Author: Prestin Douville

Local Radio

Advice to area seniors 

Today is the last day of school for many area school districts, and this weekend thousands of seniors across the Red River Valley will be walking across the stage to receive their high school diplomas, and taking the first step in their next stage of life. Over the last two weeks, R&J News have been…
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May 22, 2026 0

Win-E-Mac School board approves facility updates 

The Win-E-Mac School District will be making some facility improvements this summer, after receiving some funds through a local education fund. Win-E-Mac Superintendent Aaron Cook tells us more.  Cook says they will also be making some updates to some of their outdoor facilities.  Earlier this week at their meeting, Cook says the Win-E-Mac School Board…
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May 22, 2026 0

Mahnomen School board discusses curriculum 

The Mahnomen School Board held a discussion regarding curriculum during their meeting on Monday night. Mahnomen Superintendent Andrea Simon says the discussion was in regards to their curriculum that covers sexual abuse awanress and prevention.  Simon says there was also a discussion with the Mahnomen County Sheriff and their School Resource Officer about the addition…
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May 21, 2026 0

Ada Borup West saying goodbye to long time administrative assistant 

It’s the end of an era at the Ada Borup West Elementary, as beloved Elementary Administrative Assistant Merilee Potucek will be retiring at the end of the week. Ada Borup West Elementary Principal Bree Triplett says Merilee will be missed by everyone at the school.  Triplett says they are very lucky to have their new…
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May 21, 2026 0

Firefly Center launches campaign after federal government pulls financial support 

The Firefly Center for the Arts and Wellbeing recently launched a campaign to make up for budgeting shortfalls after having their federal funding stripped with no warning. Firefly Center Director Heidi Danos explains their current situation, and how they got here.  Danos tells us more about their campaign, which recently kicked off in response to…
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May 21, 2026 0

Tick season reminders 

The start of summer also signals the start of tick season in the Midwest, and people are reminded to make sure they are taking the appropriate steps in protecting themselves from ticks when spending time outside. Kelsey Merkens of Norman-Mahnomen Public Health.  If you do find a tick biting you, Merkens explains how you should…
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May 21, 2026 0

NMRC teams shine at Minnesota State Robotics Competition

The 2025/2026 Robotics season is now in the books, with the completion of the Minnesota State Robotics Competition, and the Northern Minnesota Robotics Conference (NMRC) was well represented. NMRC President Matt Wendland says they had multiple teams representing the NMRC, including the state champion, and runner up.  On top of giving students an outlet to…
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May 21, 2026 0

Numerous pieces of education legislation coming out of St Paul 

The 2026 Minnesota Legislative Session ended earlier this week, and education legislation was a major talking point heading into, and during the session. Win-E-Mac and Ada Borup West Superintendent Aaron Cook says not a lot happened when it comes to education legislation, but they were able to receive some state funds in compensatory revenue.  Cook…
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May 21, 2026 0

Mahnomen School Board Meets 

The Mahnomen School Board had further discussions regarding a new cell phone policy, after deciding to not go forward with a yonder pouch system earlier this year. Mahnomen Superintendent Andrea Simon says they’ve been collecting student feedback regarding cell phones, which will help the board make its decision.  The Mahnomen School Board has some seats…
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May 20, 2026 0

Wild Rice Watershed Update 

The City of Perley is once again a construction zone as some concrete work is currently underway. Tara Jensen of the Wild Rice Watershed District explains what this project is, and when the roadway is expected to reopen.  Jensen also shared some good news regarding the Ada Borup West School Forest project.  If you’re looking…
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May 20, 2026 0