Warroad City Council Sets Cannabis Retail Zone and Breaks Ties

By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | July 17, 2025

WARROAD, Minn. – On Monday July 14, 2025, the City of Warroad met to discuss ordinance changes, updates on the Marina Project, requests from Emergency Services, and hosted a presentation by the Warroad Community Development team regarding their website. In attendance were City Council members Dean Dorholt, Joe Olafson, Kevin Thompson, and Michele Vandal, with Mayor Tom Goldsmith and City Administrator Kathy Lovelace presiding.

At this meeting, it was raised that a business had submitted an application to open a cannabis retail location within the City of Warroad. Marijuana for adult recreational use was legalized in Minnesota August of 2023, and a provision which allowed local governments to prohibit cannabis businesses in their jurisdiction expired January 1, 2025.

Warroad Mayor Tom Goldsmith spoke at length of the decision the City of Warroad would take in compliance with Minnesota State law:

According to Minnesota State Statute 342.13 local governments cannot prohibit establishment or operation of a licensed hemp or cannabis business, but they can adopt reasonable restrictions to time, place, and manner of business that would not interfere otherwise with these businesses. The City of Warroad is working in tandem with Roseau County, and has chosen to commit to a zoning ordinance that will regulate this new kind of business to operate only in the C-2 designated zoning:

The meeting continued with the City Council unanimously approving a motion to award Spruce Valley their bid for the Marina Project, as well as approving a dock proposal for slips at the marina. While the project had come in $250,000 over the engineer’s original proposal, the City noted that $390,000 was available for the docks via money provided by grant proposals.

The next order of business was a request from the City of Warroad’s Emergency Services Department to retain an ambulance that had been set to retire. Currently, the City of Warroad operates with just two ambulances, and a new one is being purchased from Premier Specialty Vehicles in the amount of $281,417 to replace the 2013 Dodge model designated for sale or retirement.

For the first time in many years, Warroad’s City Council was deadlocked in a tie over this issue, with City Council members Joe Olafson and Kevin Thompson voting to deny the request to retain this ambulance, and members Michele Vandal and Dean Dorholt voting to keep the ambulance. Mayor Tom Goldsmith broke the tie, ultimately denying the request to keep the ambulance

While retaining this older model ambulance would provide a third emergency vehicle for use by the City in case of multiple calls, there were questions raised by the Council regarding liability issues and concerns of available space to house a third ambulance. The emergency services team representatives, Damien McMillin and Joy Bukowiec, made the Council aware that three ambulances could be held at the City’s current location, but it would require compromises that council members and the Mayor were not certain were attainable.

This led to a discussion regarding expansion of the City of Warroad’s Emergency Services building, in which a proposal had been submitted before that was estimated to cost the City of Warroad and its taxpayers an additional $2-2.2 million. While Warroad’s population has grown, the City Council and Mayor did not feel that the growth merited the cost to expand this building at this time.

Moving on, the City discussed no-wake zones on the Warroad River, and who enforced speed limits on the River. Glenda Phillipe was tasked with determining which authoritative bodies, if any, were responsible for placing buoys on the Warroad River.

Other traffic concerns arose regarding City crosswalk zones. Warroad’s Chief of Police Wade Steinbring raised that since construction on Highway 11 had begun, previously designated crosswalks had become more hazardous. Pedestrians were also beginning to create hazards by utilizing unmarked paths to cross roadways in the absence of clear pedestrian crosswalks. Jaywalking, while not frequently enforced, is considered a petty misdemeanor in the state of Minnesota and is punishable by fines. The Warroad Police Department and the City will work on communicating to residents the urgency of abiding by the law and practicing safe commuting procedures.

The last order of the meeting was for Sarah Carling of Warroad Community Development, and Katie Pieper of Sandpieper Designs, to present to the City Council a new website design and planned logos to help unify organizations within the City.

KQ92 and KRWB Radio will continue to cover and follow Warroad City Council meetings, and updates from the City of Warroad.

Wildlife Drive closed at Roseau River Wildlife Management Area

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Press Release | July 15, 2025

Roseau, MINN. – The 27-mile Wildlife Drive within the Roseau River Wildlife Management Area will not open as planned this July. The opening has been canceled due to the discovery of damages to a key dike on the route. The Wildlife Drive is closed to vehicles, but bicycle and foot traffic is welcome and encouraged.

The self-guided Wildlife Drive traverses wetland, woodland, brushland, grassland and farmland habitats, providing visitors ample opportunity for wildlife viewing at the Roseau River WMA, located 20 miles northwest of Roseau.

Updates about reopening the Wildlife Drive will be available on the Roseau River WMA webpage, emailing roseauriver.wildlife@state.mn.us, calling 218-452-7610, or stopping by the Roseau River WMA office at 27952 400th St., Roseau, MN 56751. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Femme Fatale ATV Fun Run Gears Up for 20th Year!

Penny Turgeon-Kimble sits down at Neighbor’s Chevrolet Studio in Warroad

By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | July 15, 2025

WARROAD, Minn. – The Femme Fatale ATV Fun Run is a local event held in Warroad, Minnesota that raises thousands of dollars annually through sponsorships, donations, and participation, then chooses a local charity or community project to bestow the funds unto. This August, the Femme Fatale ATV Run will be embarking on its 20th gathering! KQ92 and KRWB Radio sat down with Penny Turgeon-Kimble of Moxie, the local non-profit that spearheads the annual Femme Fatale ATV Run in Beltrami Island State Forest, to talk about more details on this event and their organization.

Turgeon-Kimble gave us a brief history on the Femme Fatale, from its “tongue-in-cheek” name, to support from friends, and how it evolved into a fundraiser it is today:

Photo by H.E.L.P.P. Inc.

In 2016, Loralee Marvin stepped into the picture and encouraged Turgeon-Kimble to collaborate on larger fundraising efforts which resulted in the creation of local nonprofit H.E.L.P.P. Inc. (aptly named as an acronym for Helping Ease Local People’s Pain). The Femme Fatale funding evolved into Moxie (an official 501(c)(3)), with much of the paperwork being driven by Jodi Milford:

We asked Turgeon-Kimble how she went about preparing for the Femme Fatale, and she let us know that she started to prepare for the event as early as January. Some of the challenging work was difficulty in obtaining sponsorships to raise money for the event and donations. She admitted, “…it’s a lot,” but also noted with a sentiment of triumph, “We have created such a wonderful culture in this ride…”

Photo by Sheila Wheeler

Turgeon-Kimble explained despite the fact that this year a friend would be tracking her time, and the event had turned into riders forming teams, the Femme Fatale isn’t a competition. Through the event’s natural growth, and due to some impact from Covid, the format of the ride had changed. “Once it got over a hundred people, it became really … dusty, and really … hard to run some raffle tickets down the line … it’s evolved.”

She went on to explain details of how the ride was executed, and some prizes or memorabilia that had been available to riders and participants throughout the years:

260 riders have already been pre-registered for 2025’s Femme Fatale, and Turgeon-Kimble let us know that Buddha Marvin would be catering lunch for “…over 300, for sure.” She went on to explain that Femme Fatale participants had come from all across the state and beyond:

Photo by Tara Sullivan-Jeffries

The Femme Fatale ATV Run facebook page includes more details on what riders and participants can expect on the day of, including a bevy of prizes the organization has accumulated. Turgeon-Kimble gave us the inside scoop on this year’s grand prize as well:

Turgeon-Kimble explained some of the lessons she learned through the years, from challenges that come up when raising funds, or dealing with inclement weather through the event. She draws on her experience as a business owner to connect and empathize with others. “I am very conscientious of the business climate … everybody’s under so much construction right now … so I try not to hit them up too hard.”

Photo by Sheila Wheeler

Throughout the years, the Femme Fatale ATV Run has raised anywhere from $3,000 to $60,000 annually to support local organizations and non-profits. In their biggest fundraising year, they donated $18,000 to the Hunter J. Nordlof Be Kind Foundation, and another $18,000 to the Max Marvin Foundation respectively. Other charitable organizations that Moxie has supported include H.E.L.P.P. Inc., the Roseau County Veterans Relief Fund, the Warroad Backpack Program, the Warroad Improvement Fund, and the Penturen Church(a historic site in Beltrami Island State Forest).

This year, all fundraising will go to H.E.L.P.P. once again, due to an increased need.

Photo by Penny Turgeon-Kimble

It’s the Femme Fatale ATV Fun Run’s 20th year, and it’s happening on Saturday, August 2, 2025. If you’re looking to volunteer or help out, Turgeon-Kimble let us know that they were always looking for help setting up large tents on the Wednesday before the event. “We’re very inclusive, and whoever wants to jump in: everybody is welcome.”

For more information, or to contact Penny Turgeon-Kimble about the Femme Fatale ATV Fun Run, visit the Femme Fatale ATV – Moxie Facebook page, or send Turgeon-Kimble a message on Facebook. Reporting from your communities, for your communities, KQ92 and KRWB Radio will continue to cover this and other local stories.

The City of Roseau’s Summer Surging Forward

By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | July 10, 2025

ROSEAU, Minn. – On Monday July 7, 2025 KQ92 and KRWB Radio attended the Roseau City Council meeting at City Hall. The agenda was jam-packed, and there were many projects completed or under way, from trees in the park, to a new roof for the Memorial arena, and even creating more river access and infrastructure for city residents and visitors to enjoy.

Roseau Mayor Dan Fabian, Community Development Coordinator Todd Peterson, City Councilmen Pat Novacek, Amy Bassingthwaite, Brady Johnson, Oliver Ullman, and City Attorney Michelle Moren were present. City Superintendent Gary Przekwas, Police Chief Marc Hodge, and City Liquor Store Manager Niki Johnson were also present.

After the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of the agenda, the meeting commenced with the Council hearing from residents regarding housing rebates, and licensing concerns at the Roseau City Center.

Roseau County District 2 Commissioner Jack Swanson also approached the Council and Mayor to raise concerns on the impact that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (which was signed into law July 4, 2025) will have on rural funding for infrastructure and older residents who rely on Medicaid for healthcare. The Mayor and Councilmen assured the Commissioner that they would continue to monitor issues as they arose, and thanked him and all Roseau County Commissioners for their continued work throughout the County.

Liquor Store Manager Niki Johnson shared financial information regarding sales and reported about $10,000 in losses that could be attributed, at least in part, to ongoing construction. City Superintendent Gary Przekwas mentioned that MNDOT was running ahead of schedule, and storm sewers had been completed, but local businesses would still face challenges as summer construction continued.

Mayor Fabian provided more comments on the current status of construction:

Superintendent Przekwas also provided an update on the new trash carts being supplied to Roseau City residents, stating that distribution would be completed in a few weeks based on inventory.

Police Chief Marc Hodge continued the meeting with updates regarding the completion of city camera installation, volunteers from their department that went to Bemidji for storm relief efforts, and training for the local police force. Hodge also gave a report on department reimbursements for equipment, and addressed infrastructure and equipment needs to potentially commit Roseau’s City Center to becoming an emergency shelter.

The Police Chief also raised to the Council an ongoing concern for the City: minors operating golf carts on city streets. Minnesota law dictates that anyone driving a golf cart on public streets must be at least 16 years of age with a valid driver’s license. Golf cart operations within a city’s limits are subject to Minnesota Statute 169.045 which states that under a written ordinance, a city may designate special roadways with the use of permits for golf cart drivers. The City of Roseau will look to develop an ordinance to address this concern in tandem with the Roseau Police Department.

Updates on City projects were brought forth by Community Development Coordinator Todd Peterson. While the City authorized Peterson to write a couple of grants, including one that would help fund a walkway and platform that could increase river access and shoreline fishing for residents, the biggest ticket item appeared to be renovating Roseau Memorial Arena.

Roseau’s Memorial Arena was first built in 1949, with expansions and updates happening all throughout its long history. The roof is now in need of asbestos abatement and general repairs, and at this meeting the City Council approved a motion that would award this project to Equity Builders & Construction.

We caught up with City Development Coordinator Todd Peterson to ask his thoughts on what projects might impact residents and visitors the most, or be most noticeable:

The City of Roseau appears optimistic about both the direction and progress on projects so far. Peterson let us know that while communications could be challenging, there were several avenues available for updates on progress on these projects:

Reporting from your communities, and for your communities, KQ92 and KRWB will continue to follow projects and updates from the City of Roseau.

$11 million available for land protection via revamped Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) Drinking Water Program

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.

Minnesota DNR Expands Free Library Park Pass Program

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.

New Law in Minnesota Sets Aside Additional Funds for Veterans

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 Department of Human Services Announces $15 Million in Grants to Address Opioid Epidemic

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.

Minnesota DNR Reminds Boaters About “Operation Dry Water” Over Fourth of July Weekend

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.

New Boater Education Law in Minnesota

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.