By Graham Scher – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Friday, March 27, 2026

WARROAD, Minn. – Warroad City Council met in regular session this week, holding discussions about several projects that will be happening throughout the city this summer and Council approved to review plans and specs and authorized to advertise for project bids. Councilmember Kevin Thompson told us more about the sidewalk project and where those will end up going after construction.

Thompson was also asked what are the next steps of the sidewalk project this summer and when the expected completion date will be.

KQ92/KRWB Radio will continue to follow local city councils and provide updates.

Minnesota ATV riders in Roseau and Lake of the Woods counties are being urged to pay attention to a bill moving through the state legislature this week.

Senate File 1245 is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy Committee. The proposal would change how all-terrain vehicle access is managed in northern Minnesota, particularly in areas north of Highway 2. The bill would move toward a more designated trail system, which could limit use of some existing routes.

Supporters of the bill say designated trails can improve land management, safety, and environmental protection. Opponents argue it could reduce access for riders, create confusion, and require significant funding and staffing to implement.

ATV Minnesota, a statewide rider organization, is encouraging members to contact lawmakers and share their views ahead of the hearing.

Residents interested in the issue can learn more by reviewing Senate File 1245 on the Minnesota Legislature’s website following the committee hearing.

Outdoor enthusiasts of Roseau County are invited to attend the annual Ducks Unlimited Banquet, taking place this Friday, March 27th at Gene’s Bar and Grill in Roseau. Regional Director of Northern Minnesota Ducks Unlimited, Sara Rongstad told us about the evening.

Ducks Unlimited events take place not only in Roseau, but in a couple nearby towns as well, Rongstad tells us more.

Tickets are limited, you can contact a local Ducks Unlimited representative for more information or visit the Ducks Unlimited website.

Ruby’s Pantry has closed its pop-up food distribution sites in both Roseau and Baudette as of March 24, 2026, ending local operations in two northwest Minnesota communities.

Organizers say the Roseau closure comes after years of volunteer support, while the Baudette site, hosted at First Lutheran Church, shut down due to declining attendance, high transportation costs, financial constraints, and organizational restructuring.

The program previously helped families stretch grocery dollars through monthly food distributions. Residents seeking assistance are being directed to other regional sites, including a distribution scheduled in Bemidji on April 15 at 3:30 p.m.

The Red Lake Band has certified candidates for its upcoming May general election, including a crowded race for Tribal Chairman featuring four contenders.

Incumbent Darrell Seki (SEE-KEE) Sr. is seeking a fourth term after first being elected in 2014. He is joined by former Chairman Floyd “Buck” Jourdain (jor-DAN), who served from 2004 to 2014, along with George Chi-Noodin (chih-NEW-din) Spears Jr. and Beltrami County Commissioner Tim Sumner.

Two candidates will advance from the May 20 general election to a runoff unless one earns a majority. Tribal elections are limited to enrolled Red Lake Band members age 18 and older, with voting conducted under tribal election rules.

Absentee voting begins March 30, with Election Day set for May 20 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Certified results will be posted May 21, with a possible runoff in July if needed.

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council will open its annual Northwest Minnesota art exhibit April 2 at Warroad RiverPlace, featuring 114 works from adult and student artists across seven northwest Minnesota counties.

The exhibit runs through April 25 and is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Media include painting, photography, sculpture, fiber art, and digital work, with more than $2,300 in awards available and a People’s Choice vote for visitors.

A public reception is set for April 25 beginning at 2:30 p.m., with awards at 3:30, live music, and refreshments. The event is free. More information is available through the Arts Council’s website.

Amy Klobuchar is urging the Trump administration to allow year-round sales of E15 gasoline, a move she says could lower fuel prices for drivers across Minnesota, including rural northwest communities.

Klobuchar called on Donald Trump to use executive authority to approve the higher-ethanol blend before the summer driving season, as gas prices rise amid the war in Iran. E15, which contains 15% ethanol, is often cheaper than standard fuel.

She says expanded access could save drivers about 25 cents per gallon while boosting demand for corn and supporting farmers in areas like northwest Minnesota.

Klobuchar is also pushing for permanent approval of year-round E15 through federal legislation.

Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach of Minnesota District 7 including Roseau County is being recognized for her work supporting small businesses. The National Federation of Independent Business has named Fischbach a “Small Business Deduction Champion,” highlighting her role in making a key tax break permanent.

That 20 percent Small Business Deduction helps more than 30 million business owners nationwide avoid a major tax increase and gives them more certainty planning for the future.

NFIB President Brad Close called the move a “landmark victory,” saying it allows small businesses to keep more of what they earn and continue creating jobs and investing in their communities.

Fischbach says the impact is especially important in rural areas, where small businesses serve as the backbone of local economies. She adds that helping business owners grow and reinvest strengthens Main Streets across her district—and she plans to keep advocating for them in Congress.

By Graham Scher – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Wednesday, March 25, 2026

WARROAD, Minn. – Warroad City Council met in regular session Monday at Warroad City Hall. The council watched a presentation from Amanda Scanson from Brady Martz Associates on the city’s 2025 audit report. 

Council member Kevin Thompson had some takeaways from the audit report presentation.

Thompson expressed strong approval of the 2025 audit presentation, noting that he particularly appreciated the insightful analysis on some city-owned stores against those in other municipalities.

Thompson was also asked how the city utilizes this 2025 report for analysis and improvements.

More from Warroad City Council coming later this week.