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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 Waconia, MN

Home Care Waconia, 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 Carver County Historical Society 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 Waconia, MN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

In-Home Care Waconia, 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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“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.
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TESTIMONIALS

“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.”

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What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Waconia, 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 Waconia, MN

Types of Elderly Care in Waconia, 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 Waconia, 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 Waconia, 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 Waconia City 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 Waconia, 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 Lola's Lakehouse or visit Gold Star Veterans Memorial, 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 Waconia, MN

Benefits of Home Care in Waconia, 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 Waconia, 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 Waconia, 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 Waconia, 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 Waconia, 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 Waconia, 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 Waconia, 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
  • Waconia
  • Nagel Assisted Living & Memory Care
  • Auburn Meadows
  • Waconia Minnesota Nursing Home Senior Living
  • Auburn Home-Waconia
Home Care Waconia, 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 Waconia, 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 Waconia, 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 Waconia, MN

Latest News in Waconia, MN

Live at 7 p.m.: Waconia clashes with Minneapolis at Parade Ice Garden

MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis hosts Waconia on Tuesday night for MN Hockey TV's Free Game of the Week. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. at the Parade Ice Garden.The Wildcats hold a 5-9-1 overall record this season while Minneapolis sits at 5-10. The last time these two teams met was on Dec. 8, 2022, which resulted in a 6-4 win for Minneapolis.Make sure to subscribe to MNHockeyTV for coverage of high school hockey throughout the state of Minnesot...

MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis hosts Waconia on Tuesday night for MN Hockey TV's Free Game of the Week. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. at the Parade Ice Garden.

The Wildcats hold a 5-9-1 overall record this season while Minneapolis sits at 5-10. The last time these two teams met was on Dec. 8, 2022, which resulted in a 6-4 win for Minneapolis.

Make sure to subscribe to MNHockeyTV for coverage of high school hockey throughout the state of Minnesota using The Rink Live's promo code "Live2324" for 10% off a season pass. Stream tonight's game for free on YouTube here.

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Leader in Minnesota High School streaming will broadcast weekly games of the week

Waconia is 5-9-1 so far this season in its first season competing up in Class AA. The Wildcats previously were slotted in Section 2A, along with rival Minneapolis, but they have now moved up to Class 2AA. Waconia's five wins so far have come to Greenway, Albert Lea, Bloomington Kennedy, Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato and Hopkins. The lone tie came to Hutchinson and the nine losses were to the hands of teams like Rock Ridge, Breck, No. 5A Orono and No. 3AA Chanhassen.

Senior forwards Ayden Siddons and Mitchell Nelson have led the way for the Wildcats on offense this year with 20 and 16 points, respectively. Junior Brody Butler has played a majority of minutes in net this season and owns a .877 save percentage, a 4.11 goals-against average and one shutout. Behind him is senior Carson Beckwith who has appeared in a handful of games and currently has a .888 save percentage, a 3.35 goals-against average and one shutout to his name.

The Wildcat powerplay has been operating at a 16.7% success rate but the penalty kill could use some improvement as it stands at 66.7%. Waconia has been outscored by its opponents by a 39-61 overall margin in 2023-24. The team is led by head coach Anthony Reynolds.

Minneapolis has a 5-10 record so far this season. Its five wins have come against St. Paul Academy, Hutchinson, Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato, Providence Academy and St. Paul Highland Park. Its losses have come to the hands of teams like No. 5A Orono, No. 7A Delano, Rock Ridge, Roseau and Southwest Christian/Richfield. The squad went on an eight-game losing streak over the holiday break but recently snapped the skid on Jan. 11.

Senior forwards Ozzie Snodgrass and John Bebler have led Minneapolis in scoring this year. Snodgrass has 29 points this season through 15 contests while Bebler has 25. Junior defender Nick Anderson and sophomore forward Eli Milinkovich have also both been top skaters for the team, scoring at over point-per game paces. The starting netminder position has been a bit jumbled thus far but senior Mike Shroat has taken a majority of minutes. Junior Adam Lybeck has seen of chunk of ice time and sophomore Hudson Smith made an appearance in one game. All three of the goaltenders sit around a .849 save percentage.

Minneapolis as a team has only been outscored by a narrow 58-57 overall margin this season in 2023-24. The powerplay and penalty kill are both okay but could use a little improvement. The man-advantage works about 13.9% of the time while the PK is running at a 73.7% success rate. Minnesota alum Joe Dziedzic is head coach of the team.

2023-24 HOCKEY NIGHT IN MINNESOTA SCHEDULE

(Games and times are subject to change)

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Shocked in Waconia. Bank Closes 13 Year-Olds Bank Account Why?

A family in Waconia is looking for answers from Old National Bank. Jennifer Luedloff and her husband opened a savings account for their daughter, Paige, when she was a baby. Now they're left wondering why the bank would close the account without prior notification and send the money to the State of Minnesota.Sign up for the 98.1 Minnesota's New Country NewsletterOver the years the parents would make deposits into the account for birthdays and holidays. When Paige won a few hundred dollars at a fishing tournament they deposited ...

A family in Waconia is looking for answers from Old National Bank. Jennifer Luedloff and her husband opened a savings account for their daughter, Paige, when she was a baby. Now they're left wondering why the bank would close the account without prior notification and send the money to the State of Minnesota.

Sign up for the 98.1 Minnesota's New Country Newsletter

Over the years the parents would make deposits into the account for birthdays and holidays. When Paige won a few hundred dollars at a fishing tournament they deposited that as well.

They did get a letter, but that was to tell them that the account had been shut down due to 3 years of inactivity and that the money had been sent to the state. Seems like inactivity on a checking account is one thing, but savings accounts are meant to sit and hold money aren't they?

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Regardless, now the family is being told that if they want the money back they'll need to use the states unclaimed property website to try to get that money back. The bank did offer a $100 gift card in reparation but Paige declined the gesture since that is a lot less than what was in her account.

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It's a waiting game now as they go through the process of trying to get their money refunded from the states unclaimed property website.

If you've never done it, it's a great idea to check the states unclaimed property website every few years. It's a simple search of your name or any business that you may have owned. It's provided money back to thousands of people, some of whom didn't even know they had money coming. You can check that HERE.

Bucket List Attractions in Minnesota - Must Sees

Eagle Center in Wabasha

Visit the Eagle Center in Wabasha. They have daily shows and education seminars. Plus, Wabasha is just a cute little town. Hello, Grumpy Old Men! And you can visit Slippery's while you're there.

St.-Paul-Winter-Carnival

This is a staple that has been around since 1886. Sometimes it's been a little warm for the sculptures, but it is still a mainstay.

Google Maps Street View

Canal Park Lift Bridge

Visit Duluth for several attractions, even the hilly driving situation. But make sure to check out Canal Park with the Lift Bridge, and watch some ships come in.

Minnesota Renaissance Festival

The Ren Fest in Shakopee happens weekends in August and September. Totally worth it, and fun. MEAD!

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Stone Arch Bridge

The Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis is a landmark for sure. It was lit up purple when Prince passed away. The purple color was used again when the Vikings had hopes of heading to the Super Bowl when the SB was played at US Bank Stadium. We know what happened to that. But the purple was pretty!

Google Maps

Walker Art Center

The Walker Art Center and it's famous sculpture garden are a must see. But go in the Summer or Fall.

Nick Cooper - TSM Duluth

Upper Falls waterfall at Gooseberry Falls State Park north of Two Harbors, MN

Upper Falls waterfall at Gooseberry Falls State Park north of Two Harbors, MN

Niagaracave.com

Niagara Falls and Cave

Not in New York. This is in Southern Minnesota. Small town of Harmony, MN. This attraction is scheduled to open again April 10th of this year.

CSJ/TSM-Rochester

Minnesota's North Shore

Whether it's the BWCA, just hiking around the trails on the North Shore or heading to Split Rock Lighthouse, Northern Minnesota has so many things to see. It's one of those places that you can take the family on vacation for a long weekend or weeks at a time. There's always something to do and see there.

Siddharth Gandhi Photography via Facebook

International Wolf Center

International Wolf Center in Ely, MN. See wolves up close and personal, but still at a safe distance. Not like this thing in the middle of the road. Now. that would be a little scary.

Googlemaps.com Ben Cedarberg

Soudan Underground Mine State Park

This is a state park with a mine in it! It's located in the Vermillion Range in Northern MN. Who doesn't want to go check out an old mine??

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First Avenue- Minneapolis

Check out First Avenue- one of the cooler music venues that there are, and it's here in Minnesota. If you use the 7th Street entry, that's a cool experience. That's the entry with all the stars with performer's names on them.

7 Countries That Are Roughly the Same Size as Minnesota

Nick Cooper - TSM Duluth

Minnesota

Minnesota as a state is 86,943 square miles in size, and is the 12th largest state in America. Here are some similar-sized countries across the world.

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United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is about 93,638 square miles in size. Slightly larger than Minnesota, this country offers a lot for tourists, sightseeing atop a double-decker bus in London, hiking through their numerous national parks, discovering Stonehenge, and more are sure to keep your itinerary full.

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Guinea

Guinea is located in West Africa, and is about 94,926 square miles in size. This country has probably the largest population of chimpanzees and is home to the Chimpanzee Conservation Centre in Somoria. The official language of Guinea is French, and they gained their independence from France in 1958.

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Ghana

Ghana is slightly larger than Minnesota at 92,098 square miles. The country is the second-largest producer of gold in Africa, and the worlds second-largest producer of cocoa beans. It is home to Lake Volta, which is the largest artificial lake in the world. It extends for over 320 miles and can be seen from space.

Gary Tyson

Laos

Laos is just slightly larger than Minnesota at 91,400 square miles. Laos is a Southeast Asian country known for mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture, hill tribe settlements, and Buddhist monasteries. If you love coffee, Laos claims to have the best coffee in Southeast Asia, and it is their biggest export.

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Uganda

Uganda is about 93,072 square miles. Uganda is the most ethnically Diverse Country in The World, and they have over 30 different indigenous spoken there. Uganda is one of several African countries looking to produce medical cannabis for export to Europe and America. Since 2017, five countries on the continent have legalized the farming of cannabis for medicinal or industrial use.

CPL T20 via Getty Images

Guyana

Guyana is just a little smaller than Minnesota at 83,000 square miles. If you travel to Guyana you won't have to worry about a language barrier, it is the only country in South America to have English as its official language. Guyana is part of the British Commonwealth, and Christopher Columbus claimed to have seen a mermaid called Watamamma in Guyana’s waters.

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Belarus

Belarus is about 80,153 square miles and located east of Poland and north of the Ukraine. It's great for outdoor lovers, as 40% of it is covered by forests. They are also big into sports, with 23,000 sporting venues open to the public across the country. If Belarusians aren’t playing sport chances are they’re watching it.

Photos: Century, Waconia football on Aug. 31, 2023

Century took on Waconia at home on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, in Rochester. Waconia beat Century 48-0. News reporting Joe Ahlquist is the photo editor at the Post Bulletin. Joe is a 2013 graduate of Winona State University and previously worked at the Winona (Minn.) Daily News and the Sioux Falls (S.D.) Argus Leader before arriving at the Post Bulletin in July of 2017. Readers can reach Joe at 507-285-7624 or ...

Century took on Waconia at home on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, in Rochester. Waconia beat Century 48-0.

News reporting

Joe Ahlquist is the photo editor at the Post Bulletin. Joe is a 2013 graduate of Winona State University and previously worked at the Winona (Minn.) Daily News and the Sioux Falls (S.D.) Argus Leader before arriving at the Post Bulletin in July of 2017. Readers can reach Joe at 507-285-7624 or [email protected].

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Minnesota community rallies behind family that lost their home in fire

WACONIA, Minn. -- A family of four in Minnesota were forced to make a dramatic escape from their burning home. The family is now recovering after losing their house and two dogs to the fire.Despite the devastating loss, the DeLange family couldn't be more grateful for the help of the community and the heroism of first responders."We're incredibly thankful to them. I mean, we can't ever repay it. They saved their lives," said Dee DeLange, the grandmother of the family.The DeLange family says they are counting al...

WACONIA, Minn. -- A family of four in Minnesota were forced to make a dramatic escape from their burning home. The family is now recovering after losing their house and two dogs to the fire.

Despite the devastating loss, the DeLange family couldn't be more grateful for the help of the community and the heroism of first responders.

"We're incredibly thankful to them. I mean, we can't ever repay it. They saved their lives," said Dee DeLange, the grandmother of the family.

The DeLange family says they are counting all of their blessings a day after a fire claimed their home, and nearly their lives.

RELATED: Home catches fire in Ukrainian Village, CFD says no injuries reported

Dru and Chrissy DeLange and their two young children were asleep when they awoke to a loud roaring sound.

"The smoke started pouring in, the smoke alarms and everything went off," Dru said. "So we couldn't get downstairs to either the front or back door exit. So we barricaded ourselves in the in the kids rooms, and then called 911."

As Deputy Thomas Roble raced towards their burning home, he saw the family sticking their heads out of the second story window, taking turns getting air.

"I saw him holding a small child and said, 'throw me the child and you guys are gonna have to jump,'" Roble said. "So he ended up throwing down to children to me and got them out of there. And then the two other adults are able to jump out and we were able to help out and we were able to help them to safety as well."

SEE ALSO: Chicago firefighter critically injured at house fire near O'Hare Airport recovering at hospital

Dru said it was a harrowing experience.

"It was second-story drops. So it was painful. But you know, we're alive. We're pretty thankful for it," Dru said.

Dru and Chrissy's sister-in-law, Faith DeLange, has setup a GoFundMe, which has already raised more than $27,000 to help.

"It is gonna be important, especially when they come home from the hospital," Faith said. "Drew and Chrissy are gonna be in back braces for about three months."

Dee said she is thankful for the outpouring support.

"I mean, the whole town of Waconia, you know, we just cannot say thank you enough, they've stepped up for us," Dee said.

The DeLange's children, just one and three-years-old, are out of the hospital and doing okay.

An update on that GoFundMe, it's now at more than $38,000.

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Family of four pulled from burning home in Waconia

WACONIA, Minn. — Four people, including two toddlers, are hospitalized after being pulled from the second floor of a burning home early Wednesday in Waconia.The victims - identified in a GoFundMe account and Facebook post as Dru and Chrissy DeLange and their children, 3-year-old Freya and 1-year-old Finn - were rushed to Hennepin Healthcare with "various" injuries, according to officials. Their conditions are unknown.Deputies with the Carver County Sheriff's Office were called to the home on the 400 block of Sou...

WACONIA, Minn. — Four people, including two toddlers, are hospitalized after being pulled from the second floor of a burning home early Wednesday in Waconia.

The victims - identified in a GoFundMe account and Facebook post as Dru and Chrissy DeLange and their children, 3-year-old Freya and 1-year-old Finn - were rushed to Hennepin Healthcare with "various" injuries, according to officials. Their conditions are unknown.

Deputies with the Carver County Sheriff's Office were called to the home on the 400 block of South Orange St. just before 12:15 a.m. on reports of a fully-involved fire. Arriving first responders learned there were a number of residents trapped on the second floor.

A news release from the Carver County Sheriff's Office says deputies used a window on the second floor to rescue all four family members. Body cam video captures a deputy pulling up on the scene and sprinting to the fully engulfed home, positioning himself under the window and then catching one of the children. After sprinting the tiny boy to safety he runs back to the home and catches his older sister as her parents dropped her to the waiting officer.

Two dogs were trapped in the fire and did not survive.

One deputy suffered minor injuries in the incident and was treated and released at Ridgeview Medical Center in Waconia. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

GoFundMe organizer Faith DeLange says the family is being treated for smoke inhalation and broken vertebrae in their backs. As of Thursday morning, donations to help have reached nearly $21,000, topping the original $15,000 goal. If you'd like to help the DeLanges, go here to donate.

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