MINNESOTA – The United Way of Northeastern Minnesota has temporarily closed its Smiles United Dental Crisis Fund to non-veterans, citing depleted resources.

However, veterans and servicemembers in Lake of the Woods County, Koochiching County, and the Iron Range can still apply for limited assistance.

The organization hopes to raise enough money during Give to the Max Day this Thursday, Minnesota’s annual statewide giving event, to reopen the fund for all residents who need emergency dental help.

United Way of Northeastern Minnesota launched the Northeast Minnesota Dental Task Force in 2024 to address major barriers to dental care across the region, including a severe shortage of providers, long travel distances, and limited access to affordable services.

Executive Director Erin Shay says the lack of access creates a growing crisis.

Shay says the task force is working on long-term solutions, including encouraging more dental students to practice in rural northern Minnesota. But until more providers come to the region, crisis funding remains essential to prevent dental emergencies from turning into larger health or financial problems.

For now, the Smiles United fund remains open only to veterans and servicemembers, including those in Lake of the Woods County, who continue to face some of the state’s most significant gaps in dental access.

The race for Minnesota’s 7th District Congressional District now has two democrats. State Representative Heather Keeler of Moorhead is a candidate for the nomination. She’ll ask the party for its support to challenge Republican Representative Michelle Fischbach.

Keeler also talked about the lack of affordable healthcare, and how that is one of the issues that brought her into the race:

Keeler says homelessness and access to mental health services are other concerns. She was elected to the legislature in 2020. The other Democrat in the race is Erik Osberg of Wadena as known previously. Osberg spoke with us earlier this week. That full story from Erik Osberg is available at kq92.com.

The 7th district runs from the northwestern corner of the state to the southwest. Fischbach was first elected to a two-year term in 2020 and took office in Washington in 2021, defeating long-time Congressman Collin Peterson.

The Northwest Angle provided a fishing update for Lake of the Woods with several folks out hunting recently. Those who have been fishing have noticed a strong mid-November with walleye and sauger bites continuing across the south shore of Lake of the Woods.

Fish continue to be staged in various areas along the south shore of the lake and are biting. Walleye fishing right now is good in the Rainy River with a mix of “eaters” along with slot fish.

The location of the fish, anglers are seeing, will set up nicely for ice fishers. On average, ice fishing kicks off around December 10th, though Mother Nature will ultimately decide when it’s time. Resort guides and outfitters who work the ice daily will monitor conditions closely and let everyone know when the ice they’re on is ready.

You can check out info about Lake of the Woods ice fishing on the new ice fishing page at https://lakeofthewoodsmn.com/ice-fishing/.

Minnesotans need to start preparing now for what the winter might have in store. It’s time to start preparing your homes, cars, and more for the weather that’s around the corner. Department of Public Safety Director Allison Farole says get an emergency kit ready to have in your car and she provides tips on essential items you will need.

You can find more winter prep tips and more info on safety this winter on the DPS website.