Temperatures are expected to remain in the double digits throughout the week, which means that now would be a good time to get outside, and enjoy the fresh air. If you want to get outside, but don’t know what you want to do, Connie Cox of Itasca State Park says they have plenty of recreational services available. 

Cox says now’s a good time to do some exploring in the park, as some animals are starting to come out 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 February 28 deadline to submit submissions for the Northwest Minnesota Art Council’s (NWMAC) Annual Exhibit is fast approaching, and area artists are encouraged to get their work submitted as soon as possible. NWMAC Executive Director Mara Hanel.

To submit a piece of artwork for the exhibit, go to the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Website at northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org.

This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that they have cancelled about $38 million in public health investments for Minnesota. 

The terminated funding is from the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG), and is the latest development in the federal government’s ongoing campaign of retribution against Minnesota This five-year grant began in 2022 and was set to expire in 2027. Minnesota has been using the Public Health Infrastructure Grant to support critical public health infrastructure needs. 

Nationwide, 107 health departments across all 50 states received this funding, but only Minnesota and three other states are having these funds cancelled.

Late yesterday Attorney General Ellison joined the attorneys general from the other targeted states of California, Colorado and Illinois in filing a lawsuit.

CDC also cut about $250,000 in funds for the Core State Injury Prevention Program (SIPP), which supports public health infrastructure, data and partnerships to identify and respond to existing and emerging injury threats with data-driven public health actions. 

Badger High School’s FCCLA program is celebrating a number of students who made it to the State competition for their hard work. Stacey Warne from Badger High School tells us that’s not the final step for the FCCLA program this year. 

Again, it’s the top two competitors in each category who qualify for the National Leadership Conference this July. 

Congratulations to all the Badger students who advanced, and best of luck at the state competitions.

Warroad Riverplace has several concerts coming up over the next couple months hosted by the Northern Lights Concert Association and is set to host their second concert series at Warroad Riverplace, coming up Thursday February 19th at 7:30pm.

Headlining the show next week is acclaimed vocal duo Aria Nouveau.

Mitchell Johnson, President of the Northern Lights Concert Association, told us the concert series at Warroad Riverplace will continue to grow.

Johnson also told us how they find their artists and performers to headline shows.

Tickets are required for the concert, and those are $45 for the entire season, including upcoming shows The She Gees and The Suits.

Before the concert, you can enjoy a free artist reception from 5 to 7pm. No tickets required to attend the artist reception before the concert begins. 

Enjoy light refreshments, meet artist Nikki Besser, and experience her large-scale paper quilling artwork.You can get tickets on northernlightsconcerts.com and check out the event at warroadriverplace.org.

The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on legislation this week that would lift the ban on copper mining in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. It’s already passed the House. Save the Boundary Waters Executive Director Ingrid Lyons says copper mining would be toxic and destroy the habitat and wildlife of the Boundary Waters.

Lyons says if it passes, things could move quickly.

The Senate only needs a simple majority to pass the legislation. Republican Congressman Pete Stauber is pushing for mining saying it would provide jobs and an economic boost to northern Minnesota. Lyons says if it happens, the impact on the Boundary Waters will be devastating.

The Badger School is celebrating a strong showing in FCCLA competition, with several students qualifying for the State Leadership Conference this March. Advancing to state are Emily Burkel, Adysen Gregerson, Avearah Hanson, Ava Warne, and Delyla Carpenter.

In total, 67 students competed for a chance to move on, with only those earning a score of 50 or higher advancing to the state level. The competition doesn’t stop there—top performers at state will have an even bigger opportunity ahead.

The top two competitors in each category will qualify for the FCCLA National Leadership Conference, set for July in Washington, D.C. Congratulations to all the Badger students who earned their place and best of luck at state.

This week at Warroad High School, students are turning up the winter spirit with Frosty Week. 

All week long, students and staff are celebrating school pride with themed dress-up days, fun competitions, and the Frosty Dance for all high school students caps everything off this Valentines Day. The dance is Saturday from 9pm until midnight and just 15 dollars for a ticket.

The school will only accept eligible guests to register in the school’s front office in order to attend.

Again, Frosty Week continues with a dodgeball game, USA day, and the Frosty Dance for all high schoolers this Saturday from 9pm to Midnight at the high school.

The University of Minnesota Extension Office has several big events coming up in 2026, and Extension Educator and 4-H Youth Development leader Kelsey Berger was a guest on our Community Conversation program and she updated us on their meeting last week and what important topics she talked about with the children.

Berger also shared that the Marshall County extension educator reached out to her to spread the word about an ice fishing day camp the 4-H office is putting on. Berger explains

That was Kelsey Berger, 4-H Youth Development Coordinator for the University of Minnesota Extension in Roseau County.

Lake of the Woods School 390 has announced its Senior High Student of the Month for January 2026, recognizing a senior who’s making an impact both in and out of the classroom.

The Senior High Student of the Month is Lily Ayers. Lily is involved in a wide range of extracurricular activities with the bears, including band, choir, and softball, and she consistently earns a spot on the A Honor Roll.

Teachers say Lily stands out for her dedication, positive attitude, and commitment to excellence in the classroom and with her peers.

Lily is the daughter of Anna Sanchez and Dylan Harcharyk. Congratulations to Lily Ayers on being named Lake of the Woods School’s Student of the Month for January 2026.