The Minnesota Department of Transportation is moving forward with plans to reconstruct Highway 89 between Highway 11 and south of Seventh Street in Roseau, a project now in the design phase with construction expected between 2026 and 2028. Officials say the project would upgrade the corridor to an urban curb-and-gutter design similar to Highway 11 and address safety concerns, pedestrian and bicyclist access, drainage, intersection alignment, and nighttime visibility. The Highway 89 work is separate from nearby Highway 11 projects, including a 2026 reconstruction between Roseau and Warroad and other corridor improvements scheduled in surrounding years.

MnDOT says final construction timing and costs will be determined as design work is completed. The agency will also host a public open house on May 4, 2026, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Roseau City Center. Staff will present information starting at 4 p.m. and take questions on the Highway 11 and Highway 89 projects. More information is available at mndot.gov/d2/projects.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to use extra caution on early spring roads as conditions continue to change. Officials say motorists should slow down, stay alert, and increase following distances, especially where ice and snow may still be present. Drivers are urged to keep headlights on, avoid distractions, and give snowplows and road crews at least 10 car lengths of space. Under Minnesota’s Move Over law, drivers must also slow down or change lanes for stopped emergency vehicles and maintenance crews. MnDOT says checking 511mn.org or the 511 Minnesota app before traveling can help prevent crashes.

This morning at Warroad High School, a minor crash occurred involving a pickup truck and a school bus. 

The bus had already dropped off students and was leaving the school parking lot, heading back to the bus garage, when it was struck by a vehicle that was unable to stop due to icy road conditions. 

Fortunately, no major injuries occurred. The bus has since returned to the garage for inspection. Warroad Superintendent Dr. Shawn Yates wants to thank all emergency services who responded quickly to the scene.

One man is dead after his pickup truck went off the road, crossed through a residential yard and plunged into the Mississippi River east of Bemidji.

Law enforcement received a 911 call at 4:43 p.m. on Friday, March 20, reporting the truck had gone into the water on Sunnyside Road. The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office says the caller said the driver did not get out before the vehicle went under.

Bystanders tried to help when emergency crews arrived, but the truck sank quickly.

Divers from the Lakes Area Dive Team pulled the man’s body from the vehicle around 6:30 p.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The man’s name has not yet been released and law enforcement continues to investigate what caused the truck to drive off the road.