Applications are due July 24th for United Way of Northeastern Minnesota’s Step Into School program, which provides qualified students with new athletic shoes for the school year. The event takes place August 12th, starting with dinner at Backus Community Center, followed by shopping for shoes at Ronnings with transportation provided by local emergency responders. 

To qualify, students must be K-12 enrolled in Koochiching County and live in households under ALICE guidelines – those who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, but Employed. According to the latest report, 11% of county residents live in poverty, while another 22% are classified as ALICE. 

UWNEMN Executive Director Erin Shay notes the program “provides community support in a way that builds pride and resilience.” This is the fourth year of the program, which is free to qualifying students thanks to community sponsors. Applications can be submitted at www.unitedwaynemn.org/step.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

BAUDETTE, Minn — Baudette City Council members met last week and reviewed one issue that came out of the city’s Fourth of July celebration after a food truck operated during the holiday weekend without first obtaining the required city permit. Council members discussed the situation and how to handle it while continuing to support the events that bring residents and visitors together each year. Councilwoman Liz Weigel explains what happened and how the council responded.

Weigel says community celebrations like the Fourth of July are important for rural communities like Baudette, helping draw visitors, support local businesses and create opportunities for vendors. She says the city’s goal is to work with businesses ahead of time so everyone understands the permitting process and can be part of future events.

City officials say they hope the discussion helps strengthen future events by making the permitting process clear while continuing to welcome vendors and support community celebrations.

The Minnesota Department of Health reports that the 988 Minnesota Lifeline has seen four consecutive years of increased calls since its launch in July 2022. The centers have answered over 370,000 contacts, with contacts climbing from about 25,000 in the first six months to approximately 83,000 in the first half of 2026. 

Governor Tim Walz and the state legislature passed funding in 2023 to support the growing demand, ensuring Minnesotans can connect with in-state specialists trained to provide emotional support and connect callers to local resources. The 988 service is a free, 24/7 confidential resource available by calling, texting, or chatting online at 988Lifeline.org, with Spanish-speaking support and interpreters for more than 200 languages.

For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Health’s Suicide Data and Reports webpage or contact them directly.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc

WARROAD, Minn — The Yellow Rose Race is returning to Warroad, giving runners and walkers a chance to support a great cause while enjoying one of the community’s signature summer events. The annual race weekend begins with the virtual race, running August 1st through the 7th, allowing participants to complete their 5K or 10K anywhere at their own pace.

The in-person event takes place Saturday, August 8th at Allison Park. Race day registration opens at 7 a.m., followed by the National Anthem at 8. The 10K begins at 8:15, the 5K starts at 8:30, and a free Kids Fun Run for ages 10 and under follows the races.

This year’s Warroad event benefits the Warroad Senior Living Center. For registration, race details, volunteer information, or to sign up for the virtual race, visit yellowroserace.com.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

BAUDETTE, Minn — The Baudette City Council spent a portion of this week’s meeting discussing the need to officially name a private drive within the city that’s home to several residents. Council staff discussed if having residents living on the private drive would require it to be a named street within city limits. Councilwoman Liz Weigel commented on how the council determined the status of that street name. 

State guidelines require it to have an official street name to help emergency responders, postal services and other agencies accurately locate those addresses.

Council members discussed the process moving forward, which includes selecting and approving a name before submitting it through the proper channels. Once a name is chosen, it will also need to be mapped and recorded with Lake of the Woods County so it can be officially recognized.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

WARROAD, Minn — A new exhibit at Warroad RiverPlace is bringing classic stories and fantasy to life through the work of local artist Holly Marie Crowther. “Folklore and Fairy Tales” is now open and runs through August 29th, featuring a collection of original paintings, illustrations, and hand-crafted needle-felted creations inspired by beloved fairy tales, folklore, and mythical characters. Among the featured works is Crowther’s first-place winning oil painting from the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council’s annual art exhibition, which is now on display as part of the exhibit. Crowther says that award-winning piece holds a special place in the collection.

In addition to the award-winning painting, visitors will find a variety of imaginative works inspired by stories that have captivated generations. Crowther says those timeless tales—and a lifelong love of folklore and fantasy—played a major role in shaping the exhibit.

Admission to the exhibit is free, and Warroad RiverPlace is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Minnesota’s labor market shows that 13,200 jobs were added in June for a third straight month of growth, outpacing a flat national job market. The state unemployment rate held at 4.4%, above the national rate of 4.2%. Despite the gains, Minnesota’s labor force participation fell for the seventh consecutive month to 67%. 

Officials call it a mixed picture as inflation continues to outpace wage growth. The strongest job growth occurred in Educational and Health Services. For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development website at mn.gov/deed.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

ROSEAU, Minn — Rainy weather is forcing a venue change for tonight’s Roseau Summer Concert Series performance. Organizers have announced that this evening’s concert featuring the contemporary Christian group CHOS3N has been moved indoors to the Roseau School Theatre because of smoky and damp conditions. Music gets underway at 6:30 tonight, with the Roseau ALS Team serving a taco meal beginning around 6 p.m. before the concert. Organizers remind attendees that while the meal will be served before the show, food and drinks are not allowed inside the theater. CHOS3N, based in Strathcona, performs a mix of original songs and contemporary praise and worship music. Organizers encourage concertgoers to follow the Roseau Summer Concert Series social media page for any future schedule updates throughout the season.