Minnesota crop conditions declined slightly over the past week as uneven rainfall continues to impact fields across the state.

According to the USDA’s latest weekly crop report, 79 percent of the state’s corn crop is rated good to excellent, down one percentage point from the previous week. Soybeans saw a larger decline, falling from 80 to 76 percent good to excellent. University of Minnesota Extension crops educator Ryan Miller says moisture conditions have varied widely across Minnesota, with some growers receiving timely rains while others have struggled with drier conditions. Miller says that uneven moisture has led to one of the biggest challenges this season—spotty soybean emergence.

Miller says some growers in the driest areas saw soybean emergence stretched over a two-week period, but recent rains have helped establish stands and keep the crop moving forward. Despite the uneven conditions, soybean emergence statewide is at 97 percent, ahead of the five-year average of 93 percent.

Minnesota crop conditions declined slightly over the past week as uneven rainfall continues to impact fields across the state.

According to the USDA’s latest weekly crop report, 79 percent of the state’s corn crop is rated good to excellent, down one percentage point from the previous week. Soybeans saw a larger decline, falling from 80 to 76 percent good to excellent. University of Minnesota Extension crops educator Ryan Miller says moisture conditions have varied widely across Minnesota, with some growers receiving timely rains while others have struggled with drier conditions. Miller says that uneven moisture has led to one of the biggest challenges this season—spotty soybean emergence.

Miller says some growers in the driest areas saw soybean emergence stretched over a two-week period, but recent rains have helped establish stands and keep the crop moving forward. Despite the uneven conditions, soybean emergence statewide is at 97 percent, ahead of the five-year average of 93 percent.

The Superior National Forest is seeking public feedback on a proposed change to the permit cancellation policy for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. 

Forest officials say the goal is to have unused permits returned to the reservation system sooner, giving families, school groups, and other visitors a better chance to plan trips into one of Minnesota’s premier outdoor destinations. The need for the change became clear after nearly 40 percent of permits reserved when sales opened for the 2025 season went unused, preventing others from securing entry opportunities during the busy summer months.

Under the proposed policy, permit holders who cancel well in advance would receive a partial refund, while those canceling closer to their trip date would forfeit a larger portion if not all of their deposit. The changes are designed to reduce no-shows and improve access to permits for those hoping to experience the Boundary Waters. Public comments on the proposal are now being accepted by the Superior National Forest.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc

GREENBUSH, Minn — Construction on Highway 11 through Greenbush is set to begin July 6 as MnDOT prepares for a major reconstruction project through the community. The $3.1 million project will rebuild Highway 11 from Highway 32 east to 7th Street and includes pavement reconstruction, sidewalk improvements, storm sewer replacement amongst other things. During construction, traffic will be detoured using Roseau County Roads 4 and 23. 

MnDOT Construction Engineer Cole Nelson recently joined our Community Conversation program and says residents can expect construction to take place in stages as crews work their way through town.

Nelson shares what businesses can expect when construction starts.

MnDOT says the project will be completed in two phases, with crews first working between Highway 32 and 4th Street before shifting east toward 7th Street. More information, project maps, detour routes, and construction updates can be found on the Highway 11 Greenbush project page on the Minnesota Department of Transportation website.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc

WARROAD, Minn — With the Fourth of July just around the corner, Warroad is getting ready for a busy holiday weekend. Events include the Music in the Park Festival on July 3rd and the community parade on July 4th, bringing residents and visitors together to celebrate Independence Day.

As part of preparations, Warroad City Council approved a permit during its June meeting allowing the retail sale of fireworks within city limits. The permit was granted to a couple from the Northwest Angle who will be operating a temporary fireworks stand in Warroad from June 29th through July 6th.

Mayor Tom Goldsmith says the sellers will be located at a familiar spot in town and shared more details about the operation.

City council is reminding residents to follow all safety guidelines, use fireworks responsibly, and keep a safe distance from people, homes, and dry vegetation. More information can be read in the full story at KQ92.com.

Over the last 10 to 15 years, one extra curricular activity that has seen a rapid growth in student involvement has been robotics, and that growth is being felt in the post high school world. Matt Wendland is the President of the Northern Minnesota Robotics Conference, and he says robotics has given students an outlet to participate in an extracurricular activity where they otherwise wouldn’t have. 

When it comes to the impact that robotics is having on students individually, Wendland says robotics is not only teaching students more skills, but also keeping them in school. 

Wendland says another way that robotics is helping students is by connecting the classroom with real life, and he explains what he means by that. 

You can go to nmrconference.org to learn more about the Northern Minnesota Robotics Conference.

After many years of planning, construction is now underway for the Nelson Slough Improvement Project near Strandquist, and in celebration of this milestone, the Red River Watershed Management Board (RRWMB) alongside the Middle Snake Rivers Watershed will be holding a groundbreaking event. RRWMB Executive Director Rob Sip tells us more.

Sip tells us more about the Nelson Slough Improvement Project, and what it will accomplish.

Again, the groundbreaking will be held on Tuesday, June 30 at the Nelson Slough located approximately five miles east of Standquist.

Nominations are now being accepted in Roseau County for the 2026 Outstanding Senior Citizen Volunteer Award.

The program recognizes seniors who have made a lasting impact through volunteer service in their communities. One male and one female recipient will be selected from the nominations submitted to the county selection committee.

Judges will consider several factors, including the diversity of accomplishments, how the nominee has touched the lives of others, years of service, time commitment, involvement in organizations, and the variety and quality of volunteer service completed after the age of 65.

To be eligible, nominees must be at least 70 years old by June 1st, 2026. Completed nomination forms must be submitted to a selection committee member by Monday, June 22nd.

To see the names and phone numbers of each town’s selection committee member check out that full story online at kq92.com.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

ROSEAU, Minn — A Roseau pilot who made an emergency landing on Red Lake Nation land last fall will not face trespassing charges from the tribe.

The case involved pilot Darrin Smedsmo, whose plane was seized by tribal police after landing on Red Lake Nation property more than seven months ago. Tribal officials cited a long-standing 1978 rule that restricts flights over Red Lake airspace, a policy the Nation says was put in place following U.S. military bombing and testing activities in the area.

The situation drew attention because it raised questions about tribal sovereignty and who has authority over airspace, including the Federal Aviation Administration.

Smedsmo was reunited with his plane last week. He says he believes it should have been returned sooner because he was never formally charged beyond the original airspace citation.

The Red Lake Nation has now confirmed it will not pursue any trespassing charges in the case.

By: Graham Scher | R&J Broadcasting Inc.

ROSEAU, Minn — One of the largest highway construction projects ever undertaken in Northwest Minnesota is now underway along Highway 11 between Roseau and Warroad. The first phase of the project stretches from east of Salol to Warroad and includes roadway reconstruction, culvert replacements, drainage improvements, and safety upgrades designed to extend the life of the highway for years to come. 

While drivers can already see work taking place along the corridor, much of the project is happening below the pavement. MnDOT Construction Engineer Cole Nelson says crews are rebuilding the foundation of the roadway from the ground up.

Nelson says those improvements below the roadway are critical to preventing future damage and helping the new highway withstand Minnesota’s harsh freeze-thaw cycles. Work on the Highway 11 project is expected to continue through the construction season, with motorists encouraged to watch for changing traffic patterns and work zones between Salol and Warroad.