Spring turkey hunting in Minnesota begins April 15 and runs through May 31, with six seasons labeled A through F. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says youth and archery seasons open April 15, and crossbows are allowed with a valid firearms or archery license. Hunters planning to hunt the A season in Carlos Avery or Whitewater wildlife management areas with a firearm must have a permit issued by lottery. More information is available on the DNR website.
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar met with Minnesota farmers and agriculture leaders to discuss rising fertilizer costs and the growing pressure on producers. Klobuchar says tariffs, global conflict tied to the war with Iran, and market consolidation have created what she called a “perfect storm” of higher input costs and lower crop prices.
She’s promoting two bipartisan bills: the Fertilizer Transparency Act, which would require mandatory price reporting to improve market transparency, and the Homegrown Fertilizer Act, designed to expand domestic fertilizer production and storage. The Minnesota Corn Growers Association says fertilizer prices have jumped sharply in the past year, cutting into already thin margins, and Klobuchar says the proposals aim to stabilize prices and strengthen U.S. supply chains.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Tuesday, April 7, 2026
ROSEAU, Minn. – Roseau residents could see a lake return for the first time in more than a century. Mayor Dan Fabian travels to St. Paul this week with unanimous support from the Roseau City Council to testify before the Minnesota Legislature alongside the Roseau River Watershed Management Board in support of the Roseau Lake Rehabilitation Project.
On March 17, 2026, DFL Sen. Foung Hawj of Phalen, a suburb of St. Paul and chair of the Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy Committee, led a motion to pause funding for the project. The measure received bipartisan support, including backing from Republican Sen. Steve Green of Fosston, who cited concerns for nearby landowners.
Mayor Fabian expressed disappointment at the committee’s decision, recalling the outpouring of community support and years of dedication following the city of Roseau’s catastrophic 2002 flooding. Fabian stated that restoring the lake is a key component in protecting the area and its residents:
Fabian shared that he hopes his testimony in St. Paul, alongside the watershed board, will highlight the years of community support and dedication to the project, as well as the careful research and planning behind it. Engineers have conducted peer-reviewed studies confirming the project’s benefits for flood mitigation, wildlife habitat, and public recreation:
Historically, the Roseau Lake supported fish, waterfowl, and other wildlife while serving as a public recreation area. An 1847 report from the Hudson’s Bay Company described a marshy area nearly 10 miles long leading to the river channel. In 1914 local landowners drained it to create farmland, but persistent flooding made the land impossible to use. The effort eliminated the lake’s natural flood protection and wildlife habitat for more than 100 years, providing little to no lasting agricultural benefit.
The Roseau Lake Rehabilitation Project began in 2014 and has reached roughly 75% completion, with more than $10 million spent. The project has faced ongoing opposition, primarily from the Minnesota Coalition of Landowners. Without further funding, the project could be in jeopardy.
Funding for the project must still clear legislative deadlines this session. Committees must act favorably on major appropriation and finance bills by Friday, April 17 at 5 p.m., or the project risks being dropped from the budget for the year.
Members of the public who want to learn more about the Roseau Lake Rehabilitation Project can visit the Roseau River Watershed Management Board’s website. Residents with questions or opinions are encouraged to contact their state senators and representatives before the April 17 deadline.
KQ92 will continue to follow and provide updates on this story.
Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach of Minnesota’s Seventh Congressional District is encouraging local high school students to take part in this year’s Congressional Art Competition.
The annual, nonpartisan contest gives young artists from across western Minnesota a chance to showcase their creativity and hard work.
Winning artwork will be displayed in district offices in Moorhead and Willmar, as well as in Washington, D.C. The first-place winner will receive a special honor—their piece will be showcased in the U.S. Capitol, where it will be viewed by members of Congress, staff, and visitors from around the world.
The deadline to submit entries is 5 p.m. Central Time on Monday, April 20th, 2026. For more information on how to participate, students can visit the congresswoman’s official website.