By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Thursday, April 9, 2026

ROSEAU, Minn. – A new community effort is underway to introduce curling to Roseau, with organizers seeking city support for a multi-day event planned later this spring.

Members of the newly formed Roseau Curling Club appeared before the Roseau City Council this week to request assistance for a four-day curling event planned for early May at the North Rink. Organizers say the event is intended to introduce residents to the sport and gauge long-term interest in establishing a local curling program.

Mayor Dan Fabian says the city often works to support community initiatives, but must also ensure those efforts comply with state law.

The group has secured permission from Roseau Youth Hockey to use the rink during the final week of ice, and asked the city to waive the daily fee normally charged to the hockey association for those final days. Under the proposal, Youth Hockey would pass the ice time along to the curling group at little or no cost.

City officials noted Minnesota law limits when municipalities can provide financial support to outside organizations, meaning the request required careful review and could involve the city’s port authority.

Organizers say the event would include learn-to-curl sessions, school physical education activities, mini-games and open ice time for community members to try the sport. Fundraising efforts are also underway, including event fees and sponsorships from local businesses.

Fabian says curling has strong potential in Roseau, though launching a new program comes with challenges.

The council ultimately approved a motion to waive the final four days of fees charged to Roseau Youth Hockey, contingent on legal authority to do so. Officials say the move is a one-time arrangement aimed at helping the curling group get started while the city explores longer-term options. For more information on Roseau’s Curling Club, you can visit the Roseau Curling Club page on facebook.

The Norman County Court Administration Office held their first ever Juror Appreciation Day at the Norman County Courthouse Wednesday. Minnesota Ninth Judicial District Judge the Honorable Annie Claesson-Huseby (Claw-son whos-bee) explains why this was an event they wanted to host for the first time.

Claesson-Huseby says serving on a jury when called upon is imperative to our Justice System, and what keeps it working.

Claesson-Huseby says she is thankful that the residents of the Ninth Judicial District have been willing to show up and do their civic duty of being a juror when called upon.

Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District consists of the seventeen counties across Northwest Minnesota, including Kittson, Lake of the Woods and Roseau counties.

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.

By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Wednesday, April 8, 2026

ROSEAU, Minn. – The City of Roseau is weighing a new ordinance that would regulate golf cart use on city streets, aiming to improve safety while keeping the vehicles accessible for recreation.

Chief of Police Marc Hodge said the move is in response to growing concerns about unsafe behavior, including multiple riders on a single cart. Hodge noted that while most golfers follow the rules, incidents off the course, such as using carts to travel between friends’ homes, have prompted the discussion. Hodge shared what the city was hoping to resolve with a golf cart ordinance based on available feedback:

Oak Crest Golf Course President Jared Strand said the course itself sees few issues, as employees closely monitor cart use and require a driver’s license to rent a cart. Any new city rules would apply only to public streets, not the course itself. Parents would remain legally responsible for their children, and all carts must be insured under state law.

Chief Hodge spoke on how the city hopes to strike a balance between providing access for youth and recreation, while also addressing safety as a priority:

The ordinance could include requirements such as permits or age restrictions, with the goal of preventing accidents while maintaining access for youth and recreational users. Golf carts in the city are limited to a maximum speed of 18 miles per hour, compared with 35 miles per hour for some electric vehicles, according to state statutes.

A public hearing on the proposal is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on May 4. The council approved a 10-day notice period prior to the hearing. Residents are encouraged to attend or submit comments to city officials.

Access to local healthcare remains a top priority across far northern Minnesota, especially in communities like Roseau County and Lake of the Woods County.

Facilities such as LifeCare Medical Center in Roseau and CHI LakeWood Health in Baudette continue working to provide care close to home—from emergency services to routine and long-term care.

Healthcare leaders say access to nearby services helps reduce travel time for patients and ensures faster response in critical situations, particularly in rural areas.

Also supporting that effort are community organizations like the United Way of Northeastern Minnesota, which helps fund dozens of regional programs focused on health, wellness, and basic needs.

As part of its 60th anniversary, United Way is now working to raise an additional 600-thousand dollars to expand support for local services and strengthen community resources.

Partnerships between healthcare providers and nonprofit organizations are key to maintaining access and meeting growing demand. Residents can learn more, get involved, or contribute to local efforts by contacting local healthcare providers directly or visiting their website.