By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

MIDDLE RIVER, Minn — What started as a small fundraiser by a local saddle club has grown into one of Northwest Minnesota’s biggest community efforts to support families battling cancer. The 18th Annual North Country Horsemen Trails to Treatments Cancer Benefit returns to Middle River August 7th through the 9th, continuing a tradition that’s helped countless local patients over the past 18 years.

Sue Helm with the North Country Horsemen says it all began with one simple goal—neighbors helping neighbors—and explains how the idea first came together.

This year’s benefit features horse trail rides, meals, live music, kids’ activities, silent and live auctions, and a moving cancer tribute ceremony Saturday evening. Helm says there’s truly something for everyone.

Helm says while the event has grown over the years, its success still depends on community support. They’re always looking for volunteers, auction donations and sponsors to help continue assisting local cancer patients throughout the region.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

WARROAD, Minn — The Warroad City Council discussed several projects during Monday night’s regular meeting, while tackling other business, including the renewal of the city’s solar agreement. While council members spent time discussing the agreement before moving forward, they ultimately approved renewing it as the city continues its partnership on renewable energy.

The council also received an update on Government Island, where recent work has included controlled burning to help manage vegetation and improve the area. Despite the maintenance work, Mayor Tom Goldsmith says the island is already seeing plenty of visitors, noting he spotted people enjoying the area over the weekend.

City officials say work on Government Island will continue as needed, with the goal of maintaining the area while keeping it a welcoming outdoor destination for residents and visitors alike.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

Northern Minnesota farmers looking to invest in new conservation equipment will soon have another opportunity for financial assistance. Beginning August 3rd, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture will accept applications for a new round of Soil Health Financial Assistance grants.

The program offers up to a 50 percent cost share to help farmers, Tribes, producer groups and local governments purchase or retrofit equipment that improves soil health. Eligible equipment includes no-till drills, air seeders and strip-tillage units—tools many producers are using to reduce soil erosion and improve long-term crop productivity.

A total of $5 million is available statewide, with individual grants ranging from $500 to $45,000. Applications must be submitted by August 31st, and grant recipients are expected to be announced in January of 2027.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

WARROAD, Minn — Community members gathered Tuesday morning for a ribbon cutting and customer appreciation event at Power Play Nutrition, located at the corner of Lake Street and Wabasha Avenue.

New owner Kristi McKay says opening the business was inspired by a desire to offer healthier options while creating a welcoming place for people to connect.

McKay also says the shop offers a variety of loaded teas, protein shakes, and other drinks designed to provide a different experience than traditional beverages.

McKay says it has been a challenging but rewarding process of opening.

Warroad Chamber Executive Director Kari Sundberg says every new locally owned business is another sign of growth and another investment in the community.

Sundberg adds businesses like Power Play Nutrition do more than serve customers—they help create a vibrant downtown, encourage residents to shop locally, and make Warroad an even stronger community.

To read that full story, visit KQ92.com

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

MIDDLE RIVER, Minn — The North Country Horsemen’s annual Cancer Benefit Motorcycle Fun Run brought riders together once again this past Saturday in Middle River, combining a scenic ride with support for local families facing cancer. This year’s fun run featured nine registered riders, covering roughly 250 miles across Northwest Minnesota.

The North Country Horsemen have long been dedicated to helping local cancer patients through fundraising events, and over the years they’ve expanded their annual benefit to include the motorcycle fun run, drawing support from across the region. Sue Helm with the North Country Horsemen says the weekend is a great example of the community coming together for a meaningful cause.

Helm says while the organization began as a horseback riding group, they’ve grew toward welcoming motorcyclists and other supporters to help raise even more money for local families battling cancer.

You can find more on their website https://northcountryhorsemen.com.

With the start of the school year just weeks away, health experts say now is the time to help kids get back into a regular sleep routine. UW Health Dr. Casey Freymiller says families shouldn’t try to make bedtime changes all at once. Instead, he recommends moving bedtime earlier by about 15 minutes every few days, saying small adjustments are much easier for children to stick with.

Freymiller says a lack of sleep doesn’t just leave kids feeling tired. It can also lead to mood swings, irritability, and emotional outbursts, while affecting learning, memory, and growth. He says one of the biggest reasons kids struggle to fall asleep is too much screen time before bed, and explains why putting devices away can make a big difference.

Freymiller recommends replacing screen time with relaxing activities and maintaining a consistent wake-up schedule.

Three organizations serving northwest and north-central Minnesota will share in $1.16 million in state Clean Water Fund grants announced this week: The White Earth Nation, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, and Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota in Mahnomen are among eight recipients selected from 24 applicants. Tribal governments and nonprofit conservation groups were eligible for this competitive funding round.

The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources awarded the grants for projects protecting and restoring water quality through agricultural best management practices, shoreline stabilization, and drinking water protection efforts.

Executive Director John Jaschke said tribal governments and nonprofit partners play a key role in implementing conservation projects that protect local lakes, rivers, and streams throughout Minnesota.

Minnesota voters approved the Clean Water Fund in 2008. It receives 33 percent of sales tax revenue generated by the Legacy Amendment.