THE ROSEAU RIVER WATERSHED DISTRICT (RRWD) has been named the Watershed District of the Year, by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources with DNR Northwest Region Manager Nathan Kestner presenting the award at the Minnesota Watersheds conference in December. Kestner praised the district, established in 1964, for its leadership in water management and quality protection at local, state, national, and international levels. With a three-person staff and a five-member board, the RRWD has developed innovative flood damage reduction projects, including the Roseau River Wildlife Management Area outlet and the Hay Creek-Norland habitat restoration, while enhancing natural resources and improving water quality. A key partner in managing public water permits, the RRWD collaborates with landowners, townships, and governments, combining drainage benefits with water conservation efforts through outreach and education.
ICE FISHING IS UNDERWAY ON LAKE OF THE WOODS: Solid ice conditions and good fishing are drawing anglers to the south shore, where most activity is in 26–32 feet of water. Resorts are opening ice roads for vehicles, but weight limits vary—check with resorts before heading out. Anglers are catching quality walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, northern pike, and even some sturgeon. THE lake of the woods tourism bureau says that fishing has been excellent at the north west angle, with walleyes, saugers, and perch being caught near points and reefs. On the Rainy River, walleye action has slowed slightly, but sturgeon fishing remains strong. Always check ice conditions and work with local outfitters to stay safe.
THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES is calling for volunteers to help collect black spruce and jack pine cones this winter. These seeds are essential for reforesting thousands of acres annually, but fewer collectors in recent years have created a pressing need for new participants. Collectors are paid $100 per bushel of black spruce cones and $30 per bushel of jack pine cones. The cones must be ripe, closed, and free of stems and debris. Drop-off locations include Bemidji, Cloquet, Hibbing, and several others across the state. The collection window runs through February, and the DNR urges anyone interested to visit their website for detailed instructions and contacts. This is a unique chance to earn money while supporting the future of Minnesota’s forests.
MINNESOTA’S AVERAGE credit score decreased by 0.29% between Q3 2023 and Q3 2024, reflecting the broader national trend of declining credit health ACCORDING TO A RECENT WALLET HUB STUDY. Despite this dip, Minnesota maintains a relatively strong average credit score of 683, placing it among the better-performing states, ranking 44th for the largest decreases.
PLANS ARE ALREADY underway for the Lake of the Woods County Fair in Baudette. Running from June 25th to 28th, including two nights of Demo Derby Action on the Friday AND Saturday night. That fair includes fun-filled variety of acts on the pavilion stage and Midwest Rides in the midway.
THE NORTHWEST MINNESOTA ARTS COUNCIL has released the 6th edition of Artists of Northwest Minnesota, a comprehensive directory showcasing the region’s talented visual and performing artists, writers, photographers, and arts organizations. Published every three years, this invaluable resource connects the community with local artists and businesses that support the arts. The latest edition, designed by Kat Allen of Warroad and edited by NWMAC Promotions Specialist Kristin Eggerling and Executive Director Mara Hanel, includes a new section highlighting performing artists and musicians. Funded by the McKnight Foundation, the directory is available for free at local libraries, coffee shops, and other regional businesses.
THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH reports a record-breaking week of influenza hospitalizations across the state, including Roseau County. In response to the ongoing outbreak of respiratory influenza, LifeCare Medical Center has implemented visitor restrictions at its hospital. Community members experiencing cold or flu symptoms are asked to avoid visiting patients or residents to help protect their health and the health of others. LifeCare encourages everyone to cover coughs and sneezes and practice frequent handwashing or use of hand sanitizer to reduce the spread of illness during this peak season.
AREA FUNERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date for James (Jim) Thunder of Buffalo Point Manitoba. Jim died peacefully in his home surrounded by family on Tuesday, December 31st at the age of 94. Birchwood funeral Home of Steinbach Manitoba has charge of arrangements.
A Funeral Service for Tyler L. Carr of Warroad is today at 1 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Warroad. Helgeson funeral homes has charge of arrangements.
A Funeral Service for Gertrude (Gertie) Cote of Winnipeg and formally of Vassar Manitoba will be held on Saturday January 15th at 1pm at Sacred Heart Church in Vassar followed by a reception at the Vassar Hall. Birchwood Funeral Home of Steinbach Manitoba has charge of arrangements.
Last modified: 01/10/2025
