Vitalant is a nonprofit organization that collects donated blood and supplies it to hospitals for surgeries, cancer care, trauma treatment, and emergencies. Right now, the organization remains in a critical need for O-positive and O-negative blood donors, which are especially important in emergency situations.

Donating blood takes about one hour, and during March, those who give will also have a chance to win $10,000 as a thank-you for helping rebuild the blood supply.

Local blood drives are scheduled in Warroad at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on March 10, in Goodridge at the Lions Club on March 11, and in Roseau at Roseau High School on March 18.

More information is available at vitalant.org.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has announced the winners of its 2026 “Name a Snowplow” contest, with Northwest Minnesota’s District 2 plow officially named “Sled Zeppelin.” The names were selected through public submissions and statewide voting.

Other winning plow names include “Oh, For Sleet’s Sake” in Central Minnesota, “Flurrious George” in Southeast Minnesota, “K Pop Blizzard Hunter” in Southwest Minnesota, “Minne-Snow-ta” in Northeast Minnesota, “Every Day I’m Shovelin’” in South Central Minnesota, “O Brother, Where Art Plow?” in West Central Minnesota, and “The Life of a Snowgirl” in the Twin Cities metro.

The annual contest highlights Minnesotans’ creativity while recognizing snowplow operators who keep roads safe statewide.

The Minnesota Department of Human Services says it has taken major steps to combat fraud and protect Medicaid funding for children receiving autism services.

Since October 2024, the state has completed site visits to more than 300 autism service providers. As a result, 54 providers closed voluntarily and 18 were terminated for cause. In June 2025, Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention, or EIDBI, services were designated as high risk, triggering stricter background checks, screening visits, and unannounced inspections.

Starting in January 2026, the state began to enhance prepayment reviews of EIDBI claims. By May 31, 2026, providers will be required to obtain provisional licenses as part of expanded accountability efforts.

More information is available through the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

The Minnesota Grazing Lands Conservation Association is now accepting applications for its 2026 Grazing Mentorship Program.

The six-month, one-on-one program runs from April 1 through October 1 and pairs Minnesota livestock producers with experienced local grazers. The program is open to all producers, including beginners, transitioning grazers, and conventional farmers interested in integrating livestock.

Selected participants receive monthly mentor check-ins, an on-farm visit, a two-year association membership, access to a grazing school or field day, and planning tools and peer support. Some participants may also qualify for a $500 completion grant.

Applications close March 20, 2026.

More information is available at mnglca.org.

For families inspired by the U.S. women’s and men’s Olympic hockey gold, registration is now open for Gigi Marvin’s RinkRat 19 Hockey School in Warroad, Minnesota. Owned and led by Warroad native and 2018 US Women’s Hockey Olympic gold medalist Gigi Marvin, the program focuses on on‑ice skills, dryland training, off‑ice games and team building. 

The summer lineup includes the Faith and Hockey School June 28–July 1, where players ages 8–14 will combine skill coaching with daily Christian teaching and chapel; traditional Hockey School sessions July 5–9, July 12–16 and July 19–23 for ages 3–18; and a 3v3 tournament July 31–Aug. 2 for ages 6–14.

Marvin, who won three Olympic medals with Team USA, aims to help young players improve fundamentals and confidence in a fun, high-energy environment close to home.  Camp is held at the Warroad Olympic Arena, and players can register online or by mail.

Border communities from International Falls to Warroad are watching closely after Canada updated its travel advisory for the United States.

Global Affairs Canada says U.S. Customs and Border Protection may not consistently accept Secure Certificate of Indian Status cards at land and water crossings. The advisory says acceptance is at the discretion of U.S. officials and recommends travelers carry additional documentation, including passports and proof of status.

First Nations leaders in Ontario have also urged members to bring extra paperwork when crossing into Minnesota, citing reports of increased questioning. U.S. law allows certain American Indians born in Canada to enter freely, but officials may require specific documentation to verify eligibility.

The update could impact frequent cross-border travel in northwest Minnesota communities.

A mining company has staked a large new gold exploration property in the Kenora–Rainy River area.

New Age Metals says it has consolidated the Double R Gold Project, covering about 17,620 hectares across 834 mining claims. The property is located roughly 35 kilometres northwest of the Rainy River Mine and 17 kilometres south of the Cameron Gold deposit.

The company says the land package sits in a prospective but underexplored part of the Wabigoon greenstone belt and shows historic gold grain anomalies and reported gold samples. Initial work will focus on compiling existing geological data, followed by phased exploration that could lead to future drilling.

New Age Metals has also recently opened a field office and core facility in Kenora to support its regional exploration activities. The company says it plans to engage with local First Nations as exploration moves forward.

By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting, Inc. | Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Warroad’s annual Yeti-Fest is set for Saturday, March 14, offering a full day of end-of-winter fun and community fundraising. The event features a polar plunge benefiting Warroad Special Olympics, along with a 5K run and a variety of family-friendly activities.

Now in its 13th year, Yeti-Fest continues to draw strong local support. KQ92 and KRWB spoke with Warroad firefighter Damian McMillin about how the Fire Department prepares for the event and how they look forward to helping each year.

McMillin also outlined the department’s top priorities during Yeti-Fest, including safety planning, crowd support, and measures to keep participants comfortable in winter conditions.

For more information, including event details and registration, visit the Warroad Yeti-Fest Facebook page.