Having trouble viewing this email?  [ [link removed] ]View it as a Web page [ [link removed] ].






Gander




*November 14, 2025*






Interim News

Dear friends and neighbors,

I hope your opening hunting weekend was as rewarding as mine! We started with the classic crisp fall air, which quickly gave way to a picture-perfect sunny day. I had the chance to spend time at our family hunting shack, built way back in 1905—there’s something truly special about generations of memories tucked into those walls. Saturday morning greeted me with a stunning sunrise from the deer stand, and while my good friend Craig Johnson had some luck with a gorgeous eight-point buck, I’m still on the hunt for my “monster” buck. Here’s to chasing more adventures (and more deer) in the weeks ahead!

And as the dust settles in Washington with the end of the federal government shutdown, it feels like the right moment to pause and take stock. As we head into Thanksgiving, I’m reminded how blessed we are—blessed by our beautiful state, by the freedoms we cherish, and most of all by the goodness and provision of God.

So as we gather with family and friends, let’s also look around our communities for those who might be struggling. A kind word, a helping hand, or simply pointing someone toward the Source of all that is good can make more of a difference than we know.

We have much to be grateful for—and plenty of opportunities to pass that gratitude on.

1
________________________________________________________________________



God’s Handiwork in Our Northern Skies
1

One of the great joys of living up here in Northern Minnesota is that every now and then, the Lord gives us a front-row seat to His own light show. On Tuesday night, folks all across the country looked up and saw the northern lights dancing across the sky—and I was lucky enough to catch them too.

No matter how many times I see them, those colors never get old. It’s like God flips a switch and says, “Here you go, Minnesota—enjoy the view.” It’s a good lesson for all of us: the best things often show up when you’re willing to wait and watch.

1
________________________________________________________________________



Senate Bonding Tour Rolls Through the Northland

On Wednesday, I had the wonderful opportunity to join the Senate Bonding Tour as it made its way through our district—four stops, four big projects, and a whole lot of good work happening here in Northwest Minnesota. I like to think of bonding tours as the legislative version of a harvest check: boots on the ground, seeing what’s growing, what needs tending, and where a little investment can yield a whole lot of good.

 

West Central Regional Water District – Halstad
1

Our first stop was Halstad, where we presented the updated request for the West Central Regional Water District. This project is a game-changer—clean, reliable drinking water for small towns and rural families who desperately need relief from aging wells, arsenic concerns, and expensive treatment systems.

It’s not glamorous, but it’s the kind of infrastructure that keeps a community healthy for generations. The state ask is now $10 million, and the investment would be worth every penny.

 

Minnesota Department of Agriculture Potato Research Center – East Grand Forks
1

Next, we stopped by the MDA Potato Research Facility. With Agristo moving into the region with a $450 million processing plant and 300 new permanent jobs, our potato industry is about to get a whole lot busier—and a whole lot more exciting.

That means we need research capacity that can keep up. More acreage, more varieties, more challenges, and more opportunities. It was great catching up with Commissioner Thom Petersen, whose dedication to Minnesota agriculture is as steady as our Red River Valley soil.

1
 

East Grand Forks Industrial Park Infrastructure
1

Our third stop took us into the East Grand Forks Industrial Park, where the city is asking for help to repair streets and improve stormwater drainage. Anyone who has driven those roads knows: they’ve seen better days.

This isn’t just about pavement—it’s about supporting the businesses and services located there, including the North Country Food Bank and Douglas Place treatment facility. Without bonding support, the cost of repairs would fall hard on organizations already working overtime to serve our region. Thank you to Reid Huttunen, who testified on behalf of the project.

 

University of Minnesota Crookston – Maintenance & Heating Upgrades
1

Our final stop was U of M Crookston, where they’re seeking funding for essential building maintenance and heating system updates. Not flashy—but crucial. When you live this far north, reliable heat isn’t a luxury; it’s essential for survival. Investing in our campus keeps students safe, learning, and proud of the place they call home.

________________________________________________________________________



Closing Thoughts...

As we wrap up this week’s update—and as the seasons shift around us—I’m reminded how proud I am to stand with the people of this corner of Minnesota. Whether it’s a sunrise from the deer stand, the northern lights dancing overhead, or the steady work of improving our communities through bonding projects, every bit of it points back to God’s provision and the goodness He pours over our land.

And in that same spirit of gratitude, I want to offer my deepest thanks to the veterans across Minnesota and across our great nation. On Veterans Day, we lifted our eyes and our hearts in gratitude—to Almighty God, and to the men and women who have stood in defense of the nation He has so richly blessed.

From Normandy to Iwo Jima, Korea to Vietnam, Iraq to Afghanistan—and in every quiet moment of service that never makes the headlines—our veterans carried freedom’s banner with a courage that only faith can sustain. They stepped forward not for recognition, but out of love: love of God, love of family, and love of country.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13)

Their sacrifice is the living testimony of that truth.

Before I sign off, I want to thank you—truly—for staying with me, for reading these updates, and for trusting me to represent our corner of Minnesota. It is a constant joy, and I am humbled every single day to serve you. Thank you for taking time out of your busy week to stay connected and informed.

As always, I’m just an email or phone call away. Please feel free to reach out anytime—I’m here to listen, to help, and to keep working hard for you.

Faith. Freedom. Minnesota—forever intertwined.

Until next time, friends—take care, stay warm, and may your week ahead be filled with good company, good hunting, and plenty to be thankful for.

Sincerely, 

Representative Steve Gander

"Minnesota House of Representatives, District 1B"











Facebook Icon [ [link removed] ]

 

/RepSteveGander [ [link removed] ]





2nd Floor Centennial Office Building
658 Cedar Street
Saint Paul, MN 55155
ph: 651.296.5091







________________________________________________________________________

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page [ [link removed] ]. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com [ [link removed] ].

This service is provided to you at no charge by Minnesota House GOP [ [link removed] ].

________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Minnesota House GOP · 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. · Saint Paul, MN 55155 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]