Interim UpdateDear friends and neighbors, I had such a wonderful time spending the weekend deeply rooted in our amazing community! From savoring the delicious creativity of hotdish judging to helping kick off the Law Enforcement 10-78 5K, there was truly no shortage of good northern fun and community spirit. These moments are such a reminder of what makes our district special—people coming together, sharing smiles, and celebrating all that we love about our towns. Over the weekend, I had the chance to connect with so many of you, hear your stories, and enjoy the energy that only events like these can bring. Whether it was cheering on runners as they crossed the finish line, swapping recipes and laughs over hotdish, or simply taking a moment to catch up with friends and neighbors, each moment felt like a little celebration of community. So, without further ado, let’s dive into a few of this weekend’s highlights and share some of the joy, laughter, and memories that made it so special! Heritage Days Fun! This year’s Heritage Days was one for the books—and I was lucky enough to be part of it from start to finish! I had the pleasure of kicking things off by singing our National Anthem, a tradition that never fails to fill me with pride. From there, I swapped my microphone for a judge’s scorecard to help decide the winner of this year’s Hotdish Competition. Let me tell you—Minnesotans take their hotdish seriously, and the creativity (and deliciousness) did not disappoint. Congratulations to Kathy Walsky for her first-place finish with Polish Reuben Casserole, and to all the participants. I’m already looking forward to next year! Of course, Heritage Days wouldn’t be complete without a nod to our agricultural roots. My friend Kam Harstad stole the show, pulling a cart full of visitors with his OilPull tractor through the festivities—a reminder of the history and hard work that built our community. Between the food, the music, the history, and the friendly faces, it was a perfect celebration of who we are and where we come from!  Honoring Our 2025 Farm Families of the Year!I’m thrilled to congratulate three outstanding families from our district—the Jossund family of Perley, the Klawitter family of Crookston, and the Olson family of Oklee—on being named 2025 University of Minnesota Farm Families of the Year! Since 1979, this award has celebrated farm families whose contributions strengthen both our agriculture industry and our rural communities. These families embody the values of hard work, stewardship, and service—raising the food that sustains our nation while fueling the economic vitality of our region. To the Jossunds, Klawitters, and Olsons—your dedication is an inspiration. Thank you for your years of commitment to farming, your investment in our communities, and your role in keeping Minnesota agriculture strong. This recognition is well deserved, and we are proud to call you our neighbors. Kicking Off the Law Enforcement 10-78 5K I’m still smiling from this past weekend’s Law Enforcement 10-78 5K—it was an absolute blast from start to finish! The morning began with check-in and warm greetings from friends and neighbors, followed by cheers for every runner crossing the finish line and fun family activities throughout the day. The energy from start to finish was nothing short of incredible! As a runner myself, I always love the race day buzz, but this event was about so much more than the miles. It was about showing up—for the officers who serve with heart, the families who stand beside them, and the tight-knit Red River Valley community we’re so fortunate to call home. From the determined runners pounding the pavement to volunteers handing out high-fives and water cups, every person there helped make the day unforgettable. A huge thank you to our hardworking event crew, our dedicated law enforcement partners, and everyone who played a part in pulling it all together. I think we can all agree—this is a tradition worth growing. Let’s keep the momentum going and make next year’s 10-78 5K even bigger and better!  Rolling Into The Weekend With Some Small-Town Fun!The festivities just don’t stop—and I’m certainly not complaining! This weekend, I’ll be making my way to Crookston for Ox Cart Days and over to the Ulen area for Ulen Days. Both celebrations are packed with good company, hometown pride, and probably more fried food than my doctor would recommend. I’m looking forward to meaningful conversations about the real needs we face here at home—mixed in with a few laughs and maybe a story or two swapped over lemonade. If you see me out and about, don’t be shy—come say hello! I’d love to catch up, hear your thoughts, and maybe even debate which small-town parade candy is the best (my money’s on the Tootsie Rolls).   Let's Stay Connected!I truly love hearing from all of you—your ideas, your questions, even your occasional gripes (hey, I get it!). Staying connected is what makes this community feel like a family, and it’s what keeps me inspired to serve you every day. Whether it’s a quick email, a comment on social media, or a chance meeting at the local coffee shop, I want to hear what’s on your mind. My door—and my inbox—are always open! So let’s keep talking, keep laughing, and keep looking out for one another. After all, a community that stays connected is a community that thrives! Sincerely, Representative Steve Gander Minnesota House of Representatives, District 1B |