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.
MINNESOTA – The United Way of Northeastern Minnesota has temporarily closed its Smiles United Dental Crisis Fund to non-veterans, citing depleted resources.
However, veterans and servicemembers in Lake of the Woods County, Koochiching County, and the Iron Range can still apply for limited assistance.
The organization hopes to raise enough money during Give to the Max Day this Thursday, Minnesota’s annual statewide giving event, to reopen the fund for all residents who need emergency dental help.
United Way of Northeastern Minnesota launched the Northeast Minnesota Dental Task Force in 2024 to address major barriers to dental care across the region, including a severe shortage of providers, long travel distances, and limited access to affordable services.
Executive Director Erin Shay says the lack of access creates a growing crisis.
Shay says the task force is working on long-term solutions, including encouraging more dental students to practice in rural northern Minnesota. But until more providers come to the region, crisis funding remains essential to prevent dental emergencies from turning into larger health or financial problems.
For now, the Smiles United fund remains open only to veterans and servicemembers, including those in Lake of the Woods County, who continue to face some of the state’s most significant gaps in dental access.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | November 13, 2025
WARROAD, Minn. – Warroad School’s Native American Education program is hosting a three-day event, Oyate Kinipi Archery, at Warroad River Place this Nov. 21 through Nov. 23. We sat down with Native American Education Coordinator Danielle Smith to learn more about the program and the organization behind it.
Smith provided more details on the Oyate Kinipi organization, which began as Open Arms Native Missions in 2012 with a mission to uplift and empower Native American communities and those in need. The organization officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2018 and has since grown into a dynamic resource dedicated to cultural revitalization, mentorship, and community support:
Smith explained that the archery sessions will combine instruction in traditional archery skills with teachings about Native language, customs, and history, helping participants strengthen cultural connections while learning something new:
She emphasized the importance of cultural programs like Oyate Kinipi Archery in preserving and passing down Native American traditions to younger generations. Community members who wish to take part or learn more about Warroad’s Native American Education efforts were encouraged to reach out to Smith and Shauna Grapentine, Warroad School’s Native American Education Home/School Liason:
Tickets for this event are available at WarroadRiverPlace.org, with scholarships available for Warroad Public School students. Contact Coordinator Danielle Smith at 218-386-6097 for more information.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | November 12, 2025
WARROAD, Minn. – Congressional candidate Erik Osberg marked his 100th campaign stop Tuesday in Warroad, attending Warroad High School’s Veterans Day program and hosting a luncheon for constituents at the Phoenix Restaurant.
Osberg, who has no prior political experience, is traveling across all 38 counties in Minnesota’s 7th Congressional District as he seeks the Democratic–Farmer–Labor (DFL) nomination for the 2026 election. He is currently the only DFL candidate in the race and hopes to secure the party’s endorsement during the Feb. 3, 2026 caucus. If endorsed, he would face incumbent Republican Michelle Fischbach, who has served in Minnesota state government since 1996, unseated 30-year DFL Congressional Rep. Collin Peterson in 2020 with 53.8% of the vote, and won re-election with 66.9% in 2022 and 70.5% in 2024. Osberg emphasized his “bottom-up” campaign strategy, saying he wants to move away from career-politicians and focus on principle, empathy and grassroots engagement.
During the Warroad visit, Osberg praised the Veterans Day program and rural communities’ contributions to the U.S. military:
Osberg said that connecting early and consistently with communities is key to building support where past DFL candidates have struggled. Though a self-described moderate, Osberg also saw himself and his wife as “two blue dots in a red district,” working to link pockets of Democratic voters across the sprawling 7th District. He spoke more on his strategy in this campaign:
He shared his campaign priorities during conversations with constituents, emphasizing healthcare, public education, agriculture, and restoring federal representation for rural communities. Osberg framed his approach as principle-driven, stressing empathy, kindness, and hard work. He encouraged bipartisanship and listening to constituents on both sides of the aisle. He clarified the primary tenants of his platform:
Osberg summarized, “Healthcare is our number one concern, that’s at the top of our list. We’re also concerned about Agriculture and public education. There’s a lot of other issues, I don’t want to call them wedge issues – issues that divide us into this camp or that camp. What we’re trying to do as a campaign is work on more uniting issues. We all want healthcare to be accessible and affordable. We all want our farmers to do well. I think we all want our kids to get a good education, not dependent on how wealthy you are, a good public education.”
Osberg’s professional background includes work in Otter Tail County, Edward Jones, Farm Bureau Financial Services, and he ran a marketing company. He holds a B.A. in communications from Hamline University, has served on civic boards and Chambers of Commerce, and coaches junior high football. His wife is a longtime special education educator and principal, while his children work in nursing and education.
During the luncheon, Osberg discussed the SNAP program and federal welfare policies with constituents, noting that federal cuts have shifted more costs to local taxpayers and highlighted the need for oversight to ensure aid reaches those who need it most. He acknowledged that local enforcement and administration of social programs can be imperfect but stressed the federal government’s responsibility to fund and regulate them.
Conversations also touched on foreign policy and federal spending. Constituents raised concerns over Minnesota’s investments in Israel and questioned the ethical allocation of taxpayer dollars. Osberg pledged that his campaign would be free of corporate influence, including AIPAC contributions, and emphasized prioritizing local needs. He closed the luncheon by saying, “My pledge to you as a candidate and as a gesture of good faith, just know that me as a congressional candidate, will not take AIPAC money … I would use whatever influence I have to put us in the right direction.”
Local volunteer Cyndy Renfrow encouraged constituents to engage in the upcoming DFL caucus, highlighting the importance of making informed choices rather than voting for familiar names. Osberg has visited every county in District 7, using these discussions to build grassroots support and understand real-world concerns ahead of the Feb. 3 caucus and the general election.
KQ92 and KRWB will continue to cover developments in Minnesota’s 7th Congressional District and across the state, including candidate updates, caucuses, and the 2026 midterm elections. We’ll keep our audience informed on the key races and issues shaping the upcoming election cycle.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | November 11, 2025
BAUDETTE, Minn. – The Baudette City Council convened Monday, Nov. 10, for its regular meeting, with Mayor Dylan Hancharyk presiding alongside council members Liz Weigel, Cole Nelson, and Steve Theis Jr.
During the public forum, resident Devlin Reasy addressed the council regarding the cancellation of a controlled burn training and an ongoing sewer issue. Reasy said he felt “attacked” by the city. Councilman Cole Nelson responded on behalf of the council, stating, “We’ve been advised by the city attorney not to comment on this.” When Reasy asked whether that advice applied to both matters, Nelson confirmed it did.
No action was taken on the issue, which remains under review by the city attorney. Reasy later returned to suggest the city consider purchasing a used grader from the county, noting the county’s success in obtaining equipment at a reduced cost. The council thanked him for his input.
Library Director Kelli Pelland shared updates on upcoming events at the Baudette Public Library, including CHI LakeWood Health’s next Wellness Wednesday program on Nov. 19, which will focus on power of attorney in health care, and a music program scheduled for Nov. 20. Pelland also reported that two letters of interest had been received for vacant library board positions. The council opted to review those letters and make appointments at its next meeting.
City staff reported progress on fall maintenance, including removing docks from Timbermill Park and addressing potholes and alley repairs before recent rainfall. Mayor Hancharyk thanked staff for the extra effort to complete the work before the weather turned.
Public Works employee Dave Wilmer reached his six-month milestone with the city. The council approved a step increase for Wilmer, effective Aug. 28, 2025.
The council received an update from Fire Chief Brad Levasseur that Engine No. 2 remains out of service due to difficulty obtaining carburetor parts, while winter preparations are underway.
Mayor Hancharyk and Councilman Nelson met with county officials and Sheriff Gary Fish regarding a new law enforcement coverage agreement. The city and county reached a proposed agreement for 30 hours of coverage per week, resulting in a 52% cost reduction compared to the previous arrangement.
“It’s less for less,” Nelson said, noting that the revised contract provides fewer hours at a lower cost. The 2026 sheriff’s contract will cover 30 hours of weekly patrol service, with open communication encouraged between city staff and the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff’s Office regarding ordinance enforcement.
The council approved the new one-year contract, replacing the previous three-year term.
In closing, Mayor Hancharyk noted that the change will help the city’s budgeting efforts and ensure continued law enforcement coverage within the community.
The council also received a thank-you letter from the Baudette Foundation for supporting this year’s community fireworks display.
KQ92 and KRWB will continue to follow Baudette City Council meetings and provide updates.