By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | December 4, 2025

WARROAD, Minn. – Warroad’s Annual tree lighting ceremony, hosted by the Warroad Area Women of Today, will take place this Saturday December 6th at 5 PM at Warroad’s Allison Park. Penny Turgeon Kimble was selected as this year’s Light Up the Holidays Honoree to officially kick off the holiday season in Warroad.

Turgeon-Kimble has dedicated years of service to the community in the form of fundraisers, quilt-making, and starting the non-profit organization Moxie, Inc. which has raised tens of thousands of dollars for area communities. She shared with us her philosophy, and what has inspired her to help others:

On her reaction to the nomination, Turgeon-Kimble shared:

She also wanted to express gratitude to the Women of Today for their work throughout the community:

Penny will be flipping the switch at this year’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Warroad this Saturday at 5 PM in Allison Park. This Warroad Area Women of Today sponsored event is free to the public, and will include a visit from Santa Claus, cookies, hot chocolate, and caroling for attendees to enjoy.

By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | December 4, 2025

WARROAD, Minn. – A five-decade broadcasting career came to a close this week as Warroad native Daniel (Dan) DeMolee signed off the air for the final time on Nov. 30, 2025. DeMolee, a familiar voice across northern Minnesota, retires after 50 years in radio and more than two decades of military service.

DeMolee began his career in the early 1970s at KRWB in Roseau before joining the Air Force, where he split his time between military duties in Minot, N.D., and part-time work at KKOA. He later filled in on Air Force radio and television news. His radio stops included KMLH in Marshall and KCAJ, now Wild 102, in Roseau.

He went on to become one of the original founders of KKWQ, better known today as Lake Country KQ92, helping launch its signal on 92.5 FM in 1988. Reflecting on his long-running career, DeMolee often said, “Radio is imagination.”

DeMolee described what first inspired him to pursue broadcasting, giving us some insight on radio history, and shared an early memory from the formation of KQ92:

Throughout his career, DeMolee witnessed dramatic shifts in the industry. From technology changes to staffing models, he said several developments have reshaped how local radio operates. He touched on which of these he thought had the greatest impact:

Among the thousands of interviews he has conducted, DeMolee said one stands above the rest: a conversation with Ken Berry, a former New York firefighter, following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001:

For aspiring broadcasters, DeMolee offered simple, straightforward advice shaped by his years behind the mic:

In addition to his broadcasting career, DeMolee served 25 years in the military, including deployment to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom from 2004 to 2005. Off the air, he has remained deeply involved in community service. He serves on the Zion Lutheran Church Council and Property Committee and works as the gambling manager for VFW Post 4930. He has also volunteered with Cub Scouts and 4-H.

DeMolee and his wife, Laurel, have four children: Jackie, William, Austin and Layla. They have also hosted exchange students from Sweden, Russia, the Czech Republic and Germany. In his spare time, he enjoys gardening, ice fishing, woodworking, tinkering with old tractors and traveling, and anticipates doing more of this in retirement.

Listeners across the region have long heard DeMolee anchoring the noon news hour on KQ92 and KRWB, covering elections, and filling in on weekends. As he steps away from the microphone, he offered parting words of gratitude to the community he has served for decades:

DeMolee’s last day on air marked the end of an era for northern Minnesota broadcasting, closing a chapter defined by consistency, service and a deep love for radio’s impact on his community. We here at KQ92, KRWB, and R & J Broadcasting thank Dan for his many years of service, and for graciously sharing the legacy he built with us.

By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | December 3, 2025

ROSEAU, Minn. – The Roseau City Council met Monday for its regular December session, approving a 3% final tax levy for 2026 and reviewing a broad agenda ranging from liquor licensing to departmental updates. Mayor Dan Fabian presided, with all council members present.

The council unanimously approved a contingent liquor license request for local business owner Rich Anderson, who is in the process of purchasing the Pourhouse. The license will become official once the sale closes in mid-January and all state paperwork is complete.

County Commissioner Jack Swanson briefed the council on the county’s proposed 12% levy increase, noting that past years of 0% adjustments created financial pressure. He added that agricultural property owners will see the greatest impact.

City departments also reported activity heading into winter. The municipal liquor store matched last Thanksgiving’s performance despite a slow November, and the Fire Department said lead times for new trucks remain long, now up to 18 months, with prices tripling since 2019. Police reported improved traffic conditions on Highway 11 and noted one officer who had considered transferring to the State Patrol will remain with the department. Utilities staff said planned burn trainings, hydrant protection, well construction and arena maintenance are all moving forward.

The council also reviewed compliance steps for Minnesota’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave law, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2026. Cities, counties, and private employers must prepare to manage employee applications for state-administered leave benefits covering medical conditions, bonding, caregiving and military-related leave. The city has posted required notices, updated its employee handbook, and adopted policy language based on the state template.

Roseau Mayor Dan Fabian spoke to KQ92 and KRWB on how this new law might impact the city staff and services:

Utilities Superintendent Gary Przekwas expressed concern about maintaining coverage across departments as employees begin utilizing the new benefit. Small businesses and public employers statewide are preparing for similar operational challenges. Fabian addressed how the city will prepare for this:

Mayor Fabian also noted that several city projects are still awaiting state reimbursements. If those funds arrive next year instead of this year, the shift will temporarily show as a deficit but will balance out when reimbursements are received.

The council approved the 3% final levy unanimously, amounting to roughly $30,000 in new revenue spread across the city. Members also passed the 2026 budget resolution and will receive Minnkota Power’s updated rate structure at the next meeting, with any electric rate adjustments expected to take effect in March 2026.

The council adjourned with its next regular meeting scheduled for January.

The Holiday season is officially here, and families will be traveling all around the country to celebrate the holidays with their friends and families. For families with young children who have to fly home for the holidays, it can often be difficult to transport their car seats. Carma Hansen of Safe Kids Grand Forks says they have a car seat loaner program that can make holiday travel easier.

Hansen says Safe Kids Grand Forks  also has alternative travel safety devices available to families looking for extra protection when flying.

For more information on the Car Seat Loaner Program contact by calling or go to the Safe Kids Grand Forks website.