By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc

GREENBUSH, Minn — Construction on Highway 11 through Greenbush is set to begin July 6 as MnDOT prepares for a major reconstruction project through the community. The $3.1 million project will rebuild Highway 11 from Highway 32 east to 7th Street and includes pavement reconstruction, sidewalk improvements, storm sewer replacement amongst other things. During construction, traffic will be detoured using Roseau County Roads 4 and 23. 

MnDOT Construction Engineer Cole Nelson recently joined our Community Conversation program and says residents can expect construction to take place in stages as crews work their way through town.

Nelson shares what businesses can expect when construction starts.

MnDOT says the project will be completed in two phases, with crews first working between Highway 32 and 4th Street before shifting east toward 7th Street. More information, project maps, detour routes, and construction updates can be found on the Highway 11 Greenbush project page on the Minnesota Department of Transportation website.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc

WARROAD, Minn — With the Fourth of July just around the corner, Warroad is getting ready for a busy holiday weekend. Events include the Music in the Park Festival on July 3rd and the community parade on July 4th, bringing residents and visitors together to celebrate Independence Day.

As part of preparations, Warroad City Council approved a permit during its June meeting allowing the retail sale of fireworks within city limits. The permit was granted to a couple from the Northwest Angle who will be operating a temporary fireworks stand in Warroad from June 29th through July 6th.

Mayor Tom Goldsmith says the sellers will be located at a familiar spot in town and shared more details about the operation.

City council is reminding residents to follow all safety guidelines, use fireworks responsibly, and keep a safe distance from people, homes, and dry vegetation. More information can be read in the full story at KQ92.com.

Over the last 10 to 15 years, one extra curricular activity that has seen a rapid growth in student involvement has been robotics, and that growth is being felt in the post high school world. Matt Wendland is the President of the Northern Minnesota Robotics Conference, and he says robotics has given students an outlet to participate in an extracurricular activity where they otherwise wouldn’t have. 

When it comes to the impact that robotics is having on students individually, Wendland says robotics is not only teaching students more skills, but also keeping them in school. 

Wendland says another way that robotics is helping students is by connecting the classroom with real life, and he explains what he means by that. 

You can go to nmrconference.org to learn more about the Northern Minnesota Robotics Conference.

Minnesota’s job market showed signs of improvement in May. The state’s unemployment rate dipped to 4.4 percent, down one-tenth of a percentage point from April, while employers added 5,400 jobs statewide. According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Minnesota’s job growth outpaced the national rate for the second consecutive month after several months of little growth. Leisure and hospitality and construction led the gains, while over the past year the state added nearly 20,000 jobs overall. 

State officials say the figures point to a resilient economy, though labor force participation and wage growth remain areas to watch. For more information on employment trends, job openings, and career resources, visit CareerForce.MN.gov.

The Roseau Gazebo Night concert series returns for another summer of free live music at the Riverview Park Gazebo. Concerts are scheduled for most Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and feature a variety of performers, including folk, bluegrass, classic rock, Christian music, and local talent. 

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, arrive early for food and refreshments offered by local organizations, and enjoy an evening in the park. In case of inclement weather, concerts will move to an alternate venue. For the full schedule and weather updates, visit the Roseau Gazebo Night website or follow Roseau Gazebo Night on Facebook and Instagram.

After many years of planning, construction is now underway for the Nelson Slough Improvement Project near Strandquist, and in celebration of this milestone, the Red River Watershed Management Board (RRWMB) alongside the Middle Snake Rivers Watershed will be holding a groundbreaking event. RRWMB Executive Director Rob Sip tells us more.

Sip tells us more about the Nelson Slough Improvement Project, and what it will accomplish.

Again, the groundbreaking will be held on Tuesday, June 30 at the Nelson Slough located approximately five miles east of Standquist.

Nominations are now being accepted in Roseau County for the 2026 Outstanding Senior Citizen Volunteer Award.

The program recognizes seniors who have made a lasting impact through volunteer service in their communities. One male and one female recipient will be selected from the nominations submitted to the county selection committee.

Judges will consider several factors, including the diversity of accomplishments, how the nominee has touched the lives of others, years of service, time commitment, involvement in organizations, and the variety and quality of volunteer service completed after the age of 65.

To be eligible, nominees must be at least 70 years old by June 1st, 2026. Completed nomination forms must be submitted to a selection committee member by Monday, June 22nd.

To see the names and phone numbers of each town’s selection committee member check out that full story online at kq92.com.

The Town of Fort Frances says scheduled commercial air service will return to the community beginning July 6th. Officials announced a partnership with North Star Air that will provide flights between Fort Frances and Thunder Bay three days a week. Departures from Fort Frances are scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with return flights operating Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

Town leaders say reliable air service is critical for economic development, healthcare access, tourism, education and business travel throughout the Rainy River District. Fort Frances has spent years working to restore scheduled passenger service, making the announcement a significant transportation milestone for Northwestern Ontario. For more information and booking details, visit www.northstarair.ca.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

ROSEAU, Minn — A Roseau pilot who made an emergency landing on Red Lake Nation land last fall will not face trespassing charges from the tribe.

The case involved pilot Darrin Smedsmo, whose plane was seized by tribal police after landing on Red Lake Nation property more than seven months ago. Tribal officials cited a long-standing 1978 rule that restricts flights over Red Lake airspace, a policy the Nation says was put in place following U.S. military bombing and testing activities in the area.

The situation drew attention because it raised questions about tribal sovereignty and who has authority over airspace, including the Federal Aviation Administration.

Smedsmo was reunited with his plane last week. He says he believes it should have been returned sooner because he was never formally charged beyond the original airspace citation.

The Red Lake Nation has now confirmed it will not pursue any trespassing charges in the case.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

ROSEAU, Minn — One of the largest highway construction projects ever undertaken in Northwest Minnesota is now underway along Highway 11 between Roseau and Warroad. The first phase of the project stretches from east of Salol to Warroad and includes roadway reconstruction, culvert replacements, drainage improvements, and safety upgrades designed to extend the life of the highway for years to come. 

While drivers can already see work taking place along the corridor, much of the project is happening below the pavement. MnDOT Construction Engineer Cole Nelson says crews are rebuilding the foundation of the roadway from the ground up.

Nelson says those improvements below the roadway are critical to preventing future damage and helping the new highway withstand Minnesota’s harsh freeze-thaw cycles. Work on the Highway 11 project is expected to continue through the construction season, with motorists encouraged to watch for changing traffic patterns and work zones between Salol and Warroad.