The Minnesota Department of Health is reminding rural residents during National Groundwater Awareness Week that regular testing is the only way to know if private well water is safe. Health officials say common contaminants in Minnesota wells include nitrate, coliform bacteria, arsenic, lead and manganese—most of which can’t be seen, smelled or tasted. With many homes in northwestern Minnesota relying on private wells, the state recommends testing for bacteria and nitrate every year to protect drinking water.

Kids can get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit with a fun and creative activity at Warroad Riverplace.

Today, Warroad RiverPlace will host a free drop-in craft for kids from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Young participants will have the chance to make their own lucky beaded bracelets using festive green, white, and gold beads. Each bracelet can be personalized and finished with a special lucky charm, making it the perfect accessory to celebrate the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day holiday.

The activity is free and open to kids during the drop-in hours, so families are welcome to stop by anytime between 3:30 and 5 p.m today.

That’s free kids crafts at Warroad RiverPlace today from 3:30 to 5pm—adding a little extra luck for St. Patrick’s Day.

Residents of Lake Township headed to the polls Tuesday at the Lake Township Hall just west of Warroad for their annual township election.

Voting remained open for ten hours, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., with a number of residents casting ballots during the day.

When the ballots were tallied up Tuesday night, Kent Peterson was elected township supervisor, receiving 27 of the votes cast.

Bobbi Aker was elected township clerk with 26 votes cast for Aker.

Township officials say the annual meeting and election allow residents to directly choose local leadership and discuss township business for the year ahead. Officials are also reminding residents of their monthly township meetings at Lake Township Hall each month, on the second Wednesday of the month.

The Warroad American Legion Auxiliary Unit Number 25 is showing appreciation for local veterans with a special breakfast event later this month at the Phoenix Restaurant in Warroad.

On Tuesday, March 18th, the Auxiliary will host a free breakfast for all veterans as a thank you for the service and sacrifices made by those who have served our country.

Veterans are invited to bring their spouses or significant others along to enjoy the morning together. While the Auxiliary is covering the cost of breakfast for veterans, guests are welcome to attend but will need to purchase their own meal.

The breakfast will take place Wednesday March 18th at 10am and all local veterans are encouraged to stop by, enjoy a good meal, and get recognized for your service to our country.

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.

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 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.

A community hockey event is coming to Warroad, Minnesota later this month.

Employees from Polaris Inc. and Marvin will face off in the second annual Community Hockey Night on Friday, March 20th at The Gardens Arena.

Two games are scheduled, including a B-team matchup at 5 p.m. followed by the main event at 6:30. Players from multiple Polaris locations and Marvin sites will take part.

The event is open to the public, with all proceeds supporting the Roseau/Warroad Food Shelf. Organizers say the night is meant to bring the community together while raising funds for local families in need. 

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.