A busy Warroad School Board meeting last week held several big announcements for the upcoming school year including starting before Labor Day for the next 2 years. Superintendent Dr. Shawn Yates also told us about a recent grant Warroad schools approved from the Department of Commerce that will help their modern transportation system. Dr. Yates tells us more.
Yates was asked how the school will plan to utilize the electric school buses with their transportation plan.
Yates said Warroad Schools expect to have the 2 electric school buses ready to go by the end of next school year.
The Warroad School Board meeting provided more exciting school news. More on that coming up later this week in future newscasts here on KQ92 and KRWB.
Michelle Fischbach of Minnesota District 7 updated as a cosponsor on the Save America Act. This legislation has passed the House floor for the second time and is now in the Senate. The SAVE America Act will require proof of citizenship to register to vote and require a valid photo ID to vote in federal elections. It will also force states to establish programs to identify and remove non-citizens from existing voter rolls.
The support for voter identification is overwhelming: 84% of Americans support requiring photo ID to vote, and 83% support providing proof of citizenship when registering to vote for the first time.
Fischbach sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi asking for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to take action against Governor Walz and Secretary of State Steve Simon, as they have refused to hand over Minnesota’s voter rolls. The DOJ originally requested these records in early January to ensure the state is complying with federal laws, like the Civil Rights Act of 1960, which are designed to prevent illegal voting and fraud.
Critics, including Democrats and voting rights groups, contend the bill could create barriers for eligible voters. Research cited by opponents estimates that more than 21 million Americans lack ready access to required documents, and that roughly 52% of registered voters don’t have an unexpired passport with their current legal name while 11% lack access to a birth certificate.
Opponents say these requirements could disproportionately affect women, young voters, and low-income and rural residents, potentially complicating registration and overwhelming election offices. Supporters counter that existing safeguards aren’t enough and that proof of citizenship is a commonsense standard.
Springsteel Resort is hosting its annual Fishing Derby this weekend in partnership with the Warroad Area Chamber of Commerce — and anglers from across the region are gearing up for a great day on the ice.
The derby takes place this Saturday February 21st at Springsteel Resort in Warroad, offering friendly competition, community spirit, and the chance to land a prize-winning catch. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just looking for a fun way to spend the day, this event is open to everyone.
Tickets are just twenty dollars and can be purchased at locations throughout the City of Warroad.
Prizes include multiple cash prizes, tickets to the Minnesota Wild, an 8 inch Ion Steel Auger, 65 inch TV, Striker Bibs plus coat, plus so much more.
Don’t miss the annual Fishing Derby this Saturday — cast your line, reel in the fun, and be part of a Warroad tradition at Springsteel Resort.
It is the time of year where many can start to feel cooped up in their homes, especially with more snow in the forecast this week in Northern Minnesota. Connie Cox of Itasca State Park says a trip to the park could be very beneficial to your physical and mental health this winter as we get ready for spring.
You can go to the Itasca State Park Webpage on the Minnesota DNR website at dnr.state.mn.us for more information on park services and amenities.
The Keep It Clean program is expanding its presence on Rainy Lake this winter, encouraging anglers to properly dispose of trash and waste while out on the ice.
Jolene Simon with the Koochiching County Soil and Water Conservation District says the program began in Lake of the Woods more than a decade ago and has grown significantly.
The effort focuses on preventing garbage, human waste, and pet waste from being left on the ice, where it can enter the lake during spring melt. Simon tells us what they have added recently to help with waste left behind.
This season, partners have placed garbage bins at key access points including Birchdale, Ash River, and Lake Kabetogama.
Organizers remind anglers to use the provided receptacles or pack out what they bring in — helping protect area waters throughout the winter season.
The Warroad Wanderers Student Travel Club is inviting you to a two-day Silent Auction this Friday, February 20th from 10 to 5, and Saturday, February 21st from 10 to 4 at Warroad RiverPlace.
Stop by Riverplace to bid, win, and make a difference. Every bid helps open the world to Travel Club students, supporting their life-changing journey to Europe filled with learning, culture, and discovery.
Exciting prizes include Ballard’s four-person, one-day ice fishing package, Northern Toboggan traditional wooden snowshoes, Hampton Inn Summit 49 gift certificates, and much more.
Browse the tables, write down your bids, and keep an eye on your favorite items — highest bid at closing wins!
For more information, contact April Symes or Danielle Smith at Warroad Schools.
Warroad School Board met Tuesday and Dr. Shawn Yates was a guest on community conversation to discuss a couple changes the board has decided on for the next couple school years. Dr. Yates tells us more.
Dr. Yates also explained how this change will be able to help with flexibility during the school year and he confirmed the start and end dates for Warroad students.
More coming from what was an information-filled Warroad School Board meeting.
With this major winter storm blowing across parts of Northwest Minnesota, some local and area school districts have announced that students will shift to e-learning today instead of attending in-person classes.
Warroad schools will operate under E-learning, please check the E-learning Day plan posted on the school website for more details. There will also be no Kid Kare today.
Roseau Schools are also utilizing E-learning today. There is no Little Rams today, and all school buildings and facilities will be closed today.
Badger School and Grygla School and buses will run on a 2-hour delay this morning. Breakfast will still be served this morning.
The decision comes as heavy snow and hazardous road conditions make travel unsafe for buses, staff and families.
A Livestock Producer Workshop will take place on Monday, February 23rd, from 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM at the VFW in Baudette.
Speakers will include specialists from the Sustainable Farming Association, the Minnesota Grazing Lands Conservation Association, and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture that will provide valuable information and resources for livestock producers.
There will also be staff from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, and the Soil and Water Conservation District to highlight available technical and financial assistance.
Refreshments will be provided. Walk-ins are Welcome, but registrations are preferred
To register contact the Lake of the Woods SWCD at 218-395-4306.
Warroad RiverPlace invites the public to a free reception and open house this Thursday, February 19, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., celebrating Nikki Besser’s exhibit Portrayals in Paper: Tales of Overcoming.
Through the intricate art form of paper quilling, which involves rolling, shaping, and arranging strips of paper, Besser’s large-scale works offer a unique and awe-inspiring experience. Her detailed portraits, often featuring birds and animals, invite viewers into imagined landscapes where reality and fantasy intertwine.
Guests can meet the artist, browse the exhibit, and enjoy light refreshments at this free event. The exhibit will remain on view through March 21, 2026, and is free to visit Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
After the reception, stay for a concert by the acclaimed vocal duo Aria Nouveau at 7:30 p.m. presented by the Northern Lights Concert Association.For more information, visit warroadriverplace.org.
