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.

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

WARROAD, Minn. – On Monday, June 23, 2025 KQ92 FM and KRWB AM attended the City of Warroad’s second City Council meeting in June. After the pledge of allegiance and approval of the agenda, Warroad City Council members (Dean Dorholt, Joe Olafson, Kevin Thompson, Michelle Vandal) and Warroad Mayor Tom Goldsmith heard resident concerns regarding residential flooding along Steenerson Street NE on June 3, 2025.

While the City of Warroad’s insurance company had been in contact with affected homeowners, residents asked for solutions regarding future mitigation measures. “We’re going to continue to look at what other options there are,” Mayor Goldsmith reassured them. The City informed residents that they would also continue to work on solutions for improved communication, and thanked the concerned residents for attending the meeting and engaging with the City to help resolve their issues.

Next on the docket, the City recognized the resignation of long-serving City EMT volunteer and paramedic, Tom Bukowiec. Bukowiec’s resignation became effective June 23, 2025 after serving in his role as an EMT for the City of Warroad since 1997. Mayor Goldsmith shared information on filling this role, as well providing thanks and more details on Bukowiec’s service:

Following this, Sarah Carling of Warroad Community Development updated the City Council on grants won from Minnesota’s SHIP (Statewide Health Improvement Partnership) program, as well as requesting approval to move forward with brush clearing on Government Island.

The cost of burning and treating brush on Government Island would be absorbed by grant funding obtained by Warroad Community Development, and will pave the way for further development of the structure, improving and extending recreation at a later date. The City Council unanimously voted to approve this process.

From there, City Administrator Kathy Lovelace introduced and explained the details of a new online payment system for utilities that the City of Warroad would begin to implement, with a transitional period estimated to last three months.

This new system would allow City of Warroad residents to continue to pay their bills online using a credit card or ACH payments, with the possibility of extending payment options for other services provided by the city (something the old system did not allow). Further details regarding this new payment system will be communicated to residents via mail and online as the system rolls out. Mayor Goldsmith spoke more on the matter:

MNDOT representative Cole Nelson was in attendance at the meeting with updates regarding Highway 11 construction. Nelson informed the City that the traffic lights located on either side of the Highway 11 bridge had been adjusted to alleviate traffic at rush hour times, with 22 second intervals being allotted for traffic to pass. Nelson also assured those in attendance that the Warroad River remained open to boat traffic under the bridge. MNDOT will continue to monitor traffic and make adjustments in this area as needed.

Regarding construction on the planned roundabout at the intersection of Highway 11 and Minnesota State Highway 313, Nelson estimated that construction would complete on Highway 11’s South lane on the week of June 30, 2025 and switch to the North lane.

We asked Goldsmith about what kind of considerations commuters should expect to make with the upcoming holiday weekend and events, due to the ongoing construction:

KQ92 and KRWB will continue to follow Warroad City Council meetings. For more updates regarding Highway 11 construction in Warroad, information can be found at MNDOT’s website.

By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | June 20, 2025

WARROAD, Minn. – All-In Warroad, the local non-profit that hosts Warroad’s annual Yeti-Fest, also spearheads a lending bike library as part of their “Pedal Warroad” initiative. This bike library is located at the parking lot of Hugo’s Family Market (formerly Doug’s Supermarket) in Warroad, Minnesota. KQ92 FM and KRWB AM sat down with Patti Hodgson, President of All-In Warroad, to get the details on how local residents and tourists can take part in this program, along with some exciting updates locals can look forward to seeing in the future.

Hodgson gave us some background on All-In Warroad and its beginnings, from their connection to Special Olympics Minnesota in 2013, tied to the Polar Plunge, and the impact of community events post-Covid that led to Yeti-Fest, through to Yeti-Fest becoming All-In Warroad in 2024, with the goal of community inclusivity at its core:

When asked about the inspiration and driving forces behind Pedal Warroad and the bike lending library, Hodgson considered some people that had been integral to the process. “We wanted to provide some opportunities in our community for some of our Special Olympics athletes to be active… Christina Steele… Pat Frolander… Chuck Lindner… we … thought, well biking–that’s a fun thing that everybody should be able to do.”

In order to take part in Pedal Warroad’s bike lending library program from the summer to the fall, Hodgson explained that there were several ways locals could get involved; from the lending program itself, using a no-cost check-out system involving the Caribou Coffee located inside Hugo’s, to making both monetary and equipment donations at Security State Bank of Warroad:

A common thread for many initiatives in rural communities like Warroad is the challenge of recruitment of volunteers to sustain programs like Pedal Warroad. Though All-In Warroad has been fortunate enough to have dedicated community leaders driving the program to this point, those looking to lend their time and effort to the cause are always welcome.

The organization is currently headed by a small committee of local volunteers that has worked hard to accumulate grant funding from the state of Minnesota’s SHIP (Statewide Health Improvement Partnership) program, approximating over $48,000 in grants for 2025.

Fundraising efforts from local businesses(incl: LifeCare Medical Center, Security State Bank of Warroad, Warroad VFW, Warroad Sons of the American Legion, Warroad Lion’s Club, Warroad Community Center, and private community members) has provided another $17,500 to the purchase of equipment and infrastructure to support the bike lending library, while All-In Warroad’s annual Yeti-Fest supplied all funding for the bikes in the program from the donations they received from the community during their event fundraiser.

Students from Jeremy Culleton’s class of the Warroad School District will be assisting in the building and placement of signage and work stations, where program participants can repair or adjust their bikes, around the community of Warroad. Hodgson expressed excitement about the program’s progress, and provided details on what else residents could expect to see for Pedal Warroad next. She indicated that there was still much work to be done, with the hope of obtaining more bikes for the program, and an automated check-out system for the program that would expand the hours of operation of the bike lending library, as well as provide more convenience for tech savvy persons:

For more information regarding Pedal Warroad’s Bike Lending Library located at the Hugo’s Family Market parking lot in Warroad, Minnesota, Patti Hodgson can be contacted at 218-242-2160 or a note can be left at the Caribou Coffee counter, and a member of All-In Warroad will be in touch.

By Mani Souphom – R & J Broadcasting | June 12, 2025

BAUDETTE, Minn. – On Monday, June 12 KQ92 and KRWB attended the City of Baudette’s monthly City Council meeting to report on a very busy summer schedule for Baudette and its residents. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, and was followed by a bevvy of topics, including city development items from HRDC (Headwaters Regional Development Center) representative Dan Anderson, the Splash Pad Committee members with updates regarding funding on the Splash Pad Project, and the resignation of long-time City Council member Steve Johnson.

Baudette Mayor Dylan Hancharyk joined the meeting via Zoom, and City Councilmen Ben Davidson, Steve Johnson, Cole Nelson, and Steve Theis Jr. were present, with Nelson positioned as acting mayor. 

Anderson of the HRDC spoke on new signage for the City of Baudette that would help welcome visitors at each end of the city limits. While a design and location had not been finalized, examples of potential signs were shared, and the City Council decided to defer a motion on location to their next working meeting on June 26. Anderson also covered grant funding that had become available to the City to install electric vehicle charging stations, and finished on the note that the HRDC would have a booth at the upcoming Lake of the Woods County Fair this June 25 through June 28 where locals and residents could learn more or ask questions.

The agenda item that framed much of Monday’s meeting was the proposed splash pad for the City of Baudette, which would be located at Baudette’s Timber Mill Park.

While Timber Mill Park boasts an abundant campground, a children’s playground, and ample greenery just steps away from the Rainy River, in 2017 a number of locals started a facebook group named “Let’s Get a Splash Park in Baudette.” Since then, an official Splash Pad Committee has been formed, and the City of Baudette has begun working hand in hand with locals toward making this a reality for residents and visitors to Baudette alike.

The Splash Pad Committee has raised an impressive $180,000 so far, as they look to have the City sign on for a grant from the DNR that would match up to $350,000 toward this project. Once the Splash Pad has been completed, the City of Baudette will take ownership of the project including all operating and maintenance costs. Construction would need to begin this summer, in order to complete the project by the summer of 2026. Acting Mayor and City Councilman Nelson stated, “It’s .. going to provide a really unique aspect to our area [and] our town, while also bringing another great feature to our already impressive Timber Mill Park.”

At the close of this meeting, a motion was made to accept the resignation of long-time Councilman Steve Johnson, who dedicated 12 years of service to the City Council. City Administrator Tina Rennemo thanked Johnson for his many years of service, and the room was filled with applause for the departing councilman. We asked Nelson on how the City would work to fill the vacancy, and he responded:

To stay updated with the City of Baudette, agendas and meeting minutes can be found at ci.baudette.mn.us. KQ92 and KRWB will continue to follow Baudette City Council Meetings, as well as future updates pertaining to the area’s development.

(Left to Right: Tami Larsen Borgen, Carolyn Fortier, Andrea Schue)

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

WARROAD, Minn. – This last May, several women from the Roseau and Warroad Women of Today chapters were presented with awards from the Minnesota Women of Today. Andrea Schue of Roseau became a member of the Minnesota Women of Today Key Women’s Club, while Tami Larsen Borgen of Roseau, and Carolyn Fortier of Warroad, were both presented with a Presidential Medallion.

These women were instrumental in supporting the Roseau and Warroad Chapters, along with Greenbush, Lake of the Woods, and Red Lake Falls. KQ92 | KRWB was able to sit down with them and talk about their recent accolades.

We asked Fortier, Larsen Borgen, and Schue about their tenure with Minnesota Women of Today and what inspired them to join. All three women expressed common ground of looking for comradery, and a way to get involved with their communities. Schue, Larsen Borgen, and Fortier spoke respectively:

Schue further explained how Presidential Medallions were awarded, and the Key Women’s Club honor was designated. The process is nomination only, with Women of Today members recognizing those who go above and beyond in their chapters and on local projects; only 75 Presidential Medallions are given a year throughout the state’s 48 chapters, and only about 10% of nearly a thousand members ever receive the Key Women’s Club honor:

On her award, becoming a part of the prestigious Minnesota Women of Today’s Key Women’s Club, Schue expressed both surprise and gratitude. “I was so flabbergasted … it was not something I was aiming for.” The Women of Today organization brought in Schue’s family to help celebrate this special honor, and Fortier explained that some behind the scenes coordination had taken place to surprise Schue. “It took several people, and many little wheels and cogs … for it to all fall in place.”

Schue, Larsen Borgen, and Fortier, winning these highly esteemed awards from their chapters in Northwest Minnesota is an exciting event for rural communities. When asked about the greater impact these honors might have on the area, Schue stated, “I really hope it will incite people to show up and ask questions, or bring topics up that can be explored… we’re ready to run with it or support you in moving on with it too!”

Some projects that Women of Today have supported in the area include the Roseau Parade and Warroad’s Fourth of July Parade. Larsen Borgen said of the Roseau Parade, “It’s fun to see the excitement on everybody’s faces … I think that it will be something that is done for many years to come.”

Fortier stated that it was difficult to distinguish a favorite project, “Every event that we do is special to somebody.” Planting flowers at the Warroad Senior Living Center, Warroad’s Fourth of July Parade, and choosing an impactful woman from the area for the Light Up the Holidays event in Warroad, stood out amongst many others.

Schue shared that one of her favorite projects was a Minnesota Women of Today District initiative (which includes chapters from Lake of the Woods, Warroad, and Roseau), named “Girls Rock the Capital.” In this project, groups of teenage girls are taken to the state capital, where they experience our government at a state level and even meet state government officials. On the impact this project has, Schue said, “These young girls get to see that and kind of get the idea that ‘hey, I could do this too’ … I was really impressed by them.”

Larsen Borgen, Fortier, and Schue shared with us what they were working on next and looking forward to with Women of Today. Larsen Borgen took on a new role as the Community Connections State Program manager, Fortier has become the Living and Learning State Program Manager, and Schue is Membership Vice President of the State.

For more information on how you can learn about or get involved with your local area Women of Today, you can visit MNWT.org to find your chapter and contact the Minnesota Women of Today. For those in the Northwest Minnesota area, Tami Larsen Borgen, Carolyn Fortier, and Andrea Schue stated they are available and willing to assist directly with more questions.