“Warroad Community Potluck” Stage Manager on RiverPlace Segment

By Jon Michael – R & J Broadcasting | September 5, 2025

Warroad, MINN. – Preparations continue for the production of “Warroad Community Potluck” which will be performed on September 12th, 13th, and 14th. The play is being put on by Mixed Blood Theater. On The Warroad RiverPlace segment this week, Stage manager Joelle Coutu (Coo-chew) talked about her role 

This week is Tech Week for the play and Coutu talked about what happens during this week.

To get tickets for “Warroad Community Potluck” go to warroadriverplace.org or stop by Warroad RiverPlace during their hours Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm.

Warroad Police Chief Gives Highway 11 Construction Update

By Graham Scher – R & J Broadcasting | September 5, 2025

Warroad, Minn –Warroad Police Chief Wade Steinbring was a guest on community conversation this week and told us about the latest news on the construction in Warroad. First Steinbring told us of the construction on SR 313 north of the roundabout on Highway 11.

Steinbring also told us the latest on the construction on the Highway 11 bridge and expected end date.

The bridge is expected to be open to 2 lanes in the next couple months. KQ92/KRWB will continue to update.

Minnesota DNR Updates

The Minnesota DNR has released results from its 2024 small game survey. Overall small game license sales were slightly below average, but success rates for top species were steady or improved. Hunters harvested about 485,000 ducks—down from long-term averages—but pheasant and grouse numbers were strong. Grouse hunters bagged nearly 30% more birds than average, and pheasant hunters harvested 17% above the 10-year average.

There’s even more good news for upland hunters: the 2025 August Roadside Survey shows pheasant numbers statewide are up nearly 50% from last year and 21% above the 10-year average. Every region of the state saw an increase, with the southeast and southwest showing the biggest gains. Cottontail rabbit numbers also hit their highest level in 60 years, promising excellent opportunities this fall.

The DNR is also offering a new lineup of free Outdoor Skills webinars this fall, covering topics from deer hunting updates to waterfowl tactics, trail camera tips, and even native fish like lampreys and sculpins. Webinars are held every other Wednesday at noon and recordings are available online at mndnr.gov/discover.

Finally, Minnesotans are invited to apply for DNR advisory groups that shape fish and wildlife management and conservation policy. Openings include seats on the Deer Advisory Committee, the Catfish Fisheries Work Group, and the Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee. Applications are due by Friday, October 3rd, at engage.dnr.state.mn.us.

This has been your local Minnesota DNR update with KQ92 and KRWB radio. For more on surveys, webinars, and advisory opportunities, visit mndnr.gov.

Nipp Arrested in Red Lake County Co-op Swindle

By Graham Scher – R & J Broadcasting | September 3, 2025

Warroad, Minn – Stephanie Michele Nipp, from Great Falls, Montana who was arrested in July for stealing more than $500,000 from the Red Lake County Co-op was granted a stayed sentence Wednesday, Aug. 27, for her felony theft she committed.

Nipp is 56 years old and she gave an Alford plea to the crime in July. An Alford plea is a guilty plea used by someone who wants to maintain their innocence but acknowledges there’s enough evidence that if they took the case to trial, they would be convicted.

Nipp’s other felony charge, which was receiving stolen property, was dismissed. Nipp was given a 42-month sentence that will be stayed for five years, where she will be on supervised probation. Nipp was also ordered to serve 290 days in jail. She has credit for 192 days served, and she must also complete 40 hours of community service within a year of her sentencing date.

Minnesota DNR Invites Hunters to Take Part in Field Log

Archery deer season opens Saturday, Sept. 13, and the Minnesota DNR is once again inviting hunters to take part in its online hunter field log. The log allows hunters to record sightings of deer and other wildlife, such as turkey, bear, and fisher, while out in the field.

“This community science effort gives us valuable information about deer and other species,” said Tyler Obermoller, DNR research scientist.

Now in its fifth year, the project supplements population models the DNR uses to manage wildlife. Hunters can enter sightings from a mobile device or desktop at mndnr.gov/deer.

The DNR encourages hunters to log after every outing—even when no deer are seen. This data provides accurate comparisons to population estimates. The log will remain open through the end of 2025.

Warroad Mayor Tom Goldsmith Updates on Construction and Other Projects

By Jon Michael – R & J Broadcasting | September 9, 2025

Warroad, MINN. – KQ92 and KRWB sat down with Warroad Mayor Tom Goldsmith this week to discuss construction progress, and the impact of infrastructure changes to railroad crossings in Warroad and its surrounding area.

Mayor Goldsmith apprised us of progress on MNDOT’s Warroad bridge project on Highway 11, then the City of Warroad’s water main project on Lake Street:

The Warroad Marina was the next item on Goldsmith’s list of infrastructure projects:

Goldsmith explained to us a railroad project that has been pending since 2016, creating “silent crossings” or “quiet zones” where trains would no longer sound their locomotive horns.

The Mayor spoke more on the collaboration of organizations that took place in regard to this project. If established, this change would span throughout Roseau County from the City of Warroad through Lake Township, attempting to improve quality of life for residents and visitors of the area.

For questions or more information, Mayor Goldsmith encouraged interested persons to contact himself, the city Administrator Kathy Lovelace, any of the sitting Warroad City Council members, or their local commissioner. KQ92 and KRWB will continue to cover this story and updates.