John Davis named 2025 Peter Capell Awardee

Arts Midwest announced John Davis of Warroad as the 2025 recipient of the Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship.

Established in 2022 to honor the legacy of longtime Arts Midwest Board member and former Board Chair, the Peter Capell Award for Midwestern Creativity & Entrepreneurship recognizes individuals whose work exemplifies entrepreneurial thinking, creative accomplishments, and a commitment to community.

For more than 35 years, Davis has been one of rural America’s most visionary arts leaders. His work has centered around weaving arts into the fabric of small communities, connecting economic impact with innovation.

Davis began his career founding the New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, where he launched programs like the Great American Think-Off, a national philosophy competition that continues to draw participants from across the country.

During his time as Executive Director of Lanesboro Arts, he spent nearly two decades reimagining the entire town as an Arts Campus. Under his guidance, Lanesboro became the first small town in the nation to adopt a citywide arts campus proclamation, was named one of the top 12 Small Town Artplaces in America and saw more than $3.3 million in investment in its downtown and creative infrastructure.

Most recently, as the first Executive & Artistic Director of Warroad RiverPlace in northern Minnesota, Davis has shepherded the development and activation of a 20,000 sq. ft. arts, culture, and event center—a $20 million project with a mission of bringing the community together through innovative access to arts and culture.

Across every chapter of his career, Davis has championed rural creativity, cross-sector collaboration, and the belief that small towns deserve big artistic ideas. In celebration of his efforts, he has received a $2,500 unrestricted cash award from Arts Midwest.

“John’s work using the arts and creativity as an economic engine in small towns and demonstrating the positive impact of these initiatives in our rural communities is a true example of the values, initiatives and results this award is meant to support,” says Peter Capell. 

This year’s award focused on individuals based in Minnesota. Details about next year’s award will be available in 2026.

DNR has Grant Funding to Help get Kids Outside

The Minnesota DNR has grant funding available for projects that help get kids outside. Grant Program Coordinator Amber Kastner says the No Child Left Inside program was created in 2019 and funding could be used for a number of things.

Non-profits and school districts are being encouraged to apply for No Child Left Inside program. Kastner says a lot of the projects that get submitted focus on getting kids outside during the colder months.

The DNR is accepting applications for both mini grants of less than $5,000 and larger grants up to $25,000. The request for proposals and more information about how to apply are available on the DNR website.

Congressman Stauber Thankful for Largest Tax Cuts in US History

Pete Stauber, Minnesota Eighth District Congressman including Lake of the Woods posted to his social media on Thanksgiving to express that he’s thankful for the largest tax cuts in U.S. history.

Stauber said on Facebook, “This year Republicans passed the biggest break for working-class Americans EVER. No taxes on tips or overtime, tax deductions for Social Security seniors, a doubled child tax credit, and boosts for small businesses.”

Minnesota Eighth District Congressman Pete Stauber.

Greenbush Kicks off Winter Weekend

By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | December 1, 2025

Greenbush, MINN. – Greenbush is kicking off the holiday season with a full Winter Weekend of events, from sleigh rides to markets and family activities.

The celebration begins Friday, Dec. 5, with a Lions Club supper at the Fire Hall and bingo at the American Legion.

On Saturday, Dec. 6, holiday sleigh rides run from 1 to 4 p.m. on Main Street, sponsored by Greenbush Community Education and the Greenbush Community Partners. The day also features a Mistletoe Market at the Greenbush-Middle River school, a BBQ lunch hosted by the sixth grade class, Christmas crafts, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and many more winter festivities for the whole family.

The city will hold its tree lighting and caroling at 5:30, followed by a parade of lights. Evening events include a happy hour, an ugly sweater contest, and live music at the American Legion.

Winter Weekend wraps up Sunday with a live nativity in Strathcona from 5 to 7 p.m.

Lake of the Woods School Superintendent Comments on Referendum and Levy Passage

By Jon Michael Grussing – R & J Broadcasting | December 1, 2025

Baudette, MINN. – KQ92 & KRWB radio sat down with Lake of the Woods District School Superintendent Scott Fitzsimonds to discuss the referendum vote that passed in November. The school district approved both a $5 million dollar bond referendum and a capital levy project for technology and updates.

Fitzsimonds wanted to say a special thank you to the community and those involved in making this happen:

The superintendent also let listeners in on a possible timeline for the project to begin:

Regarding the capital project levy, Fitzsimonds stated that plans could begin as early as this spring:

We’ll continue to follow this and other area school stories at KQ92 and KRWB radio.

Winter is the Safest Time to Prune Oaks, Prevent Oak Wilt

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says winter is the safest time to prune or cut oak trees without risking the spread of oak wilt, a deadly fungal disease that affects all of Minnesota’s oak species.

Oak wilt is spread in part by sap-feeding beetles that move spores from infected trees to fresh wounds on healthy ones. The disease is widespread in east-central and southeast Minnesota and continues to expand north and west.

DNR forest health consultant Brian Schwingle says treatment for oak wilt can be costly, but prevention is often simple — and sometimes free. He says pruning or cutting oaks during the winter months is one of the most effective ways to avoid infection.

The DNR warns that the highest risk of spreading oak wilt occurs from April through July, when beetles are most active. Residents are urged to avoid pruning during that time.

More information on identifying and managing oak wilt is available on the DNR’s oak wilt webpage, along with guidance on hiring certified arborists.

DNR Opens Free Registration for 2026 Conservation Roundtable

The 2026 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Roundtable, an annual gathering of conservation partners focused on discussing fisheries, wildlife, and ecological and water resource topics and encouraging partnerships, will again include a no-cost, open registration opportunity.

The 2026 DNR Roundtable will be held Friday, Jan. 9. The opportunity to register for one of a limited number of first-come, first-served slots will open at noon on Monday, Dec. 8 via a registration link on the DNR’s Roundtable webpage (mndnr.gov/roundtable). Anticipated topics for the 2026 Roundtable include the science behind fish and wildlife limits, the 75th anniversary of Wildlife Management Areas, balancing management of aquatic vegetation, wake impact research, the future of fair chase and more. Program details will be available closer to the event.

Rep. Fischbach Secures Federal Funding

Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach of District 7 including Roseau County announced that over $5.5 million in federal funding has been secured for two critical infrastructure projects in Minnesota’s Seventh Congressional District, including $1,500,000 for sanitary system improvements in Plummer and over 4 million for water and waste system improvements project.

Fischbach said “These investments will make a real difference for families and communities across District 7 Northern and Western Minnesota. Reliable water and waste management systems are essential for public health and quality of life.” Fischbach is proud to secure these resources that will strengthen these communities.

These funding investments will allow modernization of sanitary system and address aging infrastructure. The 4 million dollar investment will enhance water and waste management, supporting community growth.

Fischbach has championed local priorities through the federal appropriations process. The Congresswoman’s advocacy for these projects helped secure their inclusion in the Agriculture Appropriations bill.

Snowmobile Riding Season Safety Reminders

A snowmobiler was rescued by St. Louis County authorities last week near Meadowlands. The sheriff’s office says the 55-year-old man got his snowmobile stuck in a swamp at night and spent the night in a remote cabin. He was supposed to meet a friend in the morning but didn’t show up. Deputies located the man about two miles from the trailhead and he was wet and cold but not injured.

The snowmobile riding season can start as early as Dec. 1, though several conditions must be met before trails are opened. Snowmobile riders in Northern Minnesota are reminded that Minnesota law requires a snowmobile safety certification for residents born after Dec. 31, 1976, but DNR recommends all riders complete a safety course.

Riders are also reminded to

  • Be weather aware and don’t ride in adverse weather conditions.
  • Check the DNR snow depth webpage and trail conditions before leaving home.
  • Measure ice depth before riding on lakes and rivers. The DNR recommends a minimum of 5 to 7 inches of new, clear ice for snowmobiles.
  • Always stay on designated snowmobile trails. Venturing off trails can result in accidents, and landowners can revoke right-of-way permission for trail riding on their property.
  • Don’t drink alcohol and ride. Alcohol is a factor in more than 60% of fatal snowmobile accidents in Minnesota.
  • Always wear a quality DOT-approved helmet and facemask.

More safety tips for snowmobile riders can be found on the DNR website.