ROSEAU, Minn — Roseau’s biggest summer shopping event, Crazy Days is back next week, and will be running Thursday, August 13th through Saturday, August 15th. City has stated that the downtown Main Avenue will be blocked off on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for bargain shopping, vendors, food trucks and prize giveaways.
One of the highlights this year is the Think, Shop, Buy Local Giveaway, where shoppers who make a purchase in Roseau on August 13th can bring their receipt to the GoRoseau tent and pick an envelope with anywhere from five to twenty dollars inside to spend at another participating business.
There’s also a citywide Support Local Giveaway, with one lucky shopper winning a $500 gift bundle from Roseau merchants. Businesses still have time to join the promotion by donating a $25 gift card, with participating businesses being featured on social media and at the GoRoseau tent during Crazy Days.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Thursday, August 8, 2026
ROSEAU, Minn. – The city of Roseau is moving ahead with the lower of two bids to replace the aging refrigeration compressor system at Memorial Arena while staff continue to develop a financing plan for the multi-million-dollar project.
Community Development Coordinator Todd Peterson told council members the existing compressor system is expected to last about one more year, making it important to begin the replacement process now. After reviewing proposals from Modern Mechanical and CIMCO, Peterson recommended awarding the project to Modern Mechanical, whose bid came in roughly $170,000 lower.
Peterson said both companies are well-qualified and install rink refrigeration systems across North America. While CIMCO is a larger, fully integrated refrigeration company, Modern Mechanical specializes in ice arena refrigeration systems. City officials also contacted communities that have used Modern Mechanical and received positive feedback on the company’s ability to stay on budget and complete projects successfully.
The replacement system would arrive as a prefabricated, “plug-and-play” unit, requiring minimal changes to the existing facility. Officials said the new system is expected to use less energy than the current equipment, reducing operating costs.
Council members also discussed funding options. Peterson said the city will likely seek legislative approval in 2027 for a local sales tax referendum that, if approved by voters, could begin generating revenue in 2028 and help cover future project payments. An initial down payment of at least $300,000 would be required once a contract is awarded.
Peterson explains how the city intends to work on paying for the new system, amid ongoing cashflow concerns:
Mayor Dan Fabian made the motion directing staff to continue negotiations with Modern Mechanical and develop more detailed payment schedules, timelines and contract terms. If those details prove unworkable, the proposal would return to the council for further consideration. The motion passed unanimously, allowing the city to move forward while continuing to pursue a future local sales tax to help finance the project.
GREENBUSH, Minn — Construction on Highway 11 in Greenbush is moving into its next phase. MnDOT says crews have wrapped up curb, gutter, and sidewalk work in Stage 1, with paving expected to be completed later this week.
Beginning next week, construction will shift into Stage 2. Highway 11 will be closed between the west side of 7th Street and the east side of 4th Street for approximately seven weeks while crews continue rebuilding the roadway. That work includes installing new storm sewer, reconstructing the highway, rebuilding sidewalks, and putting in the foundations for new corridor lighting.
MnDOT reminds motorists and residents that all construction activities and traffic impacts are weather dependent. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, follow posted detours, and use extra caution when traveling through the Greenbush construction zone.
For the first time in over 10 years International Falls will host a Pow-Wow at Smokey Bear Park Saturday August 8th from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Katie Deegan, Research Project Coordinator of Essentia Institute shared what the event means to the community.
Deegan says the Pow-Wow is more than a celebration, and it’s also a chance to honor the expression of culture, history, and community.
Throughout the day, visitors will hear performances from five drum groups, including Burtside Lake, Broken Horn, Sky Nation, Agency One, and the Lake Vermilion Singers as International Falls welcomes back its first Pow-Wow in more than ten years.
