The United States is in a tough period of time financially, and for many with mounting credit card debt it may feel like a helpless time. However, did you know that there are non-profit organizations out there that have resources available to help you? Joanne Lundberg of Lutheran Social Services (LSS) tells us more about their debt relief programs, and the ways they can help.
If this sounds like a program that could help you, Lundberg explains how you get the process of getting help started.
Lundberg says they also offer assistance to people who are stuck in a payday loan.
For more information on Lutheran Social Services financial assistance programs, go to www.lssmn.org.
January is National Bathtub Safety Month, and Safe Kids Grand Forks is raising awareness about the importance of proper bathtub safety practices for parents with young children. Carma Hanson of Safe Kids Grand Forks says bathtub safety is a very important item to talk about, as multiple North Dakota children have died in bathtubs.
Hanson says the best bathtub safety practice you as a parent or guardian can practice, is to never leave your young child in a bath unattended, even if it’s just for a single minute.
For more child safety materials and information, go to the Safe Kids Grand Forks website.
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.
The Red River Watershed Management Board held a legislative open house as a part of their monthly meeting on Tuesday, and a number of our area state legislators were in attendance, including Minnesota Senator Rob Kupec. Kupec spoke with R&J News about his takeaways from the visit.
Minnesota Senator Steve Green was also in attendance at the open house, and he shared his takeaways from the visit, which includes the need for more transparency, and a cost benefit analysis for projects across the state.
That was Senators Steve Green and Rob Kupec. More to come next week from the Red River Watershed Management Board’s monthly meeting in Moorhead.
The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is currently seeking submissions from local artists for their annual Art Exhibit. NWMAC Executive Director Mara Hanel tells us more about this year’s Exhibit, and what they’re looking for.
While the event is in Warroad, Hanel says the NWMAC is seeking submissions from artists all across Northwest Minnesota.
Warroad, Roseau, Badger, and Greenbush-Middle River school districts students will be logging in instead of heading to the bus stop for the rest of the week.
Warroad Schools announced they will shift to e-learning tomorrow and Friday due to expected severe weather. Administrators say the decision was made out of caution, with forecasts calling for dangerous travel conditions.
Classes will continue remotely, with students expected to follow their regular schedules online. School officials say assignments and attendance requirements will be communicated through district learning platforms.
After-school activities and events are expected to be postponed unless otherwise announced by the schools.
Other local schools are expected to proceed as normal until further announced.
Parents are encouraged to check district websites and social media pages for the latest updates.
