The Femme Fatale ATV Fun Run Gears Up for 20th Year!

Penny Turgeon-Kimble sits down at Neighbor’s Chevrolet Studio in Warroad

By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | July 15, 2025

WARROAD, Minn. – The Femme Fatale ATV Fun Run is a local event held in Warroad, Minnesota that raises thousands of dollars annually through sponsorships, donations, and participation, then chooses a local charity or community project to bestow the funds unto. This August, the Femme Fatale ATV Run will be embarking on its 20th gathering! KQ92 and KRWB Radio sat down with Penny Turgeon-Kimble of Moxie, the local non-profit that spearheads the annual Femme Fatale ATV Run in Beltrami Island State Forest, to talk about more details on this event and their organization.

Turgeon-Kimble gave us a brief history on the Femme Fatale, from its “tongue-in-cheek” name, to support from friends, and how it evolved into a fundraiser it is today:

Photo by H.E.L.P.P. Inc.

In 2016, Loralee Marvin stepped into the picture and encouraged Turgeon-Kimble to collaborate on larger fundraising efforts which resulted in the creation of local nonprofit H.E.L.P.P. Inc. (aptly named as an acronym for Helping Ease Local People’s Pain). The Femme Fatale funding evolved into Moxie (an official 501(c)(3)), with much of the paperwork being driven by Jodi Milford:

We asked Turgeon-Kimble how she went about preparing for the Femme Fatale, and she let us know that she started to prepare for the event as early as January. Some of the challenging work was difficulty in obtaining sponsorships to raise money for the event and donations. She admitted, “…it’s a lot,” but also noted with a sentiment of triumph, “We have created such a wonderful culture in this ride…”

Photo by Sheila Wheeler

Turgeon-Kimble explained despite the fact that this year a friend would be tracking her time, and the event had turned into riders forming teams, the Femme Fatale isn’t a competition. Through the event’s natural growth, and due to some impact from Covid, the format of the ride had changed. “Once it got over a hundred people, it became really … dusty, and really … hard to run some raffle tickets down the line … it’s evolved.”

She went on to explain details of how the ride was executed, and some prizes or memorabilia that had been available to riders and participants throughout the years:

260 riders have already been pre-registered for 2025’s Femme Fatale, and Turgeon-Kimble let us know that Buddha Marvin would be catering lunch for “…over 300, for sure.” She went on to explain that Femme Fatale participants had come from all across the state and beyond:

Photo by Tara Sullivan-Jeffries

The Femme Fatale ATV Run facebook page includes more details on what riders and participants can expect on the day of, including a bevy of prizes the organization has accumulated. Turgeon-Kimble gave us the inside scoop on this year’s grand prize as well:

Turgeon-Kimble explained some of the lessons she learned through the years, from challenges that come up when raising funds, or dealing with inclement weather through the event. She draws on her experience as a business owner to connect and empathize with others. “I am very conscientious of the business climate … everybody’s under so much construction right now … so I try not to hit them up too hard.”

Photo by Sheila Wheeler

Throughout the years, the Femme Fatale ATV Run has raised anywhere from $3,000 to $60,000 annually to support local organizations and non-profits. In their biggest fundraising year, they donated $18,000 to the Hunter J. Nordlof Be Kind Foundation, and another $18,000 to the Max Marvin Foundation respectively. Other charitable organizations that Moxie has supported include H.E.L.P.P. Inc., the Roseau County Veterans Relief Fund, the Warroad Backpack Program, the Warroad Improvement Fund, and the Penturen Church(a historic site in Beltrami Island State Forest).

This year, all fundraising will go to H.E.L.P.P. once again, due to an increased need.

Photo by Penny Turgeon-Kimble

It’s the Femme Fatale ATV Fun Run’s 20th year, and it’s happening on Saturday, August 2, 2025. If you’re looking to volunteer or help out, Turgeon-Kimble let us know that they were always looking for help setting up large tents on the Wednesday before the event. “We’re very inclusive, and whoever wants to jump in: everybody is welcome.”

For more information, or to contact Penny Turgeon-Kimble about the Femme Fatale ATV Fun Run, visit the Femme Fatale ATV – Moxie Facebook page, or send Turgeon-Kimble a message on Facebook. Reporting from your communities, for your communities, KQ92 and KRWB Radio will continue to cover this and other local stories.

North Country Horsemen seeking donations for Trails to Treatments Program 

By Prestin Douville – R & J Broadcasting | July 15, 2025

Middle River, MINN. – North Country Horsemen out of Middle River are currently seeking donations for their Trails to Treatment program. North Country Horsemen representative Sue Helm tells us more about the North Country Horsemen and their Trails to Treatments program. 

If this sounds like a program you’d like to support, Helm, and North Country Horsemen member Kristi Westlund explains how you can do so. 

If you’re a cancer patient in need of help, Westlund also explains how you can apply for a Trails to Treatment grant, and get the assistance you need. 

You can see more information regarding the North Country Horsemen online at www.northcountryhorsemen.com, and on the North Country Horsemen Trails to Treatments Facebook page. 

Woods Fishing Tournament Recap from Owner and Winners

By Graham Scher – R & J Broadcasting | July 14, 2025

Warroad, MINN. – The 26th annual Woods Outdoor Sporting Goods Fishing Tournament was held on Saturday at Lake of the Woods. The owner of The Woods Nick Marvin shared his thoughts on how this year’s tournament went

He also talked about the changes that were put in place for this year’s tournament

Fishing in their third Woods Outdoor Sporting Goods Fishing Tournament the team of Cody Schultz and Nate Obitz won 1st place. Obitz shared his thoughts after the tournament

Obitz also talked about how he and his fishing partner got into the sport

You can watch an archive of the awards ceremony from this year’s Woods Outdoor Sporting Goods Fishing Tournament on yourliveevent.com.

Canola Field Day in Roseau

By Prestin Douville – R & J Broadcasting | July 11, 2025

The Minnesota Canola Council will be holding a free Canola Field Day in Roseau on Wednesday, July 16, and producers across the region are invited to attend. Minnesota Canola Council Communications Director Chelsea Russell goes over the agenda for the day. 

Again, that’s Wednesday, July 16 at Magnusson Farms, located at 1504 Center St. West, Roseau, MN. You can listen to the full conversation with Russell online at rjbroadcasting.com under the Farm News webpage.

The City of Roseau’s Summer Surging Forward

By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | July 10, 2025

ROSEAU, Minn. – On Monday July 7, 2025 KQ92 and KRWB Radio attended the Roseau City Council meeting at City Hall. The agenda was jam-packed, and there were many projects completed or under way, from trees in the park, to a new roof for the Memorial arena, and even creating more river access and infrastructure for city residents and visitors to enjoy.

Roseau Mayor Dan Fabian, Community Development Coordinator Todd Peterson, City Councilmen Pat Novacek, Amy Bassingthwaite, Brady Johnson, Oliver Ullman, and City Attorney Michelle Moren were present. City Superintendent Gary Przekwas, Police Chief Marc Hodge, and City Liquor Store Manager Niki Johnson were also present.

After the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of the agenda, the meeting commenced with the Council hearing from residents regarding housing rebates, and licensing concerns at the Roseau City Center.

Roseau County District 2 Commissioner Jack Swanson also approached the Council and Mayor to raise concerns on the impact that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (which was signed into law July 4, 2025) will have on rural funding for infrastructure and older residents who rely on Medicaid for healthcare. The Mayor and Councilmen assured the Commissioner that they would continue to monitor issues as they arose, and thanked him and all Roseau County Commissioners for their continued work throughout the County.

Liquor Store Manager Niki Johnson shared financial information regarding sales and reported about $10,000 in losses that could be attributed, at least in part, to ongoing construction. City Superintendent Gary Przekwas mentioned that MNDOT was running ahead of schedule, and storm sewers had been completed, but local businesses would still face challenges as summer construction continued.

Mayor Fabian provided more comments on the current status of construction:

Superintendent Przekwas also provided an update on the new trash carts being supplied to Roseau City residents, stating that distribution would be completed in a few weeks based on inventory.

Police Chief Marc Hodge continued the meeting with updates regarding the completion of city camera installation, volunteers from their department that went to Bemidji for storm relief efforts, and training for the local police force. Hodge also gave a report on department reimbursements for equipment, and addressed infrastructure and equipment needs to potentially commit Roseau’s City Center to becoming an emergency shelter.

The Police Chief also raised to the Council an ongoing concern for the City: minors operating golf carts on city streets. Minnesota law dictates that anyone driving a golf cart on public streets must be at least 16 years of age with a valid driver’s license. Golf cart operations within a city’s limits are subject to Minnesota Statute 169.045 which states that under a written ordinance, a city may designate special roadways with the use of permits for golf cart drivers. The City of Roseau will look to develop an ordinance to address this concern in tandem with the Roseau Police Department.

Updates on City projects were brought forth by Community Development Coordinator Todd Peterson. While the City authorized Peterson to write a couple of grants, including one that would help fund a walkway and platform that could increase river access and shoreline fishing for residents, the biggest ticket item appeared to be renovating Roseau Memorial Arena.

Roseau’s Memorial Arena was first built in 1949, with expansions and updates happening all throughout its long history. The roof is now in need of asbestos abatement and general repairs, and at this meeting the City Council approved a motion that would award this project to Equity Builders & Construction.

We caught up with City Development Coordinator Todd Peterson to ask his thoughts on what projects might impact residents and visitors the most, or be most noticeable:

The City of Roseau appears optimistic about both the direction and progress on projects so far. Peterson let us know that while communications could be challenging, there were several avenues available for updates on progress on these projects:

Reporting from your communities, and for your communities, KQ92 and KRWB will continue to follow projects and updates from the City of Roseau.

2026 Legislative Session Preview

By Prestin Douville – R & J Broadcasting | July 10, 2025

St. Paul, MINN. – Minnesota State Legislature is in recess until next year, but it’s never too early to look ahead, and project what might be in store. One of the people who have started looking ahead is Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls), who goes over some things that may be priorities in 2026. 

As for Rasmusson, he says one of his priorities for a bonding bill would be further investments in flood hazard mitigation projects, and working further with organizations like the Red River Watershed Management Board. 

Another question many have is who will be running for Governor in 2026, as Tim Walz’s term will be ending. While he doesn’t know who will be running for the GOP nomination yet, Rasmusson says it will be a race that many will be closely watching. 

The Minnesota State Legislature will reconvene on February 17, 2026.

$11 million available for land protection via revamped Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) Drinking Water Program

St. Paul, MINN. – Funding is now available from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, or BWSR, to help protect drinking water sources across the state.

Two opportunities are now open through the newly updated Reinvest in Minnesota Drinking Water Program. This program supports conservation easements on private land and land purchases by local governments in areas that are vulnerable to pollution.

The goal is to protect drinking water by keeping harmful substances, like nitrogen, out of sensitive soil and groundwater. Landowners who enroll in the program can now receive more competitive payments, with added flexibility in how the land is used.

A total of $11 million from Minnesota’s Clean Water Fund is up for grabs.

For private landowners, the program offers payments in exchange for placing their land into permanent conservation easements. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed monthly. Interested landowners should contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District to apply.

For local governments, funding is available to purchase land that helps protect drinking water sources. Cities, counties, tribes, and water suppliers can apply by submitting materials through BWSR’s website.

To learn more, visit bwsr.state.mn.us.

Minnesota DNR Expands Free Library Park Pass Program

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is expanding its free library park pass program, giving more Minnesotans the chance to explore state parks and recreation areas at no cost.

In partnership with over 200 libraries and bookmobiles across the state, the program now covers all 87 counties and offers 450 seven-day park passes—more than double the number previously available. These passes can be checked out just like a book, offering free vehicle entry to any Minnesota state park or recreation area.

Originally piloted in 2018 and launched statewide in 2021, the program has seen usage nearly double over the past three years—from under 2,000 checkouts in its first year to nearly 4,000 this past year.

The program is funded by the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund and aims to reduce cost barriers, especially for lower-income families. A recent survey found most users checked out a pass to save money, and many were trying out a park for the first time.

Passes don’t cover camping fees, but anyone interested in an overnight stay can make a reservation at mndnr.gov/reservations or call 866-857-2757.

To find a participating library or bookmobile near you, visit http://mndnr.gov/librarypass.

Legislative Session outlook with Senator Jordan Rasmuss0n 

The 2025 Legislative Session ended a couple months back, and we’re already starting to see some of its impacts. One of the impacts we’re seeing is the bonding bill, as some area organizations are receiving funding. Senator Jordan Rasmuss0n (R-Fergus Falls) gives his overview of the session, and more specifically the bonding bill.  

While all sides had to make concessions due to limitations in the bonding bill, Rasmusson says they did walk out of session with some big wins. 

Rasmusson says one of the reasons they were able to come out with wins was because of the necessity of bipartisanship, which he says lacked in past sessions. 

Roseau Women of Today Sponsor Roseau Community Blood Drive

By Dan Demolee – KQ92 | July 7, 2025

Roseau, MINN. – The Roseau Community Blood Drive is happening Tuesday, July 8th from noon to 5:30 PM, and Wednesday, July 9th from 8 AM to 2 PM, at the Roseau City Center.

Schedule your appointment by calling or texting 218-452-0330, or sign up online at donors.vitalant.org — use Blood Drive Code ROSEAUMN.

This event is proudly sponsored by the Roseau Women of Today. Be a hero—give blood and help save lives in your local community!