By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

Warroad, Minn — Warroad Ducks Unlimited is holding their annual Sportsman Bingo at Springsteel Resort in Warroad Saturday April 18th. Ducks Unlimited volunteer Scott Kezar updates us on what is happening for the event.

Kezar also told us more about what prizes are available for bingo and raffle drawings.

Kezar tells us how you can get signed up for the event and who you can call to reserve your spot.

If you’d like to get involved as a volunteer with Ducks Unlimited, you can find more info on their website at duminnesota.org.

Full interview with Scott Kezar:

The Norman County Court Administration Office held their first ever Juror Appreciation Day at the Norman County Courthouse Wednesday. Minnesota Ninth Judicial District Judge the Honorable Annie Claesson-Huseby (Claw-son whos-bee) explains why this was an event they wanted to host for the first time.

Claesson-Huseby says serving on a jury when called upon is imperative to our Justice System, and what keeps it working.

Claesson-Huseby says she is thankful that the residents of the Ninth Judicial District have been willing to show up and do their civic duty of being a juror when called upon.

Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District consists of the seventeen counties across Northwest Minnesota, including Kittson, Lake of the Woods and Roseau counties.

Coming up this weekend, Ogema (O-Gee-Ma) Native and local music star Cathy Erickson will be inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame in New Ulm. R&J News had the opportunity to catch up with Erickson, who said she was shocked when she found out she was going to be inducted. 

Erickson shares more about herself, and how she was first introduced to music. 

Erickson says she played a number of different instruments growing up, which led to her being a part of her first band “The Alley Cats”. 

On top of her playing career with the Alley Cats and The Cathy Erickson Band, Erickson says she also hosts a Radio Program, which has listeners all over the nation. 

You can learn more about the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame by going to mnmusichalloffame.org.

This Sunday, April 12th, the sounds of country and gospel music will fill the air at the Greenbush Community Center. From 2 to 5 p.m., local musicians and music lovers are coming together for a laid-back Country and Gospel Music Jam.

It’s an open, welcoming event where folks can stop by the community center, listen in, or even join in on the singing. The event promises strong fellowship and good gospel and country tunes. 

And guests are encouraged to participate in more than just music, as attendees can stick around for a potluck napkin lunch happening from 4 to 6 p.m. Bring a dish to share or simply come enjoy good food and great company.

So mark your calendar for this Sunday April 12th, and spend your Sunday afternoon celebrating music and community at the Greenbush Community Center.

Michelle Fischbach and Pete Stauber, both representing northern Minnesota—are introducing new legislation aimed at tightening oversight of federal assistance programs.

Fischbach and Stauber unveiled the Preventing the Repatriation of American Benefits Act, which they say is designed to keep federal aid dollars here in the United States.

The proposal would revoke welfare eligibility for non-citizens who send more than one thousand dollars a year overseas.

For residents in Roseau County and Lake of the Woods County, both lawmakers say the issue hits close to home, pointing to fraud investigations across Minnesota that found billions in taxpayer dollars were misused, with some funds traced outside the country.

In statements, Fischbach said the bill would help ensure assistance supports local communities, while Stauber says it would help keep taxpayer dollars from going to criminals abroad.Residents who want to learn more or share their input can visit house.gov and search their representative’s website for details on the proposed legislation.

Access to local healthcare remains a top priority across far northern Minnesota, especially in communities like Roseau County and Lake of the Woods County.

Facilities such as LifeCare Medical Center in Roseau and CHI LakeWood Health in Baudette continue working to provide care close to home—from emergency services to routine and long-term care.

Healthcare leaders say access to nearby services helps reduce travel time for patients and ensures faster response in critical situations, particularly in rural areas.

Also supporting that effort are community organizations like the United Way of Northeastern Minnesota, which helps fund dozens of regional programs focused on health, wellness, and basic needs.

As part of its 60th anniversary, United Way is now working to raise an additional 600-thousand dollars to expand support for local services and strengthen community resources.

Partnerships between healthcare providers and nonprofit organizations are key to maintaining access and meeting growing demand. Residents can learn more, get involved, or contribute to local efforts by contacting local healthcare providers directly or visiting their website.

Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach of Minnesota’s Seventh Congressional District is encouraging local high school students to take part in this year’s Congressional Art Competition.

The annual, nonpartisan contest gives young artists from across western Minnesota a chance to showcase their creativity and hard work.

Winning artwork will be displayed in district offices in Moorhead and Willmar, as well as in Washington, D.C. The first-place winner will receive a special honor—their piece will be showcased in the U.S. Capitol, where it will be viewed by members of Congress, staff, and visitors from around the world.

The deadline to submit entries is 5 p.m. Central Time on Monday, April 20th, 2026. For more information on how to participate, students can visit the congresswoman’s official website.

$90,000 is available for artists in Northern Minnesota who need immediate assistance or care, and have until May 3rd to apply for this emergency funding.

The Arrowhead Regional Arts Council (ARAC) received the funds to distribute through the Artist Emergency Relief Fund Network. Grants and Operations Coordinator Toni St. Godard says this funding is not quite as competitive and is easier to access than many traditional grants that often come with strict requirements.

The program provides grants of $500 or $1,000 to artists who have faced personal emergencies related to healthcare, housing, equipment, or legal issues since January 1, 2025.

Applications are open now through May 3rd on the ARAC website, a-r-a-council.org.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

Warroad, Minn — As the season heads into Week 6, the Warroad F.R.E.D. robotics team is entering crunch time.

After weeks of designing, building, and refining, the team is now preparing to hit the road for their Week 6 competition in St. Cloud next week to put their robot to the test against some of the top teams in the region. Warroad Senior and F.R.E.D Team President Patrick Bane told us about their robot this year and how he would like to do, comparing it to the team’s 2023 win in the Great Northern Regional.

Junior designer and lead fabricator Everett Peterson told us some things they’ve done recently to their robot since their last competition and how the impact team has helped them advance.

We also caught up with F.R.E.D instructor Jeremy Culleton, who told us more about the IMPACT side of robotics and how it can help you get to State or even Worlds.

The Warroad F.R.E.D. robotics team will travel to St. Cloud next week, hoping their hard work pays off as they close out another season of competition.