NMRC MN State Tournament & Awards Announcement

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc

St. Paul, Minn — Team 2883 F.R.E.D. from Warroad turned in another standout performance at the Minnesota State High School League Robotics Tournament this past weekend at Concordia University in St. Paul.

F.R.E.D. finished 11th in qualification play with a 5-and-2 record before being selected to the number-one seeded alliance for the state playoffs. Warroad and its alliance partners advanced all the way to the championship finals after battling through the elimination bracket in one of the most competitive state tournaments in recent years.

In the title round, Warroad forced a decisive third match after a strong comeback win in game two, but ultimately finished as the MSHSL State Runner-Up following a close three-match championship series against Pequot Lakes.

Warroad also earned individual recognition at the state level, as Patrick Bain of Team F.R.E.D. was honored as Minnesota Student of the Year in the Programming category by the Minnesota Robotics Coaches Association.

Nine Northern Minnesota Robotics Conference teams qualified for state this year, with Warroad once again proving itself among Minnesota’s top robotics programs.

Ground Breaking for Lil’ Chompers Child Care

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc

Greenbush, Minn — A groundbreaking ceremony was held Monday morning May 18th for the new Lil’ Chompers Child Care facility, marking a major step forward for childcare expansion in the community. Supporters gathered as officials announced construction is expected to begin later this month.

The new facility will be approximately 5,500 square feet and include two infant rooms, a toddler room, and additional space for preschool, school-age, and before-and-after school care.

The project is being designed by Foss Architecture+Interiors, with Diversified Contractors serving as general contractor. The construction bid came in at just over 2-million dollars.

Lil’ Chompers board president Karen Dvergsten says the project represents a long-term investment in local families, children, and future community growth.

Red River Watershed Management Board director discusses Bonding Bill 

Another Minnesota Legislative Session is in the books, and one item to come out of this year’s session was a bonding bill. R&J News had the opportunity to catch up with Red River Watershed Management Board Executive Director Rob Sip, who tells us what he knows about the bill so far, and whether any watershed Projects in the Red River Valley will be receiving state funds. 

Sip also mentioned 1 other silver lining from the Session.

You can learn more about the Red River Watershed Management Board by going to their website www.rrwmb.us.

Motorcycle Riders Encouraged to Stay Safe This Spring

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and with more bikes hitting the roads as the weather warms up, drivers are being reminded to keep an eye out for motorcyclists. Motorcycle safety expert Andria Yu says drivers should limit distractions inside their vehicles and stay alert behind the wheel.

Yu says motorcyclists can do their part by making themselves more visible to other drivers and practicing safe riding habits.

Motorcyclists are also encouraged to take proper training courses and continue sharpening their riding skills. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation will be offering training sessions in Thief River Falls and Bemidji later this month. More information can be found atMotorcycle Safety Foundation.