Applications for 2026 Bear Hunting Season Open

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is now accepting applications for the 2026 bear hunting season. Prospective hunters have until Friday, May 1 to apply online, by phone, or through a license agent. The DNR says more than 5,300 licenses will be available across fifteen permit areas.

The season opens September 1 and runs through October 18. Lottery winners will be notified by June 1, and awarded licenses must be purchased by August 1. Any remaining licenses go on sale August 5. Officials say quotas were slightly increased this year where bear population trends show growth. More information is available on the DNR website.

Warroad Municipal Utilities Invites Residents To Take Part In Annual Cleanup

The City of Warroad is inviting residents and businesses to take part in the 22nd annual city-wide clean-up later this month. The free disposal event gives the community a chance to get rid of unwanted items like appliances, electronics and furniture. Collection runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 20th through the 23rd, and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 24th at the City Shop on Alma Avenue Southeast. Participants must bring a current city utility bill for proof of residency. Building materials, household chemicals and light bulbs will not be accepted. Residents must haul items to the site or arrange pickup through Trashmasters.

For more information, visit the City of Warroad website or the Warroad Municipal Utilities Facebook page.

Roseau County Sheriff’s Office Clears D.A.R.E. Officer Of Any Wrongdoing

The Roseau County Sheriff’s Office says an independent investigation has cleared D.A.R.E. Officer Logan Bender of any wrongdoing. 

The probe, conducted in conjunction with the Roseau County Attorney’s Office and outside investigators, examined allegations that Bender had improperly communicated with minors via social media.

Officials say the investigation found no criminal activity or policy violations. Sheriff Steven Gust says Bender voluntarily cooperated and that the matter is now closed.

Warroad F.R.E.D. Robotics Team in St. Cloud next week

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

Warroad, Minn — As the season heads into Week 6, the Warroad F.R.E.D. robotics team is entering crunch time.

After weeks of designing, building, and refining, the team is now preparing to hit the road for their Week 6 competition in St. Cloud next week to put their robot to the test against some of the top teams in the region. Warroad Senior and F.R.E.D Team President Patrick Bane told us about their robot this year and how he would like to do, comparing it to the team’s 2023 win in the Great Northern Regional.

Junior designer and lead fabricator Everett Peterson told us some things they’ve done recently to their robot since their last competition and how the impact team has helped them advance.

We also caught up with F.R.E.D instructor Jeremy Culleton, who told us more about the IMPACT side of robotics and how it can help you get to State or even Worlds.

The Warroad F.R.E.D. robotics team will travel to St. Cloud next week, hoping their hard work pays off as they close out another season of competition.

Itasca State Park Starting Spring Activities

Spring activities were starting to ramp up at Itasca State Park, but recent snowfall will likely delay the opening of some different areas and trails in the park. Itasca State Park Naturalist Sandra Lichter says one area of the park that will have its opening date pushed back is the ever popular Wilderness Drive. 

If you’re planning to make an overnight trip to Itasca this spring and summer, Lichter says lodging reservations are currently open, and filling up fast.

More information about amenities and services at Itasca State Park can be seen on the park’s webpage on the Minnesota DNR website.