The Roseau County Board of Commissioners is set to meet Tuesday morning at the Roseau County Courthouse, with several public hearings and transportation-related items on the agenda.

Commissioners will hold two public hearings during the meeting. One focuses on proposed revisions to the county’s tobacco ordinance, while the other involves updates to the county’s floodplain management ordinance. Floodplain regulations are periodically reviewed to remain consistent with state and federal floodplain standards tied to FEMA mapping and insurance requirements.

The board is also expected to discuss Highway 11 detours, along with a speed study on County State Aid Highway 9.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the Roseau County Courthouse. Members of the public can attend in person or request Zoom access through the county coordinator’s office.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc

Roseau, Minn — As spring planting ramps up across Roseau and Lake of the Woods Counties, safety experts are reminding farmers to stay alert around overhead power lines and electrical equipment. Large machinery, grain augers, and field equipment can easily come into contact with power lines, creating dangerous — and sometimes deadly — situations during the busy planting season.

Roseau Electric Cooperative General Manager Ryan Severson says awareness is critical this time of year and farmers need to stay focused on their surroundings while working long hours during planting season.

Severson also says knowing what to do during an emergency can save lives.

Severson also is encouraging farmers to use online safety resources before heading to the field this spring.

Severson says a few extra seconds to look up, keep equipment clear of power lines, and plan routes carefully can help prevent serious accidents in the field throughout planting season.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc

Roseau, Minn — The Roseau Soil and Water Conservation District is encouraging private well owners to take advantage of a free water testing clinic coming up in Roseau.

The “Well Aware” clinic will be held Tuesday, June 2nd from 3 to 6 p-m at the Roseau Super One Foods location. Free test kits will be available for private well households to check for lead, arsenic, and bacteria in their drinking water.

Organizers say fewer than twenty percent of private well owners test their water as often as recommended by the Minnesota Department of Health. The goal is to improve awareness and help families better understand potential drinking water concerns.

Residents will receive their results directly from the lab, while anonymous testing data will help local conservation officials focus future drinking water education and outreach efforts. For more information, contact the Roseau SWCD or West Polk SWCD offices.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc

Roseau, Minn — With June approaching, The Minnesota Canola Council is reminding farmers across northwest Minnesota and the broader northern growing region to closely monitor sclerotinia risk maps as the growing season continues. The maps help growers evaluate the potential for disease development based on changing weather and environmental conditions across the region.

The maps help growers track disease risk based on changing weather patterns and field conditions that can vary widely from the Red River Valley to northern Minnesota canola acres.

The Sclerotinia Risk in Canola Forecast Program was developed by North Dakota State University’s canola pathology program with support from several grower organizations, including the Minnesota Canola Council and Northern Canola Growers Association.

The program includes a daily updated general risk map, along with a field-specific risk calculator that helps farmers make management decisions. Growers can access the maps online or through the NDSU Canola Doctor app available for both Apple and Android devices.

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) recently announced the opening of their new “Great State of Minnesota” exhibit, which is located at Northland Community and Technical College in Thief River Falls. NWMAC Showcase Specialist Trey Everett tells us more about this exhibit.

Everett tells us about some of the pieces that are included in this exhibit.

If you would like to see this exhibit in person, Everett explains when and how you can do so.

You can go to northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org for more information about the exhibit, and other NWMAC programs.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc

Warroad, Minn — Warroad High School seniors were recognized Monday night during the school’s annual Scholarship Awards Program, where students received scholarships from local businesses, organizations, and foundations to support their future education. Superintendent Dr. Shawn Yates commented on why the night is so special for him and for so many students and families.

Yates also commented on how scholarships like these can make a lasting impact on students as they pursue future educational opportunities and career paths, helping ease financial burdens while opening doors for the next chapter.

As families and community members gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of these students, school officials praised the seniors for their hard work and thanked area donors for continuing to invest in the Class of 2026.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc

Warroad, Minn — As Memorial Day approaches, members of the Warroad American Legion Auxiliary will be stationed at businesses around town distributing Memorial Day poppies. 

Community members are encouraged to stop by, pick up a poppy, and proudly wear it in remembrance and in honor of the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Loralee Marvin was a guest on community conversation and mentioned where poppies will be distributed.

Poppies will also be given on Monday, at the Memorial Day Service located at the Warroad Gardens Arena at 10 a.m.

The 2025/2026 Robotics season is now in the books with the completion of the Minnesota State Robotics Competition, and the Northern Minnesota Robotics Conference (NMRC) was well represented. NMRC President Matt Wendland says they had multiple teams representing the NMRC, including the state champion, and runner up.

On top of giving students an outlet to compete, and participate in an extra curricular activity, Wendland says one thing that makes robotics very unique is the amount of doors it opens for students post high school, specifically when it comes to post high school careers.

You can learn more about the Northern Minnesota Robotics Conference by going to their website www.nmrconference.org.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc

Roseau, Minn — The Minnesota Canola Council is preparing for two upcoming board meetings focused on issues important to growers across Roseau County and the northwest corner of the state. The council will hold a virtual meeting Tuesday, May 26th at 8 a.m., followed by an in-person meeting July 7th during the Canola Production Centre Field Day and Canola Hackers Golf Scramble in Roseau.

The council’s recent spring newsletter highlighted ongoing research in northwest Minnesota on weed control, insect management, harvest methods, and canola variety trials at the Minnesota Canola Production Centre near Roseau. Local growers and researchers continue working to improve yields and reduce production costs in one of Minnesota’s top canola-producing regions. 

Council leaders say growers from Roseau County, Lake of the Woods County, and across northern Minnesota are encouraged to share concerns or topics they would like discussed by emailing the Council office ahead of the meeting.