As warm weather returns to northern Minnesota, more cyclists are taking to the roads and trails across Roseau County, Lake of the Woods County, and surrounding areas. 

During National Bike Safety Month, MnDOT officials are reminding both riders and drivers to stay alert and share the road. Cyclists are encouraged to check their bikes, wear properly fitted helmets, and use reflective clothing or lights, especially during early morning or evening rides. 

Drivers are also asked to give bicyclists extra room and watch carefully when opening vehicle doors or approaching shoulders and intersections. 

Officials say with busy summer tourism and outdoor recreation season approaching across northern Minnesota, simple safety habits can help prevent serious crashes and keep everyone safe on the road. More safety tips are available on MnDOT’s website.

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 says the funding falls well short of what’s needed in both the Red River Valley, and the State of Minnesota as a whole. 

When it comes to what projects will pursue funding, Sip says they have three projects in the Red River Valley that will likely be applying for part of this $9 Million in state funding. 

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

Warroad RiverPlace is now featuring a new exhibit celebrating the art and unpredictability of clay. “The Language of Fire: From Precision to Unpredictability” is the exhibit showcasing the work of featured ceramic artist Robin Foster of Red Lake Falls. 

The exhibit highlights a range of firing techniques, including kiln-fired, Raku, and pit-fired pottery, each creating unique textures and finishes to clay. Many pieces created by the award-winning Foster are also available for purchase. 

The exhibit is free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, 10 to 5. Stop by 103 State Avenue and experience this unique collection.

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.

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.

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.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

Warroad, Minn — May 17th marks the start of Emergency Medical Services Week in Warroad as proclaimed by the Warroad City Council last week. The recognition honors emergency responders serving Warroad and the surrounding Roseau and Lake of the Woods County areas, where crews often travel long distances and face harsh weather to reach patients. Mayor Tom Goldsmith says EMS Week is an opportunity to recognize the dedication and sacrifice of those responders serving the community around the clock. 

Goldsmith also spoke about the ongoing shortage of volunteers and paramedics in rural EMS services 

EMS week continues throughout the week with recognition of emergency responders and the important role they play in keeping northern Minnesota communities safe.

The Minnesota Legislative Session is over, and one of the many items to come out of St Paul this year was a bill that will establish an Office of the Inspector General, which will help combat fraud in the state. Minnesota Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson of East Grand Forks says that the bill was able to cross the finish line due to mounting pressure from the federal government. 

The final day of the Minnesota Legislative Session was Sunday.