Minnesota’s labor market shows that 13,200 jobs were added in June for a third straight month of growth, outpacing a flat national job market. The state unemployment rate held at 4.4%, above the national rate of 4.2%. Despite the gains, Minnesota’s labor force participation fell for the seventh consecutive month to 67%.
Officials call it a mixed picture as inflation continues to outpace wage growth. The strongest job growth occurred in Educational and Health Services. For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development website at mn.gov/deed.
Minnesota is extending a pause on enrolling new Medicaid providers in 12 high-risk services for at least another six months. The freeze began January 30th as the Department of Human Services revalidates nearly 5,600 existing providers. The revalidation is part of a corrective action plan required by federal officials to avoid losing over two billion dollars in Medicaid funding.
Providers must document ownership, employees and business locations, then undergo unannounced on-site inspections. For more information, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Thursday, July 16, 2026
WARROAD, Minn. — At Monday night’s city council meeting, Warroad’s council unanimously authorized a signature on a lease agreement in the city’s lagoon area for a solar farm project. Mayor Tom Goldsmith shared more details on the agreement, and what it would entail:
Goldsmith expressed excitement for the opportunity being provided to the city, and talked about the timeline:
City Attorney Steve Anderson addressed the council regarding the legal protections built into the agreement. He explained that the developer would be required to procure a restoration bond to insure the restoration of the project site once the lease concludes. “It’s as good as having something in escrow,” Anderson noted. While some jurisdictions require county bonds for similar projects, he clarified that such requirements are not applicable in Warroad’s case.
While the exact megawatt capacity has not been fully finalized, similar utility-scale installations of this size generally generate tens of megawatts of clean energy. The developer has targeted a potential construction start date around 2028.
Minnesota is extending a pause on enrolling new Medicaid providers in 12 high-risk services for at least another six months. The freeze began January 30th as the Department of Human Services revalidates nearly 5,600 existing providers. The revalidation is part of a corrective action plan required by federal officials to avoid losing over two billion dollars in Medicaid funding.
Providers must document ownership, employees and business locations, then undergo unannounced on-site inspections. For more information, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Wednesday, July 15, 2026
WARROAD, Minn. — The new marina in Warroad, is nearing completion. City officials say all grading is finished, black dirt is in place and ready for seeding, and crews are striping the parking lot. A-Plus Concrete is finishing cement work for docks and ramps, with final completion inspection set for this week.
While the project is wrapping up, boring for electrical work on docks and lighting still needs to be done, pushing full completion to late August. Warroad Mayor Tom Goldsmith shared what a soft opening for the public might look like:
The city says they don’t plan to do much this summer, but may allow some curious visitors in by late September. Recent rain caused some setbacks, including sloughing on the hillside and soft paving on the access road, but all damage has since been repaired. KQ92 and KRWB will continue to follow this story and updates on the marina.
The Minnesota Department of Health has released new resources to help parents and caregivers prevent and identify physical abuse in infants six months and younger. The tools include a webpage, fact sheet and social media posts to help families recognize warning signs like bruising, facial injuries and symptoms of abusive head trauma.
Infants under six months are more likely to experience serious physical abuse than older children. In 2025, Minnesota opened 195 infant physical abuse cases. Healthcare providers are encouraged to use these materials during well-baby visits. For more information, visit the MDH identifying signs of physical abuse in babies webpage.
The Wildlife Drive at Minnesota’s Roseau River Wildlife Management Area opens July 18th. The 27-mile self-guided route will be open July 18 through 26, and August 1, 2, 8 and 9. Visitors can explore wetland, woodland, brushland and grassland habitats while spotting trumpeter swans, loons, white pelicans, eagles and rare yellow rails.
Located 20 miles northwest of Roseau along the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail, the area features 149 breeding bird species. Visitors may also encounter deer, black bears, wolves and moose. The wetland pools offer fishing opportunities along the dike roads. Access the drive from Roseau County Road 3, two miles south of WMA headquarters. For road conditions, maps and additional information, call 218-452-7610 or email roseauriver.wildlife@state.mn.us.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Tuesday, July 14, 2026
WARROAD, Minn. — On Monday evening, Warroad Mayor Tom Goldsmith, along with Warroad Chief of Police Wade Steinbring, swore in two new police officers to complete the city’s police squad. Warroad PD has been operating on a shortage for the past few months, and Mayor Goldsmith explained the challenges being resolved:
Officers Rylee Harbiger and Christopher Anselmo will provide crucial support to Warroad’s law enforcement, and Mayor Goldsmith stated he was excited to see young people stepping up:
KQ92 and KRWB will continue following this and other local stories.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Tuesday, July 14, 2026
ROSEAU, Minn. — City officials are weighing two competing proposals for replacing the ice plant at Memorial Arena as they navigate ongoing delays with the facility’s roof repairs and work to secure funding for the project.
Roseau Community Development Coordinator Todd Peterson said the city currently has two options available for the ice plant and is carefully weighing their pros and cons:
Peterson explained what the committee will take into account when making their decision:
The proposals come from Modern Mechanical Ice Systems of Burnsville and Canadian-based CIMCO, with costs ranging from $1.8 million to $2.3 million.
Modern Mechanical has offered a turn-key package at $1.8 million that would include a self-contained building, with the city providing water, electricity and a concrete slab. The system features a carbon steel chiller and smaller modular ammonia compressors that are easier to monitor and control.
CIMCO has proposed a $2.3 million system that includes a titanium chiller and larger industrial-grade compressors similar to those currently on site. While more expensive, the CIMCO system offers an estimated 30-year lifespan compared to 15-20 years for the Modern Mechanical option. However, the CIMCO compressors require periodic overhauls that must be done on-site, while the Modern Mechanical system uses components that can be replaced more quickly despite higher parts costs.
Peterson noted the city could potentially reduce costs by constructing its own building for the CIMCO equipment at approximately $200,000, considerably less than the self-contained unit price.
On the arena roof front, contractors have informed the city that materials in the required color are not readily available, pushing potential completion to September. The project’s bonding company is currently working with city attorneys to finalize contract agreements.
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Department of Iron Range Natural Resources and Rehabilitation, known as Shippo, has indicated it will accept a “substantially complete” status for the project and has sent a $250,000 check to help fund the remaining work.
City officials are expected to make a decision on the ice plant option in the coming weeks.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for Roseau and Lake of the Woods counties today from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. due to extreme fire danger.
Thirteen northern Minnesota counties are affected. Officials warn that very high temperatures, strong wind gusts, and low humidity mean fires can spread quickly and grow out of control. Residents should not burn during the warning period and should check any recent burns to ensure they are completely out.
The DNR will not issue open burning permits and discourages campfires. For current restrictions, visit mndnr.gov/burnrestrictions or text “FIRE” to 66468.
