The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council (NWMAC) is currently seeking art submissions for an upcoming Folk Art Exhibit in Thief River Falls. NWMAC Director Mara Hanel tells us more about this upcoming exhibit.

Hanel also shared some examples as to what is considered folk art.

In other arts council news, Hanel says they are also accepting grant submissions for a new program that aims to help local artists going through hardship.

For more information on upcoming art submission deadlines or grants, go to the NWMAC website at northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org .

The Baudette City Council met in regular session Monday night at the Government City Building in Baudette, with the upcoming 2027 budget one of the first items discussed. Council members said department heads will need to begin putting their proposals together soon so the city can work toward completing the final budget for next year.

Councilwoman Liz Weigel explained after Monday night’s meeting what the council is looking for from each department head.

With the budget process now getting underway, the next question is when those proposals need to be submitted and whether the city has a deadline for getting the entire 2027 budget completed.

Weigel explained the timeline and when department heads will need to have their information ready.

The council will continue working through the proposals and numbers in the coming months while moving toward finalizing the city’s 2027 plan.

The Holiday Vacations Quebec and Canadian Maritime trip wrapped up this weekend, and two people in attendance of the trip were Pat and Ryan Draughn of Roseau, who were winners of a Great Canadian adventure trip earlier this year, and got to go free of cost. R&J News had the chance to catch up with the pair after the trip, and Pat said the trip was a great time.

Ryan also shared his thoughts on the trip, and shared some of his favorite moments.

You can listen to the full interview with Pat and Ryan online at rjbroadcasting.com under the digital version of this story.

By: Luke Paider | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

RAINY RIVER, Ontario — The Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society Fall Fair starts this Thursday August 13th and runs through Saturday August 15th. The Fair hosts a plethora of exhibits including horseback riding, livestock, baking, crochet, artwork, a chocolate chip cookie competition, and legos. Sherri Hay the President of the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society spoke on the prizes exhibitors can win over the course of the weekend.

The fair isn’t limited to exhibits as the racetrack will also be involved.

The fan favorite parade will be at 12:45 on Saturday and will have a lot more than just floats.

The fair queen is no more but a new role has taken its place that gives more people an opportunity to compete for the role.

The fair will open at noon on Thursday, 9 a.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. on Saturday. The fair is open until midnight each day of the fair.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

WILLIAMS, Minn — Residents around Lake of the Woods and Roseau Counties have a chance to enjoy the night sky this weekend at Zipple Bay State Park.

A Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing Party is set for Saturday, August 15th, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the beach as part of the park’s Summer Events 2026.

The evening starts around a campfire with hot dogs and s’mores, along with some nature trivia while everyone waits for the meteor shower to begin. Then, it’s time to sit back and watch the night sky.

Organizers recommend bringing your own a camp chair, insect repellent and water, though picnic tables are available as well for seating at the beach. The event is weather-dependent and will be cancelled if it rains.

For questions, contact Katie Holfschulte at the park or call 218-635-0412 for more details.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

BEMIDJI, Minn — If you’ve got a business idea, run a small business, or simply want a better way to stay organized, a free online workshop later this month could be worth your time. The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is hosting a virtual SCRUM workshop Tuesday, August 25th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m in Bemidji.

SCRUM is a flexible project management method that helps people break big goals into smaller, manageable steps, encouraging collaboration and steady progress instead of trying to tackle everything at once.

The free workshop is valuable information whether you’re managing a business, leading a team, or organizing personal projects, and it will be led by Small Business Development Center consultant Colleen Falk. 

By registering at the provided  link, participants can sign up for the virtual session and receive all the information they’ll need to join the workshop online. You’ll find that link online at kq92.com.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

WARROAD, Minn — Warroad RiverPlace is inviting people from across Roseau and Lake of the Woods counties to stop in for a free artist reception and gallery open house.

The event is Friday, August 14th from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., featuring Warroad artist Holly Marie and her exhibit, Folklore and Fairy Tales. You can meet the artist, check out her paintings, illustrations and needle-felted artwork, and enjoy some light refreshments while you’re there.

And you don’t have to be an art expert to enjoy it. It’s a free, family-friendly opportunity to see local artwork, meet the person behind it on Friday evening at RiverPlace.

The Folklore and Fairy Tales exhibit will remain on display through August 29th, with free admission there tuesday through Saturday 8am to 5pm. 

You can read more information about this at warroadriverplace.org as well as other upcoming events, including the Lucky Stiff play held Friday evening following the artist reception.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

ROSEAU, Minn — Roseau’s biggest summer shopping event, Crazy Days is back next week, and will be running  Thursday, August 13th through Saturday, August 15th. City has stated that the downtown Main Avenue will be blocked off on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for bargain shopping, vendors, food trucks and prize giveaways.

One of the highlights this year is the Think, Shop, Buy Local Giveaway, where shoppers who make a purchase in Roseau on August 13th can bring their receipt to the GoRoseau tent and pick an envelope with anywhere from five to twenty dollars inside to spend at another participating business.

There’s also a citywide Support Local Giveaway, with one lucky shopper winning a $500 gift bundle from Roseau merchants. Businesses still have time to join the promotion by donating a $25 gift card, with participating businesses being featured on social media and at the GoRoseau tent during Crazy Days.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

GREENBUSH, Minn — Construction on Highway 11 in Greenbush is moving into its next phase. MnDOT says crews have wrapped up curb, gutter, and sidewalk work in Stage 1, with paving expected to be completed later this week.

Beginning next week, construction will shift into Stage 2. Highway 11 will be closed between the west side of 7th Street and the east side of 4th Street for approximately seven weeks while crews continue rebuilding the roadway. That work includes installing new storm sewer, reconstructing the highway, rebuilding sidewalks, and putting in the foundations for new corridor lighting.

MnDOT reminds motorists and residents that all construction activities and traffic impacts are weather dependent. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, follow posted detours, and use extra caution when traveling through the Greenbush construction zone.

For the first time in over 10 years International Falls will host a Pow-Wow at Smokey Bear Park Saturday August 8th from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Katie Deegan, Research Project Coordinator of Essentia Institute shared what the event means to the community.

Deegan says the Pow-Wow is more than a celebration, and it’s also a chance to honor the expression of culture, history, and community.

Throughout the day, visitors will hear performances from five drum groups, including Burtside Lake, Broken Horn, Sky Nation, Agency One, and the Lake Vermilion Singers as International Falls welcomes back its first Pow-Wow in more than ten years.