This weekend, we spring forward into Daylight Saving Time. At 2 a.m. Sunday, the clocks jump ahead one hour, giving us longer evenings and a hint that spring is on the way. It might mean losing an hour of sleep, but we gain more daylight for after-work walks, late dinners, and brighter days ahead.
Before you head to bed Saturday night, remember to set your clocks forward and officials also recommend using the time change as a reminder to check smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries.. Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday—don’t be late for the sunshine.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is urging hunters to sign up now for firearms safety classes ahead of the fall hunting season.
The DNR and volunteer instructors host hundreds of classes each year, certifying more than 23,000 students, but spots fill quickly. Anyone born after December 31, 1979, must be certified to purchase a hunting license in Minnesota, and certification is recommended for all hunters to reduce the risk of firearms-related accidents.
Capt. Jon Paurus, DNR enforcement education coordinator, says signing up early ensures a smoother process and helps students secure a spot close to home.
For more information or to register, visit the DNR’s firearms safety certification page at mndnr.gov/safety.
Affordability has been a major talking point in the Minnesota Legislature, and House Democrats officially announced their agenda to tackle affordability during the remainder of the legislative session. Representative Robert Bierman was the first to speak on the DFL’s affordability agenda, and he spoke on the need for reform in the Minnesota Healthcare System.
Lowering costs for families was another issue brought up by House Democrats, and Representative Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn spoke about work they’re hoping to accomplish that does that.
Rising energy bills are also a concern for many Minnesotans across the state, and Representative Patty Acomb says the DFL has some ideas on legislation that could help lower energy bills for Minnesotans statewide.
Housing is another cost that has risen exponentially over the years, and Representative Ester Agbaje (Aug-bah-je) says the DFL hopes to pass legislation that tackles the issue head on.
According to the Pew Research Center, 69% of Americans said they were “very concerned” about the cost of housing.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Thursday, March 5, 2026
ROSEAU, Minn. – With spring approaching, Roseau city leaders are again discussing the use of golf carts on city streets. At a recent city council meeting, the city attorney Michelle Moren said nothing has changed since November, noting that under current state law, operating golf carts on city streets is already prohibited. Mayor Dan Fabian said the city may be able to rely on existing ordinances and enforcement, while continuing education and gathering community input.
Fabian explained how the city might utilize existing state ordinances before considering a separate city ordinance.
Fabian also emphasized the need for continued public education on safe and responsible operation.
Council members also discussed inviting representatives from Oak Crest Golf Course to weigh in on the issue.
City officials say the discussion will likely continue as the community looks for ways to balance safety, enforcement, and local recreation.
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat and current candidate for governor, met this week in Washington with Minnesota veterans’ organizations, including the American Legion Department of Minnesota and the Minnesota VFW, to discuss veterans’ health care, benefits, and efforts to address mental health, suicide, and homelessness among veterans.
Klobuchar also highlighted her work helping pass the Honoring our PACT Act in 2022, which expanded VA health care eligibility to millions of veterans exposed to toxic substances and added dozens of burn pit–related conditions to the VA’s list of presumptive service connections.
She says ensuring veterans and their families receive the care and benefits they’ve earned remains a top priority.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Thursday, March 5, 2026
Township elections and annual meetings are coming Tuesday, March 10, across Roseau County and throughout Minnesota. Voters will choose their local town board members and take part in annual meetings where they can weigh in on issues from road upkeep to tax levies and local development. These hyper‑local contests give residents a direct voice in how their communities are run.
In Roseau County, residents can vote in person at the Roseau County Courthouse, 606 5th Avenue Southwest in Roseau, weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. leading up to the election, and at designated township polling places on March 10.
Lake Township’s election will begin at 10 a.m. at Lake Town Hall, with the annual meeting to follow.Voters should also check their local polling location and election hours on the Roseau County website or through the Minnesota Secretary of State polling place finder at mnvotes.org. Absentee ballots are available by application, and more information on registration, absentee voting, and polling locations can be found through county election officials or the state elections site.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Wednesday, March 5, 2026
ROSEAU, Minn. – City leaders and community officials shared updates on a variety of projects and services during recent meetings, from the Memorial Arena and public library to streets, parks, and emergency services.
At Memorial Arena, work left unfinished by Equity Builders is now being handled by Old Republic, the performance bond company. Several items still need attention, including edging on the east and west sides, scaffolding repairs, and replacement of ice stenciling that was damaged when roof problems went unaddressed. Certified payrolls from subcontractors are still missing, which is required for this state-funded project, and some repairs, like resealing surfaces, will have to wait for warmer weather.
Old Republic is exploring whether existing subcontractors can finish the remaining work. Community Development Coordinator Todd Peterson met with SIMCO’s project manager to review the arena’s compressor replacement. While the current estimate covers equipment upgrades, it doesn’t include necessary structural changes. A site visit and follow-up meeting later this month will finalize the plan and cost.
Peterson shared the expected timeline on completion for Memorial arena:
Mayor Dan Fabian noted that Equity Builders is prohibited from bidding on state-funded projects, but that restriction does not apply to city or county work.
At the Roseau Public Library, Librarian Stacey Rusek praised improvements to library carts and thanked the city for approving lighting upgrades last year. Summer fair week brings a large influx of books, increasing staff workload. The library will reduce operating hours by 156 for the rest of the year, mainly around holidays and other low-use periods, following directives from the Northern Waters Library Region board. Notices will be shared through printed postings, local radio, and the library’s Facebook page. Rusek said Roseau is the second busiest library in the regional system, after Thief River Falls, and highlighted that the city has historically approved a three percent annual funding increase. The current reductions reflect county-level budget cuts affecting Roseau, Warroad, and Greenbush libraries.
City streets and infrastructure are also seeing attention. County officials plan to repave Center Street from the park to downtown and 2nd Street to the hospital, though no date has been set for a third street project. Highway 89 planning continues, with utility relocations for the city estimated at $250,000 to $350,000. State contributions are based on local ability to pay, calculated at $21,000 for Roseau. A public education meeting on the project is set for May 4.
West side storm sewer work is complete, with paperwork finalized for state and federal funding. The city’s net cost for the $3.5 million project is under $5,000. Parks and trails improvements continue, with a pet bridge expected the week of March 23. Concrete walkways will follow in spring. Sidewalk extensions along 3rd Street toward the school are moving forward, with more than $200,000 requested from an ATV grant program and an easement secured from the school.
ATV and water trail projects are waiting on equipment grants. Environmental and historical reviews for the water trail are expected to finish in time for contracts to start by July 1, 2027. Construction may affect campgrounds and will coincide with Highway 89 projects, with a backup plan to move work to 2028 if necessary.
The Economic Development Authority approved a loan to Far North Properties for a new business acquisition, while the airport committee reviewed potential improvements and funding allocations. Liquor store operations were slower in February due to weather. City officials also met with state lawmakers to discuss alcohol restrictions in grocery and convenience stores. Aging automatic doors remain a maintenance issue, with repairs exceeding $1,700 earlier this year, and the city plans to explore replacements in coming years.
Emergency services updates included the fire department extending an offer to a new recruit, who will start March 16, bringing staffing to seven members. Repairs to the local dike are scheduled for March 9, and rink compressor maintenance will take place during the arena shutdown. The council discussed replacing two aging emergency sirens and upgrading the communications system, with funding expected to be considered in next year’s budget. Appointments for 2026 fire department officers were also approved.
Other projects are moving forward, including fishing platform construction with new quotes being solicited from eight companies. Industrial park funding opportunities are being explored, while the Planning Commission has not met recently. Airport and EDA committees conducted routine updates.
City leaders stressed the importance of coordinating with county, state, and federal agencies to complete projects efficiently, maintain budgets, and ensure community services meet public needs. Residents are encouraged to follow city announcements, local media, and social media for updates on projects and meetings. KQ92 and KRWB will continue to cover Roseau City Council meetings.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is inviting public comments on proposed amendments to Itasca State Park’s management plan. The comment period runs until April 10.
Key changes include enhancing winter activities, adding new camping options, and redeveloping public water access to protect Lake Itasca’s water quality.
An open house will be held on March 24 at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center. For comments, reach out by email or phone (651-259-5598), or visit the DNR website for more information.
Itasca State Park, Minnesota’s oldest, spans over 32,000 acres and features the headwaters of the Mississippi River.
The City of Warroad would like to remind residents that pushing or blowing snow onto any public roadway is prohibited under Minnesota state law. This law will be strictly enforced within the city of Warroad.
Depositing snow onto streets or highways creates extremely dangerous driving conditions. Snow pushed into the roadway can freeze, form ridges, or reduce visibility — all of which may contribute to serious automobile accidents.
Keeping streets clear allows emergency responders, school buses, and essential services to travel safely throughout the community. Please avoid pushing snow from driveways back into the roadway, as this creates hazards and may result in additional cleanup costs.
Residents are also encouraged to keep sidewalks adjacent to their property cleared within the required timeframe to ensure safe pedestrian access.
Your cooperation helps keep Warroad and the surrounding area safe this spring. For updates and detailed snow removal policies, contact City Hall or visit the City of Warroad’s official website.
Stay safe, stay warm, and Thank you for your cooperation.
If you’re looking for a fun way to support some talented young artists in our community, head over to Warroad RiverPlace now through March 7.
Seventh grade students recently took a creative field trip to RiverPlace, where they designed their own original hockey jersey concepts from scratch. Now, those designs are proudly on display — and the public gets to help decide the winners.
Stop by Tuesday through Saturday between 10 AM and 5 PM, take a look at the creative artwork, and cast your vote for your favorite design. Community votes will determine five students that get to keep a gift certificate to Scoops for some well-earned ice cream.
It’s a great chance to celebrate local creativity, encourage young artists, and maybe even get inspired yourself.
Voting closes Saturday, March 7 at 5 PM sharp. Make your voice heard and support our Warroad students at RiverPlace this week.
