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.

The Special Olympics were held last week in the Twin Cities, and Fosston Native Brad Goss has returned home with some hardware after receiving a gold medal for winning their bracket. Goss spoke with R&J News and said that it felt really good to take home the gold, as they actually lost early in the tournament but rebounded. 

Goss says being able to participate in a tournament of this caliber was a great experience.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

LAKE OF THE WOODS, Minn — A new memoir rooted in the history of Lake of the Woods will be the focus of two upcoming community events in Warroad and Roseau. Author Jill D. Swenson will visit the area to discuss The Land of Everlasting Sky: A Memoir of Loss and Legacy on Lake of the Woods, a book that explores the region’s history through the story of the Ojibway medicine man known as “Everlasting Sky.” 

Joining her for both events will be Don Kakaygeesick, Everlasting Sky’s great-grandson, offering a unique local and family perspective on the story. The first conversation takes place Wednesday, July 9th at 6:30 p.m. at the Warroad Public Library, followed by a second event Monday, July 13th at 11 a.m. at the Roseau County Museum. 

Both programs are free and open to the public. Swenson, a Wisconsin author and former journalism professor, has spent years researching the history and legacy of the Lake of the Woods region. She’ll also lead a Swedish wheat weaving workshop at the Warroad Folk School on July 14th.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

CROOKSTON, Minn — University of Minnesota Extension is offering a hands-on farm equipment safety program next month aimed at helping new and inexperienced machinery operators build confidence behind the wheel.

The Drive & Thrive workshop will be held July 27 at the Northwest Research and Outreach Center in Crookston, with a second session on July 28 possible if enough people register.

Participants will receive one-on-one instruction operating a tractor with an implement and a pickup truck with a trailer. The training also covers safely hooking up equipment, backing trailers and implements, tractor controls, hazard awareness, basic maintenance, and practical farm safety skills. Group sessions will also include farm risk management and first aid basics.

The workshop is open to adults 18 and older, regardless of experience level. Registration is limited, and the cost is $35, which includes a meal.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

STRANDQUIST, Minn — A major milestone in flood protection and conservation is set to take place Tuesday in northwest Minnesota. After more than a decade of planning and collaboration, local, state and regional leaders will gather in Marshall County to officially break ground on the Nelson Slough Improvement Project. R&J News’ Graham Scher will be in attendance and tells us more.

Minnesota Seventh District Representative Michelle Fischbach is marking the fourth anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade. Fischbach announced she is an original co-sponsor of a congressional resolution recognizing the anniversary.

Fischbach said the resolution commemorates what she describes as lives saved following the Dobbs decision and supports policies aimed at protecting unborn children while providing resources and support for mothers and families.

According to Fischbach’s office, the resolution also marks the anniversary of the Dobbs ruling and reaffirms congressional support for policies focused on protecting unborn life and expanding support networks for mothers and their children.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

ROSEAU, Minn — A familiar face in Roseau County is stepping into a new leadership role at Border Bank.

Andrew Faken has been named Market President of the bank’s Roseau location, succeeding longtime Market President Tim Loven, who retired earlier this month. Faken, a Lancaster native, began his banking career in 2009 and joined Border Bank in 2018 as a Credit Officer. He was promoted to Business Banker in 2022 and has worked closely with businesses and community members throughout the greater Roseau area.

Faken is a graduate of North Dakota State University with a degree in finance and has remained active in the region beyond his banking career. He currently serves as Vice President of the Northwestern Minnesota Manufacturers Association, helping support one of Northwest Minnesota’s key economic sectors.

Bank officials say Faken’s strong community ties, experience in commercial lending, and understanding of the local economy made him a natural choice to lead the Roseau branch. In his new role, he will oversee operations and continue working with local businesses and residents throughout the region.

For sugarbeet growers across the Red River Valley, Cercospora Leaf Spot season is fast approaching, organizations like Minnesota and NDSU Extension are encouraging producers to get ahead of leaf spot before it’s too late. Dr Eric Branch of Minnesota Extension says it’s important to be getting in the field for application soon.

When it comes to leaf spot application prevention, Branch says most of the industry is in universal agreement on an application plan.

For more agricultural news and programming, go to the Farm News webpage at rjbroadcasting.com.

Minnesota crop conditions declined slightly over the past week as uneven rainfall continues to impact fields across the state.

According to the USDA’s latest weekly crop report, 79 percent of the state’s corn crop is rated good to excellent, down one percentage point from the previous week. Soybeans saw a larger decline, falling from 80 to 76 percent good to excellent. University of Minnesota Extension crops educator Ryan Miller says moisture conditions have varied widely across Minnesota, with some growers receiving timely rains while others have struggled with drier conditions. Miller says that uneven moisture has led to one of the biggest challenges this season—spotty soybean emergence.

Miller says some growers in the driest areas saw soybean emergence stretched over a two-week period, but recent rains have helped establish stands and keep the crop moving forward. Despite the uneven conditions, soybean emergence statewide is at 97 percent, ahead of the five-year average of 93 percent.

Minnesota crop conditions declined slightly over the past week as uneven rainfall continues to impact fields across the state.

According to the USDA’s latest weekly crop report, 79 percent of the state’s corn crop is rated good to excellent, down one percentage point from the previous week. Soybeans saw a larger decline, falling from 80 to 76 percent good to excellent. University of Minnesota Extension crops educator Ryan Miller says moisture conditions have varied widely across Minnesota, with some growers receiving timely rains while others have struggled with drier conditions. Miller says that uneven moisture has led to one of the biggest challenges this season—spotty soybean emergence.

Miller says some growers in the driest areas saw soybean emergence stretched over a two-week period, but recent rains have helped establish stands and keep the crop moving forward. Despite the uneven conditions, soybean emergence statewide is at 97 percent, ahead of the five-year average of 93 percent.