By Jon Michael Grussing – Warroad, MN After a three month search process with applicants from across the nation, The Warroad RiverPlace Board of Directors is pleased to announce the hiring of Samantha Thibert-Harrill at Executive Director, succeeding John Davis, Director Emeritus, who will retire at the end of the year. Thibert-Harrill was a guest on “Community Conversation” earlier this week and talked about how she went from Director of Events & Operations to Interim Executive Director to now Executive Director.

She also says that there will be a search to fill the now-vacant position of Director of Events & Operations.

Warroad RiverPlace is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10am to 5pm.

By Jon Michael Grussing – Warroad, MN This week continues Fire Prevention Safety Week. Recently Warroad Fire Chief Damian McMillin was on “Community Conversation” and talked about what his department has done and is going to be doing this week.

He also talked about the dangers of lithium ion batteries, that are in so many technology devices that we use today, and what to do if they cause a fire.

That’s Warroad Fire Chief Damian McMillin. KQ92/KRWB will continue to follow events and happening with the Fire Department .

Ontario Provincial Police reported on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025 three individuals were arrested for Controlled Drugs and Substances and Criminal Code offenses. At approximately 1:45 a.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle occupied by three individuals. During the stop, one passenger was found to have provided a false identity and was subsequently arrested for obstructing police.

A further investigation and search of the vehicle revealed a backpack containing a large quantity of suspected cocaine, along with various drug paraphernalia. As a result, three individuals, 38-year-old Andrew VanHeyst of Fort Frances, 27-year-old Adrianna Copenace of Couchiching First Nation, and 27-year-old Elizabeth Boshkaykin of Seine River First Nation were charged with multiple drug offenses. All have been released from custody and all are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice on Nov. 3, 2025.

The state of Minnesota has a triple-A credit rating from all three major agencies for the fourth year in a row. Gov. Tim Walz says the top rating is a “testament to the strength of Minnesota’s economy and our commitment to responsible financial stewardship.”

Minnesota is one of just 16 states with the highest rating from Moody’s, S and P, and Fitch. State Management and Budget officials say the rating helps protect long-term investment and signals confidence int he state’s economy.

The top rating also reflects the state’s balanced budget approach and strong reserves, according to state finance officials. Minnesota entered the current biennium with a surplus, and lawmakers set aside billions for the state’s rainy day fund, a move that ratings agencies consider a safeguard against economic downturns.

Economic diversity also plays a role. Analysts note that Minnesota’s mix of industries, ranging from health care and technology to agriculture and manufacturing, creates a stable foundation for growth and resilience. State leaders say maintaining this rating ensures Minnesota remains competitive in attracting businesses and investors while keeping costs lower for taxpayers.

Voting season began in Minnesota on Friday last week for the November 4 local elections. There are 38 city and school district regular elections on ballots around the state in addition to 79 special elections. Voters can find out if there is an election in their area, view a sample ballot, and find their polling place at mnvotes.gov/pollfinder. Minnesota’s no-excuse absentee voting law allows for eligible voters to cast their ballot starting 46 days before the election. New this year for local elections, registered voters can request an absentee ballot online and the deadline for returning absentee ballots has changed to 5 p.m. on Election Day. For those voting in mail ballot only areas, ballots can still be returned until 8 p.m. on election day. Absentee and mail ballots can be returned by mail or hand-delivered to the voter’s local election office.

By Jon Michael Grussing – R & J Broadcasting | September 22, 2025

BAUDETTE, Minn. — Motorists in Baudette and Red Lake will encounter detours this week as construction projects get underway, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

In Baudette, Highway 172 will close at the railroad crossing near the intersection with Highway 11 beginning Monday, Sept. 22. Crews will replace the crossing surface, with work expected to finish by Sept. 26. Drivers will detour via Highway 11 and Lake of the Woods County Road 39.

In Red Lake, crews will begin replacing underground utilities on Highway 1 between Oman Drive and Main Avenue on Sept. 22. The project, led by Red Lake Nation, is expected to be completed by Sept. 27. Motorists will detour using Highway 89, Walking Shield Road and Reservation Highway 44.

By Jon Michael Grussing – R & J Broadcasting | September 19, 2025

Roseau, MINN. – We sat down with Roseau Fire Chief Leon Huot to talk about the upcoming barbecue they’ll be hosting this weekend, Saturday September 20th. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the banquet, and Chief Huot shared the details:

Chief Huot also let us know about pricing, where to purchase tickets, and where to stay updated with the Roseau Fire Department.

That’s Roseau Fire Chief Leon Huot, and the Roseau Fire Department’s annual barbecue is being held Saturday Sept. 20, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM or until the food runs out at Roseau’s Fire Hall.