More Minnesotans Are Going Without Health Insurance

New state data shows more Minnesotans are going without health insurance, including many in rural areas.

The latest Minnesota Health Access Survey finds the uninsured rate rose from 3.8 percent in 2023 to 5.8 percent in 2025 — the highest level in six years. That’s about 116-thousand more residents without coverage.

In rural Minnesota, the uninsured rate climbed to 6.7 percent, higher than the statewide average.

Minnesota Health Commissioner Brooke Cunningham says people without insurance are more likely to delay care, increasing health risks and medical debt for families.

Warroad City Council Moves Forward with 2026 Projects

By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Tuesday, March 10, 2026

WARROAD, Minn. – The Warroad City Council approved several infrastructure and planning items at its latest meeting, including utility upgrades and street repairs planned for next year.

Council members unanimously approved more than 78-thousand dollars for lift station pump replacements and signed off on continuing street improvements on Lake Street between Highway 11 and Cedar Avenue in 2026.

Mayor Tom Goldsmith speaks on what residents should expect for continued construction activity along Highway 11 this year:

Goldsmith says the city will work to keep residents informed as projects move forward:

The council also approved moving forward with Warroad’s first comprehensive plan, brought forth by Warroad Community Development:

Goldsmith says the plan will help guide the city’s future growth and development:

KQ92 and KRWB will continue to cover Warroad City Council meetings.

Minnesota DNR Reminders on Wildfire Prevention

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding residents to check for lingering heat from campfires, burn piles, and wood stove ashes to prevent wildfires.

Wildfire prevention specialist Karen Harrison says dirt, ash, and even snow can insulate embers, allowing fires to smolder for days or weeks. On a dry, windy day, those embers can ignite nearby grass and spread quickly.

The DNR recommends burning vegetation only when snow covers the ground or obtaining a permit for larger fires. Always fully extinguish fires and consider composting or chipping yard waste instead of burning.

For daily fire risk updates and restrictions, visit the DNR website at mndnr.gov/burnrestrictions.

Youth Hockey State Tournaments this weekend

Minnesota Hockey is gearing up for their host sites to host their Region Tournaments between various locations across Minnesota this season as teams look to qualify for State. 

The 15U A Youth Hockey State Tournament games are being hosted at Lake of the Woods High School this weekend. Sam Lyon, Activities director stopped by during Lake of the Woods School News to tell us about this huge event at the International Arena this weekend.

The Girls 12U A state tournament will be held in Roseau at Memorial Arena this weekend as a part of the 14 different state and regional tournaments that will be held at 10 different location sites this weekend.