With winter hanging on across northwest Minnesota, riders are taking advantage of rideable snow on trails, frozen lakes, and road ditches.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding snowmobilers to slow down and stay alert, especially with limited snow cover that can hide rocks, stumps, and other obstacles.
Conservation officers say pressure ridges and areas of thin ice have been common this season, creating added risk on lakes and rivers.
The DNR says speed and alcohol continue to be major factors in serious snowmobile crashes and urges riders to stay on marked trails, ride on the right, and avoid drinking.
Officials say snowmobilers should have at least five to seven inches of clear ice before riding on frozen water.
The Roseau Civic and Commerce are preparing for Winterfest 2026, highlighted by the city’s first-ever Northern Lights Parade.
The winter parade will take place Friday, February 27, starting at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Roseau, running from the railroad tracks on Main Avenue South to Second Street Northwest.
Participants can line up at Third Street Southwest beginning at 5:30 p.m., with no pre-registration required.
Organizers say individuals, businesses, schools, and community groups are encouraged to take part with floats, vehicles, snowmobiles, or walking groups.
Winterfest activities will also include bonfires, cocoa stations, and free glow necklaces while supplies last.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | Monday, January 26, 2026
GREATER MINNESOTA – Businesses and nonprofits with primary operations in the northwest region are still eligible to apply for the PROMISE Act Grant via the Northwest Minnesota Foundation. The northwest region is comprised of twelve counties and two Tribal Nations in northwest Minnesota: Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake Falls, Red Lake Nation, Roseau, and White Earth Nation.
Sarah Linda, Community Revitalization Senior Project Manager of Northwest Minnesota Foundation explained how the PROMISE Act Grant developed in the Minnesota Legislature, and one of the reasons these grants exist:
Lind explained some of the expenses that could be covered by the PROMISE Act Grant:
While businesses and non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply early, Lind explained that the grants are not being dispersed on a first-come-first-served basis. Northwest Minnesota Foundation will be selecting awardees after review of each application.
Linda stated that the grant application deadline is January 30, 2026 and interested businesses or non-profits could find more information and links for assistance on the Northwest Minnesota Foundation’s website:
The PROMISE Act grants are funded through a $1.3 million dollar legislative allocation and are available in three funding tiers based on business size. Eligible applicants can receive up to $10,000 dollars, $25,000 dollars, or up to $50,000 dollars, depending on their 2024 revenue.
The grants are not first-come, first-served, and free technical assistance is available during the application process. More information and the full application are available through the Northwest Minnesota Foundation website, NWMF.org.
2026 is expected to be a bonding year in the Minnesota Legislature, and entities from all across the state will be seeking funding. Red River Watershed Management Board (RRWMB) Director Rob Sip says they will be one of the many seeking funding through a bonding bill, and he lays out the board’s funding priorities for this year.
Sip also talked about the potential challenges that may come up during the session.
As for other items in the upcoming session, Sip says they will also be prioritizing funding for riverwatch, and keeping a close eye on drainage legislation.
2026 is expected to be a tough year for farmers across the country, and many farmers may have to try something new in 2026 to stay on top of dwindling commodity prices. R&J Ag Reporter Nick Revier caught up with Minnesota Department of Ag Commissioner Thom Peterson who says producers will need to get creative this year.
Peterson says one thing Minnesota producers have going for them is the ability to grow a diverse crop.
Peterson says his office is going to do what they can to support local producers, which is helped by Minnesota being a very influential voice in agriculture.
That was Minnesota Department of Ag Commissioner Thom Peterson.
