Several artists from northwest Minnesota are among the newest graduates of the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council’s Teaching Artist Roster Program. Alyssa Aune of Gatzke, Beau Bakken and Caylie Nicholson of Hallock, and Samantha Harrill of Warroad are part of a group of 14 artists who recently completed the training. 

They join a growing roster of 23 artists who are now available to lead residencies and workshops in schools, festivals, and community organizations across the region. Existing roster members also include Roseau artists Janet Johnson and Aliza Novacek-Olson, along with Greenbush artist Jolene Juhl.

The program prepares artists to work with students and community groups through hands-on instruction in visual arts, performing arts, writing, and other creative disciplines. Schools and organizations can apply for grant funding through the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council to bring these trained artists into their communities.

By Graham Scher – R&J Broadcasting, Inc. | Tuesday, July 14, 2026

ROSEAU, Minn. — A Roseau man was injured in a crash Monday afternoon on Roseau County Road 9 in rural Roseau County. 

According to a crash report from the Minnesota State Patrol, 70-year-old Mitchel John Roggenbuck was driving northbound on Roseau County Road 9, just north of County Road 4 in Mickinock Township, when the SUV vaulted over a field approach and rolled into the west ditch.  

The State Patrol says that Roggenbuck was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, though he sustained non-life-threatening injuries and has been taken to LifeCare Medical Center in Roseau for treatment. 

The Roseau County Sheriff’s Office, Roseau Fire Department and Roseau Ambulance all responded to the crash and continues to remind all residents to make sure they are to avoid serious injuries in the event of an accident. The Roseau County Sheriff’s Office, Roseau Fire Department and Roseau Ambulance all responded to the crash Monday afternoon.

By Graham Scher – R&J Broadcasting, Inc. | Monday, July 13, 2026

WARROAD, Minn. — A new art exhibit is now on display at Warroad RiverPlace, inviting visitors to step into a world of imagination and storytelling. “Folklore and Fairy Tales” by Warroad artist Holly Marie Crowther is open now through August 29th and features a collection of paintings, illustrations, and needle-felted creations inspired by classic folklore and timeless fairy tales. Riverplace’s Laura Larson has more details.

Admission is free, giving residents and visitors alike a chance to experience the unique exhibit throughout the summer. Warroad RiverPlace is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the exhibit and other upcoming events, visit the RiverPlace website.

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.