Ice Fishing season is underway, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is reminding anglers to make sure they do their part in keeping our waters free of trash. Minnesota DNR Fisheries Supervisor Nathan Olson says you could face heavy fines for failing to keep your site clean.
Olson also reminds anglers about the new regulation allowing the use of previously banned types of non-motorized hook setting devices.
More information about ice fishing regulations can be seen on the Minnesota DNR Website.
Lil’ Chompers Child Care of Greenbush has announced a major step forward in plans for its new child care center. Bid packets for the upcoming facility are now officially available, and advertisements inviting contractors to bid have been placed in several regional newspapers, including The Greenbush Tribune, Roseau Times-Region, Thief River Falls Times, Grand Forks Herald, and Bemidji Pioneer.
Contractors interested in the project are invited to attend the bid opening on Thursday, February 5th, at 2 p.m. at the Greenbush Community Center. Organizers say this milestone marks continued progress on expanding child care services for local families — a need that has been identified as a top community priority and supported through multiple funding sources.
Lil’ Chompers Board President Karen Dvergsten says the project wouldn’t be possible without strong community support. She says volunteers and generous donors have played a key role in bringing the project this far.
Lil’ Chompers Child Care hopes to break ground this spring, with plans to open the new facility in January of 2027. Once completed, the center expects to serve around 60 children, ranging in age from six weeks to 13 years old.
For more information, community members can email lilchomperschildcare@gmail.com or contact a Lil’ Chompers board member.
Mark Ellerbusch has announced his campaign for Marshall County Sheriff. Current Sheriff Jason Boman is planning to retire, and Ellerbusch says he hopes to build on the strong foundation Boman has established during his 33 years of service to the county.
Ellerbusch brings 13 years of law enforcement experience to the race. A lifelong Marshall County resident, he says he is running to ensure the Sheriff’s Office remains professional, accountable, and focused on serving every member of the community.
If elected, Ellerbusch says his priorities include supporting deputies and staff, keeping communities safe, and maintaining transparency and accountability. He adds that he wants residents, businesses, and schools to know they can always depend on the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office.
Online registration for the Bears Swim Club is now open! This is a great opportunity for young swimmers to build technique, endurance, and confidence while being part of a fun, team-focused program.
Students grades 3rd and above are allowed to participate this tear for a small fee depending on age. Spots are limited and practices will begin in early March.
Swimmers must be able to swim at least one full length of the pool without stopping and be proficient in freestyle and backstroke.
Students can register online at lakeofthewoodsschool.org/communityed. Or there are in-person registration dates this week beginning Tuesday January 20th from 4-6pm at Lake of the Woods school. Each swimmer who registers in person will receive a free swim pass. There is also another in-person registration night Friday January 23rd from 4-6pm.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released its 2025 forest health report, and the state’s forests saw some first-time visitors last year. Forest Health Program Coordinator Brian Schwingle tells us the latest insects and other species that were recorded for the very first time.
Schwingle says none of those outbreaks are a concern to the state’s forests. You can view the full report by visiting the DNR’s website.
Lake of the Woods School is hosting their annual sub-section 32 One-Act Play this Saturday at Lake of the Woods High school in Baudette. Several schools will be there to participate in this year’s competition. Bear Activities Director Sam Lyon tells us about the event and what people are looking forward to for this competition.
Lyon tells us about why the event is so competitive and what kids are doing to prepare.
Lake of the Woods will host the event this Saturday with play beginning at 11am and running throughout the day for all 5 schools participating.
The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion’s Council (MSR&PC) is looking for area producers to run for a soon to be vacant position on the council’s Board of Directors. MSR&PC District 1,2, & 3 Director Corey Hanson tells us more.
Hansen explains how you can get the process in filing for the position started.
If you’re not interested in filing for the position, but would like to help the MSR&PC in different ways, Hnason says the best thing you can do is fill out their surveys, when you receive them.
For more information on the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion’s Council go to mnsoybean.org/MSRPC.
The Minnesota DNR is looking to fill 175 paid summer internship positions. Human Resources Intern Specialist Hannah Ziemann says the internships provide great opportunities for those interested in the field.
Ziemann says they’ve got some spots available in the forestry division as well.
More info on the positions can be found on the DNR’s website.
The Warroad Girls Hockey program is celebrating their 600th win in program history earlier this week in a win over Thief River Falls.
Warroad High School Athletic Director Mark Chamernick gave the squad a special shoutout, from the coaches and assistants to players, to let the community know about this incredible accomplishment.
Warroad Girls will be back in action this weekend vs Orono at the Sanford Center in Bemidji as a part of the 218 Classic.
Winter weather produces slick and dangerous driving conditions and can result in drivers sliding into ditches and stalled along the road. While we all try to avoid these incidents, the reality is that it happens. Acting with proper safety during this time is crucial. The greatest danger isn’t always the initial incident – it can be the secondary crashwhen other drivers hit the same patch of ice or fail to see you. This can be extremely dangerous for the victims of the initial crash and first responders on the scene.
If you find yourself stuck or disabled on the roadside, you should:
Never get out of your vehicle: to inspect damage on a busy or icy road. You are safer inside the steel frame of your vehicle. Keep your seat belt fastened, turn on your hazard lights immediately so other drivers can see you.
If the vehicle is disabled, shift to the seat furthest away from traffic. If the car is drivable, don’t worry about “preserving the scene.” Carefully drive to the nearest off-ramp, parking lot, or underpass to get away from traffic. Always make sure to call 911 when safe to do so.
