By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Thursday, June 4, 2026

ROSEAU, Minn. – Roseau Community Development Coordinator Todd Peterson updated the city in a meeting earlier this week on the city’s last Planning Commission Meeting that took place in May, as well as progress from their City-Wide Cleanup Tour. While many properties were able to meet compliance, a few would require further assessment and abatement processes.

Peterson explained some of the program’s standards, and the progress they have seen through the years:

Peterson noted that several properties remain under review following fire damage sustained within the last two years. Four structures are currently being evaluated to determine whether they can be rehabilitated or will need to be demolished, with building inspections scheduled this week. Under the city’s abatement process, inspectors will assess what repairs would be required to make the properties habitable. Owners would then be notified of the necessary improvements, while structures deemed beyond repair could ultimately face demolition following a public hearing. Peterson said another property that has remained on the city’s nuisance list for more than 30 years is also being reviewed. 

Turning to economic development matters, Peterson updated the council on recent Economic Development Authority discussions surrounding a proposed industrial park expansion:

Council members received the update as part of a broader discussion on planning, property maintenance, and future development efforts throughout the community. Peterson said both the cleanup initiative and economic development planning remain ongoing priorities for the city.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc

Roseau, Minn — The arrival of summer means air conditioners are running more frequently in homes across northern Minnesota, and utility officials at Roseau Electric Cooperative are reminding homeowners that energy efficiency is as important as ever. 

Air conditioning systems often work overtime during hot weather, and Roseau Electric Coop’s Ryan Severson says one of the most effective ways to improve efficiency is making sure homes are properly sealed. 

Severson says homeowners should also pay close attention to their air conditioning systems, especially the condition of air filters

Another tool that can help manage cooling costs is a smart thermostat or programmable air conditioning system. Severson says these technologies allow homeowners to better control temperatures when they’re away from home and reduce unnecessary energy use.

Roseau Electric Cooperative says proper insulation, sealing air leaks, and maintaining cooling equipment can improve comfort while helping lower summer electric bills. Additional tips and updates are available in Roseau Electric Cooperative’s newsletter on their website.

By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Thursday, June 4, 2026

ROSEAU, Minn. – At their latest city council meeting, Mayor Dan Fabian appointed a special working group in regard to a new golf cart ordinance for the city of Roseau. The city first addressed issues with golf cart usage and safety on city streets in July of 2025. With the opening of Oak Crest Golf Course for the season, an ordinance to manage these issues looms over the local government.

Mayor Fabian shared why the topic has continued to be of special interest, and complex to manage, with safety being paramount:

Discussion continued Monday on a proposed golf cart ordinance, with council members and law enforcement focusing on creating rules that can be reasonably enforced while maintaining public safety. Police Chief Marc Hodge said he supports establishing a minimum age requirement and suggested limiting 13- to 16-year-old operators to driving without passengers, noting provisional driver’s license holders face similar restrictions. 

Hodge said his primary concern is ensuring officers have clear authority to address unsafe behavior before an accident occurs, rather than being forced to “look the other way.” Council members also discussed designated routes, enforcement challenges, and insurance concerns, while acknowledging the community’s support for alternative transportation options. 

Mayor Fabian spoke on balancing public safety with avoiding regulations that are overly burdensome for residents:

The council concluded that the special working group would continue on seeking tangible solutions on the golf cart ordinance, and bring their findings to the next city council meeting in July.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc

Roseau County, Minn — Fourteen artists from northwest Minnesota have completed specialized training through the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council and are now available to lead arts residencies and workshops in schools and communities across Northern Minnesota.

The new teaching artists include creators from Warroad, Roseau, Gatzke, Hallock, Thief River Falls, Crookston, and other area communities. They join nine previously trained artists on the council’s Teaching Artist Roster, bringing the total number of certified teaching artists to 23.

The artists offer hands-on experiences in painting, ceramics, storytelling, writing, theater, music, textiles, and mixed media arts.

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council says schools and festivals can apply for grant funding to host these artists for multi-day residencies and workshops at respective schools, helping connect local artists with students throughout the region.

More information about the Teaching Artist Roster Program and available grants can be found through the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council’s website.