The Minnesota Department of Health has updated its fish consumption guidelines after new testing found mercury and PFAS chemicals in fish tissue from some Minnesota waters.
Officials say the updated guidance includes new length-based recommendations for walleye and northern pike, as well as more protective advice for parts of northeast Minnesota and the Vermillion River in Dakota and Scott counties.
Health officials emphasize that fish remain an important part of a healthy diet, providing lean protein and nutrients, but caution that some species and waterbodies may carry higher levels of contaminants.
The guidelines are especially important for pregnant people and children, who are more sensitive to exposure.
The Department of Health says it will continue reviewing data as part of ongoing updates to fish consumption guidance across the state.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Saturday, April 11, 2026
ROSEAU, Minn. – At the city of Roseau’s April City Council meeting, Police Chief Marc Hodge says a recent after-action review of a March school-related incident in Warroad has prompted renewed focus on emergency communications resilience, staffing stability, and officer mental health support, while the department also continues to address ongoing administrative matters in the community.
Hodge told city officials that the Warroad incident review highlighted serious vulnerabilities in both radio and cellular communications during a potential large-scale emergency, saying that if the event had been more severe, most commercial cell networks could have become overwhelmed by public use, limiting access to emergency services.
He said only priority-enabled public safety users would likely maintain reliable communications in such a scenario, pointing to AT&T’s FirstNet system, which provides dedicated capacity and prioritization for law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel. Hodge said the department is evaluating whether to transition police department phones and mobile data systems to AT&T-based FirstNet service, or expand its current use, to ensure connectivity during disasters or catastrophic outages.
Hodge noted that FirstNet operates on dedicated public safety infrastructure, including Band 14 spectrum, and that future upgrades may include expanded satellite-based voice, text, and data capabilities when traditional cell towers are unavailable. He also referenced other emergency backup tools such as bi-directional amplifiers and portable “cell on wheels” units that can temporarily restore coverage in impacted areas.
He said no final decision has been made regarding a full or partial transition to FirstNet for the city or police department, but added that cost, coverage, and implementation options are under review.
Alongside communications planning, Hodge said the department continues to manage ongoing administrative matters involving Frosty, a Great Pyrenees previously designated “potentially dangerous” following a February incident at Northern Lights Apartments. Hodge said the apartment complex is not allowing the dog to return, and the owner is now relocating the animal out of town, to the west. He said required documentation and case materials have been submitted to the county attorney, and officials are working to bring proceedings to a conclusion.
Hodge also reported that new officer Jase Johnson has been sworn in and has been working with the department since March 16, receiving his badge this week. Hodge said Johnson is performing well and that the department is currently fully staffed, though scheduling time off remains difficult due to staffing demands.
The chief also said he has been visiting local schools, including presenting to seventh-grade students as part of community outreach efforts.
Hodge further noted recent incidents involving Lifecare staff and local law enforcement, saying the organization has been providing briefings and coordination support to officers and deputies. He said Lifecare also assists with critical incident response, including structured mental health debriefings for officers following high-stress calls.
He said those debriefings help officers process incidents and are an important part of ongoing mental health support within the department.
City officials said discussions on communications upgrades and departmental needs remain ongoing.
Warroad, Minn — Warroad Ducks Unlimited is holding their annual Sportsman Bingo at Springsteel Resort in Warroad Saturday April 18th. Ducks Unlimited volunteer Scott Kezar updates us on what is happening for the event.
Kezar also told us more about what prizes are available for bingo and raffle drawings.
Kezar tells us how you can get signed up for the event and who you can call to reserve your spot.
If you’d like to get involved as a volunteer with Ducks Unlimited, you can find more info on their website at duminnesota.org.
The Minnesota State Climatology Office is calling on residents in Greater Minnesota to help strengthen the state’s rainfall and snowfall monitoring network.
The Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, known as CoCoRaHS, relies on volunteers to measure precipitation in their own backyards using a standard rain gauge and submit reports online. Officials say the data is critical for tracking local weather patterns and long-term climate trends.
State Climatologist Luigi Romolo says participation is especially needed outside the Twin Cities, where some regions have very few reporting stations. He says rainfall and snowfall can vary widely even within the same community, making more local observers essential.
Volunteers receive online training and can purchase approved rain gauges at a discount. Minnesota has led the nation in recruiting new volunteers for six straight years, and officials hope to keep that streak going during the April “Rain Gauge Rally.”
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input on an updated management plan for Rainy Lake fisheries.
The draft plan updates goals and strategies for the next 10 years and is intended to reflect current public values on how the lake should be managed. Rainy Lake spans more than 220,000 acres along the Minnesota–Ontario border, including waters within Voyageurs National Park.
The last plan update was completed in 2013.
Officials say the guidance will help direct fish population management in one of northern Minnesota’s most important recreational fisheries.
Comments are being accepted through Monday, April 13, and can be submitted online, by email, or by mail to the International Falls area fisheries office.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Thursday, April 9, 2026
ROSEAU, Minn. – A new community effort is underway to introduce curling to Roseau, with organizers seeking city support for a multi-day event planned later this spring.
Members of the newly formed Roseau Curling Club appeared before the Roseau City Council this week to request assistance for a four-day curling event planned for early May at the North Rink. Organizers say the event is intended to introduce residents to the sport and gauge long-term interest in establishing a local curling program.
Mayor Dan Fabian says the city often works to support community initiatives, but must also ensure those efforts comply with state law.
The group has secured permission from Roseau Youth Hockey to use the rink during the final week of ice, and asked the city to waive the daily fee normally charged to the hockey association for those final days. Under the proposal, Youth Hockey would pass the ice time along to the curling group at little or no cost.
City officials noted Minnesota law limits when municipalities can provide financial support to outside organizations, meaning the request required careful review and could involve the city’s port authority.
Organizers say the event would include learn-to-curl sessions, school physical education activities, mini-games and open ice time for community members to try the sport. Fundraising efforts are also underway, including event fees and sponsorships from local businesses.
Fabian says curling has strong potential in Roseau, though launching a new program comes with challenges.
The council ultimately approved a motion to waive the final four days of fees charged to Roseau Youth Hockey, contingent on legal authority to do so. Officials say the move is a one-time arrangement aimed at helping the curling group get started while the city explores longer-term options. For more information on Roseau’s Curling Club, you can visit the Roseau Curling Club page on facebook.
The Norman County Court Administration Office held their first ever Juror Appreciation Day at the Norman County Courthouse Wednesday. Minnesota Ninth Judicial District Judge the Honorable Annie Claesson-Huseby (Claw-son whos-bee) explains why this was an event they wanted to host for the first time.
Claesson-Huseby says serving on a jury when called upon is imperative to our Justice System, and what keeps it working.
Claesson-Huseby says she is thankful that the residents of the Ninth Judicial District have been willing to show up and do their civic duty of being a juror when called upon.
Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District consists of the seventeen counties across Northwest Minnesota, including Kittson, Lake of the Woods and Roseau counties.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Thursday, April 8, 2026
ROSEAU, Minn. – The Roseau City Council has approved a resolution addressing upcoming electric rate changes tied to wholesale power costs.
City Development Coordinator Todd Peterson says the increase follows a four percent rate hike from Minnkota Power Cooperative. Roseau will not be required to pay an additional surcharge discussed at the Municipal Power Agency, a move Peterson says could still prompt pushback from the wholesale provider. Peterson provided more information on how the city works with these providers to determine rates:
Peterson says the changes are being driven by rising wholesale costs and long-term infrastructure planning, including movement to alternative energy sources:
Adjustments are also aimed at rebuilding Roseau’s electric utility margin, creating a financial buffer for expected future increases. Peterson shared how the city plans to accomplish this:
The city’s goal is to keep rates as stable as possible while preparing for long-term power supply costs. KQ92 and KRWB will continue to follow this story and provide updates.
Coming up this weekend, Ogema (O-Gee-Ma) Native and local music star Cathy Erickson will be inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame in New Ulm. R&J News had the opportunity to catch up with Erickson, who said she was shocked when she found out she was going to be inducted.
Erickson shares more about herself, and how she was first introduced to music.
Erickson says she played a number of different instruments growing up, which led to her being a part of her first band “The Alley Cats”.
On top of her playing career with the Alley Cats and The Cathy Erickson Band, Erickson says she also hosts a Radio Program, which has listeners all over the nation.
You can learn more about the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame by going to mnmusichalloffame.org.
This Sunday, April 12th, the sounds of country and gospel music will fill the air at the Greenbush Community Center. From 2 to 5 p.m., local musicians and music lovers are coming together for a laid-back Country and Gospel Music Jam.
It’s an open, welcoming event where folks can stop by the community center, listen in, or even join in on the singing. The event promises strong fellowship and good gospel and country tunes.
And guests are encouraged to participate in more than just music, as attendees can stick around for a potluck napkin lunch happening from 4 to 6 p.m. Bring a dish to share or simply come enjoy good food and great company.
So mark your calendar for this Sunday April 12th, and spend your Sunday afternoon celebrating music and community at the Greenbush Community Center.
