St. Paul, MINN. – Funding is now available from the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, or BWSR, to help protect drinking water sources across the state.

Two opportunities are now open through the newly updated Reinvest in Minnesota Drinking Water Program. This program supports conservation easements on private land and land purchases by local governments in areas that are vulnerable to pollution.

The goal is to protect drinking water by keeping harmful substances, like nitrogen, out of sensitive soil and groundwater. Landowners who enroll in the program can now receive more competitive payments, with added flexibility in how the land is used.

A total of $11 million from Minnesota’s Clean Water Fund is up for grabs.

For private landowners, the program offers payments in exchange for placing their land into permanent conservation easements. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed monthly. Interested landowners should contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District to apply.

For local governments, funding is available to purchase land that helps protect drinking water sources. Cities, counties, tribes, and water suppliers can apply by submitting materials through BWSR’s website.

To learn more, visit bwsr.state.mn.us.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is expanding its free library park pass program, giving more Minnesotans the chance to explore state parks and recreation areas at no cost.

In partnership with over 200 libraries and bookmobiles across the state, the program now covers all 87 counties and offers 450 seven-day park passes—more than double the number previously available. These passes can be checked out just like a book, offering free vehicle entry to any Minnesota state park or recreation area.

Originally piloted in 2018 and launched statewide in 2021, the program has seen usage nearly double over the past three years—from under 2,000 checkouts in its first year to nearly 4,000 this past year.

The program is funded by the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund and aims to reduce cost barriers, especially for lower-income families. A recent survey found most users checked out a pass to save money, and many were trying out a park for the first time.

Passes don’t cover camping fees, but anyone interested in an overnight stay can make a reservation at mndnr.gov/reservations or call 866-857-2757.

To find a participating library or bookmobile near you, visit http://mndnr.gov/librarypass.

Starting July 1, 2025, Minnesota will implement a new law that increases veterans and military affairs funding by $50.5 million over previous levels, bringing total spending to $365.23 million for the 2026–27 biennium. The Department of Veterans Affairs will receive the majority of this increase—$40.9 million—largely to support staffing at the state’s eight veterans’ homes, especially in Bemidji, Montevideo, and Preston, which opened in early 2024. The goal is to reduce waitlists and expand access to care for veterans needing housing and support.

The law also boosts funding for suicide prevention efforts, home-delivered meals for veterans in Greater Minnesota, and technical support for county service officers working with women veterans, those facing mental health challenges, and veterans involved in the justice system. A portion of funding will support Hometown Hero Outdoors, an organization that connects military personnel and veterans with outdoor recreational opportunities and mental health services.

A new task force will receive funding to define eligibility for the new “Veteran of the Secret War in Laos” designation. This status will apply to individuals, including many Hmong veterans, who served honorably with U.S.-backed guerilla units during the Vietnam War era. Eligible individuals will receive an official certificate recognizing their service and granting them access to benefits.

The Department of Military Affairs will also receive increased funding to maintain enlistment and retention bonuses, support cybersecurity readiness within the Minnesota National Guard, expand a holistic fitness program, and ensure a pension offset for service members called to state active duty.

Lastly, the law includes the creation of a memorial plaque on the State Capitol grounds to honor the service and sacrifice of Minnesota’s Gold Star and Blue Star families. This comprehensive law reflects Minnesota’s continued investment in the well-being and recognition of its veterans and military communities.

Minnesota’s Department of Human Services announced July 1, 2025 that it is investing $15 million in new state grants to expand services for people affected by opioid use disorder. The funding, awarded to 23 organizations by the MN DHS, was recommended by the Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council.

These grants come amid promising signs of progress: in 2023, opioid-related treatment admissions increased for the third straight year, and fatal overdoses dropped for the first time in five years—especially in rural areas. Still, officials emphasize the crisis continues statewide.

This new round of grants target key areas:

• $4.5 million for expanding the continuum of care
  
• $3+ million for harm reduction and workforce development/training
  
• Additional funds for prevention, education, chronic pain care, and alternative treatments
  

A major goal is to improve culturally relevant care, particularly for Native communities and people of color.

The state also updated its Opioid Epidemic Response Spending Dashboard with 2024 data, promoting transparency and helping identify community needs.

Grantees span the Twin Cities, greater Minnesota, and Tribal Nations, with some offering statewide services. This is the fourth round of grants, with more funding opportunities coming soon.

For more information, visit the Opioid Epidemic Response Advisory Council’s website.

This Fourth of July weekend, Minnesota’s lakes and rivers will be busy—and so will conservation officers and public safety teams. From July 4–7, Minnesota DNR will take part in Operation Dry Water, a national effort to crack down on boating under the influence. The campaign raises awareness about the dangers and serious penalties of operating a boat while impaired, which remains the leading cause of boating accidents and deaths in Minnesota and across the country.

While most boaters follow the rules, dozens are arrested for boating while intoxicated during the holiday period. Minnesota has some of the strictest laws in the country: if you’re caught operating a boat, vehicle, or recreational machine under the influence, you lose the right to drive all of them. Officials are reminding the public: there is zero tolerance for boating under the influence.

The DNR also urges all boaters to wear life jackets. Many fatalities could be prevented simply by wearing one. Stay safe, stay sober, and enjoy Minnesota’s waters responsibly.

As of July 1, 2025, Minnesota requires certain adults and youth to have a valid watercraft operator’s permit to drive a motorboat or personal watercraft. This law is designed to improve safety on the water by making sure operators are properly trained and understand boating rules.

Adults born after June 30, 2004 must have a permit starting in 2025. The law will gradually expand each year to include older age groups—so by 2028, anyone born after June 30, 1987, will need a permit.

Adults without a permit can still operate a boat, but only with a qualified adult onboard who has a permit and is within reach of the controls.

For youth, there are horsepower limits. Kids under 12 cannot operate a personal watercraft or boats with engines over 75 horsepower. They can operate boats under that limit if accompanied by someone 21 or older who meets permit requirements.

There are some exemptions, such as licensed U.S. Coast Guard or Canadian maritime operators, out-of-state visitors here less than 60 days, or those operating during emergencies.

If you’re renting a watercraft, you must be at least 18 and have a permit. Those under 18 cannot rent watercraft at all.

To check your status or learn more, visit the Minnesota DNR website.

By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | July 1, 2025

WARROAD, Minn. – Andrew Mayfield, a Warroad High School senior, recently completed his Eagle Scout project, building and placing flag disposal boxes in communities in association with the Warroad American Legion Post 25. KQ92 FM and KRWB AM was able to sit down with Mayfield to discuss his project, and the impact it has on the community.

When asked about his tenure scouting, Mayfield explained that he had been a scout for about nine years between Grafton, North Dakota and Warroad, Minnesota:

Mayfield expressed one of his motivations to earn the Eagle Scout rank with Scouting America was the ability to give back to communities that supported him, “I really like the giving back portion of it.”

“I’ve been [kind of] approached and asked about what I was thinking of for my Eagle Scout project … that was one of the things that people were telling me was a big problem [in Warroad],” Mayfield said of how he decided on constructing these flag disposal boxes, long before he was close to his goal of attaining the Eagle Scout rank. Considering his family’s military background, and with encouragement from the City of Warroad, Mayfield decided on helping residents resolve the existing flag disposal issue.

Mayfield let us know that the inception of the idea for the flag disposal boxes had come to him in January of 2025; the planning and execution took about six months, with just under three months to physically construct the flag disposal boxes. As a tri-sport athlete, Mayfield stated that “…it was really hard to get time to build.” He noted how challenging it was to coordinate between his own busy schedule, and those of other troop members that would assist with building.

With the project completed, Mayfield explained where all of these flag disposal boxes could be found and how they could be used, from Warroad to Roosevelt, Minnesota:

Editor’s note, Aug. 14: The location of the flag disposal box placed at Warroad’s City Office mentioned in this audio has changed. It is now at the Warroad Public Library.

Mayfield shared how he hoped these flag disposal boxes would positively impact the community, with consideration for repairs and sustainability in the future:

We also spoke to Todd Miller, the Commander of Warroad’s American Legion Post for more details on the impact this project would have on the Legion, affording more convenience for the proper disposal of American flags:

Miller explained the ritual of how flags were meant to be disposed of according to the U.S. Flag code:

“I just want to thank everyone who came and talked to me there,” Mayfield stated of the Veterans’ Memorial service, also letting listeners know where they could find more information about these flag disposal boxes.

While the percentage of scouts that become Eagle Scouts has fluctuated throughout the years, since the inception of the award in 1912 only 2% of all Boy Scouts have earned the rank of Eagle Scout. In order to attain this rank, a scout must demonstrate his leadership and service skills with a final project which includes planning, organizing, and sustainability in a project that benefits a community or organization outside of Scouting America itself.

Mayfield officially received his Eagle Scout rank on June 20, 2025 from a council, with national review of his project. Though the achievement of this rank, and the scope of Mayfield’s project were impressive enough, the young man’s humility and gratitude stood out as he took this moment to let KQ92 and KRWB know that he wasn’t the only senior in the area receiving his Eagle Scout rank this year. He was eager to share the accomplishments of his fellow scouts, and the organization. KQ92 FM and KRWB AM will continue to follow these community stories, and provide more updates.

By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | June 25, 2025

WARROAD, Minn. – KQ92 FM & KRWB AM caught up with Warroad Chamber of Commerce President Steve Hagen, to discuss logistics of the upcoming July 4th festivities in Warroad.

We asked Hagen about local businesses that would be open during the 4th of July weekend, and how residents and visitors could stay updated if they wanted to do some shopping or exploring between events:

Regarding traffic and construction, Hagen let us know about the coordinated effort between the Warroad Chamber of Commerce and Warroad Women of Today, to direct people and traffic most effectively to their destinations:

KQ92 FM & KRWB AM will continue to follow and report on updates on this event. For more information on the Warroad Chamber of Commerce, their website is visitwarroad.com.