Whapeton Daily News reports…

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (DFL-Minn.) hosted a conference call with Mayor Russ Wilson, Breckenridge, Minnesota, and three other Minnesota mayors about the economic impact COVID-19 is having on the towns, as well as their short-term and long-term needs.

The call — which also included Mayor Deb Hengel of Elbow Lake, Minnesota; Mayor Rick Rone of Baudette, Minnesota; and Mayor Sid Michel of Bagley, Minnesota — covered what struggles the four towns were facing, including business shutdowns, broadband issues and surging cases.

Klobuchar began by addressing the already fragile economic state of rural Minnesota towns, which often depend on one or two industries. She said there are also broadband differences from metro to rural Minnesota, which are a breeding ground for inequitable education amid the COVID-19 pandemic.