Bike Rodeo Moves Indoors Due to Weather

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

WARROAD, Minn — Families in the Warroad area can still enjoy an afternoon of biking fun this Wednesday, despite the forecast.

LifeCare Public Health has announced that its annual Bike Rodeo has been moved indoors to the Warroad Elementary School Gym due to expected weather conditions. The event runs from 1 to 5:30 p.m., and families are invited to stop by at any time throughout the afternoon.

Kids can take part in an obstacle course, learn important bike safety skills, and check out adapted bikes. Grand Forks Ski and Bike Shop will also be on hand offering bike demonstrations and repairs. Free giveaways, ice cream, and root beer floats will be available, with even more activities planned from 3 to 5:30 p.m.

The Bike Rodeo is free to attend and aims to promote safe, active, and fun biking for area youth and families.

MN DNR Releases New Waterway Maps

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has launched more than 60 new state water trail maps designed to help paddlers navigate waterways across the state and discover recommended routes for all ages and skill levels.

The updated maps highlight sections with fewer obstacles, maintained access points and a variety of trip options. Minnesota’s state water trail system spans more than 4,500 miles across 35 designated trails. River conditions can change quickly, so paddlers should check water levels before heading out. 

The DNR also reminds outdoor enthusiasts that Minnesota’s new electronic licensing system goes live June 9.For more information on the new maps, recommended paddling routes and licensing updates, visit mndnr.gov.

Roseau County Road Construction Update

The Roseau County Highway Department is advising motorists of a road construction project on County State Aid Highway 5 near Warroad. Beginning June 9, Highway 5 will be closed to through traffic between County State Aid Highway 12 and County State Aid Highway 2 West, a stretch of about three miles. 

The project includes grading, culvert replacement, aggregate base work and new pavement. Beginning June 15, resurfacing work will continue on Highway 5 from Trunk Highway 11 to the Clear River Station. Drivers are encouraged to plan alternate routes and use caution in the area while construction is underway this summer.

Highway 11 Project Moving Forward Between Roseau and Warroad

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

ROSEAU, Minn — If you’ve been traveling between Roseau and Warroad, you’ll continue to see steady progress on the Highway 11 reconstruction project.

Construction crews have completed about half of the centerline culvert replacements on the eastern portion of the project. Work is also underway on widening the roadway through the Warroad Ridge area and is expected to continue for the next several weeks.

Meanwhile, reclaiming operations have started on the east end of the project and will gradually move west toward Roseau County Road 13.

Motorists are reminded that Highway 11 remains open only to local traffic. Through traffic should continue using the posted detour route along Highway 313 and Roseau County Road 13.

Officials say the project remains on schedule as work continues throughout the summer construction season.

Woman Convicted of Murder in Northwest Minnesota

More than a year after a deadly shooting in Hallock, the accused has pleaded guilty. 

Jordan Hanson of Kennedy pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in connection with the March 2025 death of Justin Esparza in Hallock. During her plea hearing, Hanson told the court she was experiencing delusions brought on by drug use at the time of the shooting.

The guilty plea avoids a trial and means the case will now move to sentencing. Hanson remains in custody and is expected to be sentenced later this summer. A specific sentencing date has not yet been announced.

The case stems from a shooting that occurred in Hallock in March of last year and drew significant attention across northwest Minnesota.