It’s going to be a busy week at Itasca State Park this week, as they continue with their jammed packed summer programming schedule. Itasca State Park Lead Naturalist Connie Cox gives us a preview of some of this week’s programs.
A full schedule of programs and events can be seen on the parks webpage on the Minnesota DNR website.
Warroad Public Schools is offering a hybrid firearm safety course later next month. Students must first complete an online course available at huntercourse.com before attending in-person sessions.
The classroom portion runs August 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. in the school theater, followed by a field day August 29 from 8 a.m. to noon. Participants must be at least 11 years old and bring proof of online completion for entry.
Registration is available through Warroad Payments. More information can be found at warroadschools.org.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Friday, July 10, 2026
ROSEAU, Minn. — The Roseau City Council has unanimously approved a new golf cart ordinance that will allow residents to legally operate golf carts on city streets. Mayor Dan Fabian says the change brings the city into compliance with state law, since current operators are technically in violation of statute. The ordinance drops the requirement that drivers hold a valid license, though operators aged 13 to 16 must complete an ATV safety or driver’s education course. Permits will cost five dollars and remain valid for three years, running through December 31, 2029. Carts will need mirrors and slow-moving vehicle signs, and are barred from the downtown business district.
When asked when residents could expect the ordinance to be enforced, Mayor Fabian provided these details:
Fabian also explained where residents could find more information regarding details of the new golf cart ordinance:
The Mayor also explained more on why the ordinance was needed, and who might enforce it:
Fabian talked about the new constraints that golf cart operators would need to address, and what he’d like residents to know about the golf cart ordinance:
Violations will carry a petty misdemeanor fine ranging from $50 to $100, with responsibility falling on the vehicle’s owner. Roseau Police, county, and state officers will all have enforcement authority. Officials say permits are available now with a grace period in effect.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Friday, July 10, 2026
ROSEAU, Minn. — Roseau’s airport runway project remains on schedule. Community Development Coordinator Todd Peterson says contractors have completed the base course and are now paving, weather permitting, with hopes of finishing most work by July 18th. Peterson said once the paving is done, markings will go down immediately so the strip can open right away. Grooving will follow after.
Peterson provided a brief detail on what pilots can expect from the grading and marking on the runway:
Peterson also shared how local pilots can stay updated on information regarding the airport’s progress:
Contractors note that while progress may appear slower than expected, with the paving phase now underway, things should move quickly. KQ92 and KRWB will continue to follow this story.
The Native American Program at Warroad Public Schools unveiled new artwork by local artist Donald KaKayGeesick earlier this week. KaKayGeesick’s vibrant murals featuring cultural motifs and gold accents now transform the school’s hallways honoring the heritage and history of Warroad Schools.
The Native American Program also partnered with the Warroad Heritage Center for a Summer History Camp on June 15, where students engaged in traditional dancing, drumming, and storytelling led by Brian Clyne’s troupe.
For more details, visit the Warroad Schools Facebook page.
By Graham Scher – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Thursday, July 9, 2026
ROSEAU, Minn — Thousands of northern Minnesota residents were left without electricity early Thursday morning after what utility officials are calling a rare power outage. The outage began at 12:18 a.m. and affected nearly 3,900 customers across Roseau County, including east to Warroad, and south to Wannaska, Erskine, and surrounding communities. Officials say all six local substations lost power.
The outage was caused by a blown lightning arrestor in a Minnkota Power Cooperative sub-station, and the Warroad substation could not be backfed because of equipment damage, making the outage what officials described as a “one-in-a-million” event. Crews worked through the overnight hours, restoring power to all customers by 3:06 Thursday morning.
Utility officials are reminding customers to be prepared for the possibility of extended outages by having a backup plan, such as a generator, and to report outages immediately rather than waiting, helping crews respond as quickly as possible.
Lake of the Woods School has temporarily relocated pool access due to ongoing sidewalk demolition and construction. The main entrance is now closed.
Swimmers should now enter through Door 19, accessible from the northwest parking lot. Signage has been posted throughout the school to direct visitors to the alternate entrance.
District officials have not announced when the main entrance will reopen. Updates are available on the Lake of the Woods School Facebook page.
A new ten-year fish monitoring report finds Minnesota’s lakes are in mostly good shape. The state DNR and Pollution Control Agency surveyed more than 900 lakes, sampling 3.7 million fish across 89 species. Results show 77 percent of lakes fully support aquatic life and fish biodiversity. The remaining 23 percent are classified as impaired, showing higher phosphorus levels and more watershed disturbance.
Researchers say healthier lakes have better shoreline habitat and less runoff. The data will help state and local partners prioritize protection and restoration efforts. The report is available at mndnr.gov.
Ross L. Gray school with the Vassar Area Community Resource Center is hosting a free summer camp for children ages five to thirteen next week. The two-day camp runs July 9th and 10th from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Sprague School’s outdoor classroom.
Kids will take part in crafts and games, with snacks provided. Parents should send children with sunscreen and bug spray. Parents are also welcome to stay and supervise. For more information, email vassarresourcecentre at gmail.com.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Wednesday, July 8, 2026
ROSEAU, Minn. — Roseau city officials are working to fix broken compressors at Memorial Arena with hockey camp set to begin on the week of July 20. Community Development Coordinator Todd Peterson told council Monday night that all three compressors are currently out of service – compressor 3’s motor went out, and compressor 1 developed an oil leak:
Repairs must be completed soon, or hockey camp cannot proceed as planned. Peterson expressed his thoughts on who would be impacted and how:
The city is looking into alternative solutions, one being utilizing the school’s ice facility, with youth hockey covering utility costs while the city pays startup and shutdown expenses. In the meantime, the council unanimously authorized Superintendent Gary Przekwas to seek immediate repairs for compressor 3 in Fargo, which officials hope to have operational in time for hockey camp as originally planned.