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.

Volunteers Needed At Warroad’s All Inclusive Playground Sept. 28

Volunteers are wanted at the Warroad School Monday, Sept. 28, at 8 a.m. to help spread wood chips on existing playgrounds. Organizers say the wood chips will help maintain the playgrounds and keep them fresh.

Work on Warroad’s new all-inclusive playground at the school began Sept. 8, with volunteers helping put the project together. The playground is designed to provide an accessible, welcoming space for children with and without disabilities, with equipment supporting a range of physical, sensory and developmental abilities. 

Volunteers for Monday, Sept. 8 are being asked to spread and rake wood chips, move and haul chips, and to bring a rake, garden or leaf, closed-toe shoes and gloves. To sign up, call 218-386-6094.

Minnesota BWSR Makes $3.2 Million Available For Conservation Statewide

Minnesota’s Board of Water and Soil Resources is making 3.2 million dollars available to help soil and water conservation districts put soil health practices into action.

The grants can support practices such as no-till farming, cover crops and rotational grazing, methods that can improve soil productivity, protect water quality and help farms withstand severe weather.

The funding is available to conservation districts statewide, including those serving farmers in Northwest Minnesota. BWSR is asking all districts to identify local funding needs. The request for interest is open through October 15th.

Farmers can learn more by contacting their local soil and water conservation district or by visiting BWSR’s website at bwsr.state.mn.us/soils.

Take a Kid Hunting Weekend Sept. 26

Minnesota’s Take a Kid Hunting Weekend is coming up September 26th and 27th. The Minnesota DNR says adult Minnesota residents can take a youth under 16 hunting for squirrels, rabbits and other small game without a license during the weekend.

Hunters still must follow open seasons, bag limits and other regulations. The DNR says small game hunting can teach young people about wildlife, firearm safety and how to access hunting land.

For hunting tips, season details and regulations, visit MNDNR.gov/gohunting, or MNDNR.gov/hunting/small game.

Minnesota Archery Deer Season Opens Sept. 19

Minnesota’s archery deer season opens this Saturday and runs through December 31st. The Minnesota DNR says last year was a record, with more than 30-thousand deer harvested during archery season. About 55 percent were antlerless deer.

Hunters will also see changes this year with the state’s new electronic licensing system, including new options for buying licenses, validating harvests and registering deer. The DNR is also reminding hunters to check chronic wasting disease requirements and follow blaze clothing and tree-stand safety rules.

For regulations, CWD testing information and an interactive deer map, visit MNDNR.gov/hunting/deer.

Minnesota Pheasant Index Up 20 Percent From 2025

Minnesota’s pheasant index is up nearly 20 percent from last year, according to the Department of Natural Resources’ annual roadside survey.

The DNR counted 90 pheasants per 100 miles, compared with 75 in 2025. Officials say warmer winter conditions likely improved hen survival, while warmer, drier spring and summer weather helped nesting and brood-rearing.

The west central and southwest regions had the highest pheasant numbers, at more than 130 birds per 100 miles. This year’s pheasant hunting season opens October 10th and runs through January 3rd, 2027. For the full survey, hunting regulations and maps, visit mndnr.gov/hunting/pheasant.

Minnesota Department of Health Requests Rabies Verification

The Minnesota Department of Health is asking people who used ASAP Wildlife Services MN to contact the state over concerns that some animals may not have been properly tested for rabies.

Anyone who had a bat or other wild mammal submitted for rabies testing through the business since September 1st, 2025, should call MDH at 651-201-5368. Health officials say they need to confirm whether testing was performed and determine if rabies prevention shots are needed.

For more information about rabies and how to protect yourself, visit the Minnesota Department of Health website at health.state.mn.us.

Construction on CSAH 12 and CSAH 13 in Warroad

The Roseau County Highway Department is alerting drivers to road construction near Warroad.

County State Aid Highway 13, north of Warroad between Highway 313 and Springsteel Resort, will be under construction starting Wednesday, September 9th. The road will remain open to one lane of traffic.

CSAH 12, east of Warroad between Highway 11 and Kirkwood Drive, will be closed to all traffic Wednesday and Thursday.

The work will allow Canadian National Railway to complete repairs to a railroad crossing. Drivers are urged to plan for an alternate route.

Minnesota DNR Seeking Red Pine Cones

The Minnesota DNR is asking people across the state to collect red pine cones, and this year, they’re paying up to $95 a bushel.

Officials say Minnesota is seeing its best red pine cone crop in about a decade. Cones can be collected from September through October, and the DNR hopes to buy 1,000 bushels for future reforestation.

Red pine is Minnesota’s state tree, and the DNR uses the seeds to grow nearly one million seedlings each year. For registration, buying locations and identification tips, visit mndnr.gov/seedcone.

Northwest Community Action Reopens Energy Assistance Program

Northwest Community Action is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 Energy Assistance Program, which begins October 1st. Online applications became available September 1st, and households approved for assistance last heating season will receive a new application by mail in September.

The federally funded program helps eligible households pay a portion of heating costs, and can provide crisis assistance and help with furnace repairs or replacement. The program serves East Marshall, Kittson, Lake of the Woods and Roseau counties.

Applications must be received or postmarked by May 31st, 2027. For applications and more resources, visit nwcaa.org or mn.gov/home.