A Roseau man has been charged with first-degree arson following a Christmas Day fire that destroyed a trailer home in the Westside Trailer Court. According to court documents, 32-year-old Justin Terry Frasier admitted to intentionally starting two fires inside the trailer, telling investigators he was hungry, out of food stamps, and facing eviction at the time. Fire crews were called to the scene around 11:23 Christmas morning and found the trailer fully engulfed in flames.
The fire briefly spread to a nearby tree and threatened a neighboring mobile home before firefighters were able to contain it. No injuries were reported. Police later located Frasier near a public water access northwest of Roseau after he contacted an officer by text message, and he was taken into custody. First-degree arson carries a possible penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $20,000 fine, with the case now moving forward in Roseau County District Court.
As fishing pressure increases, the Lake of the Woods Tourism Bureau is reminding anglers that safety remains critical early in the ice season. Ice thickness can change quickly due to weather and current, especially near the Rainy River and pressure cracks on the lake.
Resort-maintained ice roads are checked daily and clearly marked for vehicle weight limits. Anglers are encouraged to travel with caution, dress for extreme cold, and follow local guidance to ensure a safe and successful day on the ice.
Safe Kids Grand Forks has announced multiple Smart Sitter classes for early 2026, with sessions planned in Thief River Falls, Grand Forks, and Park River. The program helps prepare youth to safely care for younger children by teaching childcare basics, safety awareness, and emergency response skills.
Families interested in Smart Sitter classes can find schedules and registration links at safekidsgf.com or contact Safe Kids Grand Forks directly at safekids@altru.org
or 701-780-1489 for more information.
The Grand Forks Herald reported yesterday that Blizzard Brad swept through the Red River Valley on Sunday, bringing strong north winds, blowing snow, and hazardous travel conditions across the region. The National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning for much of eastern North Dakota and parts of west-central Minnesota, with snowfall totals generally in the three-to-six inch range, and some areas of Minnesota seeing up to seven inches. Wind gusts near forty-five miles per hour created widespread whiteout conditions, making travel dangerous or, at times, impossible.
According to the report, the storm also delivered dangerously cold wind chills across the region after the snow moved out. Forecast wind chills dropped as low as minus thirty in Thief River Falls, with similar extreme cold reported elsewhere in northwest Minnesota. The Herald noted that East Grand Forks declared a snow emergency, while transportation officials warned of drifting snow on rural roads.
The Roseau County Board of Commissioners met in regular session last week and approved the 2026 detention center nursing services contract between the county and LifeCare Medical Center. The agreement ensures continued medical coverage at the Law Enforcement Center, including on-site nursing hours, telemedicine access, and coordination with public health services.
County officials highlighted the importance of consistent medical care in the detention setting—not just for inmate well-being, but for staff safety and legal compliance. The renewed contract keeps systems in place that reduce emergency transports and ensure medical issues are handled promptly and professionally.
The DNR’s published 2025 highlights also detail an intense wildfire season across northern Minnesota. According to the report, nearly 30,000 acres burned statewide, with crews responding to more than 160 fires during a short stretch of extreme conditions.
While individual counties weren’t singled out, Roseau and Lake of the Woods counties fall within the region protected by those response efforts. The DNR says strong coordination between agencies and early action were key to protecting homes, infrastructure, and natural resources during a challenging fire season.
In today’s funeral announcements…
A memorial service for Tamra J. Olson 62, of Roseau MN will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026 at 10:00AM, with a visitation held one hour prior to the service at Helgeson Funeral Home in Roseau, MN. Helgeson funeral home 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, Minnesota, at the Warroad Senior Living Center, surrounded by family at the age of 71. Helgeson funeral home has charge of arrangements.
Last modified: 01/04/2026
