With winter recreation underway, Safe Kids Grand Forks is reminding residents that cold water presents serious risks, even during common seasonal activities like ice fishing or skating. Understanding how cold water affects the body — and what to do in the first moments after immersion — can save lives.
Educational resources on winter and cold-water safety are available through Safe Kids Grand Forks. For more information, visit safekidsgf.com, email safekids@altru.org, or call 701-780-1489.
The Roseau knights of Columbus will hold a Council level Free throw contest Monday January 5th. This event is for boys and girls ages 9 through 14, with your age being as of January 1st, 2025. This is a free event. Boys and girls ages 9,10,11 will use a girls ball and will shoot from a 12 foot line(3 feet in front of the normal free throw line.) Boys and girls ages 12,13,and 14 will shoot from the normal free throw line – 15 feet – for this age group boys will use the boys ball and girls will use the girls ball. The event will be held in the Roseau Elementary Gym starting with registration from 3:15-3:30pm, and the competition starting at 3:30 with completion by 5:00 pm. If you have any questions feel free to contact David Borowicz at 218-242-4054.
The Roseau County Board of Commissioners met in regular session last week and approved a multi-year memorandum of understanding committing $80,000 annually to support the county’s Drug Court and DWI Court programs. The funding will help cover staffing, travel, and program expenses through 2027.
County leaders described the courts as a proven alternative to traditional sentencing—one that focuses on treatment, accountability, and reducing repeat offenses. The investment underscores a philosophy that addressing root causes can be more effective, and more cost-efficient, than cycling individuals through the justice system.
Veteran anglers heading out on Lake of the Woods this winter are sticking with the classic “one-two punch” — a jigging line and a deadstick set up with live minnows. These presentations continue to produce great results in the stained waters that the lake is known for. Bright lures like pink, glow red, and blinking lights are also helping trigger bites on slower days.
Ice fishing hosts and resorts are reporting that despite a few weather swings, fishing remains strong throughout the lake. With multiple species showing up in catches, from walleyes to perch, it’s a great time for families and first-timers to get out and experience one of North America’s premier winter fisheries.
The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners addressed several community-impact issues at its regular meeting last month. Public health officials provided updates on opioid response efforts, including safe room progress and prevention coalition support, while commissioners approved continued participation in a regional adult mental health joint powers agreement.
In land and water matters, the board ordered a non-compliant septic system to be brought into compliance by July of 2026 or face permit termination. Commissioners also accepted a donated mineral interest, adding a long-term asset to county holdings before adjourning the meeting.
In today’s funeral announcements…
A Celebration of Life for Betty J. Anderson formerly of Warroad and most recently of Roseau will be held tomorrow Saturday, January 3rd at 2PM at the Badger City Hall in Badger. Visitation will be held one hour prior. Betty passed away at the age of 84. Helgeson funeral homes has charge of arrangements.
A memorial service for Tamra J. Olson 62, of Roseau will be held on Monday, January 5th at 10AM, with a visitation held one hour prior to the service at Helgeson Funeral Home in Roseau. Helgeson funeral homes has charge of arrangements.
A Memorial Service for Debra will be held on Tuesday, January 6th at 11 AM at Warroad RiverPlace with a visitation one hour prior.
Debra Lynn Ehrenstrom, lovingly known as Rhoda, passed away in Warroad, at the Warroad Senior Living Center, surrounded by family at the age of 71. Helgeson funeral homes has charge of arrangements.
A Memorial Service for Curtiss L. Johnson of Warroad will be held on Friday, January 9th at 2PM at Zion Lutheran Church in Warroad. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Curtiss passed away at the age of 87. Helgeson funeral homes has charge of arrangements.
Last modified: 01/04/2026
