Roseau and Lake of the Woods County Anglers Could See New Rules on Spring Sucker Fishing

NORTHWEST MINNESOTA – As spring approaches, sucker fishing remains a popular tradition across Roseau and Lake of the Woods counties, drawing both recreational and commercial anglers to the region’s rivers and lakes. Now, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is proposing updates to its management of native rough fish (including the Catostomidae, or sucker family) that could change how and how much these fish are harvested.

The proposed rules would clarify distinctions between native rough fish and common carp, remove outdated restrictions on blocking fish migration, and set daily and possession limits for several species. Under the plan, anglers would be limited to 30 suckers and redhorse per day, while other species such as bowfin, freshwater drum, and carpsuckers would also face new caps.

“There is much we don’t know about native rough fish populations, but what we’re seeing is increased levels of angling and bowfishing interest and some evidence of population declines,” said Shannon Fisher, DNR fisheries populations monitoring and regulations manager.. “The proposed limits for these fish are intended to prevent overharvest and help ensure population viability and sustainability for future generations.”

The rules also address methods of harvest. Native rough fish and carp caught by angling or dip netting could still be returned to the water, while fish taken by spear, harpoon, or bow would not be allowed to be released. For commercial fishermen, the changes remove bowfin from the list of commercial species and adjust possession rules for several other rough fish.

The DNR is accepting public comments on the proposed changes through Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Written comments can be emailed to fisheries.rulemaking.comments.dnr@state.mn.us, with “Native Rough Fish Management” or “Native Rough Fish Limits” in the subject line depending on which rule is being addressed.

More information and proposed rule documents are available online at the Minnesota DNR’s Native Rough Fish Limits page. Residents can also request a public hearing if at least 50 valid requests are submitted.

Roseau City Council Terminates Arena Roof Contract After Contractor Default

By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Tuesday, February 3, 2026

ROSEAU, Minn. – The Roseau City Council voted unanimously Monday Feb. 3 during their regular meeting to terminate the city’s contract with Equity Builders on the Memorial Arena roof project, after determining the contractor was in breach of contract and unable to continue work.

City officials said Equity Builders notified the city it could not perform under the contract due to financial and compliance issues, including failure to pay subcontractors and lapses in required insurance and licensing. City Attorney Michelle Moran said the city received confirmation Jan. 30 that the contractor’s insurance had been canceled, prompting the city to issue a cease-and-desist order.

Moran told council members the contractor was in substantial default and legally prohibited from continuing work. She advised against a proposal to reassign the project to another roofing company tied to similar ownership, citing increased liability and legal risk to the city. “I’ve never seen anything quite like this,” Moran said during the meeting.

The city has withheld $100,000 in payment under the contract and has not paid more than the amount covered by the performance bond. City officials confirmed at least one subcontractor has filed a claim against the payment bond. Because the project involves a public facility, the law does not allow subcontractors to place a lien on the building.

City Development Coordinator Todd Peterson told council members the city has not received a finalized roof warranty from Equity Builders and has no record that required fees related to the roofing system were paid. The project was expected to include a one-year construction warranty, followed by a longer-term manufacturer’s warranty, pending inspection.

Concerns were also raised regarding the status of an inspection conducted in November 2025 by the manufacturer, Mule-Hide. City officials said a formal inspection report has not been provided to the city and may have been sent only to the contractor.

Todd Peterson said the city is now moving forward with a claim on the project’s performance bond, which is intended to cover the cost of completing the roof and addressing all contract requirements:

Council members expressed concern about whether the manufacturer’s warranty can still be secured and what steps would be required to obtain it. Peterson said the city is working to determine what documentation or corrective work may be needed to satisfy warranty requirements:

Peterson said the performance bond will leave the city whole and cover all obligations under the contract, including warranties. The council approved a resolution authorizing staff to formally sever ties with Equity Builders, pursue the performance bond and investigate how the project reached its current state.

The bonding company on the project is Old Republic, with Kraus-Anderson listed as the liability holder. City officials said they will continue to provide updates as the process moves forward. KQ92 and KRWB will continue to follow Roseau City Council meetings and updates.

Unified Basketball Recap from Roseau Winterfest

Roseau’s Winterfest took place this past week in Roseau County and School Superintendent Tom Jerome shared his story of the coolest event that he experienced over the weekend.

Jerome also talked about why the kids involved had a great time with the basketball game.

That was Roseau School Superintendent Tom Jerome, as we continue to follow Roseau school news.

LOW Knowledge Bowl Wraps in Thief River Falls

The Lake of the Woods Knowledge Bowl team participated in the all-school competition last week in Thief River Falls. The Bears team consists of Will Castle, Will Tange, Jacob Sopkowiak, and Vincent Quo. The gentlemen fluctuated between 7th and 13th place most of the day, and ended up finishing in 11th place for the competition.

Castle was asked what he enjoys most about being a part of the team and he said, “we are able to have fun while still performing and do well at the meets.” 

Tange is confident that the team will place in the top ten at each meet for the remainder of the season.

The team now has a week off from meets, but will be preparing for their next meet in Bemidji where they will be competing against some new teams. The Knowledge Bowl senior high team is coached by Liz Tange.