By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

ROSEAU, Minn — Volunteers are needed to help bring Roseau’s Nights of Lights holiday display to life this year. A volunteer meet-and-greet is happening TONIGHT at 5:30 at the Pioneer Farm Hall. You can learn more about the event, find out how to get involved, and sign up for email updates.

No experience is needed, and there’s no big time commitment required. Whether you enjoy decorating, greeting visitors, or simply spreading some holiday cheer, organizers say every helping hand makes a difference.

The community tradition runs December 18th through the 26th.

For more information or to sign up to volunteer, visit GoRoseau.com and look for the Nights of Lights volunteer information.

MnDOT updated its bike system plan most recently prior to 2026 a full decade ago in 2026 and now they are adding a + to the title as they seek to include safety measures for the rising use of e-bikes and electric powered scooters. Recently, the organization also opened its public comment period for their statewide Bicycle+ System Plan which will close on October 23rd as they seek your comments on how the plan is approaching making biking easier and safer in the state.

Once finalized after feedback is taken into consideration, the plan will develop the pathway to improvement for bikeways on trunk highways and routes that cross them. MnDOT is dedicating itself toward advancing biking and creating a safer means to participate throughout Minnesota.

The plan in its current draft state is based in part on several rounds of public engagement which include this public comment period followed by final meetings with each project committee to present the results of the feedback as well as proposed revisions to the plan.

By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Friday, October 9, 2025

ROSEAU, Minn. – Community Development Coordinator Todd Peterson provided an update on Roseau’s Memorial Arena project’s progress at the city’s latest meeting.

Peterson said the roof work should be complete, with the materials supplier providing a warranty and Roof One documenting its work with photos. Crews found and repaired more nail pops than expected, prompting plans to check the roof again in a year.

Peterson explained who would take responsibility for ensuring the project is holding up after completion:

Meanwhile, Modern Mechanical will walk through the facility to assess upcoming work, including preparing a pad for new compressors.

The city is also exploring financing options for the portion of the project not covered by Mighty Ducks funding. Officials hope to avoid a $1.6 million expense in a single year. Citizens State Bank is reviewing short- and long-term options, while the city continues to consider future sales tax revenue. More financing options could be presented at the November meeting.

By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Thursday, October 8, 2026

ROSEAU, Minn. — The Roseau Economic Development Authority met September 30th, with the only actionable project involving housing infrastructure and a proposed development in the city. At the city’s most recent council meeting Community Development Coordinator Todd Peterson talked about seeking federal HUD funding to complete future projects.

Peterson explained what HUD funding programs entailed:

Peterson says Roseau would need to prepare its project details well in advance if it wants to pursue federal funding:

The funding model has been used in Park Rapids, where an area housing authority secured nearly four million dollars in congressional funding to support a housing subdivision. The project also used city funding to purchase land, with the city expected to be repaid as lots are sold.

Peterson says Roseau could seek a similar congressional appropriation, but the process is lengthy and not guaranteed. Applications are typically prepared in February or March before going to Congress and the Appropriations Committee.

The goal would be long-term infrastructure development, rather than an immediate solution to current needs.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

GREENBUSH, Minn — The Highway 11 construction project through Greenbush is now complete.

MnDOT says the project included reconstruction of the highway, sidewalks, storm sewer improvements, corridor lighting and utility work. The department is thanking residents, businesses and motorists for their patience and commitment to safety throughout the project.

The project website now also has photos showing the completed work. You can find those pictures online at the MnDOT website by searching for the Highway 11 Greenbush project webpage.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

GRYGLA, Minn — October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and schools across the region are using their athletic events to show support for those who have battled cancer, remember those who have been lost, and recognize the survivors and families who continue to fight.

Grygla Public School will be doing its part Thursday night with a Pink Out during the Chargers’ volleyball match on October 8 hosting Kittson County Central.

The school will be turning the gym pink as students, athletes and fans come together to show their support and help bring awareness to breast cancer and the impact it has on families throughout the area.

Grygla Superintendent Nick Amb says the night is about much more than just volleyball, and he explains what the school has planned and who they are honoring.

Again that match is Thursday night at Grygla schools.

By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Wednesday, October 7, 2026

ROSEAU, Minn. — At its latest meeting, the Roseau City Council discussed what to do with THC sales at the city-owned liquor store. A federal change taking effect December 11 will make many hemp-derived THC products currently legal under Minnesota law federally illegal.

The city is weighing lost revenue against the cost of continuing to sell the products,  including potential insurance and federal funding concerns. Liquor Store Manager Niki Johnson plans to meet with a committee to determine what could work for Roseau.

City councilman Pat Novacek explained how the city is preparing to manage the impending deadline with these issues in mind:

The change was introduced by Republican Senator Mitch McConnell, and was included in a spending bill passed by the Republican-controlled Congress and signed by President Donald Trump in November 2025. The law changes the federal definition of hemp, including a limit of 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container. The provision is set to take effect December 11, 2026.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

ROSEAU, Minn — Four Roseau High School students are being recognized for their accomplishments through the school’s AAA and Excel Awards for the school year.

Senior students and junior students were selected for their efforts in the classroom and in their extracurricular activities. Roseau school superintendent Tom Jerome was on the KQ92/KRWB morning show and announced this year’s winners from the Junior and Senior class. 

The award gives Roseau students an opportunity to be recognized not only for their work in the classroom, but also for their involvement and accomplishments outside of it. Jerome explains further.

Congratulations to Owen Cummings, Elizabeth DeRosier, Annie Broten and Reese Semmingson on being selected as the September AAA Award recipients.

By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Tuesday, October 6, 2026

ROSEAU, Minn. — At Roseau’s latest city council meeting, Roseau County Commissioner Jack Swanson provided an update on the county’s preliminary levy for 2027. Swanson said the county’s preliminary levy was set at a 13% increase in September as officials worked to balance the county’s budget. However, the county’s goal is to bring that increase below 10% before the levy is finalized.

City Councilman Pat Novacek discussed what this could mean for property taxes for residents and businesses within the city of Roseau:

While the County’s preliminary levy is increasing, Commissioner Swanson noted that the county and city’s net tax capacity is also expected to increase by about 7%. If a property’s value does not change, that increase in tax capacity could mean a property owner sees little change in their property taxes, or potentially a slight decrease.

Swanson also said some of the shift in the tax burden has moved toward agricultural land. The county will continue working through its budget and levy before the final 2027 property tax amounts are determined.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

WARROAD, Minn — Regional artists are being invited to submit their work for an upcoming exhibition at Warroad RiverPlace.

“Small Wonders” will showcase small-scale works of art from artists throughout the region. Artists interested in participating have until October 17 to submit their creations, and there is no entry fee.

The exhibition will open November 10 and remain on display through December 19 at Warroad RiverPlace, giving an opportunity to see a variety of artwork from local and regional artists.

Artists interested in submitting work can find the exhibition details, submission requirements and application information at warroadriverplace.org.

Again, the deadline to submit work for “Small Wonders” is October 17th, with the exhibition starting November 10th.