By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

It’s Celebrating School week and teachers help make an impact on all the students they meet in school. Tom Jerome, Roseau School Superintendent told us about one Roseau School teacher who made it into the final 30 teachers nominated for Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Jerome started by telling us about Roseau’s recent nominations last year

Jerome mentioned this year who has made it as the nomination for the first 30 teachers.

Josh Weckman again is the teacher into the final 30 nominated for Minnesota Teacher of the Year. We’ll provide the latest updates to you about the Minnesota Teacher of the Year competition.

In 2008, Lake of the Woods was placed on Minnesota’s impaired waters list after decades of pollution left the lake struggling with algae blooms and high phosphorus levels.

Back in 2010, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, or MPCA, launched major studies to understand the problem. Scientists examined sediment core samples from the lake bottom, measuring how much legacy phosphorus pollution had built up over generations. They also studied how easily that phosphorus could re-enter the water — where it acts like fertilizer for algae.

For much of the 20th century, sewage and industrial waste flowed into the lake from the Rainy River, severely degrading water quality. Even after those discharges stopped, phosphorus trapped in the sediment continued cycling back into the water.

Cary Hernandez, MPCA project manager, said “It’s trending in the right direction. To go from 39 down to 32 in about 10 years? That’s significant. That tells us the system is responding. The lake is slowly working through what’s there.”

Through wastewater upgrades, better land use practices, industrial reductions, and long-term regulatory efforts on both sides of the border, the Lake of the Woods is slowly responding and recovering.

By Graham Scher – R & J Broadcasting, Inc.

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.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

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.