on dates and mild winters. Of the 25 El Niño episodes since 1950, six have been moderate, four have been strong, and five have been very strong or historically strong. The most recent very strong episode was in 2015-16, which is considered to be the strongest El Niño on record, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Also according to the DNR, El Niño has been underway since October and is the shorthand name for warmer-than-normal surface and near-surface waters that develop and persist near the equator in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, generally for periods of nine months or more.

The altered temperature patterns near the surface of the ocean, and resulting changes in the winds in that region, lead to rather substantial changes in many global weather patterns. The additional heat that originates near the equatorial Pacific often ends up distributed far and wide, producing an overall warming effect globally, according to the DNR.

With later ice-on dates, early ice-off dates are quickly following across the state which is why the DNR is issuing out guidelines to stay safe on the ice. The DNR states that if new, clear ice is under 4 inches, stay off; if ice is over 4 inches it is safe to ice fish or do other activities on foot; five to 7 inches of thick ice is recommended or snowmobiles or ATVS and 9 to 10 inches is safe for a small car or SUV. Anything more than 11 to 20 inches of ice is safe for heavy duty trucks and ice houses.

As of Jan. 26, the city announced that its warming house and skating rinks at Lakefront Park are now closed for the season. If ice skaters decide to go on the ice, they are encouraged to use caution as the ice is no longer being maintained.

For more information on general ice thickness guidelines visit https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice/thickness.html.

Watch: Deer stuck on frozen lake rescued by firefighters who crawled across icy surface

Watch: Deer stuck on thin ice rescued by firefighters who crawled across frozen lakeNew video shows two firefighters braving the ice to reach the deer, as it struggles to escape a frozen Pike Lake in eastern Minnesota on Monday. (Courtesy: City of Prior Lake / LOCAL NEWS X /TMX)PRIOR LAKE, Minn. – Two firefighters braved a frozen Pike Lake in eastern Minnesota Monday...

Watch: Deer stuck on thin ice rescued by firefighters who crawled across frozen lake

New video shows two firefighters braving the ice to reach the deer, as it struggles to escape a frozen Pike Lake in eastern Minnesota on Monday. (Courtesy: City of Prior Lake / LOCAL NEWS X /TMX)

PRIOR LAKE, Minn. – Two firefighters braved a frozen Pike Lake in eastern Minnesota Monday to rescue a deer as it struggled to walk on the icy surface.

The area around Pike Lake, which is located about 11 miles northwest of Duluth, saw temperatures that plummeted to the low teens and single digits on the day of the rescue.

The video begins with the deer flat on its stomach with its hooves outstretched over the ice. The animal scrambles to try to stand up, but its hooves merely slip over the ice, causing the deer to plop down again.

(City of Prior Lake / LOCAL NEWS X / TMX / FOX Weather)

Two firefighters from Prior Lake donned bright yellow protective gear and crawled on their hands and knees toward the deer.

HOW DEER AND ELK SURVIVE HARSH, SNOWY WINTERS

A closer look shows they are tethered to the shore as a safety measure from being on the frozen lake. They also appear to have a long, pole-like device with them.

(City of Prior Lake / LOCAL NEWS X / TMX / FOX Weather)

Once they reach the deer, the firefighters use the device to push the deer and start sliding it toward the shore. Bit by bit, the firefighters crawl along as they push the deer over the ice, and only stand when the deer has reached the shore.

(City of Prior Lake / LOCAL NEWS X / TMX / FOX Weather)

HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER

"They were successfully able to push the deer to shore! Thanks PLFD!" said City of Prior Lake officials, who released the video.

Aurora Cannabis open for business in Prior Lake

Aurora Cannabis, a local family owned business founded by two life-long Prior Lake residents and high school sweethearts, opened its doors in August.Randy and Sasha Beuc jumped at the opportunity to make their dream come true of opening up their own cannabis shop after Minnesota became the 23rd state to legalize recreational marijuana.Located at 16535 Anna Trail S.E. in Prior Lake, the former 5,544 square-foot abandoned CrossFit gym is now Randy and Sasha’s newly renovated home away from home.“This was an ide...

Aurora Cannabis, a local family owned business founded by two life-long Prior Lake residents and high school sweethearts, opened its doors in August.

Randy and Sasha Beuc jumped at the opportunity to make their dream come true of opening up their own cannabis shop after Minnesota became the 23rd state to legalize recreational marijuana.

Located at 16535 Anna Trail S.E. in Prior Lake, the former 5,544 square-foot abandoned CrossFit gym is now Randy and Sasha’s newly renovated home away from home.

“This was an idea for many years where we said if this ever became legal, we were going to go for it,” said Sasha, the company president. “We officially started back in May and started on the background stuff while we were waiting for things to become legal because we knew it was in the process.”

The business will be temporarily licensed through the city until the state’s Office of Cannabis Management develops regulations outlining how and when businesses can participate in the new adult-use industry.

Sasha added that the city has also asked Aurora Cannabis to put up signage saying that their products have not been independently tested or verified, though she argues that they really are.

“We have to sign everything that we create to a lab and it’s tested for a whole panel of things and tested for the strength of THC in it,” she said. “It’s fully tested and we have to put up this signage which is not exactly true, but other than that it’s been pretty good with the city.”

Randy, a self-proclaimed cannabis enthusiast and vice-president of operations, said with his background in manufacturing and his wife’s expertise with marketing, the couple became perfect business partners.

“I know how to do manufacturing operations and I have always been a cannabis connoisseur,” Randy said. “That’s ultimately why we jumped because not only did I have the interest and expertise, but it’s an opportunity to make money. I know a lot of other small businesses in other states that have gone legal that have really struggled. We’re hoping this will be a little bit different.”

Aurora Cannabis sells cannabis-related items like Delta-9 infused products, CBD products and home grow equipment. The shop also offers a wide variety of edibles, beverages and pet products.

“We sell a lot of hemp-based low dose edibles as well as smoking accessories for things that people can use recreationally,” Randy said. “We also offer anything you would need to grow cannabis at home. It’s legal to grow up to eight cannabis plants at a single home.”

Randy also said cannabis has many helpful health benefits and encourages people to do research and speak to their health providers about the many positive effects.

“It’s prescribed as medicine for a lot of different conditions. I am diagnosed with an anxiety disorder myself and THC really helps get rid of noise in my head, so I think it’s an individual experience,” Randy said. “It is really helpful and has been really helpful to a lot of people for a really long time.”

Early recognition

Aurora Cannabis is already gaining attention in the cannabis community where the product is legal.

Erica Avalos, the shop’s culinary infusion specialist, won an award for most innovative THC product for her Tasty Horchata Crispies, which are infused with Delta 9 THC and horchata, a popular Mexican drink, at the 2023 Minnesota Legacy Cup.

The Legacy Cup is the Midwest’s largest cannabis festival and was held at Surly Festival Field in Minneapolis on Sept. 30 and featured legacy growers from across the state.

As a former head chef at Mazopiya, Avalos is also a Hennepin Tech graduate with a strong knack for combining innovative flavor combinations and a passion for all things cannabis, according to Randy and Sasha. Avalos received certification through a cannabis training school.

Born and raised in Shakopee, Avalos also said she loves working with the Aurora Cannabis team and feels lucky she gets paid to be creative.

“It’s the most relaxing job I’ve ever had. I went from working 60 hours a week in a kitchen always stressed and always unhappy to this,” she said. “I come in and have a good time and meet some cool people. It’s the best job I’ve ever had.”

In addition, Sasha said as a proud Latina, she was even more proud when Avalos, also a Latina, took home the prize. She also said being a minority business owner has also made her feel empowered.

“As Hispanic women, there’s been so much support in the community,” Sasha said. “We haven’t had any problems at all and it’s really empowering to have your own business as a woman.”

Challenging the stigma

Aside from striving to be successful, Randy and Sasha, who are both graduates of the Minnesota State University, Mankato, said they would also like to break the stigma surrounding cannabis.

“We’re parents like other parents out there. We’re just normal people. There’s nothing outrageous about us,” Sasha said. “We’re responsible and educated. Randy and I both went to college and both had long full-time jobs before this. I recently quit my full-time job to do this full-time. Erica is an awesome mom like me. We have kids in local schools and we’re really involved in the community, too. Our kids play hockey and I’m constantly at the school volunteering.”

Randy, who also obtained a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of St. Thomas, added that he delivered the same message to the city at one of its city council meetings but said it was poorly received.

“I know the message isn’t well delivered to people who just view cannabis as a negative, but we genuinely feel like being here can be a positive for the community,” he said. “We say that through the eyes of parents of kids who are about to be in the high school age very soon, so there’s nobody who’s more invested in the community and in staying safe than us. Whether or not people agree with that I guess nobody agrees with everyone, but that’s how we feel.”

Randy and Sasha added that one of their many goals is to employ local residents and support economic growth in the community.

“We grew up in Prior Lake. Most of the people who are involved in the business right now are graduates of Prior Lake High School,” Randy said. “Sasha and I graduated in 2007, my brother and investors in 2005. We’ve lived here a really long time and we’re staying here. We love it here, this is our home.”

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