Michelle Fischbach of Minnesota’s Seventh Congressional District has introduced bipartisan legislation, known as the Biobased Materials Investment and Production Act, aimed at expanding markets for farmers in the region.
The bill focuses on increasing the use of crops and other agricultural products to create renewable materials. While many everyday goods are still made using foreign petroleum, the legislation would encourage companies to instead use materials grown and produced in the United States.
For farmers in northern Minnesota, the proposal could open new demand for crops by creating additional markets beyond traditional food and fuel uses. Farmers may even see more stable prices and expanded opportunities to sell what they grow.
The legislation also includes two types of tax incentives: a production credit of 10 cents per pound for renewable materials produced and sold, or a 30 percent investment tax credit to help companies build or upgrade processing facilities. Lawmakers say those incentives are intended to attract manufacturing closer to rural areas, potentially increasing local demand for crops and supporting regional economies.
The bill has been introduced and will now move through the legislative process.
The annual Grygla Lions Club Smelt Fry is happening this coming Saturday, April 18th in Grygla.
The event is a longtime tradition that brings the community together over baskets of freshly fried smelt and plenty of small-town fellowship. Each year, the Grygla Lions Club serves hundreds of people from across the region, all while raising funds that go right back into local projects, programs, and community support. Grygla Lions co-chairman Bryan Grove tells us his role with the Lions and about this long-standing tradition.
Beyond the food, the smelt fry stands out as a celebration of small-town spirit and connection — something Grove says keeps people coming back year after year.
Grove says they are always looking for more volunteers. If you are looking to get involved with the Grygla Lions, contact any one of the members, fill out a membership application. Grygla Lions Club Smelt Fry at the Grygla Community Center this Saturday from 4-7pm.
Much of Northwest Minnesota is in a spring burning restriction, and the Minnesota DNR is reminding residents to do their part in preventing wildfires. Darren Bundy of the Minnesota DNR Forestry Division tells us while brush burning is the most common source of wildfires, Bundy says there are many other things that could cause a wildfire to start.
If you get a burn permit or are burning something, Bundy shares some things you should do to prevent a larger fire from breaking out.
For more information on wildfire prevention or burn bans in the State of Minnesota, go to the Minnesota DNR Fire danger and burning restrictions webpage.
Roseau County residents are being reminded to prepare as Severe Weather Awareness Week runs April 13th through the 17th across Minnesota. The campaign, led by Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the National Weather Service, encourages families to review emergency plans and refresh disaster kits ahead of peak tornado season.
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the state averages 46 tornadoes each year. Statewide tornado drills are scheduled for Thursday, April 16th at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m., when outdoor warning sirens will sound during a simulated tornado warning.
Residents of Roseau County are also urged to sign up for emergency alerts through Everbridge, the county’s notification system for severe weather, fires, floods, road closures and more. Sign up online or contact Roseau County Emergency Management at 218-463-3375 for help.
Starting in May, camping at Minnesota state forest campgrounds will operate under a new “same day pay then stay” system.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says campers will now pay for their campsite before occupying it, rather than after arrival. The change follows a 2025 survey showing most state forest campers prefer online payment, with 80 percent willing to pay before they get to the campground.
Campers will still choose sites on a first-come, first-served basis, but can check availability and pay online the same day through the DNR’s Yodel Portal. Cash or check payments will still be accepted at open state park ranger stations.
The DNR says the change keeps spontaneous trips possible while making payment easier and more accessible. Rustic state forest campsites cost 17 dollars per night.
For more information, visit the Minnesota DNR state forest camping webpage.
Minnesota exports fell sharply last year, with state officials pointing to tariffs and global uncertainty as key factors impacting trade-heavy regions, including northern and northwestern Minnesota.
A new report from the Department of Employment and Economic Development shows exports totaled $23.5 billion in 2025, a 13 percent drop from the previous year. Much of the decline came from reduced shipments of fuel and oil to Canada, along with decreases in machinery, vehicles, and medical products.
State officials say the downturn was most pronounced in trade with North America and parts of Asia, while some growth was seen in European and South American markets.
Economists say the changes are especially significant for Minnesota’s rural and industrial regions, where agriculture, mining, and manufacturing exports play a major role in local economies.
Despite the decline, some sectors such as pharmaceuticals and agricultural products saw gains, and officials say efforts continue to expand international markets for Minnesota goods.
Governor Tim Walz has announced two new judicial appointments in the Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District. Max Schafer-LaCoursiere and Symon Schindler-Syme have been selected to serve as District Court Judges.
Schafer-LaCoursiere will fill a vacancy in Marshall County, replacing Judge Anne M. Rasmusson. His position will be chambered in Warren.
Schindler-Syme will take over a seat in Polk County, replacing Judge Jeffrey S. Remick. That position will be based in Crookston.
According to the governor’s office, both appointees bring legal experience, and a commitment to public service to their new roles.
The new judges are expected to begin serving their communities in the coming weeks.
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.
