Local News, Monday January 19 2026

Monday is a Free Parks Day at Minnesota’s 73 state parks and recreation areas. No vehicle permits are required to explore those areas. The Minnesota DNR celebrates four such occasions each year.

The Northwest Minnesota Arts Council is seeking the public’s help in recognizing deserving artists or arts advocates. Three awards are given each year to recognize artists and arts advocates within the region who stand out in terms of artistry or volunteerism in the arts. The Northwest Star Award is a lifetime achievement award. The Artist of the Year award can be given to any discipline artist, including visual, performing, or creative writing, who are emerging or at a midway point in their artistic endeavors. The Arts Advocate of the Year award is $500 and honors someone who continues to be a voice and advocate for the arts within the community, a local school, or the region. The nomination deadline is Saturday, Jan. 31. Nominees must come from the seven-county region.

Mark Ellerbusch has announced his campaign for Marshall County sheriff. Sheriff Jason Boman plans to retire, and Ellerbusch said he would like to continue the great work Boman has done over his 33 years of serving Marshall County. Ellerbusch has 13 years of experience in law enforcement.

This weekend is Take a Kid Ice Fishing Weekend in Minnesota, and with Monday being a holiday, that opportunity will span Saturday to Monday. Anglers who would normally need a license will not need one if they are fishing with a child who is 15 years of age or younger. Those who may be thinking of trying ice fishing for the first time can find a webinar with useful tips for adult beginners and kids on the Minnesota DNR website.

Monday is a Free Parks Day at Minnesota’s 73 state parks and recreation areas. No vehicle permits are required to explore those areas. The Minnesota DNR celebrates four such occasions each year.

Dave Hughes of Karlstad has announced a bid for a spot in Congress. He is a Republican and will challenge Michelle Fischbach, the Republican incumbent. Erik Osberg and Heather Keeler are Democrats running for the spot representing the 7th Congressional District.

Warroad School will have a public performance of their one-act play at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, January 19, in the high school theater.

The Roseau County Board has approved a new three-year agreement with Hoffman, Philipp and Martell for auditing services. That audit firm has served Roseau County for about 25 years. The contract pays H, P and M $47,000 annually. The only other audit firm to offer a bid was Brady, Martz. The State of Minnesota requires counties to do a separate audit each year.

Roseau’s Economic Development Authority is still considering a possible expansion of its industrial park, as the park is running out of available lots. The city is looking at grant opportunities to help fund the proposed expansion.

On Friday, the Grand Forks Herald posted a story on Roseau boys basketball player Jordan Borowicz. He is on pace to hit the 3,000 career point mark by the end of his junior year, and the article put into perspective where he would sit among statewide records. He is averaging over 33 points per game this season.

The Federal Prospects League hockey team in Thief River Falls, set to start play in October, made it official by announcing the Minnesota Northern Lights as the team’s name. They also unveiled three logos, with a moose and a depiction of the Northern Lights as the prominent features. Black, purple, and a vibrant green are the team’s color scheme.

Last modified: 01/19/2026