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 from the Red River Watershed Management Board’s monthly meeting in Moorhead.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Wednesday, January 21, 2026
ROSEAU, Minn. – The Roseau Civic and Commerce reflected on a year of growth, collaboration, and increasing visibility during its recent meeting, while also welcoming new leadership to the board.
Board Treasurer Sinnamon Krings said the organization has made major strides in helping local businesses improve their online presence, including recent work involving artificial intelligence and search optimization. Krings said businesses in Roseau now have updated digital “schema,” helping ensure accurate information appears when people search online for services like shopping or fuel in Roseau. She noted the effort was supported in part by funding from the Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Krings said larger companies, such as Polaris, already have internal systems in place, but the updates help provide accuracy for smaller local businesses.
The Chamber’s GoRoseau platforms have also gained increased attention, with some videos drawing significant online engagement. Krings said that growth has reached the point where the platforms are now being monetized.
She described 2025 as a productive year for the Chamber, crediting collaboration with the Economic Development Authority, the CVB, and the city. When she first joined the organization, Krings said available funds were under two thousand dollars. Since then, financial support (including eleven thousand dollars from the CVB) has allowed the Chamber to take on new projects and promotions.
Chamber President Jarred Rhodes thanked outgoing board members for their service, including Kellie Roth, June Parker, Rebecca Lundgren, Irene Bouton, Tery Larsen, and Tracy Halstengard.
The Chamber also voted to approve six new board members, filling all open seats. Those unanimously elected include Tanya and Haley Hanson of Jake’s Pizza; Nick and Jocelyn Hanson of Roseau Land Developers; Jed Kobernusz of Kober Massage Therapy and Fitness; Brianna Kofstad of Salol One Stop; Rick Berg of Golden Valley Pepper Company; and Brigid Morales of Cinco De Mayo Restaurant.
The board also elected Adele Cummings as Vice President. Krings will continue as Treasurer, and Kate Wensloff as Secretary.
New board member Brianna Kofstad, who owns Salol One Stop, said she hopes to help strengthen the connection between the Salol and Roseau communities through her role on the board.
Rhodes said the addition of six new members brings good energy to the organization and reflects on his personal insights on a Chamber that continues to grow and evolve:
Looking ahead, Rhodes said he is particularly excited about the Roseau Outdoor Sports Show happening later in 2026:
Rhodes encouraged business owners to get involved with the Chamber, noting many of the opportunities available through the organization:
He also encouraged current members to take full advantage of Chamber services, including promotion through GoRoseau, content curation, and coverage of local events:
Roseau Civic and Commerce meetings are open to the public and held on the second Wednesday of each month at the Roseau City Center.
Congress is considering legislation that would overturn a Biden administration decision placing a 20-year withdrawal on new copper and nickel mining leases near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
The withdrawal followed a federal environmental review of the Rainy River watershed, which drains into the Boundary Waters, citing concerns about long-term water quality impacts.
Supporters of lifting the withdrawal, including Minnesota Congressman Pete Stauber of the Eighth District, say future mining could support jobs and economic development in northern Minnesota.
DFL State Senator Grant Hauschild has said he does not support a blanket federal ban, favoring project-by-project review through existing state permitting processes.
Opponents argue sulfide-ore copper mining has a history of water pollution and could threaten the area’s environment and tourism economy.
Any proposed mine would still face years of state and federal permitting and environmental review.
For now, the debate continues, both in Washington and here in Minnesota.
Congress recently passed the Farmer Bridge Assistance program, and $1 billion dollars will be allocated to the specialty crop sector, which includes sugarbeets. American Sugarbeet Growers Association (ASGA) President Neil Rockstad says ASGA is still unsure of how much assistance sugar will get through this.
Rockstad says assistance is helpful as we are in trying times for sugar markets.
The ASGA Annual meeting is kicking off this weekend in California, and Rockstad gives us a preview of this year’s meeting.
For more agricultural news and programming, go to the Farm News webpage at rjbroadcasting.com.
Ice Fishing season is underway, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding anglers to make sure they do their part in keeping our waters free of trash. Minnesota DNR Fisheries Supervisor Nathan Olson says you could face heavy fines for failing to keep your site clean.
Olson also reminds anglers about the new regulation allowing the use of previously banned types of non-motorized hook setting devices.
More information about ice fishing regulations can be seen on the Minnesota DNR Website.
Lil’ Chompers Child Care of Greenbush has announced a major step forward in plans for its new child care center. Bid packets for the upcoming facility are now officially available, and advertisements inviting contractors to bid have been placed in several regional newspapers, including The Greenbush Tribune, Roseau Times-Region, Thief River Falls Times, Grand Forks Herald, and Bemidji Pioneer.
Contractors interested in the project are invited to attend the bid opening on Thursday, February 5th, at 2 p.m. at the Greenbush Community Center. Organizers say this milestone marks continued progress on expanding child care services for local families — a need that has been identified as a top community priority and supported through multiple funding sources.
Lil’ Chompers Board President Karen Dvergsten says the project wouldn’t be possible without strong community support. She says volunteers and generous donors have played a key role in bringing the project this far.
Lil’ Chompers Child Care hopes to break ground this spring, with plans to open the new facility in January of 2027. Once completed, the center expects to serve around 60 children, ranging in age from six weeks to 13 years old.
For more information, community members can email lilchomperschildcare@gmail.com or contact a Lil’ Chompers board member.
Mark Ellerbusch has announced his campaign for Marshall County Sheriff. Current Sheriff Jason Boman is planning to retire, and Ellerbusch says he hopes to build on the strong foundation Boman has established during his 33 years of service to the county.
Ellerbusch brings 13 years of law enforcement experience to the race. A lifelong Marshall County resident, he says he is running to ensure the Sheriff’s Office remains professional, accountable, and focused on serving every member of the community.
If elected, Ellerbusch says his priorities include supporting deputies and staff, keeping communities safe, and maintaining transparency and accountability. He adds that he wants residents, businesses, and schools to know they can always depend on the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.
Online registration for the Bears Swim Club is now open! This is a great opportunity for young swimmers to build technique, endurance, and confidence while being part of a fun, team-focused program.
Students grades 3rd and above are allowed to participate this tear for a small fee depending on age. Spots are limited and practices will begin in early March.
Swimmers must be able to swim at least one full length of the pool without stopping and be proficient in freestyle and backstroke.
Students can register online at lakeofthewoodsschool.org/communityed. Or there are in-person registration dates this week beginning Tuesday January 20th from 4-6pm at Lake of the Woods school. Each swimmer who registers in person will receive a free swim pass. There is also another in-person registration night Friday January 23rd from 4-6pm.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released its 2025 forest health report, and the state’s forests saw some first-time visitors last year. Forest Health Program Coordinator Brian Schwingle tells us the latest insects and other species that were recorded for the very first time.
Schwingle says none of those outbreaks are a concern to the state’s forests. You can view the full report by visiting the DNR’s website.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comment on two proposed off-highway vehicle trail connectors under its Grant-in-Aid program, which helps fund and manage OHV routes across the state.
The primary proposal is the Lake of the Woods Connector, a 58-mile route in Roseau and Lake of the Woods counties that would formally link existing county roads and trail segments already open to OHV use. If approved, the connector would create a continuous route open to ATVs, off-road vehicles and off-highway motorcycles.
The DNR is also accepting comments on the North Star Connector, a 28-mile route along the Moose River Dike in Beltrami County, which would continue current ATV use.
Written comments are due by 4:30 p.m. February 16th. More information is available on the DNR website.
