IN PHOTOS: Local community members wear face masks

"I know PFAS are all across the state and I can't imagine that the Republicans are going to balk at putting money towards the mitigation of PFAS," Evers said.

"Congress should stay nimble and continue to listen to folks back home in case we missed things or overlooked things that still need to be addressed," Kind said.

The grocery chain Hy-Vee Inc. announced Wednesday that it is donating more than 25,000 gallons of bottled water to the town of Campbell in response to the PFAS water contamination crisis.

A number of closed landfills across the state, including in Winona County, have been revealed to have an excessive amount of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), surpassing the Minnesota Department of Health’s guidance values for drinking water.

The city will keep the newly-contaminated Well 26 online this summer, but does not plan to use it unless absolutely necessary.

Happy Earth Day to all of you. Earth Day began in 1970 to raise awareness of the need for environmental protection. Today it is more relevant than ever.

A local priest whose public condemnation of Democrats as “Godless hypocrites” sparked both outcry and defense last fall has now drawn new attention for his anti-vaccine rhetoric and largely maskless services.

Gundersen Health System is providing more COVID-19 vaccine of late. For example, shots were up 32% at the Gundersen Onalaska vaccine clinic the week of Aug. 2 compared with the week of July 26.

Mayo Clinic has become the latest provider to require its staff to get vaccinated for COVID-19.

Gundersen Health System is now requiring COVID-19 vaccination for staff.

President Biden Wednesday announced nursing home staff must be vaccinated in order to continue receiving federal Medicare and Medicaid funding, a decision designed to protect a demographic especially vulnerable to the coronavirus.

With tree pollens emerging and levels set to rise in the coming weeks, community members should prepare for itchy eyes and runny noses as the weather warms up and blooming season begins.

Runny nose, congestion, headache, irritated throat — several symptoms of ragweed allergies overlap with that of the coronavirus, a potential cause of concern or confusion.

Sept. 28 marks National Penicillin Allergy Day, and in recognition allergists are cautioning many of those believed to be allergic to the antibiotic are, in fact, not.

As the delta variant leads to coronavirus case spikes — and deaths — nationwide, workplaces, health care entities and even some schools are issuing vaccine mandates, which provide a sense of safety for some but draw the ire of others.

The vaccination deadline for Gundersen Health System employees has now passed, while Mayo Clinic Health System’s updated, more stringent requirement will take effect this winter.

Flu infections dwindled last winter amid coronavirus precautions, but experts continue to highly urge influenza vaccinations this season, with local hospitals beginning to offer the shots.

A group of Gundersen Health System staff and members of the Coulee Region Freedom Fighters stationed themselves along the sidewalk of the hospital’s main building Tuesday afternoon, wielding signs in protest of a vaccine mandate.

As cases and hospitalizations rise locally and nationally with the circulation of the delta variant, Gundersen is joining other health care establishments, including Mayo Clinic Health System, in requiring inoculation.