By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

Warroad, Minn — Warroad Summer Theatre just wrapped up their show “Run for your Wife” at Rock Harbor Lodge. President of Warroad Summer Theatre Verna McVay shared some info about other productions coming up this year.

McVay also shares how volunteers throughout the community can get involved and help fill positions for these productions.

You can find more info about them on their website warroadsummertheatre.com.

A bonding bill is expected to come out of the legislative session this year, and one project under consideration for funding through the bill is the Northwest Minnesota Rural Water Project. R&J News had the chance to visit with Senate Minority leader Mark Johnson, who explains the benefit of rural water and how it’s gaining attention at the capital.

On top of rural water, Johnson says there are a lot of entities across Northwest Minnesota that are seeking funds through a bonding bill. This includes flood projects and hospitals.

That full interview with Senator Johnson:

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

Warroad, Minn — Warroad Townhall meeting met in regular session Tuesday night at the Warroad High School Theater. City leaders and community members gathered to discuss how Warroad can continue to grow and stay competitive in Northern Minnesota.

In a small, rural community, Warroad Community Development stays focused on financial growth. WCD’s Executive Director Sarah Carling spoke with us about what economic growth would mean for a rural community like Warroad.

Efforts to support local businesses, attract new investment, and create jobs are seen as critical to keeping families in the area and maintaining a strong tax base. Carling spoke on how the community continues to work together at driving economic growth and what resources are available.

By prioritizing continued economic development, Warroad is far less at risk of falling behind neighboring communities that are also competing for residents, workers, and tourism.

Minnesota FFA inducted MN Ag Commissioner Thom Petersen into the Minnesota FFA Hall of Fame at their State Convention earlier this week. Commissioner Petersen says he is honored to be inducted. 

Despite not being a member of FFA in his youth, Petersen says FFA is a very valuable organization.

Peterson says FFA teaches students numerous leadership skills, but one that always stands out to him in his profession is that they teach students how to conduct a meeting. 

According to the Minnesota Department of Ag website, Thom Petersen was appointed Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture in 2019 and reappointed in 2023. Before being appointed Commissioner, Petersen served as the Director of Government Relations for Minnesota Farmers Union.

The Minnesota National Guard is made of Approximately 13,000 people, and recruiters are always looking to add to this number. Minnesota National Guard 1st Sergeant Lance Meyer says joining the Minnesota National Guard makes you eligible for a number of different benefits, including their famous education benefits. 

Meyer says the relationships and connections made through the National Guard are also a priceless benefit that enlistees receive. 

More information about the Minnesota National Guard and enlistment can be seen on their website at mn.gov/mnng.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

Warroad, Minn — The Warroad Robotics team will be heading to the World Championships next week, where students will compete against top programs from around the world. Their robot — built, and programmed entirely by the team — has already proven itself through able to compete on the highest level of competition.

FRED Team Instructor Jeremy Culleton spoke with us about their bot named Baljeet and what changes the team has made to it since their last competition in St. Cloud.

For these students, months of problem-solving, late nights, and teamwork has paid off. Mentors say the experience builds skills that go far beyond the competition floor, and Culleton thinks the bot will have a team role at the World Championships

The FRED team heads to Texas next Monday for the World Championships, where they’ll face some of the best competition in the world. No matter how they place, they say the goal is to bring home something just as valuable — experience, lessons learned, and inspiration for the seasons ahead.

Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar is co-sponsoring bipartisan legislation to protect the state’s growing hemp industry from a possible federal crackdown. The Hemp Safety Enforcement Act, introduced with Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, would give states and Tribal governments the power to regulate hemp and hemp-derived products.

Klobuchar says Minnesota is a national leader in hemp and warns a federal ban could hurt farmers, brewers and small businesses. The bill would require states to set age limits and safety standards while banning synthetic cannabinoids and protecting interstate sales. Supporters say the measure would preserve consumer access and safeguard jobs tied to the multi-billion-dollar hemp market.

U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith are urging the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to release remaining federal energy assistance funds for states, including Minnesota. In a letter to HHS and budget director Russ Vought, the senators say the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program has already helped more than 100,000 Minnesota households this winter, preventing over 17,000 service disruptions. They warn delays could pause aid for vulnerable families and seniors who rely on help paying heating and cooling costs.

While the temperatures outside are getting warmer, water temperatures across Northern Minnesota remain very cold. The warmer temperatures can give a false sense of security to people when it comes to water safety, leaving an increased risk of Hypothermia. Carma Hansen of SAFE Kids Grand Forks explains what Hypothermia is and how the body reacts to being submerged in cold water. 

Hansen explains how you should respond to falling into the cold water, so that you can teach your child how to respond. 

If you or your child is showing signs of hypothermia get them to a warm location, and seek medical help immediately.