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.

Michelle Fischbach and Pete Stauber, both representing northern Minnesota—are introducing new legislation aimed at tightening oversight of federal assistance programs.

Fischbach and Stauber unveiled the Preventing the Repatriation of American Benefits Act, which they say is designed to keep federal aid dollars here in the United States.

The proposal would revoke welfare eligibility for non-citizens who send more than one thousand dollars a year overseas.

For residents in Roseau County and Lake of the Woods County, both lawmakers say the issue hits close to home, pointing to fraud investigations across Minnesota that found billions in taxpayer dollars were misused, with some funds traced outside the country.

In statements, Fischbach said the bill would help ensure assistance supports local communities, while Stauber says it would help keep taxpayer dollars from going to criminals abroad.Residents who want to learn more or share their input can visit house.gov and search their representative’s website for details on the proposed legislation.