By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | December 4, 2025
Warroad, MINN. – Warroad’s Annual tree lighting ceremony, hosted by the Warroad Area Women of Today, will take place this Saturday December 6th at 5 PM at Warroad’s Allison Park. Penny Turgeon Kimble was selected as this year’s Light Up the Holidays Honoree to officially kick off the holiday season in Warroad.
Turgeon-Kimble has dedicated years of service to the community in the form of fundraisers, quilt-making, and starting the non-profit organization Moxie, Inc. which has raised tens of thousands of dollars for area communities. She shared with us her philosophy, and what has inspired her to help others:
On her reaction to the nomination, Turgeon-Kimble shared:
She also wanted to express gratitude to the Women of Today for their work throughout the community:
Penny will be flipping the switch at this year’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Warroad this Saturday at 5 PM in Allison Park. This Warroad Area Women of Today sponsored event is free to the public, and will include a visit from Santa Claus, cookies, hot chocolate, and caroling for attendees to enjoy.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | December 4, 2025
Warroad, MINN. – A five-decade broadcasting career came to a close this week as Warroad native Daniel (Dan) DeMolee signed off the air for the final time on Nov. 30, 2025. DeMolee, a familiar voice across northern Minnesota, retires after 50 years in radio and more than two decades of military service.
DeMolee began his career in the early 1970s at KRWB in Roseau before joining the Air Force, where he split his time between military duties in Minot, N.D., and part-time work at KKOA. He later filled in on Air Force radio and television news. His radio stops included KMLH in Marshall and KCAJ, now Wild 102, in Roseau.
He went on to become one of the original founders of KKWQ, better known today as Lake Country KQ92, helping launch its signal on 92.5 FM in 1988. Reflecting on his long-running career, DeMolee often said, “Radio is imagination.”
DeMolee described what first inspired him to pursue broadcasting, giving us some insight on radio history, and shared an early memory from the formation of KQ92:
Throughout his career, DeMolee witnessed dramatic shifts in the industry. From technology changes to staffing models, he said several developments have reshaped how local radio operates. He touch on which of these he thought had the greatest impact:
Among the thousands of interviews he has conducted, DeMolee said one stands above the rest: a conversation with Ken Berry, a former New York firefighter, following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001:
For aspiring broadcasters, DeMolee offered simple, straightforward advice shaped by his years behind the mic:
In addition to his broadcasting career, DeMolee served 25 years in the military, including deployment to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom from 2004 to 2005. Off the air, he has remained deeply involved in community service. He serves on the Zion Lutheran Church Council and Property Committee and works as the gambling manager for VFW Post 4930. He has also volunteered with Cub Scouts and 4-H.
DeMolee and his wife, Laurel, have four children: Jackie, William, Austin and Layla. They have also hosted exchange students from Sweden, Russia, the Czech Republic and Germany. In his spare time, he enjoys gardening, ice fishing, woodworking, tinkering with old tractors and traveling, and anticipates doing more of this in retirement.
Listeners across the region have long heard DeMolee anchoring the noon news hour on KQ92 and KRWB, covering elections, and filling in on weekends. As he steps away from the microphone, he offered parting words of gratitude to the community he has served for decades:
DeMolee’s last day on air marked the end of an era for northern Minnesota broadcasting, closing a chapter defined by consistency, service and a deep love for radio’s impact on his community. We here at KQ92, KRWB, and R & J Broadcasting thank Dan for his many years of service, and for graciously sharing the legacy he built with us.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | December 3, 2025
Roseau, MINN. – The Roseau City Council met Monday for its regular December session, approving a 3% final tax levy for 2026 and reviewing a broad agenda ranging from liquor licensing to departmental updates. Mayor Dan Fabian presided, with all council members present.
The council unanimously approved a contingent liquor license request for local business owner Rich Anderson, who is in the process of purchasing the Pourhouse. The license will become official once the sale closes in mid-January and all state paperwork is complete.
County Commissioner Jack Swanson briefed the council on the county’s proposed 12% levy increase, noting that past years of 0% adjustments created financial pressure. He added that agricultural property owners will see the greatest impact.
City departments also reported activity heading into winter. The municipal liquor store matched last Thanksgiving’s performance despite a slow November, and the Fire Department said lead times for new trucks remain long, now up to 18 months, with prices tripling since 2019. Police reported improved traffic conditions on Highway 11 and noted one officer who had considered transferring to the State Patrol will remain with the department. Utilities staff said planned burn trainings, hydrant protection, well construction and arena maintenance are all moving forward.
The council also reviewed compliance steps for Minnesota’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave law, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2026. Cities, counties, and private employers must prepare to manage employee applications for state-administered leave benefits covering medical conditions, bonding, caregiving and military-related leave. The city has posted required notices, updated its employee handbook, and adopted policy language based on the state template.
Roseau Mayor Dan Fabian spoke to KQ92 and KRWB on how this new law might impact the city staff and services:
Utilities Superintendent Gary Przekwas expressed concern about maintaining coverage across departments as employees begin utilizing the new benefit. Small businesses and public employers statewide are preparing for similar operational challenges. Fabian addressed how the city will prepare for this:
Mayor Fabian also noted that several city projects are still awaiting state reimbursements. If those funds arrive next year instead of this year, the shift will temporarily show as a deficit but will balance out when reimbursements are received.
The council approved the 3% final levy unanimously, amounting to roughly $30,000 in new revenue spread across the city. Members also passed the 2026 budget resolution and will receive Minnkota Power’s updated rate structure at the next meeting, with any electric rate adjustments expected to take effect in March 2026.
The council adjourned with its next regular meeting scheduled for January.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | December 3, 2025
Roseau, MINN. – The Roseau City Council heard updates Monday on a long list of public works projects moving toward winter shutdowns.
Community Development Coordinator Todd Peterson reported the tree-planting project has cleared DNR compliance review, though a few remaining items may have to wait until spring before reimbursement is processed. On the west side storm sewer project, work is complete and the final $80,000 contingency will be released once engineering sign-offs are finished. The city expects more than $500,000 in sewer-related costs to be reimbursed through federal and state grants.
Progress also continues on the pedestrian bridge, where crews are finishing abutments and piers. Work will pause after December, with the bridge structure scheduled for delivery in May of 2026.
The city is preparing for the Highway 89 reconstruction, expected to bid in August 2025. Under revised state policy, MnDOT will cover all corridor lighting, sidewalks, trail replacements, and crosswalk beacons. Roseau’s estimated share is about $250,000, including utility relocations.
Community Development Coordinator Todd Peterson spoke to us on the impact these projects would have on residents:
At Memorial Arena, engineers identified installation issues in flashing on the east and west entrances. Moisture samples showed acceptable levels, though the city plans to evaluate performance again in the spring. The arena is hoping to secure a $250,000 grant through the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission to support upcoming ice-plant improvements.
Additional updates included ongoing approval steps for the Roseau ATV Park, a $1.1 million grant award for improvements to the Roseau River walking trail system, and moving campground reservation payments into holding accounts after a series of fraudulent charges in November. With so many projects in the pipeline funded by grants, Peterson gave listeners some insights on how the city plans to maintain many of these projects moving forward:
Despite the busy construction pipeline, officials seem to agree the goal remains clear: keep Roseau’s core services running smoothly while building a stronger and more resilient city. KQ92 and KRWB will continue to follow these projects and major developments in the City of Roseau.
By Jon Michael Grussing – R & J Broadcasting | December 1, 2025
Warroad, MINN. – Warroad’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is happening this Saturday, December 6th at 5:00 PM at Allison Park. We sat down with Loralee Marvin who talked about the Warroad Area Women of Today sponsored event, and how to nominate a local area woman to do the honorary tree lighting:
For more information on the event, visit the Warroad Area Women of Today’s facebook page and their event page.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | December 2, 2025
Hugo’s Family Marketplace will host Taste of the Holidays, an annual fundraiser on December 4th to support Warroad’s Backpack Program. The event runs from 3 to 6 p.m. Shoppers who donate $5 will receive a holiday plate and can sample treats throughout the store.
We sat down with Warroad Chamber president Steve Hagen to explain the event:
Warroad Backpack Program representative Glenda Phillipe explained the Backpack Program further:
Phillipe also explained the program’s monthly excursion run by volunteers and retired teachers:
Organizers hope the community will turn out to the Taste of the Holidays event, this Thursday at Hugo’s Family Marketplace in Warroad from 3PM to 6PM, and support the Backpack Program, which relies on volunteers to send food home weekly and organize monthly pickups—ensuring Warroad kids have consistent meals they can count on.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | December 2, 2025
Roseau, MINN. – The Roseau City Council met Monday night, and much of the meeting centered on a major 2026 runway and taxiway reconstruction at the Roseau Municipal Airport. Project engineers outlined a roughly $3.8 million dollar FAA-funded rebuild set to begin in early May, with the primary runway closed until mid-July.
Roseau Mayor Dan Fabian explained the importance of this project, including its impact on local businesses and pilots in Roseau and its surrounding area:
Officials say starting early will shorten the overall shutdown, but the closure is expected to significantly affect local crop-spray operators, who warned the interruption could create major economic losses for area farmers. Local spray operator Gary Slater said they were not informed early enough about the project, and told the council, “Nobody in the airport that operates was notified… I heard about it for the first time in September. There should’ve been some type of communication.”
Mayor Dan Fabian apologized, saying he should have done more outreach:
Mayor Fabian also expressed his desire to continue working with Slater and other operators, and continuing to look for solutions:
The city will continue asking the FAA whether limited taxiway use is possible, but engineers say the reconstruction is critical: the pavement is deteriorating, safety areas need grading, and the runway must be brought up to current FAA standards. This project seeks to keep the airport operational for another 30 to 40 years. Officials say completing the work now, and as quickly as possible, is essential to keeping the airport safe and operational for decades to come. KQ92 and KRWB will continue to follow and update on this story.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | December 1, 2025
Greenbush, MINN. – Greenbush is kicking off the holiday season with a full Winter Weekend of events, from sleigh rides to markets and family activities.
The celebration begins Friday, Dec. 5, with a Lions Club supper at the Fire Hall and bingo at the American Legion.
On Saturday, Dec. 6, holiday sleigh rides run from 1 to 4 p.m. on Main Street, sponsored by Greenbush Community Education and the Greenbush Community Partners. The day also features a Mistletoe Market at the Greenbush-Middle River school, a BBQ lunch hosted by the sixth grade class, Christmas crafts, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and many more winter festivities for the whole family.
The city will hold its tree lighting and caroling at 5:30, followed by a parade of lights. Evening events include a happy hour, an ugly sweater contest, and live music at the American Legion.
Winter Weekend wraps up Sunday with a live nativity in Strathcona from 5 to 7 p.m.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says winter is the safest time to prune or cut oak trees without risking the spread of oak wilt, a deadly fungal disease that affects all of Minnesota’s oak species.
Oak wilt is spread in part by sap-feeding beetles that move spores from infected trees to fresh wounds on healthy ones. The disease is widespread in east-central and southeast Minnesota and continues to expand north and west.
DNR forest health consultant Brian Schwingle says treatment for oak wilt can be costly, but prevention is often simple — and sometimes free. He says pruning or cutting oaks during the winter months is one of the most effective ways to avoid infection.
The DNR warns that the highest risk of spreading oak wilt occurs from April through July, when beetles are most active. Residents are urged to avoid pruning during that time.
More information on identifying and managing oak wilt is available on the DNR’s oak wilt webpage, along with guidance on hiring certified arborists.
The 2026 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Roundtable, an annual gathering of conservation partners focused on discussing fisheries, wildlife, and ecological and water resource topics and encouraging partnerships, will again include a no-cost, open registration opportunity.
The 2026 DNR Roundtable will be held Friday, Jan. 9. The opportunity to register for one of a limited number of first-come, first-served slots will open at noon on Monday, Dec. 8 via a registration link on the DNR’s Roundtable webpage (mndnr.gov/roundtable). Anticipated topics for the 2026 Roundtable include the science behind fish and wildlife limits, the 75th anniversary of Wildlife Management Areas, balancing management of aquatic vegetation, wake impact research, the future of fair chase and more. Program details will be available closer to the event.
