Senator Smith Not Running for Re-election

U.S. Senator Tina Smith announced today (Thursday) she will retire after next year, opting against a 2026 bid for another six-year term. She’s held the seat since 2018. In a video announcing her decision she said she loved her job as United States Senator and after 20 years of hard and rewarding work in the […]

February 13 Radiogram

Joann Fabrics Closing 500 Stores/12 in MN

(CNN) – Joann Fabrics is closing 500 stores leaving just 300 remaining open nationwide. The company said the closures are necessary as it navigates the bankruptcy process. Joann filed for bankruptcy last month, the second time it did so in a year. It first filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2024 but was able […]

Gov Walz Announces MnDOT “Name a Snowplow” Contest Winners

The Minnesota Department of Transportation revealed the winners of the 2025 Name a Snowplow Contest. Governor Tim Walz announced the winners this morning (Wednesday). They are: We’re Off To See The Blizzard – District 8 (Southwest Minnesota) Snowtorious B.I.G. – District 4 (West Central Minnesota) Plowabunga! – District 6 (Southeast Minnesota) Anthony Sledwards – Metro District (Twin Cities) You’re […]

February 12 Radiogram

Brainerd Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl

A Brainerd man has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute thousands of fentanyl pills.  According to United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger, 28 year old Dazaughn Ellis West pleaded guilty Monday in U.S. District Court  to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to court documents, West had a storage […]

February 11 Radiogram

FLU HOSPITALIZATIONS REACH 5-YEAR HIGH IN MINNESOTA

The Minnesota Department of Health says flu cases are at a five-year high.  So far this season, there have been more than 5,000 flu-related hospitalizations.  State health officials are raising concerns as hospitals are being overwhelmed with flu and other patients.  They say the best way to protect yourself against influenza is to get vaccinated. […]

Secure Your Cell Phone

Officials with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are recommending tethering cell phones while ice fishing. Conservation officer Coby Fontes in Warroad monitored angling activity on Lake of the Woods over the weekend. He notes an unusual uptick in the number of phones that people have reportedly dropped into the lake. He says one of […]

Cans for Classrooms

Challenger Elementary School received its first check from the Arctic Cat/Phillips Iron & Metal “Cans for Classroom” fundraiser.  The check was for $289!  You can continue to bring your cans to the drop-off point in the NE corner of the Arctic Cat parking lot (north of the semi-trailers). You can also bring them directly to […]