Highly Contagious Rabbit Hemmorhagic Disease Found in Lake of the Woods County

Minnesota animal health officials are warning rabbit owners after a highly contagious and deadly disease was detected in two colonies in Lake of the Woods County.

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type 2, or RHDV2, was confirmed in one colony after about 15% of its rabbits died suddenly. A second colony lost about half its rabbits and is considered a presumed case.

Officials say the virus can kill up to 90% of infected rabbits. Owners are encouraged to talk with a veterinarian about vaccination and take steps to prevent the virus from spreading. RHDV2 is not known to affect people. More information can be found on the Minnesota Department of Health’s website.

Minnesota Marks Sept. 26 National Public Lands Day

Minnesota is marking National Public Lands Day this Saturday, September 26th, with a focus on the state’s outdoor spaces and the people who help care for them.

The Minnesota DNR says the day also marks the 75th anniversary of the state’s wildlife management areas. Minnesota now has more than 1,500 WMAs covering nearly 1.4 million acres of fields, forests and wetlands.

Overall, the DNR manages 5.6 million acres of public land, including state parks, forests and natural areas. The agency is encouraging Minnesotans to celebrate by recreating outdoors or volunteering to help protect public lands.

Fresh Produce Pickup in Greenbush

Residents in the Greenbush area will have a chance to pick up free fresh produce next week. The North Country Food Bank is holding a Produce Drop Tuesday, September 29th, at the City Shop of Greenbush, located at 244 Main Street North. 

The distribution starts at 11 a.m. and will continue until the food runs out. The event is being held in partnership with the Strandquist Food Shelf. For questions or more information, contact Kristin Osowski at 218-399-7360.

Community Food Drive Underway in Roseau

A community food drive is underway in Roseau to support the Roseau Area Food Shelf and local residents in need.

Organizers are asking residents to donate nonperishable food items or bags of groceries. Donations can be dropped off at Citizens State Bank, Annie’s Trading Post, Transfers and Roseau County Ford. Those who prefer to give money can donate through Citizens State Bank, where contributions will be matched, according to organizers.

The Roseau Liquor Store also will hold its annual food drive and fundraiser throughout October. Organizers say every donation, large or small, can help stock the food shelf and support local families.

Warroad Area Women of Today Host Kid Zone

Families in Warroad will soon have another place for young children to play, socialize and get creative. The Kid Zone indoor playroom is reopening for the winter season, with a kickoff party set for September 28th at 8:30 a.m. at the Warroad Community Center. 

The event, organized by the Warroad Area Women of Today, will include coffee and donuts. The Kid Zone is designed for children ages zero to six and is open most Mondays from 8:15 to 11:30 a.m. Adults must stay with their children. For updates and activity ideas, follow the Warroad Area Women of Today on Facebook.

Minnesota DNR Completes Aerial Seeding Over 500 Acres

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has completed aerial seeding on more than 500 acres at 14 sites across the state, using helicopters to spread jack pine, white pine, tamarack and black spruce.

The work is important in northwest Minnesota, where remote forests and wetlands can be difficult to access for traditional planting. Seeds are mixed with clay and released from a helicopter flying just above the surrounding trees.

The DNR says foresters will monitor the sites as the trees grow. Aerial seeding is one of several reforestation methods used on state-managed land.

More information is available at mndnr.gov/forestry.

Minnesota Waterfowl Season Opens Sept. 26

Minnesota’s regular waterfowl season opens Saturday, Sept. 26, 30 minutes before sunrise. The DNR says spring duck numbers were up 62 percent from last year, with nearly 678,000 breeding ducks counted.

Hunters are urged to buy licenses early under the state’s new electronic licensing system.

In northern Minnesota, more than 900 miles of hunter walking trails provide access to public hunting lands. For regulations, licenses and trail maps, visit MNDNR.gov/waterfowl.

Warroad Public Library Hosts First Halloween Costume Drive

It’s almost that time of year to start thinking about Halloween costumes for the kids.

This year marks the first Costume Closet at the Warroad Public Library. As you try on costumes and find ones your family no longer needs, consider donating them so another child can enjoy them. The library is accepting clean, new or gently used costumes now through November 6th. The Costume Closet will be open October 1st through the 30th.

For more information, visit or contact the Warroad Public Library, or visit their facebook page.

DNR Urges Hunters To Prioritize Safety During Deer Season

Minnesota’s archery deer and small-game hunting seasons are now underway, and the Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters to make safety a priority.

The DNR says hunters should check tree stands and safety harnesses for wear, keep three points of contact when climbing, and make sure everyone in their hunting party knows where others are located.

Hunters are also encouraged to wear blaze orange or pink and review safe firearms handling.

The DNR is also urging hunters to buy their deer licenses early to avoid potential delays. For hunting regulations, safety information and a map of license agents, visit mndnr.gov.

Minnesota Exports Rise 14% In Second Quarter

Minnesota exports rose 14% in the second quarter of 2026, reaching $6.6 billion, according to the Department of Employment and Economic Development. The increase was driven by growth across major global markets, including a 23% gain in North America, an 11% increase in Europe and 6% growth in Asia. Exports to Canada rose 14%, while shipments to Mexico jumped 34%. 

Electrical equipment, machinery and vehicles were among the leading categories showing gains. DEED says Canada remains Minnesota’s largest trading partner. More information is available through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Export and Trade Statistics page online.