In Northern Minnesota, where small towns stretch between forests and frozen lakes, the state’s financial troubles are starting to feel close to home. Local leaders say tightening budgets in St. Paul could mean fewer resources for rural schools, road repairs, and healthcare access—services already stretched thin across the region. 

Minnesota State Representative Steve Gander spoke with R&J News following Governor Tim Walz’s State of the State speech earlier this week. 

The East Grand Forks Republican compared Minnesota’s economy from the time before Walz took office and the current situation.

Congress is taking steps aimed at lowering energy costs for American households. Last week, Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach and other House Republicans passed several pieces of legislation focused on expanding domestic energy production and reducing regulatory hurdles.

One is known as the HEATS Act, and it removes repetitive permitting requirements for geothermal projects on non-federal lands.

Lawmakers also approved an extension for hydropower construction deadlines. Many of those projects faced delays during the COVID-era supply chain disruptions, and the extension is intended to keep them moving forward.

In addition, the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act repeals mandates requiring federal buildings to phase out fossil fuel energy, shifting the focus toward what supporters call more reliable and cost-effective energy sources.

Supporters say the combined efforts are designed to increase energy supply and bring down prices for families, including those in Northern Minnesota, where residents in areas like Roseau and Kittson counties often face higher heating and energy costs.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

Warroad, Minn — Warroad residents have a chance to catch a free craft session and unique live music experience close to home this Thursday at Warroad Riverplace. 

On Thursday afternoon, families can stop in for a free craft session inspired by the Minnesota fishing opener. Kids can drop by between 3:30 and 5:30 to create colorful fish scratch art in a relaxed, hands-on setting. 

Later that evening, pianist and composer Philip Daniel will be performing at 7pm on stage at Riverplace. 

Daniel is bringing a mix of original piano music, electronic elements, subtle percussion and visual effects designed specifically for the RiverPlace digital wall, enhancing the performance and visual experience for all who attend.

Tickets are just $12 for adults, $7 for students. More information on these events and tickets for the concert can be found at warroadriverplace.org. 

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is now accepting entries for its “Great State of Minnesota” exhibit, coming to Thief River Falls this summer.

Artists from across the region including Roseau, Lake of the Woods, Kittson, and Marshall counties are encouraged to submit work that reflects what Minnesota’s landscapes, culture, and everyday life in the north means to you.

Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Director Mara Hanel

For more information, go to northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc

Warroad, Minn — Warroad residents gathered at Warroad High School Theater for the April Townhall Meeting last week.

With one main topic being economic development, one of the presentations that took place that night was from the SBDC of Greater Bemidji. Presenter Phil Knutson first explains what the SBDC is.

Knutson shares how many business consultants are in the Northern region and in what ways they help someone interested in starting a business.

For more information or to get started with Small Business Development Center services, business owners can visit sba.gov.

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council recently announced their annual Art Exhibit award winners, and multiple Ada Borup West students, and staff were among those who were recognized. Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Director Mara Hanel tells us more.  

Hanel also highlighted some of the other regional artists who received recognition. 

For more information, go to northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

Warroad, Minn — A joint public meeting is set for Wednesday evening in Warroad, bringing together city and township officials to discuss proposed transportation changes that could impact local access.

The meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. at Warroad City Hall and includes representatives from the City of Warroad, Lake Township, and Moranville Township.

At issue are plans from MnDOT to close two crossings at 340th Street and 610th Avenue. Those crossings currently provide access from Kirkwood Drive to Highway 11. In addition, Canadian National Railway is proposing a new rail siding that would begin near Casino Road and extend east for about two miles.

Residents are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and share concerns about how these changes could affect travel and access in the area.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc

Warroad, Minn — Veterans and community members are invited to a special Veterans’ Coffee gathering on Monday, May 4th at 10:00 a.m. The event will be held at the Warroad Senior Living Center and is hosted by the Warroad American Legion Auxiliary, with support from the center’s staff.

Veterans can enjoy coffee and treats donated by Mary Cole of Cowcreek Bakery and Market. Friends, family, and all auxiliary members are encouraged to come connect, and show support for local veterans.

Those planning to attend should enter through the south entrance of the facility, turn right, walk past the pool tables, and then turn left to find the gathering.

Again, the Veteran’s Coffee event is Monday, May 4th at 10:00 a.m. at the Warroad Senior Living Center.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

Warroad, Minn — Warroad Robotics will compete at the FIRST Robotics World Championships beginning Thursday in Houston, but did you know that the Warroad Robotics team also has several other programs that can help younger students develop their knowledge and love for robotics before High School. Warroad FRED Team Instructor Jeremy Culleton explains more about FLL

Culleton also explains what FTC is and how it offers students a different opportunity.

Be sure to join us for our FIRST Robotics World Championship coverage this Thursday through Sunday on KQ92 and KRWB.