Medical and support staff from Lakewood Health System in Staples attended the annual Centricity Healthcare User Group (CHUG) conference in Washington, D.C., from April 12-13. Medical director Dr. John Halfen, Dr. Sheila Froemming and Jeff Osegard, Karen Knoll, Sarah Becker and Chad Miller from the Information Technology Department were among the attendees at the conference, which centered on the topic of electronic medical records (EMR).

At least two new retail stores are open in downtown Nisswa, and a Pine River barbecue restaurant will serve food from a site off County Road 77.

Lazy One, Etc.

Brett and Heidi Behnken of Elk River opened Lazy One, Etc., on Main Street, next to the mini doughnut stand.

“Basically the Lazy One brand is a form of inner loungewear — pajama pants with matching tops, nightshirts, kids’ pajamas, comical boxers that are unisex, infant creepers, bibs and socks,” said Brett Behnken. “It’s a mix all the way from birth to retirement years.”

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota recently renewed Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Medical Center as a Blue Distinction Center+ for Knee and Hip Replacement.

The recognition is intended to help patients identify medical facilities that have demonstrated a commitment to providing quality care and better overall outcomes for knee and hip replacement procedures. It also highlights the program’s cost-effectiveness for consumers, Essentia Health reported.

On Thursday, April 25, the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce Welcome Team members conducted a red carpet event with Krystal Hardy and The Best of Coupons to welcome them as members of the Nisswa Chamber. The Best of Coupons is a locally targeted direct mail marketing and online advertising company in the northern Minnesota area including Brainerd, Baxter and Nisswa. The Nisswa Welcome Team serves as the Nisswa Chamber ambassadors, providing information, mentorship opportunities and support for new chamber members.

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