Red Rock hosts artist of month

FAIRMONT — Sharon Sandusky of Jackson is the artist of the month for June at Red Rock Center for the Arts in Fairmont.

Spending time with her aunt peaked Sandusky’s interest in working with her hands. She began painting and used a variety of mediums, though she now mainly works in acrylic, watercolor and graphite. She tends to work realistically but has been leaning toward abstract while experimenting with encaustic and alcohol inks.

Sandusky gets her inspiration from a variety of areas including traveling, going on walks and observing family moments. She has also looked through vintage pictures to inspire her.

Her work is now on display at Red Rock Center. An artist meet and greet is planned for 1:30-3 p.m. June 30. The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, and weekends and evenings by appointment.

Walz open to special session

ST. PAUL (AP) — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says he is open to calling a special session to help diabetics who cannot afford the cost of insulin, but lawmakers must first work out a deal.

Walz made his comments Wednesday after a discussion with diabetics, advocates and medical professionals.

A measure that would have established an emergency insulin program had broad support during the legislative session, but was left out of budget bills.

The program would have provided insulin to people who cannot afford it, paid for by a fee on drug makers. The pharmaceutical industry opposed it. Walz says drug manufacturers need to be part of the solution.

Vikings charity launches food truck

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The charitable arm of the Minnesota Vikings recently unveiled a new food truck that will serve free, healthy meals to children in need.

The Minnesota Vikings Foundation’s custom-built purple truck is part of an effort to address childhood obesity and hunger in the Twin Cities. The Vikings Table food truck will work with local nonprofits to serve Twin Cities children free meals, such as pulled chicken, turkey tacos and spiralized zucchini, through October.

It’s the foundation’s first initiative since it replaced the nearly 40-year-old Vikings Children’s Fund charity in 2017, shifting focus from grant funding to creating and managing programs.

More than 300,000 Minnesota students qualify for free or reduced-price school meals and many go hungry during the summer, when they can’t access the extra help.