The sugar beet pre-piling harvest continues to progress throughout the Red River Valley. Local producer Neil Rockstad says the sugarbeet pre-piling harvest is going well, and soybean harvest should be picking up soon.
Rockstad also tells us whether he thinks there will be a delay in the upcoming sugarbeet fall harvest campaign.
While the warm weather isn’t ideal for sugarbeets, Rockstad says it should have a positive effect on the soybean crop.
You can see more agricultural news online at rjbroadcasting.com under the Farm News webpage.
The Minnesota D-N-R, Department of Agriculture, and U.S. Forest Service have expanded a biological control program to slow the spread of emerald ash borer (EAB). Since 2010, three species of non-stinging wasps have been released at 55 sites statewide.
These wasps target E-A-B at different life stages and are safe for humans and the environment. This summer, over 5 thousand wasps were released across 200 acres in the Chippewa National Forest, totaling 84 hundred over two years. No new infestations have been reported in the forest.
E-A-B, first found in Minnesota in 2009, kills ash trees by feeding under the bark. The state is home to an estimated 1 billion ash trees, with many more in urban areas.
Republicans in the House voted to pass a Continuing Resolution to keep the government open until November 21.
So far, the House has passed funding bills for Defense, Energy and Water, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs. Three funding bills have gone to the Conference Committee, the first time that has happened in six years.
Additionally, all twelve appropriations bills have passed out of their committees of jurisdiction. This Continuing Resolution keeps the government funded at current levels while work continues being done on the remaining legislation. Democrats in the Senate voted to block the temporary funding bill. The House works toward passing the stopgap measure before funding expires on September 30th.
The 2025 Terry Fox Run Pledge Sheet is available now and it’s your chance to make a big difference in supporting people who have been diagnosed with cancer and it also supports cancer research.
This year, no matter where you are in Canada, you can help raise money for cancer research. You can register online at terryfox.org and start fundraising for this great cause and run across Canada. Terry’s Marathon of Hope is free to enter but are asked to donate or collect donations on or before the date of the run.
Tips are available on the pledge sheet. Visit terryfox.org for more details.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | September 24, 2025
WARROAD, Minn. – On Monday Sept. 22 the Warroad City Council convened to discuss a preliminary budget for 2026, infrastructure and equipment purchases for emergency services, and more on proposed ‘quiet zones’ for local railroad crossings. Warroad Mayor Tom Goldsmith presided over the meeting, with City Administrator Kathy Lovelace present, and council members Dean Dorholt, Joe Olafson, Kevin Thompson, and Michele Vandal in attendance.
The meeting commenced with Lovelace presenting the council with the budget, having reworked the numbers, and recommending an overall 10% increase. Lovelace reiterated that once the number had been submitted to the county, it could be lowered but not raised, and 10% was a standard figure that had been used before.
The city council unanimously approved a preliminary budget that would see a 10% increase for 2026, noting that the final budget would be determined at the Dec. 8 meeting later this year. Warroad Mayor Tom Goldsmith let us know what this budget seeks to prioritize:
Emergency Services Manager Joy Bukowiec presented the council with an update on funding received from the State of Minnesota in Dec. 2024 in the amount of $170,754. As of Sept. 1 $90,440 had been spent on new ambulance cots, and an additional $17,778 was proposed to address infrastructure repairs and maintenance at the Emergency Services Building. The council unanimously approved this request, noting that the remaining funds would need to be spent by Dec. 2025.
Bukowiec also discussed Emergency Services applying for reimbursement of “no-transport” calls, those are emergency calls where an ambulance ride is not needed. HF2, which passed in the Minnesota Legislature in June of 2025, has included a provision for rural EMS compensation for such calls in Article 5 of the extensive health and human services bill that was signed into law by Gov. Tim Walz. While this funding is available, it must be applied for and is not guaranteed, and Warroad’s EMS is looking at the possibility of implementing a fee of up to $200 for emergency services rendered that do not end with an ambulance transport.
We talked to Mayor Goldsmith about how the approved equipment and infrastructure improvements would benefit the community of Warroad:
Warroad Chief of Police Wade Steinbring informed the council that a new squad car had been delivered to the dealer, and was looking to put the vehicle into commission in the next few weeks. The council needed only to authorize the purchase of new emergency equipment that would need to be installed in this new squad car. The council unanimously approved this proposal, and Steinbring informed the city that this process would now take about three months to complete.
Mayor Goldsmith shared some more details regarding these purchases for the Warroad Police Department:
Cole Nelson, a representative of MNDot, shared progress on the Highway 11 construction still happening in Warroad. Nelson stated that construction of the roundabout on Highway 11 and State Highway 313 was nearing completion, with permanent signs placed on Sept. 23 and turf installation completing on Sept. 24. Orange barriers along Highway 11 for this project are to be removed by the end of the week.
Nelson informed the city that the Highway 11 bridge project is behind schedule, however the construction team expects to pour concrete in the first or second week of October, and commuters will see the bridge fully re-opened this fall.
Mayor Goldsmith informed the council that eight permits had been secured for the proposed quiet zones at railroad crossings, but input was still being gathered. The council engaged in a brief discussion regarding their own thoughts on the matter.
City Councilwoman Michele Vandal commented about her findings, including, “… increased quality of life, increased property values and economic development.” While Councilman Joe Olafson pushed back, citing “bad timing” due to recent construction.
“I don’t want to spend money on it … our businesses have taken a hit with traffic,” Olafson commented, raising concerns about more construction obstructing access to local businesses. “I would like to do the math, to see who it benefits.”
Goldsmith provided an update, and more information about the benefits of these proposed quiet zones:
The mayor also commented on about hesitations the council had regarding the cost of these quiet zones, which would be approximately $80,000 a crossing, nearing $1 million for all eight crossings, and how local communities might consider footing the bill:
KQ92 and KRWB will continue to follow Warroad City Council meetings and provide updates.
The Thief River Falls City Council provided support to an application proposed by Arctic Cat in a Minnesota Forward Fund application. This support is crucial for Arctic Cat to fund the renovation and modernization of its plant in Thief River Falls.
Arctic Cat proposes to hire 120 new, full time employees by renovating and modernizing its existing Thief River Falls facility. It plans to restore jobs and expand capacity that was lost under Textron’s previous ownership. In addition, the current ownership plans to purchase new equipment related to the expansion of production of snowmobiles, side-by-sides, ATV’s, and other power sports equipment.
Rick Trontvet, vice president of human resources at Arctic Cat, said the company is excited to be getting a new life. Trontvet told the council they don’t think the funding application will involve any expenses from city funds. Arctic Cat was owned by Textron until April when Brad Darling and an investment group purchased Arctic Cat.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | September 23, 2025
BAUDETTE, Minn. – On Thursday, Sept. 18 the City of Baudette convened for a regular meeting. Mayor Dylan Hancharyk presided over the meeting, with City Clerk and Treasurer Tina Rennemo present, and city council members Cole Nelson and Steve Theis, Jr. were in attendance. City Councilwoman Liz Weigel joined the meeting via Zoom.
After the pledge of allegiance, the meeting commenced with an update from the Splash Pad Committee. The Committee discussed the Splash Pad’s new location, which would allow for more efficient maintenance, and not obstruct the view for those in attendance of baseball games. A motion to approve the splash pad’s relocation was approved by the council.
The Splash Pad Committee provided an update on funding, stating that $232,000 had been raised so far and $200,000 of grants had been applied for, including a $50,000 grant from T-Mobile. This discussion concluded with announcements of upcoming fundraisers on Oct. 4, and Oct. 24.
City Clerk and Treasurer Tina Rennemo then presented the council with the 2026 proposed levy, and 2026 proposed budget. Rennemo stated that with each passing month, these figures became more accurate.
The 2026 budget would see an increase of 5% for wages, and the council discussed one of the most significant increases: the cost of health insurance. City employees are provided coverage via Blue Cross Blue Shield, and health insurance renewals will see a 20% increase for 2026. The council noted that other options for coverage could be looked into, and mandates for coverage would be taken into consideration. This trend in health coverage spikes was also seen in nearby Roseau, whose city council had been faced with a 29% increase.
The council voted unanimously to approve a 2026 preliminary budget with a 10% increase, and a 2026 preliminary levy for 8%. The mayor and council discussed at length that while spending could be allocated below those percentages, they could not go beyond those numbers.
“It’s been a lot of raises, and it’s getting tough … I think it’s getting to the point of being tough on people,” City Councilman Cole Nelson commented. “So our 10% … we aren’t going to get what we think out of it.”
We sat down with Baudette Mayor Dylan Hancharyk who gave us some more details on the proposed 8% levy and how the city intends to prioritize local spending:
Library Director Kelli Pelland updated the council on Baudette Library’s program for costume donation. This program provides free Halloween costumes for families in need, and donations can be made to the Women of Today. Pelland also informed the council that there was a vacancy for a library clerk, and advertising for this position may need to be explored.
The council then moved on to discuss upcoming infrastructure projects, including a potential new car wash for the City of Baudette. Bids had been released this July, and a permit had been applied for. The permit expires next spring, so it is unlikely that the city will see this project come to fruition in 2025, as plumbing and electrical permits have yet to be obtained.
Baudette’s Fire Department announced an upcoming training on Oct. 6. This event would be paid for by the MBFTE, and will provide a four hour course on electric vehicle and hazard training.
The Baudette City Council is also looking to fill another council seat. Mayor Hancharyk informed us the city is looking to fill this seat as soon as possible, and how potential applicants could pursue this opportunity:
The council then discussed the Welcome Sign project that had been spearheaded by the EDA. While the location had been narrowed down, to perhaps the space where the current Chamber of Commerce Billboard resides, a new issue in potential cost-sharing came up.
This project was originally funded by a grant for $25,000. The final quote for the installation of two welcome signs was reported at $31,242. The EDA is asking for the City of Baudette to share the overage cost of just over $6,000 at 50%. One resolution proposed was to only have one welcome sign for the city. The council decided that they would postpone a decision on how to move forward until the next work session set for Sept. 25, 2025.
The council then proceeded to thank the Baudette American Legion for donating 12 flags for Main Avenue. Before concluding the meeting, the city also approved Resolution 2025-14 for the HRA Levy for 2025, a resolution not intended to see a profit.
Reporting from your communities, for your communities, KQ92 & KRWB will continue to follow Baudette City Council meetings and provide updates.
The Minnesota Department of Ag is looking for applicants for its Livestock Investment Grant program. MDA Grants Supervisor Courtney VanderMey says farmers would be reimbursed for 50% of a project up to $20,000.
VanderMey says applications are open through November 13th.
MDA expects to award roughly $1.4 million through the program. More information can be found on the MDA website.
The state of Minnesota has a triple-A credit rating from all three major agencies for the fourth year in a row. Gov. Tim Walz says the top rating is a “testament to the strength of Minnesota’s economy and our commitment to responsible financial stewardship.”
Minnesota is one of just 16 states with the highest rating from Moody’s, S and P, and Fitch. State Management and Budget officials say the rating helps protect long-term investment and signals confidence int he state’s economy.
The top rating also reflects the state’s balanced budget approach and strong reserves, according to state finance officials. Minnesota entered the current biennium with a surplus, and lawmakers set aside billions for the state’s rainy day fund, a move that ratings agencies consider a safeguard against economic downturns.
Economic diversity also plays a role. Analysts note that Minnesota’s mix of industries, ranging from health care and technology to agriculture and manufacturing, creates a stable foundation for growth and resilience. State leaders say maintaining this rating ensures Minnesota remains competitive in attracting businesses and investors while keeping costs lower for taxpayers.
Voting season began in Minnesota on Friday last week for the November 4 local elections. There are 38 city and school district regular elections on ballots around the state in addition to 79 special elections. Voters can find out if there is an election in their area, view a sample ballot, and find their polling place at mnvotes.gov/pollfinder. Minnesota’s no-excuse absentee voting law allows for eligible voters to cast their ballot starting 46 days before the election. New this year for local elections, registered voters can request an absentee ballot online and the deadline for returning absentee ballots has changed to 5 p.m. on Election Day. For those voting in mail ballot only areas, ballots can still be returned until 8 p.m. on election day. Absentee and mail ballots can be returned by mail or hand-delivered to the voter’s local election office.
