By Graham Scher – R & J Broadcasting | November 10, 2025
Baudette, MINN. – As the temperatures drop and snow starts to flurry, the city of Baudette is gearing to celebrate the annual Frost Fest. The celebration of Frost Fest is coming up to begin the season of winter this December. To celebrate, Lake of the Woods School will host their annual Holiday Extravaganza that Lake of the Woods Athletic Director Sam Lyon is excited to be a part of once again this year.
Lyon also mentioned who we can expect to see at the school this holiday extravaganza.
That was Lake of the Woods Athletic Director Sam Lyon.
November is Carbon Monoxide Awareness Month, and homeowners, and renters are encouraged to take the proper steps in lowering the risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning, especially as the risks increase once cold weather arrives. Carma Hansen of Safe Kids Grand Forks tells us some things you can do to lower the risk of Carbon Monoxide in your home.
Hansen says it’s also a good idea to take precaution when traveling, and she explains why.
If you detect carbon monoxide in your home or are feeling the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, immediately call 911.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | November 11, 2025
BAUDETTE, Minn. – The Baudette City Council convened Monday, Nov. 10, for its regular meeting, with Mayor Dylan Hancharyk presiding alongside council members Liz Weigel, Cole Nelson, and Steve Theis Jr.
During the public forum, resident Devlin Reasy addressed the council regarding the cancellation of a controlled burn training and an ongoing sewer issue. Reasy said he felt “attacked” by the city. Councilman Cole Nelson responded on behalf of the council, stating, “We’ve been advised by the city attorney not to comment on this.” When Reasy asked whether that advice applied to both matters, Nelson confirmed it did.
No action was taken on the issue, which remains under review by the city attorney. Reasy later returned to suggest the city consider purchasing a used grader from the county, noting the county’s success in obtaining equipment at a reduced cost. The council thanked him for his input.
Library Director Kelli Pelland shared updates on upcoming events at the Baudette Public Library, including CHI LakeWood Health’s next Wellness Wednesday program on Nov. 19, which will focus on power of attorney in health care, and a music program scheduled for Nov. 20. Pelland also reported that two letters of interest had been received for vacant library board positions. The council opted to review those letters and make appointments at its next meeting.
City staff reported progress on fall maintenance, including removing docks from Timbermill Park and addressing potholes and alley repairs before recent rainfall. Mayor Hancharyk thanked staff for the extra effort to complete the work before the weather turned.
Public Works employee Dave Wilmer reached his six-month milestone with the city. The council approved a step increase for Wilmer, effective Aug. 28, 2025.
The council received an update from Fire Chief Brad Levasseur that Engine No. 2 remains out of service due to difficulty obtaining carburetor parts, while winter preparations are underway.
Mayor Hancharyk and Councilman Nelson met with county officials and Sheriff Gary Fish regarding a new law enforcement coverage agreement. The city and county reached a proposed agreement for 30 hours of coverage per week, resulting in a 52% cost reduction compared to the previous arrangement.
“It’s less for less,” Nelson said, noting that the revised contract provides fewer hours at a lower cost. The 2026 sheriff’s contract will cover 30 hours of weekly patrol service, with open communication encouraged between city staff and the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff’s Office regarding ordinance enforcement.
The council approved the new one-year contract, replacing the previous three-year term.
In closing, Mayor Hancharyk noted that the change will help the city’s budgeting efforts and ensure continued law enforcement coverage within the community.
The council also received a thank-you letter from the Baudette Foundation for supporting this year’s community fireworks display.
KQ92 and KRWB will continue to follow Baudette City Council meetings and provide updates.
Lake of the Woods School 390 referendum questions for approval of bond issue and capital levy project levy authorization passed last week November 4th. The Referendum vote passed by a vote of 58% YES and 42% NO. Sam Lyon from Lake of the Woods School spoke with KQ92/KRWB News about the vote and she wanted to pass a message along to the public who was able to vote.
The longest government shutdown in U.S. history may be on the verge of coming to an end. In a 60-40 vote, eight members of the Senate Democratic caucus joined Republicans in advancing a stopgap measure that would fund the government through January 30th.
Sunday’s vote came after an agreement was reached that included a future vote on extending health care subsidies and assurances that federal workers furloughed during the shutdown would be reinstated.
Senators Amy Klobuchar (Clo-buh-shar) and Tina Smith opposed the deal because it did not include an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, which they argued would lead to significantly higher health insurance premiums for Minnesotans.
Minnesota’s largest 24-hour online giving campaign is right around the corner: “Give to the Max Day” 2025. Give M-N Deputy Executive Director Jenna Ray says they held their first event in 2009
“Give to the Max Day”, will be held next Thursday, November 20th. More information can be found at givemn.org.
