Ice fishing season on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River is heating up across northern Minnesota. Anglers are hitting the ice on thickening early season ice, with resorts reporting excellent fishing conditions from the South Shore to the Northwest Angle. Fish houses are out, sleeper houses are open, and lots of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, and even tullibees are being brought in by anglers of all skill levels.
Travel continues to improve on the lake’s marked ice roads, with many allowing half-ton and even three-quarter-ton rigs to reach productive spots. Whether you’re chasing limits on jigging lines or working a deadstick with live minnows, locals say consistency is the name of the game this week. Resorts encourage everyone to check current ice road limits and weather updates before heading out.
Authorities in Lake of the Woods County are investigating a fatal house fire that claimed the life of a 91-year-old woman early Thursday morning.
According to the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff’s Office, emergency crews were dispatched to a residence at 320 Second Avenue Southeast in Baudette around 3:38 a.m. on December nineteenth. Following the fire, the body of 91-year-old Nelda Fay Anderson was discovered inside the home.
The Sheriff’s Office says the incident is being treated as accidental, though the investigation is ongoing. A full autopsy is pending. Responding agencies included the Lake of the Woods County Sheriff’s Office, Baudette Fire and Rescue, and Lake of the Woods Ambulance Service.
The Minnesota DNR’s 2025 highlights noted the role mineral resource management continues to play in supporting local governments. The agency reports more than nineteen million dollars in mineral lease revenue statewide this year.
In northern Minnesota, revenue from tax-forfeited mineral rights flows back to the counties and townships where the land is located. The DNR says responsible mineral management provides long-term financial benefits while ensuring resources are developed sustainably.
The Roseau School board addressed staffing matters during its December meeting, reviewing adjustments tied to special education and student support services. Administrators noted that staffing decisions remain closely connected to enrollment trends and the district’s responsibility to meet individualized learning needs.
Board members acknowledged ongoing challenges in balancing staffing levels with available resources and indicated that further discussion on staffing models is expected as part of continued budget planning in early 2026.
The Roseau County Board of Commissioners met in regular session last week and approved multiple agreements tied to expanded youth intervention and diversion services. Among them was acceptance of a two-year, $128,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families to strengthen alternatives to detention and out-of-home placement.
In addition, the board approved agreements supporting restorative justice programming and expanded diversion coordination. County leaders framed the move as a proactive investment—steering at-risk youth toward accountability and support instead of deeper system involvement, a strategy that benefits families, schools, and the broader community alike.
more children reach an age where staying home alone becomes a consideration, Safe Kids Grand Forks is offering its Safe at Home Alone classes throughout the region in 2026. Sessions will be held in communities including Thief River Falls, Grand Forks, Larimore, and Park River.
The program focuses on readiness, emergency planning, and responsible decision-making. Parents can learn more or sign up by visiting safekidsgf.com, emailing safekids@altru.org, or calling 701-780-1489.
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.
A Memorial Service for Curtiss L. Johnson of Warroad, MN will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 2:00PM at Zion Lutheran Church in Warroad, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Curtiss passed away at the age of 87. Helgeson funeral home
Last modified: 01/04/2026
