Baudette Council Approves Preliminary 2026 Levy, Budget; Splash Pad Relocation Moves Forward

By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | September 23, 2025

BAUDETTE, Minn. – On Thursday, Sept. 18 the City of Baudette convened for a regular meeting. Mayor Dylan Hancharyk presided over the meeting, with City Clerk and Treasurer Tina Rennemo present, and city council members Cole Nelson and Steve Theis, Jr. were in attendance. City Councilwoman Liz Weigel joined the meeting via Zoom.

After the pledge of allegiance, the meeting commenced with an update from the Splash Pad Committee. The Committee discussed the Splash Pad’s new location, which would allow for more efficient maintenance, and not obstruct the view for those in attendance of baseball games. A motion to approve the splash pad’s relocation was approved by the council.

The Splash Pad Committee provided an update on funding, stating that $232,000 had been raised so far and $200,000 of grants had been applied for, including a $50,000 grant from T-Mobile. This discussion concluded with announcements of upcoming fundraisers on Oct. 4, and Oct. 24.

City Clerk and Treasurer Tina Rennemo then presented the council with the 2026 proposed levy, and 2026 proposed budget. Rennemo stated that with each passing month, these figures became more accurate.

The 2026 budget would see an increase of 5% for wages, and the council discussed one of the most significant increases: the cost of health insurance. City employees are provided coverage via Blue Cross Blue Shield, and health insurance renewals will see a 20% increase for 2026. The council noted that other options for coverage could be looked into, and mandates for coverage would be taken into consideration. This trend in health coverage spikes was also seen in nearby Roseau, whose city council had been faced with a 29% increase.

The council voted unanimously to approve a 2026 preliminary budget with a 10% increase, and a 2026 preliminary levy for 8%. The mayor and council discussed at length that while spending could be allocated below those percentages, they could not go beyond those numbers.

“It’s been a lot of raises, and it’s getting tough … I think it’s getting to the point of being tough on people,” City Councilman Cole Nelson commented. “So our 10% … we aren’t going to get what we think out of it.”

We sat down with Baudette Mayor Dylan Hancharyk who gave us some more details on the proposed 8% levy and how the city intends to prioritize local spending:

Library Director Kelli Pelland updated the council on Baudette Library’s program for costume donation. This program provides free Halloween costumes for families in need, and donations can be made to the Women of Today. Pelland also informed the council that there was a vacancy for a library clerk, and advertising for this position may need to be explored.

The council then moved on to discuss upcoming infrastructure projects, including a potential new car wash for the City of Baudette. Bids had been released this July, and a permit had been applied for. The permit expires next spring, so it is unlikely that the city will see this project come to fruition in 2025, as plumbing and electrical permits have yet to be obtained.

Baudette’s Fire Department announced an upcoming training on Oct. 6. This event would be paid for by the MBFTE, and will provide a four hour course on electric vehicle and hazard training.

The Baudette City Council is also looking to fill another council seat. Mayor Hancharyk informed us the city is looking to fill this seat as soon as possible, and how potential applicants could pursue this opportunity:

The council then discussed the Welcome Sign project that had been spearheaded by the EDA. While the location had been narrowed down, to perhaps the space where the current Chamber of Commerce Billboard resides, a new issue in potential cost-sharing came up.

This project was originally funded by a grant for $25,000. The final quote for the installation of two welcome signs was reported at $31,242. The EDA is asking for the City of Baudette to share the overage cost of just over $6,000 at 50%. One resolution proposed was to only have one welcome sign for the city. The council decided that they would postpone a decision on how to move forward until the next work session set for Sept. 25, 2025.

The council then proceeded to thank the Baudette American Legion for donating 12 flags for Main Avenue. Before concluding the meeting, the city also approved Resolution 2025-14 for the HRA Levy for 2025, a resolution not intended to see a profit.

Reporting from your communities, for your communities, KQ92 & KRWB will continue to follow Baudette City Council meetings and provide updates.

MDH Endorses National COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance for 2025–26 Season

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has endorsed COVID-19 vaccine recommendations from national medical associations for the 2025-26 season. The guidance comes from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which all recommend that people over six months old have the option to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination is especially encouraged for children under 2, pregnant women, adults with high-risk conditions, and adults 65 and older.

This year, MDH is focusing on these professional associations’ recommendations rather than relying solely on federal guidance. Health officials say this approach provides science-based guidance and helps fill gaps left by federal recommendations. MDH emphasizes that COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and prevent severe illness and death.

Governor Walz issued an executive order on September 8 to ensure Minnesotans continue to have access to vaccines. In response, MDH has issued a standing order allowing pharmacists to provide COVID-19 vaccines broadly, reducing barriers to vaccination. The department is also coordinating with health plans, providers, and professional associations to ensure coverage and access statewide.

COVID-19 vaccines for the 2025-26 season are arriving at clinics and pharmacies, with supplies expected to grow in the coming weeks. MDH advises residents to call clinics or pharmacies to confirm availability, particularly for pediatric doses, and to check insurance coverage if needed. Vaccines are available at low or no cost for those without insurance, and COVID-19 vaccination can be given alongside flu or RSV vaccines.

Minnesotans are encouraged to speak with their health care providers about recommended vaccines to protect themselves and their families as the respiratory disease season begins.

Sprague and District Historical Museum Opens New Indigenous Building

The Sprague and District Historical Museum now features an Indigenous building celebrating the history and culture of First Nations and Métis people in the area. The 12‑by‑40-foot facility houses important artifacts, including a baton from a 1980 powwow in Sprague, leather and beadwork items, and paintings by renowned Indigenous artists Eddy Cobiness and Robert Kakayseesick.

The museum highlights the region’s history before settlers arrived around 1882. The area was originally inhabited by Indigenous communities who worked alongside loggers in the late 19th century. Loggers floated red pine down the Roseau River to the Red River, while Indigenous families lived in nearby cabins, with men logging and skinning trees and women preparing cordwood for fires. Very few records exist detailing the lives of these early Indigenous residents, but recent research compiles genealogical information and historical accounts to preserve their legacy.

The Indigenous building officially opened on September 20, with a pipe and water ceremony to bless the site. A drum group from Roseau River First Nation and Métis fiddler Gilles Crevier performed during the day. Guests also sampled bannock and wild rice, which historically served as a trade item alongside pemmican.

The building offers the community an ongoing opportunity to deepen understanding of shared history and culture, honor the contributions of Indigenous people to the region, and support reconciliation efforts.

First Rabies Case in 11 Years Confirmed Near Fort Frances

The Northwestern Health Unit is reporting the first positive rabies case in 11 years near Fort Frances. A bat from the Rainy Lake area has tested positive for the virus, which attacks the brain and nervous system in animals and humans.

Rabies spreads through saliva or nervous tissue, most commonly from bites or scratches. It does not spread through touching fur, blood, urine, or feces, and non-mammals like birds or reptiles cannot transmit it.

Over the past decade, the health unit submitted 13 animal samples — including cats, dogs, bears, bats, and a skunk — with no positives until now. A rabid Arctic fox was also confirmed earlier this year in Fort Severn, showing the virus can appear unexpectedly in the region.

To stay safe, don’t approach or handle wild or stray animals, even if they look healthy. Keep your pets and livestock current on rabies vaccinations, and avoid animals that appear sick, injured, or are acting strangely.

If you are bitten or scratched, seek medical care immediately. Early treatment can prevent rabies, but once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal.

While the risk in Ontario is low, the health unit emphasizes that vigilance and prompt action are critical to protecting yourself, your family, and your pets.

Warroad Chamber of Commerce Acquires Warroad CVB

By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | September 18, 2025

WARROAD, Minn. – Warroad’s Chamber of Commerce and Warroad’s Convention Visitors’ Bureau, better known as Visit Warroad, met this week to discuss a merger-acquisition. The Chamber board met with Chamber membership to discuss an Asset Purchase Agreement of the CVB for the nominal purchase price of $10.

Both boards of the two entities have discussed and agreed upon a strategic merging of the organizations. We sat down with Warroad Chamber President Steve Hagen to discuss how this came to pass, and what we should expect to see next from the Chamber:

Hagen also informed us of the benefits expected to come from this merger-acquistion, and how this progress moves the city of Warroad forward as a whole:

The Chamber will be updating and changing the organization’s bylaws to reflect the upcoming changes. For this task, a by-laws task force, consisting of Chamber members will be set up immediately to present these changes to the Chamber’s membership. If you are interested in joining this task force, please contact the Warroad Chamber at 218-386-3542 or via email at visitwarroad@gmail.com

Minnesota Department of Revenue Warns of Scam Text Messages

The Minnesota Department of Revenue is monitoring reported text messages that claim to be from the Minnesota Department of Revenue asking users to update banking information. If you get one of these messages, do not reply or click any link in it. The Department of Revenue will never send unsolicited texts asking for personal data. 

The content of the scam text messages to be aware of reads as follows:

Your refund request has been processed and approved. Please provide accurate payment information by 9/16/2025. Funds will be deposited into your bank account or mailed to you via paper check within 1 to 2 business days.

Failure to submit the required payment information by 9/16/25 will result in permeant forfeiture of this refund under Minnesota Statue 5747.11. reply “y” then close and reopen this message to activate the link. If the issue persists copy the link and enter it directly into your browser

This is an official scam alert from the Minnesota Department of Revenue.

Take a Kid Hunting Weekend Returns; Deer Hunters Asked to Report Wildlife Sightings

Take a Kid Hunting Weekend returns Sept. 20–21, encouraging adults to introduce kids under 16 to small game hunting. During the weekend, Minnesota residents hunting with youth may do so without a license, provided they follow regular seasons, limits, and regulations. The program helps kids learn firearm safety, wildlife tracking, and access to hunting land. Resources, how-to guides, and webinars are available on the Minnesota DNR website.

Meanwhile, deer hunters are invited to log their wildlife observations through an online field log. The DNR uses this hunter-reported data to strengthen population models that guide wildlife management. Hunters can record sightings of deer, turkey, bear, fisher, and other species after each outing. The log will remain open through the end of 2025.

For more details on both programs, visit the Minnesota DNR website at mndnr.gov.

Roseau City Council Tackles Airport, Energy, Public Safety and Budget at September Meeting

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

ROSEAU, Minn. – On Monday September 9, 2025 the City of Roseau’s Council convened for a regular meeting. Roseau Mayor Dan Fabian presided over the meeting where Council Members Pat Novacek, Amy Bassingthwaite, Brady Johnson, and Oliver Ullman were in attendance. Also present were City Attorney Michelle Moren, Community Development Coordinator Todd Peterson, City Superintendent Gary Przekwas, Municipal Liquor Store Manager Niki Johnson, Roseau Police Chief Marc Hodge, Roseau Fire Chief Leon Huot, and City Clerk-Treasurer Beth Carlson.

After the Pledge of Allegiance, the Council heard from the Audit Committee regarding wage negotiations for county employees as the new fiscal year approaches. One factor the committee urged the council to keep in mind was that in the past year, the cost of health insurance has seen a 29% increase. It was also stated that Roseau County has run a tight budget, and is out of reserves. More information on these terms will be made available at their October meeting.

On more county business, the Council noted that Roseau County Assistant Attorney Mike Grover was interviewing for the 9th District judgeship that will be left vacant when Judge Donna K. Dixon retires. Gov. Tim Walz has already been in contact with Roseau County Attorney Kristy Kjos seeking her input, as he will appoint the new county district court judge. The governor’s appointment will fill the seat until the next election.

The council received an update on the Roseau Municipal Airport project. A $3.4 million proposal for construction on runways and the taxiway, funded primarily by the Federal Aviation Administration and MnDOT, was presented. The city will be responsible for 2.5%, about $85,000, of costs. The council approved the proposal, and preliminary work will begin this fall, with major construction set to take place spring and summer 2026.

Mayor Fabian said Polaris planes will need to reroute to Warroad Municipal Airport once the project begins. The remark comes as Roseau Municipal Airport has been handling Warroad’s air traffic during its own construction period.

Department reports began with Niki Johnson informing the council that construction on Highway 11 continued to have an impact on sales before providing the monthly sales report, though there would likely be relief once that project wraps. Johnson also reported that the profit margin on THC products being sold was about 38-50%.

Roseau Fire Chief Leon Huot thanked the city for their help with writing a grant for new CO detectors for department use. The grant amounted to $2,000 and will help Roseau’s Fire Department more efficiently resolve calls that include possible carbon monoxide issues.

Roseau Police Chief Marc Hodge stated his intent to pursue grants to update or acquire new emergency sirens for the city. Currently Hodge believes the existing sirens do not provide adequate coverage, citing recent disasters like the July flooding in Texas, where failure of emergency sirens and alert systems were critical in evacuation response. The council unanimously approved a motion to pursue grant funding for this endeavor.

Chief Hodge also raised the possibility of revising requirements for events at the City Center. Special events require an officer on duty, and current staffing levels make coverage difficult, particularly on weekends. City Attorney Michelle Moren and the council said they would review the requirements needed to continue hosting these events.

Moren also updated the council on the city’s lease agreement with Johnson Oil Co., in place since 2006. The city is considering addressing issues such as fuel tanks and paint if it decides to continue the agreement. No motion was made, but the council was informed the city could terminate the lease if warranted.

Discussion continued on developing a city ordinance for golf carts, e-bikes and scooters. City Attorney Michelle Moren has reviewed state statutes and existing ordinances, finding most focus on the operator. While many require licensed operators, permitting vehicles is another option, allowing owners to authorize others to drive their golf carts while retaining liability.

“There’s not a standard,” Moren said. “The biggest question is: do we permit the vehicle or the operator?”

Police Chief Hodge told the council that current stops of minors in golf carts usually result in asking them to park, taking the keys and having parents pick up the children. Community awareness has reduced the number of stops needed, and there is potential to draft an ordinance similar to OHV policy. The city will continue working on rules to address these issues.

Mayor Fabian gave a statement on how such an ordinance will help resolve some of these issues:

Roseau’s Superintendent Gary Przekwas updated the council on infrastructure changes made at the city’s splash pad: new brick has been added to reduce slipping, and water pressure has been adjusted.

Przekwas also let the council know that an issue between the contractor and sub-contractor working on the Roseau Memorial Arena regarding fasteners and sheets had been resolved, and the project was continuing as scheduled. Mayor Fabian remarked to the council and those in attendance the history of Memorial Arena, reminding everyone that in 1941 the first Minnesota State High School Hockey Tournament was held there.

The Superintendent also noted that Highway 11 is expected to re-open in the city of Roseau this week. While there are yet small touches needed for total completion, Mayor Fabian sounded hopeful that construction would wrap soon and local businesses could carry on as usual again:

As conversation closed on highway construction updates, Roseau’s Community Development Coordinator Todd Peterson provided a status report for on-going city projects.

The council quickly approved a $15,396 change order to install drain tile at the Highway 89 railroad crossing, where drainage has been an issue. The temporary fix will be funded by the federal government and MnDOT at no cost to the city or residents. A permanent solution will be applied when the road is redone in 2027.

Peterson also presented a proposal to add corridor lighting to the Highway 89 project. MnDOT will cover 100% of the cost, and the council approved the plan unanimously.

Among the many projects slated for discussion, we were able to catch up with Peterson after the meeting to discuss the upcoming Pedestrian Bridge Project in the City due to begin this fall:

A proposal that did not receive unanimous approval was an energy management agreement. Community Development Coordinator Peterson presented an offer from Energy Management Solutions, a solar project solicitor, to install solar equipment on public buildings. The state of Minnesota would cover 70% of the cost, with the federal government paying the remaining 30%.

Peterson said the project could save $4,000 to $5,000 per building annually, with four buildings proposed, for a total savings of $16,000 to $20,000 each year.

Councilman Pat Novacek raised concerns about maintenance, building capacity and how the new energy source would work with the existing grid. Peterson noted the proposal was time-sensitive, offered on a first-come, first-served basis, but also included a term allowing the city to withdraw at any time at no cost. The council voted to pursue an application, noting that they could decide whether or not to proceed at a later date, and the motion passed.

Before adjourning, the council also set a preliminary levy, and reviewed a 2026 preliminary budget. The levy saw a 2.7% increase, and the 2026 preliminary budget will see a 3% increase. The preliminary budget will see a final approval at the city council’s December meeting. More information about ongoing projects in the City of Roseau can be found in Meeting Minutes from Roseau’s City Council meetings, which are posted online on the City’s Website. KQ92 and KRWB will continue to follow Roseau City Council meetings and provide updates.

Minnesota DNR Updates

The Minnesota DNR has released results from its 2024 small game survey. Overall small game license sales were slightly below average, but success rates for top species were steady or improved. Hunters harvested about 485,000 ducks—down from long-term averages—but pheasant and grouse numbers were strong. Grouse hunters bagged nearly 30% more birds than average, and pheasant hunters harvested 17% above the 10-year average.

There’s even more good news for upland hunters: the 2025 August Roadside Survey shows pheasant numbers statewide are up nearly 50% from last year and 21% above the 10-year average. Every region of the state saw an increase, with the southeast and southwest showing the biggest gains. Cottontail rabbit numbers also hit their highest level in 60 years, promising excellent opportunities this fall.

The DNR is also offering a new lineup of free Outdoor Skills webinars this fall, covering topics from deer hunting updates to waterfowl tactics, trail camera tips, and even native fish like lampreys and sculpins. Webinars are held every other Wednesday at noon and recordings are available online at mndnr.gov/discover.

Finally, Minnesotans are invited to apply for DNR advisory groups that shape fish and wildlife management and conservation policy. Openings include seats on the Deer Advisory Committee, the Catfish Fisheries Work Group, and the Fish and Wildlife Advisory Committee. Applications are due by Friday, October 3rd, at engage.dnr.state.mn.us.

This has been your local Minnesota DNR update with KQ92 and KRWB radio. For more on surveys, webinars, and advisory opportunities, visit mndnr.gov.

Minnesota DNR Invites Hunters to Take Part in Field Log

Archery deer season opens Saturday, Sept. 13, and the Minnesota DNR is once again inviting hunters to take part in its online hunter field log. The log allows hunters to record sightings of deer and other wildlife, such as turkey, bear, and fisher, while out in the field.

“This community science effort gives us valuable information about deer and other species,” said Tyler Obermoller, DNR research scientist.

Now in its fifth year, the project supplements population models the DNR uses to manage wildlife. Hunters can enter sightings from a mobile device or desktop at mndnr.gov/deer.

The DNR encourages hunters to log after every outing—even when no deer are seen. This data provides accurate comparisons to population estimates. The log will remain open through the end of 2025.