Marvin, the 113-year-old premium window and door manufacturer headquartered in Warroad, Minnesota, celebrated its 2025 annual meeting earlier this month by announcing a significant profit-sharing distribution with its workforce of nearly 9,000 employees. The meeting was held as a live broadcast from Marvin’s headquarters, with nearly 2,000 employees attending in person and others joining through localized celebrations and livestreams nationwide. CEO Paul Marvin highlighted the company’s ability to navigate economic challenges while continuing to invest in growth, including a new 400,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Kansas City, Kansas, a distribution center in Windsor, Connecticut, and the launch of the Marvin Vivid Collection. The company also recognized employee community involvement and noted that its Brighter Days Fund—an employer-matched assistance program—has now exceeded $1 million in donations.
As part of a tradition that dates back to 1957, Marvin announced it will distribute more than $13.7 million in profit sharing to 8,131 eligible employees in 2025. Individual payouts range from a minimum of $1,354 to nearly $4,231, based on hours worked and length of service, with 25 percent of the profit-sharing pool allocated by tenure. About 15 percent of Marvin employees have been with the company for 20 years or more. Over the past 68 years, Marvin has returned more than $427 million to employees through profit sharing, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to shared success and employee ownership as the company looks toward continued growth in 2026.
The county board of commissioners met in regular session last week and approved multiple transportation grant applications aimed at strengthening Roseau County’s road system. Among them were applications for the federal PROTECT Grant to address flooding and overtopping issues on County State Aid Highway 7, and a Transportation Alternatives Grant focused on ADA improvements in Greenbush.
Together, the projects signal a forward-looking approach to infrastructure—addressing safety, accessibility, and climate resilience all at once. While grant funding is never guaranteed, county officials made clear that pursuing these opportunities is essential to stretching local dollars further and keeping roads passable, predictable, and safer for everyone from daily commuters to emergency responders.
In its newly released 2025 highlights, the DNR reports that Minnesota saw historic lows in boating fatalities this year, even as water recreation continued to grow statewide. Officials credit education, inspections, and enforcement efforts aimed at safer boating practices.
Those efforts are especially relevant on Lake of the Woods, one of the state’s busiest and most economically important fisheries. The DNR says continued focus on water safety and aquatic invasive species prevention helps protect both the lake itself and the tourism and fishing industries tied to it.
The Lake of the Woods County Board of Commissioners met in regular session earlier this month and approved several updates affecting county operations and county employees. Among the changes, commissioners increased the meal reimbursement rate from forty to sixty dollars beginning January first, reflecting rising travel costs. The board also expanded flexibility under Paid Family and Medical Leave, allowing employees to use accrued vacation, sick, and comp time to supplement benefits and receive up to a full salary during leave.
In other business, commissioners approved a new contract for community health services with LakeWood Health Center beginning in 2026 and formally recognized Deputy Auditor-Treasurer Rita Hasbargen for ten years of service to the county ahead of her retirement.
During their December meeting, the Roseau school board heard student and administrative reports highlighting recent activities and achievements. Student leaders shared updates on community service efforts, including a local food shelf drive, along with recent concerts and regional academic opportunities.
Administrators also highlighted student recognition through writing competitions and extracurricular involvement. Board members praised student participation and noted that these activities continue to reflect strong engagement both inside and outside the classroom.
According to the Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau, anglers finding success this week are often using a combination of active jigging and deadstick presentations. Jigging spoons tipped with minnow heads are drawing fish in, while a simple deadstick set just off the bottom continues to pick up bonus walleyes and saugers.
The Bureau notes that glow colors like gold, pink, red, and fire-tiger have been producing well in stained water conditions. Resorts continue to offer up-to-date ice reports, bait, and equipment, making it easier for both seasoned anglers and first-timers.
Last modified: 01/04/2026
