Mayor Tom Goldsmith talks Hwy 11 Construction and Marina Project details

The Highway 11 construction project for the Roundabout on Cedar Avenue and Highway 11 in Warroad, as well as one half of the Highway 11 bridge was slated to begin on Tuesday, May 27th. Detailed maps, and general information can be found on the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s website, DOT.state.mn.us R & J Broadcasting was able to catch up with Warroad Mayor Tom Goldsmith at Tuesday’s City Council meeting to discuss some of the construction, as well as the local Safe Harbor/Marina Project in Warroad.

When asked on how the City of Warroad was working with MNDOT, and what kind of communications could be expected from the city regarding this project, the mayor responded:

Moving on to the Marina project: the Warroad Safe Harbor Dredging Project began in 2024, and its first segment was completed in Mid-September according to VEIT, the contracting company hired to do the initial dredging work. A 1,500 foot long by 30 foot wide channel was created by dredging over 14,000 square cubic feet of clay, laying the groundwork for future development of a new Marina in Warroad.

We asked Mayor Goldsmith what people can expect to see from the next phases of the Marina project in Warroad:

When pressed about a timeline, Mayor Goldsmith had this to say:

Where can those who live in, or plan to visit Warroad, go to find more information about the Marina project?

Are there any foreseeable adjustments in the future due to this project that locals should be aware or prepared for?

What kind of impact are we anticipating the installation of this new Marina is going to have on Warroad and area businesses?

KQ92 and KRWB News will continue to follow the story.

History on Tap Preview Thursday 5/29

Warroad Heritages Center and Museum will hold their second annual History on Tap this Thursday at Lake of the Woods Brewing Company. This year will hold a history on the fires of Warroad. A look back at some of the most interesting fires taken place in Warroad over the years and shaped the city of Warroad. A research presentation will be made by Warroad Heritages Center and Museum director Brady Swanson, who conducted the research for this presentation.

He discusses more details and background on the presentation and history on Tap itself

He also mentions what the decision making process is like when deciding on a topic to research

History on Tap event featuring the Warroad fires presentation is tomorrow night at 6pm at Lake of the Woods Brewing Company and the event is free to the community.

Mayor Goldsmith on Waterline project

Construction in Warroad is already a big part of the city’s summer plans. With the bridge construction coming up, Mayor Tom Goldsmith talks their current waterline project

Mayor Goldsmith went on about the waterline and what MnDOT has issued with the construction of the new bridge.

KQ92 and KRWB will continue to update throughout the summer as construction continues.

DNR’s Coby Fontes shares the latest on wildfires in the area

Almost 500 wildfires have been reported with all the heat, low humidity, dryness, and high winds. On the Friday morning community conversation, Minnesota DNR Conservation Officer Coby Fontes joined to discuss the dangers going on around us with the wildfires spreading throughout the area. He talks about the dangers of burning right now and the fires in the area.

He went on to talk about some of the dangerous causes in the area and an idea of how scary it can be

Everyone is encouraged to be cautious when burning and take precaution in doing anything that could spark a fire.

Lake of the Woods New Superintendent

A new Lake of the Woods Superintendent will be taking the helm for the upcoming school year this fall. Scott Fitzsimonds is replacing Jeff Nelson who had resigned earlier.

The 26 year veteran educator holds a BA degree in music education from UM Deluth, and a masters degree to include administrative certificates from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.

Fitzsimonds began his career in Floodwood as a teacher, later a 6-12 principal. More recently, he has served as director of technology integration and statewide education data specialist and school improvement director and advocate. 

“I am honored and excited to be selected as the next Superintendent of Lake of the Woods School. I look forward to getting to know the dedicated and talented staff, as well as the wonderful students and families. Recognizing the commitment to collaboration, growth, and innovation by the district and community, I am eager to work alongside everyone to continue the great work at Lake of the Woods School. Go Bears,” he said.

Northborn Days coming up in June

The fifth annual Northborn Days celebration will be held on June 7th at Allison Park in Warroad. Northborn Days was created as a way to commemorate the anniversary of Allison Park, honor the park’s namesake Allison Marvin, and celebrate the spirit of the people who live in the north. The day begins with Yoga at 8am with Warroad Body and Balance in the pavilion. The northern talent competition will follow at 10am. Committee member Samantha Thibert explains.

Both Thibert and committee member Taylor Hahn were on the community conversation program on Wednesday. Hahn detailed the musical line-up.

To follow what’s happening with this year’s Northborn Days, you can follow them on their Facebook page.

Warroad Scholarship night next week

Warroad High School is having their annual Scholarships Night Dinner coming up Monday May 19th at 6:30pm. The dinner provides the graduating seniors with a great opportunity to further continue their education at the next level. Warroad High School’s Brianne Miller loves the opportunity it provides for the students.

Even with the Warrior senior class being smaller this year, there are several graduating seniors that have plans to continue their education in college. Brianne Miller tells us their future plans.

The final school day for all seniors is next Wednesday, May 21st with Baccalaureate being the evening of the 21st.

Sugarbeet Planting mostly complete

A majority of sugarbeet planting is completed, and other crops continue to progress. Dr Eric Branch with the University of Minnesota Extension tells us how planting is going so far, and what some potential challenges may be on the horizon with recent weather trends. 

Branch says there are also a number of trials being done this year, including one of his which recently started during planting. Branch tells us about some of the trials going on across the region.

For more agricultural news, go to the Farm News webpage at rjbroadcasting.com.