Sugarbeet Growing Season Update

By Graham Scher – R & J Broadcasting | July 23, 2025

Red River Vally, MINN. –The Sugarbeet Growing Season continues to progress in the Red River Valley, and sample pulling is expected to start soon for American Crystal Sugar. R&J Ag Reporter Nick Revier had the opportunity to catch up with Joe Hastings of American Crystal Sugar, who tells us how the Red River Valley Sugarbeet Crop is looking.

While there isn’t a lot of Root Rot being reported, Hastings says there is a significant amount of Cercospora being reported.

American Crystal Sugar will begin pulling samples during “week zero” which begins Monday July 28th. For more agricultural news, go to the Farm News webpage at rjbroadcasting.com.

Sugarbeet Growing Update

Red Lake County Cooperative Falls Victim to Wire Fraud

By Graham Scher – R & J Broadcasting | July 22, 2025

Polk County, MINN. – By Graham Scher A Great Falls, Montana, Woman pleaded guilty Wednesday to theft for stealing over $500,000 from Red Lake County Cooperative Inc., by wire fraud. 56-year-old Stephanie Nipp gave an Alford plea to the crime, maintaining innocence, but acknowledging that enough evidence to be found guilty in court. Alford pleas are often given by someone who wants the benefit of a plea agreement, however none is filed in Nipp’s case.

The prosecution filed a notice of intention to seek an aggravated sentence. Nipp faces a maximum of 20 years for the crime, though depending on criminal history, recommends 21-68 months. She was arrested in January and placed on 5 million bond, later reduced to 1 million.

Governor Walz Announces Second Rollout of Credit Initiative

By Graham Scher – R & J Broadcasting | July 17, 2025

Minneapolis, MINN. – Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced $33 million for small businesses across Minnesota during a roundtable at the University of Minnesota on July 15.

Roughly 200 small businesses across the state are set to receive a share of $33 million — the second rollout of the federally funded $97 million Small Business Credit Initiative . The roundtable, held Tuesday at the McNamara Alumni Center, featured several small business owners and Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Matt Varilek.

The state received the first $29.5 million in 2022 when the U.S. Department of the Treasury approved the $97 million for small businesses; its continued rollout is expected to span several years.

Walz said Tuesday that the state isn’t aware of any major changes in the small business credit funding coming from the federal government, but said “we do need to be concerned.” He said he was briefed Tuesday morning on the potential costs to the state and counties from President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” signed July 4.

Walz said a second special session for the Minnesota Legislature may be needed to address federal funding shifts, but at this point, it’s “premature.” He said Minnesota is in a “strong financial position,” with a rainy day fund holding roughly $3 billion.

Governor Tim Walz Small Business Credit Initiative

St. Mary’s Students Return from Mission Trip to Jamaica

By Graham Scher – R & J Broadcasting | July 18, 2025

Warroad, MINN. – St Mary’s Catholic Church in Warroad sent 20 students and adults along with the lead parish from Ada on a mission trip to Jamaica last week. 26 total went on the trip and KQ92 and KRWB News was able to sit down with some travelers including Tammi Moes, religious education coordinator at St. Mary’s shares her thoughts on the trip.

We also spoke with 4 Warroad high school boys about their experiences. Junior, Parker Moes

Senior JP Moes

Junior Connor Lien

And Sophomore Henry Harren

You can see pictures from the trip on St. Mary’s Catholic Church – Warroad, Facebook page. More information to come on a presentation by the students who went on the trip which will be held in September.

St Marys Catholic Church Warroad Warroad Mission Trip

Badger FCCLA Brings Home Awards from National Conference

By Graham Scher – R & J Broadcasting | July 17, 2025

Badger, MINN. – Badger FCCLA returned from the National Conference in Orlando, FL from last week with a few awards. KQ92 and KRWB News spoke with Gretchen Lee, Badger FCCLA advisor, as well as 3 students from the event. Lee shared her thoughts from the conference.

Emily Burkel presented a category in Nutrition & Wellness level 3.

Bethanie VonEnde chose a Chapter Service Project

And Paige Rybakowski for National Programs in Action

Avearah Hanson was one of the top 10 presentations in Nutrition & Wellness level 2.

Congratulations again to the Badger FCCLA Program for their awards.

Badger FCCLA FCCLA National Conference

Baudette City Council Meeting 7-14-2025

By Graham Scher – R & J Broadcasting | July 16, 2025

Baudette, MINN. – Baudette City Council met in regular session Monday night at Baudette City Hall. Important discussions were had about the rest of summer plans in Baudette and what events are coming up. R&J News spoke with Mayor Dylan Hancharyk who talked about the new face being sworn in to fill the vacant seat at the table after Steve Johnson retired from the council last month.

Liz Weigel was sworn in and participated in her first city council meeting Monday evening.

Mayor Hancharyk also discussed other items on the agenda:

The signs will be placed on the East and West sides of the city but exact locations haven’t been determined just yet.

Other items that were discussed was approval for the annual summer reading program kid concert, and an ordinance and resolution that was approved accepting bond award for the Timber Mill Splash Pad.

KQ92 and KRWB Radio will continue to cover and follow Baudette City Council meetings, and updates from the City of Baudette.

Baudette City Council Liz Weigel Mayor Dylan Hancharyk

Woods Fishing Tournament Recap from Owner and Winners

By Graham Scher – R & J Broadcasting | July 14, 2025

Warroad, MINN. – The 26th annual Woods Outdoor Sporting Goods Fishing Tournament was held on Saturday at Lake of the Woods. The owner of The Woods Nick Marvin shared his thoughts on how this year’s tournament went

He also talked about the changes that were put in place for this year’s tournament

Fishing in their third Woods Outdoor Sporting Goods Fishing Tournament the team of Cody Schultz and Nate Obitz won 1st place. Obitz shared his thoughts after the tournament

Obitz also talked about how he and his fishing partner got into the sport

You can watch an archive of the awards ceremony from this year’s Woods Outdoor Sporting Goods Fishing Tournament on yourliveevent.com.

Lake of the Woods Woods Fishing Tournament

Fishing Season Expectations for 4th of July Weekend

By Graham Scher – R&J Broadcasting | July 2, 2025

Warroad, MINN. – July has arrived, which means we’re in the heart of the Minnesota Summer Fishing Season season. Nathan Olson of the Minnesota DNR Fisheries Department says weather the last month has had an impact on fish in our region, and he tells us what fishermen can expect when out on the lake.

With the busy 4th of July Holiday weekend fast approaching, Olson reminds boaters about the importance of taking the appropriate steps in preventing aquatic hitchhikers, even if the boat launches are busier than normal. Olson also reminds people to stay hydrated while out on the water. More information, and materials regarding fishing in Minnesota can be seen on the Minnesota DNR Fisheries webpage at www.dnr.state.mn.us/fishing.

Lake of the Woods County Fair New Attractions

By Graham Scher – R & J Broadcasting | June 24, 2025

Baudette, MINN. – Lake of the Woods County Fair Board met Wednesday night to discuss final details of the fair before the beginning of the County Fair next week. KQ92 and KRWB News spoke with JP Sweet, President of County Fair Board to discuss more details of the new attractions in 2025.

We also asked Sweet about what he expects attendance to look like this year.

Sweet spoke on why the community looks forward to this so much every year and why its so fun for new and familiar faces.

Lake of the Woods County Fair begins Wednesday June 25th.

Lake of the Woods County Fair

Roseau Groundbreaking, Four New Homes Being Built

By Graham Scher – R & J Broadcasting | June 23, 2025

Roseau, MINN. – A Groundbreaking took place in Roseau yesterday. Four new single family homes are being built at 98 Oak Crest Blvd in Roseau by Northstar Neighbors Community Land Trust, a subsidiary of Northwest Minnesota Foundation. KQ92 and KRWB News spoke with Cory Boushee, Executive Director of NorthStar Neighbors about the new homes.