By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | October 28, 2025
WARROAD, Minn. – The Warroad City Council met Monday, October 27, with council members Kevin Thompson, Michele Vandal, Dean Dorholt, and Joe Olafson in attendance. Warroad Mayor Tom Goldsmith was absent, and Councilman Kevin Thompson presided over the meeting as acting mayor.
The council began the meeting after the pledge of allegiance, approving procedural checks totaling just over $826,000.
Council members also approved Officer Conor Adams for a full-time position with the Warroad Police Department. The move fills shifts left open while another officer recovers from a non-work-related injury expected to last nine to twelve months. Warroad Chief of Police, Wade Steinbring, added that Adams was, “…doing a great job,” with City Administrator Kathy Lovelace agreeing.
In other business, the council approved the hiring of a part-time clerk at the Municipal Liquor Store, following a recent vacancy.
Much of Monday’s meeting centered around updates from Warroad Community Development’s Director, Sarah Carling. We sat down with Carling to discuss an upcoming ribbon cutting ceremony for the organization’s new website:
Carling also spoke to us about Warroad Community Development’s ongoing work with the University of Minnesota:
The University of Minnesota is also working collaboratively with Warroad and other Highway 11 communities, Baudette and Badger, in their Empowering Small Minnesota Communities Program. Carling provided more details on this work as well:
Construction on the Highway 11 bridge project was briefly discussed, with Utilities superintendent Dan Trosen noting things appeared to be on schedule to reopen the bridge by November 7. “Tentatively they’re looking at opening it Friday before deer hunting,” he said. Councilman Kevin Thompson inquired about the durability of the decorative thin brick proposed for the project. City Administrator Kathy Lovelace said it should hold up “as long as it doesn’t get hit.”
The council ended the meeting by forming a committee to review and renew several city property leases, including those for the gravel pit, agricultural land, Nomad, the brewery, and the Tiny Home area. Council member Joe Olafson volunteered to serve, and Kevin nominated Dean Dorholt for his expertise in property values. City Administrator Lovelace will compile the necessary information for the council to consider lease renewals and approvals, noting it has been some time since the city last conducted such a review.
KQ92 & KRWB will continue to follow Warroad City Council meetings and provide updates.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | October 15, 2025
WARROAD, Minn. – The Warroad City Council met Tuesday, Oct. 14, approving $1.5 million in payments for ongoing city projects, including the Lake Street water main, marina, and airport improvements. Council members also discussed cost overruns tied to the Highway 11 reconstruction project and authorized final payments to the Minnesota Department of Transportation totaling $30,672.92.
City Administrator Kathy Lovelace reported that the city’s September expense summary was at 75% for both revenue and expenditures, noting that the higher spending was expected due to ongoing major projects, including the water main, marina, and airport. She said the city will receive state reimbursements for these projects within the same fiscal year.
Warroad Mayor Tom Goldsmith sat down with us to explain how these projects would be paid for using the city’s reserves, and the reserve’s current status:
Goldsmith further explained how rising construction costs contributed to expenses, and how such costs might impact future levies:
The council then addressed adjustments and outstanding balances related to the Highway 11 project. City Administrator Kathy Lovelace explained that the city’s portion of the project increased due to higher-than-expected bids. “The total project at the time was supposed to be $1.5 million and we paid the amount we were supposed to,” she said. “The bid came in about 30% over, we made adjustments to our portion, which created a deduct, leaving a balance of $8,229.20 we owe them, billed since June.” She also noted an additional amount for bridge lighting, with a final bid of $22,446.72, bringing the total overage due to $30,675.92.
Mayor Goldsmith provided more details on how some of these overages on the Highway 11 project came to be, and how the city attempts to work with MNDot on expenses:
Council members discussed concerns over paying the remaining balance to MNDOT. Councilman Joe Olafson remarked, “I don’t really trust DOT at all… they’re very clever, we pay for $50,000 for lighting and Roseau pays $10,000. They kind of told us we had aesthetics … it never ends with these people.” Despite the concerns, the council moved to allow city administration to pay the outstanding balances. City Councilman Kevin Thompson made the motion, Councilwoman Michelle Vandal seconded, and all were in favor, approving the payments.
Goldsmith applauded the city council on their work to mitigate overages and costs with MNDot:
Following the discussion on outstanding balances, MNDOT representative Cole Nelson provided an update on the Highway 11 project’s progress. He reported that the bridge deck was poured last Thursday, with asphalt scheduled for Monday on the bridge and next Tuesday and Wednesday on Elk Street. Nelson said the contractor plans to complete one half of the bridge this year, including facia, caps, railings, and sidewalks, with protective blankets placed on the walkways as cold weather approaches. He added that traffic is expected to reopen by the end of October or the first week of November, with the bridge maintaining its current configuration and a jersey barrier down the center. When asked, Nelson confirmed that the sidewalks are MNDOT’s cost and that the bridge lighting will be restored to its original operation.
Utility Superintendent Dan Trosen provided several updates to the council regarding ongoing and upcoming projects. He discussed a wetland delineation engineering contract near the city lagoon, aimed at identifying wetlands and completing the necessary paperwork for NAPCA permits to expand the lagoon. The contract bid from Widseth was $6,000, and the Utility Commission recommended approval. Kathy Lovelace asked for clarification, and Trosen noted the city had created wetlands in the area back in 1980. Trosen added, “We put them in; we can take them away,” emphasizing that the city should not have to purchase wetland credits for wetlands it previously created. The council approved the motion.
Goldsmith explained what the wetland delineation would mean further for city utilities:
Trosen also presented a request for a utility easement for Circle K, as water and sewer lines previously ran through an abandoned alley and needed relocation onto the property for future repairs. The easement comes at no cost to the city and was approved. Additionally, the council authorized sending five delinquent accounts to RCB Collections. In discussion of the Utility Commission’s October minutes, Trosen updated the council on the timeline for Circle K and Elk Street, noting delays caused by contaminated soils. Trosen commented, “Neat to see a private company come across a problem and come up with a solution,” as crews hauled material to Bemidji and Hallock, with a large pile behind Circle K continuing to be removed.
The council then turned to airport projects, specifically the track seal and overlay, which have already been completed. Councilman Olafson explained that signing contract agreements is required to secure funding, saying, “If we don’t agree to these two contracts, then we don’t get the grant money and we’re on the hook for the whole cost.” Under the agreements, the Federal Aviation Administration covers 95% of the cost, the state 2.5%, and the city 2.5%. City Administrator Kathy Lovelace sought a motion to approve Resolution 2025-15, which was carried, and Resolution 2025-16 was also authorized and approved.
Before adjourning, the council also approved sending remaining delinquent utility accounts to the county for collection with property taxes and set a public hearing for Tuesday, Nov. 11. Applications for bingo and raffle permits for the Sons of the American Legion were approved, including bingo events scheduled for Feb. 14, 2026, and March 22, 2026, and a raffle on Feb. 14, 2026. KQ92 and KRWB will continue to cover and provide updates on Warroad City Council meetings.
By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | October 14, 2025
BAUDETTE, Minn. – On Monday, Oct. 13, the Baudette City Council held its regular monthly meeting. Mayor Dylan Hancharyk presided over council members Cole Nelson and Liz Weigel, with City Clerk and Treasurer Tina Rennemo also present. The council approved a VMC Management contract for a Verizon tower project before hearing from the public forum and receiving departmental updates on ongoing projects and necessary expenditures.
Mike Hirst of the Water Conservation District provided an update on Watershed funding, which is received every two years in the amount of $525,000. He outlined ongoing projects focused on stormwater management, shoreline erosion control, and invasive species removal, including buckthorn mitigation within the city. Half of the current funding cycle is dedicated to shoreline restoration and buckthorn management. Hirst also discussed best practices for reducing chloride use, potential transitions to liquid alternatives, and collaboration with landowners and public entities on larger conservation projects. City Clerk Rennemo noted that funds are also available for Emerald Ash Borer mitigation to diversify local tree populations, but the deadline was approaching soon.
Mayor Hancharyk thanked Hirst for these updates, and Hirst stated that it would be possible to visit and provide the city with more frequency in the future.
Tessa Strohl of the Fireworks Committee continued in the public forum, reporting plans to send $20,000 to Pyrotechnics by the end of November, with an additional $5,000 donated by the Lake of the Woods Drifters. She requested the city contribute to the 2026 fireworks fund, noting that $12,000 was spent to automate the show’s firing system, which previously required manual ignition from boats. Last year, the city donated $7,500, while the county and Drifters each contributed $5,000. Mayor Dylan Hancharyk introduced a motion for the city to donate $5,000 toward the 2026 display, which was approved by the council.
Following Strohl, Lake of the Woods Public School’s new superintendent, Scott Fitzsimonds, introduced himself to the council, noting his 26 years of experience in education and administration. He discussed the school’s aging facilities and a proposed $5 million bond set for a Nov. 4 vote to fund building repairs, bus replacements, and technology upgrades. Fitzsimonds also addressed traffic safety improvements, including a roundabout for preschool drop-offs, permanent barriers to separate parking and activity areas, and potential rerouting of bus pick-ups to enhance flow and safety. He expressed interest in strengthening collaboration between the school and the city.
The final item of the public forum was the Rex Hotel, which has been offered to the city by its current owner in exchange for forgiveness of $19,000 in back property taxes. Council members noted the building has water damage, broken windows and doors, and a significant amount of debris, though some remodeling has begun. Ed Sharpington expressed interest in restoring the property to a motel, and council members agreed further discussion and review are needed before any decisions are made.
Transitioning to departmental updates, Kelli Pelland, library director, reported 5,500 visitors in the past nine months and highlighted upcoming programs, including an international folk music event on Oct. 16 and a timber history presentation on Oct. 29. She noted the library received an ALS grant to add a cottage and has costumes on display, while two library board terms are ending in 2025.
Zoning Administrator Tom Eaton provided zoning updates, including billboard inquiries and complaints about feral cats and noise. He said the city is working to contact billboard owners to determine future plans for the signage. Eaton also stated the Humane Society is working on a potential trap-neuter-release program, which involves notifying residents one to two days ahead of trapping, holding animals for one to two days until a vet can neuter them, ear-clipping and tagging before release, and complying with state laws requiring a five to ten day holding period for animals that have bitten someone. The city also considered plans to have an animal control officer, and a Humane Society representative can attend the next work session to discuss handling and holding concerns.
Erica Anderson provided liquor store updates, including weekly reports, upcoming evaluations, and ongoing POS system paperwork.
Much of the budget discussion focused on Parks and Recreation updates and their impact on the city. Utility Superintendent Greg Johnson reported that sewer and water work has begun at the splash pad, with adjustments needed to bathroom size, stall numbers, and the surrounding cement slab for handicap accessibility. The council also reviewed equipment needs, including replacing the city’s 1997 grader, which is critical for snow removal, and several overdue pickups, with options to lease, buy, or explore used equipment. A new grader would cost the city $415,000; if a trade was accepted, the cost would be reduced to $361,000, but the city has only until the end of the month to make a decision on this equipment purchase or lease at the current price.
Major street and pond repairs were addressed, including multiple water breaks on 4th Ave NW and 1st St NW, with costs estimated at $1.02 million, and pond valve and pump replacements around $100,000. Council members approved moving forward with the sewer work, including the pond valve replacements, while emphasizing careful budget planning given the city’s financial constraints.
City Councilman Cole Nelson spoke on how the city is addressing some of the expenses the city and its residents would face in the coming year:
A contentious discussion took place regarding potential cuts to service from the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff’s Department. The department took over the city’s law enforcement contract after the Baudette Police Department was dissolved in December 2018, but due to coverage and budget concerns, the council is considering changes. Sheriff Gary Fish defended the current contract, saying, “From 2023 to the present, or a week or so ago, 6,048 calls for service… almost 47% of calls from the city. You cannot tell me you aren’t getting police coverage in the city.” Mayor Dylan Hancharyk disagreed, citing a case where no public notice was issued for almost six hours while an escaped criminal was on the loose, and criticized gaps in ordinance enforcement.
Council members raised concerns about traffic enforcement and miscellaneous complaints. Hancharyk noted, “Speed trackers, signage people are ignoring… I know you guys don’t have an easy job,” while Tom Eaton added, “A lot of calls I get… what you might consider miscellaneous or minor; proactive presence would be helpful. I hear about them all but don’t see anyone writing tickets.”
Fish responded that deputies patrol nightly and that enforcement decisions are not dictated by the council, stating, “Police presence IS proactive. Everyone wants me to work traffic until it affects them… I could write traffic tickets in the city all day long but I’m not going to.”
The council discussed the possibility of reducing the city’s law enforcement budget by roughly 50% due to financial constraints. Hancharyk acknowledged the tough decision, saying, “We are in a budget crisis… bottom line is, we’re looking at what we can get for about half the cost.” Fish emphasized the need to coordinate with the county on any changes, adding, “If a citizen has a complaint, then bring it to me.” Councilman Cole Nelson made a statement regarding the proposed cuts to the law enforcement contract in the city:
For residents concerned about safety if there were a lower law enforcement presence in the city, Nelson had this to say:
Councilman Nelson also noted that while the city had experienced an unprecedented 18 years of little to no tax increases, the last seven years have seen record rises due to inflation. He cautioned that, although the city is working to keep taxes low for residents, cutting taxes while balancing the budget may not be realistic. The council is actively reviewing spending, prioritizing critical projects, and considering reductions in certain services to manage the city’s finances. “I think that there will be much more information coming out in the coming month in regards to the topics we discussed last night. We already had a bit of a flurry of action this morning. Therefore, I think we will have a good opportunity to update listeners the next time around,” he said. The council also approved two donations to the local fire department during the meeting, accepting $500 under Resolution 2025-15 and $250 under Resolution 2025-16.
The councilman had these final comments on the budget and city priorities:
KQ92 and KRWB will continue to follow the council’s discussions and provide updates as more information becomes available.
The Fort Frances Museum and Cultural Centre hosted a Métis dot art session on September 27, giving participants a hands-on way to explore cultural art.
The session focused on traditional dot art techniques, inspired by beadwork, and allowed participants to create designs on keychains, clothing, and jewelry. More than a dozen people attended, learning the techniques and experimenting with their own creations.
The event reflects the museum’s ongoing efforts to showcase history, art, and culture, including recent exhibits on Métis heritage, Treaty No. 3, and residential schools. The session highlighted how cultural traditions continue to be shared and experienced in the community.
The Rainy River Record printed its final edition on September 27, ending almost a century of local news in the Rainy River District. Publisher Jim Cumming said the closure was driven by unprofitability and a shift in advertising, as major advertisers increasingly favor online platforms over traditional newspapers.
Remaining staff will continue limited operations through November to wrap up office matters. Subscribers have been transitioned to the Fort Frances Times, which will continue covering Rainy River and district news, and the paper is seeking contributors to help maintain local coverage.
The closure highlights a broader trend in Canada and the United States, where small community newspapers are shutting down amid declining print advertising and rising competition from digital media. Residents are now relying on remaining publications and online outlets to stay informed about local events and community news.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says netting for cisco—also called tullibee—and whitefish, sometimes called lake herring, for personal use is now open this fall on designated lakes, including Lake of the Woods. The opportunity is available to Minnesota residents only, with about 700 anglers participating statewide each year.
Netting schedules depend on water temperatures. As cooler fall waters push game fish into deeper areas, cisco and whitefish move into shallower waters to spawn. Some lakes may open or close on just 48 hours’ notice, with updates posted at public accesses and online. Others follow the standard netting schedules listed on the DNR website.
Anglers are reminded that only cisco and whitefish should be kept. Any game fish caught by accident must be returned immediately.
Fort Frances has secured $240,000 in provincial funding over the next two years to expand mental health support alongside the Ontario Provincial Police. The town will hire a third crisis worker to attend certain emergency calls involving mental health or addiction issues, increasing coverage in the Rainy River district beyond the municipality.
The program, which pairs crisis workers with police officers, allows specialists to respond to incidents, often preventing hospital visits and providing a therapeutic approach rather than a punitive one. Similar partnerships in Thunder Bay have shown positive results.
Funding through the Canadian Mental Health Association and the OPP will cover the additional position until March 31, 2027. Town officials said the new grant matches the funding provided to Thunder Bay for a similar initiative.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with the Minnesota Forestry Association, is hosting a fall webinar series to help woodland owners and forestry professionals respond to summer storm damage in the Bemidji area. The goal is to support landowners in creating healthy, resilient forests, even after severe weather events.
The next webinar takes place on Monday, Oct. 13, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Presenters include a DNR forest health specialist, who will discuss common pests and diseases to watch for and strategies to prevent or slow their spread, and a Potlatch forester, who will provide an industry perspective on managing storm-damaged woods.
The series is held on the second Monday of each month, with upcoming sessions on Nov. 10 and Dec. 8. November’s webinar will focus on cost-share opportunities for landowners, and December’s session will cover fire prevention and planning for future reforestation efforts.
These webinars are free, but registration is required. Landowners and forestry professionals interested in attending can find details and sign up at the Minnesota Forestry Association website,minnesotaforestry.org/blowdown.
This series is a valuable opportunity to connect with experts, learn practical strategies for recovery, and ensure Minnesota’s forests remain healthy and resilient for years to come.
The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources has awarded $1.07 million in Clean Water Funds through its Clean Water Legacy Partners Grant Program. The funding is designed to protect, enhance, and restore water quality across the state, with this round of grants going to six organizations.
Awardees include the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe with two separate projects, Lower Phalen Creek, Red Lake Nation, the Upper Red Lake Area Association, and the Upper Sioux Community.
The program allows Tribal Governments and nonprofit groups to access Clean Water Fund dollars, expanding conservation efforts beyond traditional state and local agencies. Twenty-three organizations applied for funding, and another grant cycle is expected to open early next year.
The Clean Water Fund, part of the Legacy Amendment approved by Minnesota voters in 2008, dedicates a portion of sales tax revenue to protecting and restoring the state’s lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater.
Headline: Six Minnesota Organizations Awarded $1.07 Million in Clean Water Legacy Grants
The Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources is now accepting grant applications for the new Keep it Clean Program, designed to protect lakes by preventing pollution from garbage and other waste left on the ice during winter activities like ice fishing.
Eligible applicants include soil and water conservation districts, watershed districts, cities, counties, townships, and joint powers organizations. Grants will fund activities such as ice cleanup events and education efforts, with awards ranging from $10,000 to $40,000.
The program, funded by a one-time $200,000 appropriation, aims to engage winter recreational communities in protecting Minnesota’s lakes, improving water quality, and keeping lakes ready for everyone to enjoy year-round.Applications will be accepted through Oct. 29. For details on eligibility and how to apply, visit the BWSR website.
