Minnesota is advancing efforts to strengthen Medicaid anti-fraud systems. The Department of Human Services, working with Optum, has completed the first phase of a one-year project to develop an automated pre-payment review system for Medicaid claims. Over the past 90 days, Optum reviewed nearly four years of claims in 14 high-risk service areas, flagging items that need additional review before payment.
Officials say the work is not a measure of fraud but identifies areas where policy clarification or provider training may be needed. Over the next nine months, the state will refine the system to reduce fraud risk, improve efficiency, and investigate suspicious activity when necessary.
For more information on Minnesota’s Medicaid program integrity efforts, visit the state’s Medicaid program integrity webpage.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Tuesday, February 10, 2026
WARROAD, MINN. – The Warroad City Council held its regular meeting Monday, Feb. 9, approving a $10,000 GIS aerial mapping update to improve how the city tracks utilities and plans for growth. The cost will be split among the street, water, electric, and sewer departments. Council members said the update, which hasn’t been completed since the Hampton development, will help the city maintain accurate data for newer areas and could last five to six years.
Mayor Tom Goldsmith emphasized the city’s focus on preventative maintenance to ensure the quality and reliability of city infrastructure for residents.
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Council members also discussed the condition of aging lift station pumps, noting that replacing four smaller pumps could cost nearly $80,000. Dan Trosen from the Utility Department said the city is borrowing pumps from other stations to maintain service and that a full replacement plan has not yet been finalized.
Goldsmith added that the updated GIS data will help guide future growth and development in Warroad.
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Other business included the resignation of Police Officer Connor Adams, who will leave for Elk River, with his final shift set for Feb. 13. The city will conduct an exit interview.
The council unanimously approved reappointments to the Warroad Housing Authority Board, which oversees Young Manor, and also approved several special events, including the Yeti-fest on March 14 and multiple bingo events at the Hampton Inn.
KQ92 and KRWB will continue to provide updates on Warroad City Council meetings and city developments.
Communities in Lake of the Woods and Roseau counties, as well as across greater Minnesota, are invited to apply for Child Care Economic Development Grants through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
A total of $1.425 million is available to help expand quality child care, support new providers, improve facilities, increase training, and address local shortages of child care services. Local governments and nonprofits may request up to $300,000. Applications are due by 4 p.m. Central Time on March 17, 2026.
The grants can be used for child care business startups or expansions, facility modifications, training, direct subsidies or incentives to retain employees, licensing improvements, and other regulatory requirements. Priority will be given to communities with documented shortages of child care providers, including rural areas, low-income communities, and populations such as Black, Indigenous and people of color individuals, persons with disabilities, veterans, and women. At least 50% of funds will be awarded to communities outside the seven-county metropolitan area.
DEED will host a virtual information session for prospective applicants on Wednesday, February 19, at 2:30 p.m. Central Time.
For more information, to view the request for proposals, and to register for the information session, visit the DEED Competitive Grants and Contracts page. Questions can be submitted by email to CCED.DEED@state.mn.us, or by phone at 651-259-7161.DEED is Minnesota’s principal economic development agency, supporting business growth, workforce development, international trade, and community development. Learn more at the DEED website or CareerForce.mn.gov.
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, the Democratic-Farmer-Labor candidate for governor, has been named Legislator of the Year by the Major County Sheriffs of America for her work on public safety legislation. Among the measures cited is the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act, now signed into law, which expands the federal Public Safety Officer Benefits program so that firefighters and other first responders who die or become permanently disabled from service-related cancers are eligible for survivor and disability benefits previously unavailable under federal law.
Klobuchar has also championed efforts to modernize the nation’s emergency communications systems, including backing grant support and upgrades for Next Generation 9-1-1 infrastructure — an interoperable, internet-protocol based system intended to allow emergency call centers to receive not just calls but texts, photos and video during emergencies, increasing resilience and response capabilities nationwide.
Her campaign says the recognition reflects a long record of bipartisan work on behalf of first responders, public safety and community support.
On the Republican side, Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth has emerged as a leading GOP contender for governor, topping early straw polls and campaigning on issues such as fraud prevention and law enforcement partnerships. She has pledged to seek and abide by her party’s endorsement ahead of the state convention later this as she builds her campaign to challenge Klobuchar in the general election.
Warroad native Brock Nelson has been named to the United States men’s ice hockey team for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, marking a rare third-generation appearance for his family in the Games. Nelson, 34, is playing in his first Olympics while extending a rich American hockey lineage that includes his grandfather, Bill Christian, and great-uncle Roger Christian, members of the 1960 U.S. gold medal team, and his uncle Dave Christian, a member of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” gold-medal squad.
Nelson played Warroad Hockey, then starred at the University of North Dakota before spending more than a decade with the New York Islanders, where he became one of the franchise’s most consistent scorers. Since joining the Colorado Avalanche this season, he’s continued that production, adding veteran leadership to one of the NHL’s top contenders.
NHL players return to the Olympic hockey tournament for the first time since 2014, with the U.S. hoping to end a decades-long gold-medal drought.
The U.S. men open their Olympic campaign against Latvia on Thursday, Feb. 12, at 2:10 p.m. Central Standard Time. The game will be televised live on USA Network and streamed on Peacock in the United States
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Thursday, February 5, 2026
ROSEAU, Minn. – The Roseau City Council on Monday provided updates on a wide range of city projects, including airport improvements slated for this spring, public safety staffing, infrastructure work, and ongoing planning and economic development efforts.
Council members heard an update on the Roseau Municipal Airport Project, which remains on a tentative construction schedule with work potentially beginning May 18. The project includes regrading the runway and completing the parallel taxiway, with both surfaces expected to be paved at the same time and targeted for completion by July 4. Temporary runway markings will be installed so flights can resume before permanent markings are added later in the summer.
Roseau Mayor Dan Fabian also discussed the use of alternative airports during construction and the city’s efforts to keep affected businesses and pilots informed.
City officials said the upgraded taxiway will better accommodate larger aircraft, including Polaris planes, particularly when runway conditions are less than ideal. Airport staff plan to notify hangar owners and pilots as timelines are finalized.
Fabian also highlighted improvements residents can expect once the project is complete.
In other business, the council received a report from the Planning Commission. Commissioner Jack Swanson said there has been interest in cannabis-related business applications in the region, though none have yet been confirmed within Roseau. Swanson noted some liquor stores applied last October for low-dose THC product approval and are only now receiving authorization from the state.
The Roseau Economic Development Authority reported it met last week, re-elected officers, reviewed 2020 financials, and discussed ongoing projects related to housing and the industrial park, with no major changes from previous discussions.
The city liquor store reported growth compared to the same time last year, with more than $10,000 in increased sales and approximately 150 additional customers. Liquor and beer sales were each up about 7 percent, non-alcoholic beverages rose 14 percent, and THC sales were close to last year’s levels.
Fire Chief Leon Huot reported the department currently has 26 firefighters and is aiming to reach 30. Two new firefighters were hired in 2025, while Firefighter Mark Jennings retired earlier this year. Several department members have more than 15 years of service, and two city crew employees also serve with the fire department.
Police Chief Marc Hodge updates included the ongoing background check for a new officer who is local to the area and currently with the Warroad Police Department. The officer has three years of experience, and the Hodge said the largest remaining delay is a required psychological exam. The chief also noted a heater fan motor failure in the police garage.
City Superintendent Gary Przekwas reported crews are managing snow, addressing water leaks, and coordinating with utility providers on the Highway 89 project. Work continues with REA, Wiktel, and Sjoberg’s to relocate lines that conflict with storm sewer improvements. Most costs are expected to be covered through existing agreements.
Prezekwas also provided updates on city facilities, including carpet cleaning at the museum and city center, with plans to replace carpeting at the library. Arena staff are monitoring a loss of brine solution in the refrigeration system, which may require pressure testing by Simco to identify potential leaks. A compressor rebuild has been delayed until April due to parts availability.
The council unanimously approved a policy governing media and special-use access to the press box.
Additional project updates included ongoing coordination on the Highway 89 reconstruction, pending word on a locomotive improvement grant, and a pedestrian bridge project expected to receive its structure in March. If delivery is delayed, contractors have assured city officials that necessary earthwork will be completed to protect the levy from potential flooding.
Discussion also continued on long-term planning for the Memorial Arena refrigeration system. Officials said a replacement system could require a 12-month lead time, with a potential operational target of October 2027. Funding decisions may need to be incorporated into the preliminary budget later this year.
Mayor Fabian also noted updates from the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission, with contracts expected to begin July 1 and a three-year window to spend allocated funds. A change order related to fishing docks is also anticipated.
KQ92 and KRWB will continue to follow Roseau City Council actions and provide updates as projects move forward.
The Lake of the Woods School Ski Trails are now open, and have been groomed by volunteer Tim Lyon. Outdoorsmen are encouraged to take advantage and enjoy the trails on the weekend, and even on Tuesday evenings when they can warm up at the Lake of the Woods school pool and hot tub after.
The ski trails have several lengths that can be enjoyed by all ages, with the Dancing Grouse Trail reaching a 1.5 mile loop. Snowshoes are welcome, with the ask that snowshoers stay to the side of designated ski trails. The trails are located just behind the Lake of the Woods School, with the entrance west of the main school parking lot. Organizers say the trails are a great way for the community to stay active and make the most of the season.
Rainy River’s Winter Carnival begins this weekend, and runs Feb. 6 through Feb. 8, with three days of family-friendly winter events across the community. Friday includes public skating, a parent-versus-kids hockey game, and a meat draw with karaoke. Saturday features a pancake breakfast, family curling bonspiel, chili cookoff, and cornhole tournament. Sunday wraps with the Rick Bourre Memorial Ice Fishing Derby, winter games, and awards. Events take place at the Rainy River Rec and Legion Branch Fifty-Four. For full details, visit Rainy River Rec Page on Facebook.
NORTHWEST MINNESOTA – As spring approaches, sucker fishing remains a popular tradition across Roseau and Lake of the Woods counties, drawing both recreational and commercial anglers to the region’s rivers and lakes. Now, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is proposing updates to its management of native rough fish (including the Catostomidae, or sucker family) that could change how and how much these fish are harvested.
The proposed rules would clarify distinctions between native rough fish and common carp, remove outdated restrictions on blocking fish migration, and set daily and possession limits for several species. Under the plan, anglers would be limited to 30 suckers and redhorse per day, while other species such as bowfin, freshwater drum, and carpsuckers would also face new caps.
“There is much we don’t know about native rough fish populations, but what we’re seeing is increased levels of angling and bowfishing interest and some evidence of population declines,” said Shannon Fisher, DNR fisheries populations monitoring and regulations manager.. “The proposed limits for these fish are intended to prevent overharvest and help ensure population viability and sustainability for future generations.”
The rules also address methods of harvest. Native rough fish and carp caught by angling or dip netting could still be returned to the water, while fish taken by spear, harpoon, or bow would not be allowed to be released. For commercial fishermen, the changes remove bowfin from the list of commercial species and adjust possession rules for several other rough fish.
The DNR is accepting public comments on the proposed changes through Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Written comments can be emailed to fisheries.rulemaking.comments.dnr@state.mn.us, with “Native Rough Fish Management” or “Native Rough Fish Limits” in the subject line depending on which rule is being addressed.
More information and proposed rule documents are available online at the Minnesota DNR’s Native Rough Fish Limits page. Residents can also request a public hearing if at least 50 valid requests are submitted.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Tuesday, February 3, 2026
ROSEAU, Minn. – The Roseau City Council voted unanimously Monday Feb. 3 during their regular meeting to terminate the city’s contract with Equity Builders on the Memorial Arena roof project, after determining the contractor was in breach of contract and unable to continue work.
City officials said Equity Builders notified the city it could not perform under the contract due to financial and compliance issues, including failure to pay subcontractors and lapses in required insurance and licensing. City Attorney Michelle Moran said the city received confirmation Jan. 30 that the contractor’s insurance had been canceled, prompting the city to issue a cease-and-desist order.
Moran told council members the contractor was in substantial default and legally prohibited from continuing work. She advised against a proposal to reassign the project to another roofing company tied to similar ownership, citing increased liability and legal risk to the city. “I’ve never seen anything quite like this,” Moran said during the meeting.
The city has withheld $100,000 in payment under the contract and has not paid more than the amount covered by the performance bond. City officials confirmed at least one subcontractor has filed a claim against the payment bond. Because the project involves a public facility, the law does not allow subcontractors to place a lien on the building.
City Development Coordinator Todd Peterson told council members the city has not received a finalized roof warranty from Equity Builders and has no record that required fees related to the roofing system were paid. The project was expected to include a one-year construction warranty, followed by a longer-term manufacturer’s warranty, pending inspection.
Concerns were also raised regarding the status of an inspection conducted in November 2025 by the manufacturer, Mule-Hide. City officials said a formal inspection report has not been provided to the city and may have been sent only to the contractor.
Todd Peterson said the city is now moving forward with a claim on the project’s performance bond, which is intended to cover the cost of completing the roof and addressing all contract requirements:
Council members expressed concern about whether the manufacturer’s warranty can still be secured and what steps would be required to obtain it. Peterson said the city is working to determine what documentation or corrective work may be needed to satisfy warranty requirements:
Peterson said the performance bond will leave the city whole and cover all obligations under the contract, including warranties. The council approved a resolution authorizing staff to formally sever ties with Equity Builders, pursue the performance bond and investigate how the project reached its current state.
The bonding company on the project is Old Republic, with Kraus-Anderson listed as the liability holder. City officials said they will continue to provide updates as the process moves forward. KQ92 and KRWB will continue to follow Roseau City Council meetings and updates.
