Kent Eken

Gov. Walz Attends “Farmers for Walz” Campaign Event in Moorhead

Walz talked about unifying Minnesota's bigger cities with rural areas, and how low the employment rate is compared to past years.

MOORHEAD, M.N. (KVRR) – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz talked about unifying Minnesota’s bigger cities with rural areas. Local unions and workers are with him and say he has their best interest in mind. “This is particularly true on important issues like education, healthcare and our freedom to join together in our unions. After talking to hundreds of union members in…

DFL’s Eken announces retirement from Minnesota Legislature

AUDUBON, Minn. (KVRR) – A longtime Minnesota state lawmaker has decided not to seek reelection. Democratic State Sen. Kent Eken of Audubon is stepping away after 20 years in the legislature. Eken was first elected as a member of the Minnesota House in 2002. Eken says his decision was based on several factors, including plans to return to teaching, and…

Northwest Minnesotans ask questions on surplus during District 4 town hall

MINNESOTA (KVRR) – People from Moorhead to Detroit Lakes take part in a town hall to hear from their state senator and representatives. Minnesota has the only divided Legislature in the country, so passing anything requires some comprise. People wanted to know how State Senator Kent Eken and State Representatives Paul Marquart and Heather Keeler would like the Legislature to…

NW Minnesota lawmakers discuss 2021 legislative session

MINNESOTA (KVRR) — A Minnesota Legislative wrap-up with District 4 legislators discusses actions and support they took during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. “As the COVID-19 pandemic upended many Moorhead businesses, Minnesota State lawmakers discuss the resiliency the community had to come back from difficult times,” DFL State Representative Heather Keeler of Moorhead said. With the Cares Act that…

Twin Valley Democrat opposed to new shutdown orders from Walz

TWIN VALLEY, Minn. (KVRR/KFGO) – A Democratic state lawmaker says he disagrees with the latest shutdown orders from Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Sen. Kent Eken of Twin Valley says there should be more of a regional approach when it comes to border cities. Eken says he also believes that the legislature should have more input on the business closing…

Senate Republicans fire Minnesota commerce commissioner as Walz’s emergency order is extended

ST. PAUL (FOX 9) – After the Minnesota House blocked a Republican effort to end Gov. Walz’s emergency powers over the coronavirus pandemic, Senate Republicans rejected the confirmation of the state’s commerce commissioner. The Senate voted to oust Commissioner Steve Kelley by a vote of 33-31 on Friday. The vote followed another vote in the Minnesota House to allow Governor Walz to…

Local lawmakers reveal their priorities for Minnesota’s 2nd special session

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Democratic State Senator Kent Eken of Twin Valley and State Representative Paul Marquart of Dilworth both say priorities of the second special session are to pass bonding and tax bills. Marquart says a strong bonding bill is beneficial for rural Minnesota in funding flood mitigation and water and sewer projects. Eken voted to rescind Governor Tim…

Community Reacts To Possible Mask Mandate In Minnesota

According to a national study by the Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences, the best way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 is by wearing a mask.

MOORHEAD, Minn. — Minnesota could join a growing list of states requiring masks including Texas, California and Michigan as coronavirus cases spike in multiple states. DFL State Senator Kent Eken of Twin Valley says he encourages people to wear masks but worries a one size fits all plan will take away the ability of communities to make their own decisions….

State Sen. Kent Eken votes against Gov. Walz keeping Covid-19 Emergency Powers

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Legislature is in special session and they’re tackling big issues like coronavirus response and police reform. State Sen. Kent Eken of Twin Valley was one of three Democrats to join Republicans in voting to end Governor Tim Walz’s emergency powers for coronavirus response. The Democrat controlled House struck down the measure allowing the governor…