WELY News

Wadena County investigates fatal fire; Red Lake police respond to 'incident' at Ponemah powwow

20-minute-mission — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 11:00:00 +0000

Plus: Essentia Health, nurses' union reach labor agreement for Deer River hospital; DNR finds "gaps" in review for Hermantown data center; and the fall color finder map is now live.

School trust fund could offer budget relief; Rural areas at a greater risk for Alzheimer’s

20-minute-mission — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 11:00:00 +0000

Plus: The Mesabi Trail is complete after 30 years

Range labor union leader talks growth, politics, workforce challenges

20-minute-mission — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 11:00:00 +0000

Emma Krab interviewed LiUNA Local 1097 business manager Shawn Braford about the state of labor in 2026.

Man shoots himself unloading gun; Prosecutors seek 5 years in prison for Eichorn

20-minute-mission — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Plus: Marble getes funds to install water filters for manganese and iron; ag department accepts comments on socioeconomic impacts of large dairies, and it’s a prolific pinecone season.

U.S. Forest Service keeps Grand Rapids office open, Mesabi Metallics offers reward for bomb threat info

20-minute-mission — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 11:00:00 +0000

Plus: District judges in Crow Wing County request deputy presence at hearings, highway construction project moves forward in Bemidji

Man dies in apparent drowning near Eveleth; Congress delays hemp ban by 4 weeks

20-minute-mission — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 11:00:00 +0000

Plus: Wildfire-affected areas in and around the Boundary Waters continue to reopen; lake associations are seeing impacts from new boating laws; and Grand Itasca Clinic is changing its name.

Koochiching County declared disaster area; DNR accepting comments on trail system

20-minute-mission — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: 4-H competitors show animals at Minnesota State Fair

Itasca sheriff IDs woman who died in jail; MN Supreme Court rejects recount request

20-minute-mission — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: Sanford Health and North Memorial Health sign 10-year agreement with state AG for a merger; and the Beargrease sled dog race returns to “out-and-back” format for 2027 event.

'The place where it grows:' Red Lake school unveils new outdoor space

20-minute-mission — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Endazhi-Nitaawiging, a charter school on the Red Lake Nation, partnered with the Trust for Public Land for a new natural playground as part of a revamped schoolyard.

Woman dies in Itasca County Jail; Woman also charged in fatal Grand Rapids crash

20-minute-mission — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: Bemidji data center moratorium clears first step; and Flock cameras coming down in St. Louis County.

Two charged for 2025 Remer fire; Demuth plans $1 billion budget cut

20-minute-mission — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Wild rice season shows promise despite shaky start

Brainerd man killed in crash with train; Carlton County enacts 1-year data center ban

20-minute-mission — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: A paved trail wrapping Gull Lake is one small section away from completion; and Leech Lake celebrates a new family-oriented homeless shelter in Bena.

1 found dead in St. Louis County fire; Man charged with murder in fatal crash

20-minute-mission — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Lindell files recount lawsuit against secretary of state’s office; United Taconite received emission testing fine; Detroit Lakes sticker policy in limbo following split vote

1 killed, 1 arrested after crash in Grand Rapids; Forest Service lifts BWCA fire ban

20-minute-mission — Tue, 25 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: High fish kills were reported this summer after prolonged heat and drought; and an iron reclamation project is underway at an abandoned Calumet mine.

'Too good to be true': School districts going for referendums to reduce taxes

20-minute-mission — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

A new state aid covers part of the operating levy for school districts that have lots of cabins. Some districts say they’ll offset the levy if voters approve it, meaning more money for the school, while taxes stay the same or go down.

1 killed in crash with semi near Walker; Walz issues assistance to 6 MN counties

20-minute-mission — Sat, 22 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: Bemidji is closer to being the next home of a YMCA after a ceremonial groundbreaking; and local governments receive assistance to replace emerald ash borer-damaged trees.

Brainerd biz must pay $115k for employee firing; NewRange permit open for comment

20-minute-mission — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Changes to ‘roadless rule’ could open areas of Superior National Forest to logging; and researchers consider climate change’s impacts on pathogen spread.

Lindell to fund GOP governor recount; Stauber leads presser opposing Walz mining order

20-minute-mission — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: The FBI launches a new “Voices Not Forgotten” initiative to raise awareness of cold cases in tribal nations.

Walz issues Boundary Waters mining ban; Hermantown officials apologize for resident comments

20-minute-mission — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Meat processing facility in Staples opens

FBI investigating 2 deaths in Red Lake Nation; Judge tosses DOJ lawsuit seeking MN voter rolls

20-minute-mission — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: Glen’s Army Navy in Grand Rapids to close after 80 years.

No one is running for county attorney in 3 Northern MN counties. Here's why

20-minute-mission — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Red Lake and four other Northern Minnesota counties are classified as legal deserts, with fewer than one practicing attorney per 1,000 residents.

Red Lake Tribal Police involved in fatal shooting; St. Louis County IDs inmate who died

20-minute-mission — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: The DNR confirmed zebra mussels in LaRue Mine Pit and Kabekona Lake; and Fulton Brewing will acquire Bemidji Brewing.

Lake County lifting most fire evacuations; E. coli at Bena Beach

20-minute-mission — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Itasca County Board results; Bemidji contemplating data center moratorium

Voter turnout sets record, Swanson and Stauber set for congressional race

20-minute-mission — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Plus: Wiener overtakes Utke in Senate District 5 race, public hearings on property tax

Flanagan beats Craig, will face Tafoya; Demuth wins Republican primary for governor

20-minute-mission — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: DFLer Trina Swanson to face Republican Rep. Stauber; a multigenerational election duo in Wadena; a Bagley pollworker’s thoughts on election security; and who to vote for in 2046.

Person dies in St. Louis County jail; Outside groups spend $20M in MN's Senate primary

20-minute-mission — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: More than 200 million early ballots for the primary have been received by local election officials; and the DNR reminds harvesters about the state’s green rice law.

One Native couple's experiences with addiction and incarceration

20-minute-mission — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

This is the final part of KAXE’s “Overrepresented, undercounted” series exploring the impacts of incarceration for Indigenous Minnesotans.

Voters to decide Democratic 8th Congressional District candidate; Wildfire evacuations lifted

20-minute-mission — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Minnesota faces storage drought; Forest tent caterpillars cause tree damage

Mountain Iron solar panel factory lays off 93; Walz calls for no wildfire special session

20-minute-mission — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: MN DNR took comments on Tamarack Mining Project; and proposed lodging denied by Nashwauk City Council

Canoe outfitter on Boundary Waters ; Backus approves recovery center

20-minute-mission — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Leech lake fisheries seeks public input, youths tackle aquatic invasive species issue

Attempt to delay ban on some THC products; Monument honors U.S. Supreme Court case, plaintiff

20-minute-mission — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: DNR chooses annual fish stamp contest winners

Baudette woman's body found in park; Judge issues sentence in Itasca fatal crash

20-minute-mission — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: Detroit Lakes’ School Board voted to remove rainbows from school property; and the Hubbard County Food Shelf is fundraising $2 million for a new building.

The costs of Indigenous incarceration in Northern MN

20-minute-mission — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0000

This is an audio version of the second part of KAXE’s “Overrepresented, undercounted” series that explores the disproportionate rates of Indigenous incarceration in our region.

DNR reports increase in fish kills; Ely's historic seaplane base aids firefight

20-minute-mission — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: U of M’s Natural Resources Research Institute launches new simulator to test innovations in iron refining.

Woman dies after crash into lake; Crosslake Post Office moves operations

20-minute-mission — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Mine proposal formerly known as Polymet sees changes to plan; and Grand Rapids City Council approves a TIF district for a new 99-unit apartment building.

Campfire restrictions ease; Bemidji considers in-house Sanford Center management

20-minute-mission — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 22:40:21 +0000

Plus: Indigenous-led walk carries water 13 miles for Mississippi watershed amid mine discussion

How to Support Ely Area Business

20-minute-mission — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 20:23:34 +0000

Terri Pylka and Joel Karnick…………..

BWCAW partially reopens Thursday; DOGE delays Superior Forest fire prevention

20-minute-mission — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Federal judge stops MN law banning prediction markets; Municipal cannabis dispensary moves forward in GR; and the filing period closed Tuesday for many elected positions

Tornado touches down near Debs; Fire evacuation zones near BWCAW lifted

20-minute-mission — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: L&M Fleet Supply will soon expand into two more Midwestern states; and the Mille Lacs Band celebrated its 11th annual Gii-Ishkonigewag Powwow near McGregor.

How mental health, substance use impact Indigenous incarceration rates

20-minute-mission — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

This is an audio version of the first part of KAXE’s “Overrepresented, undercounted” series that explores the disproportionate rates of Indigenous incarceration in our region.

State attempts to recover Camp House Fire costs; Crews deploy sprinklers in Superior National Forest

20-minute-mission — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: Construction starts for Boswell Solar Project; and MDH will host public hearing for closure of clinic in Silver Bay

Boelter sentenced in killing of Hortmans; 2 burned in Bemidji camper fire

20-minute-mission — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: The Boundary Waters will partially reopen for day use Monday; and Emily gathers for an update on proposed manganese mine.

Trump freezes Medicaid payments to MN; Ag water quality program under review

20-minute-mission — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Candidate filing period closes July 28; and wildfire smoke is expected to impact air quality in the state through the fall.

ICE detained 7 men last week in Bemidji; Family of man hit by police squad seeks answers

20-minute-mission — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: The Boundary Waters could partially reopen soon, as tens of thousands of acres burn and local economies take a hit.

WELY Fire Update for Tuesday, July 21st

20-minute-mission — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 21:44:53 +0000

Ball Club celebrates, heals with annual powwow; No charges expected in Flanders Fire

20-minute-mission — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 21:41:23 +0000

Plus: Minnesotans have until July 22, 2026, to submit comment on the MPCA’s Impaired Waters List.

Minnesota underground mine in Tamarack reaches public review for first time

20-minute-mission — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

The Tamarack mine will primarily harvest nickel and copper. It faces opposition due to copper nickel mining’s relation to water contamination.

Woman's body found in ditch near Ball Club; Brainerd area mourns after youth suicides

20-minute-mission — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Financial and tax help is available to Becker County residents impacted by tornado; and the Carlton County Board sets a public hearing on a data center moratorium.

ICE conducts operation in Bemidji; Red Lake Nation reelects Seki

20-minute-mission — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Minnesota sees likely the worst wildfire smoke in history; and how to take care of your pets and other animals in poor air quality.

Bemidji police squad hits pedestrian; Wildfires continue in BWCA

20-minute-mission — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: Trump endorses Lindell; MPCA seeks new members for advisory group; and Itasca County looks for public input on outdoor recreation plan.

BWCA, Superior Nat'l Forest fires spread; Election offices prep without fed support

20-minute-mission — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: the candidate filing period for non-primary elections opened July 14, 2026; and the Grand Rapids Area Library recently made a $30,000 fundraising goal.

Entire BWCA closes Tuesday due to fires; Dangerous heat in the Northland

20-minute-mission — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: An Aitkin peat processor fined for air pollution control violations.

Drought plagues northern MN despite storms

20-minute-mission — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Even with green plants and recent rainfall, large portions of the Northland are classified as in moderate or severe drought.

Beltrami sheriff shares water safety tips; Cleanup continues after DL-area tornado

20-minute-mission — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: Four Northland organizations recieve child care grants; men encouraged to wear sunscreen and get skin checks; and Eveleth plans to replace the “Big Stick.”

Hall of fame fishing guide Neustrom dies; Pequot Lakes passes data center moratorium

20-minute-mission — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: Minnesota partners hope opioid prevention success spreads to youth; and a community storytelling initiative aims to capture recovery stories in St. Louis County.

2nd death at Palisade Head; 5 new wildfires in Superior National Forest

20-minute-mission — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

And: Carlton County continue discussion of data center moratorium; MN could have its first saint; and business owners assess paid leave law

2nd water-related death in Beltrami County; Tornado confirmed in DL

20-minute-mission — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Second Harvest Northland selects a new site for the Grand Rapids Food Shelf; and the St. Louis County Landfill may get double the trash with expansion in the five-county region.

Fatalities in region over Fourth of July; former Rock Ridge dean faces new charges

20-minute-mission — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Single-engine plane crashes at Pine River Airport; data center regulations to be discussed by Carlton County Board; and Independence Day parades get the weather gamut.

Plans for Pequot Lakes' Stars and Stripes Days come together for 250th

20-minute-mission — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

The Brainerd lakes area city celebrates the Fourth of July before a quick turnaround to prep for its signature event: Bean Hole Days.

MN may face $250M in SNAP costs; Mushroom farm family launches new market

20-minute-mission — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Sigurd Olson mural to be painted in Ely; and where to find fireworks, parades and more in the Northland.

2 injured in St. Louis County crash; Brief tornado confirmed near Cotton

20-minute-mission — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

And: 14 anti-ICE protesters plead not guilty in federal court; Water levels on Lake Ore-Be-Gone threaten Gilbert tourism; and 3M’s old Camp Wonewok is under new management.

News Director interviews Itasca County Board District 1 candidates

20-minute-mission — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 23:29:42 +0000

We’ve partnered with ICTV to interview local candidates for the 2026 election. District 1 is in northwestern Itasca County, and three candidates are headed to a primary.

Fatal motorcycle crash near Nisswa; Primary election preview

20-minute-mission — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 08:00:00 +0000

And: New domestic violence and social media laws.

Another round of storms knocks out power for thousands; White Earth, USFWS sign new agreement

20-minute-mission — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Bemidji is the clay target state champion; and check out KAXE’s fireworks guide, The 4th Up North.

Fatal crash shuts down Hwy 169; Wind destroys Bemidji Water Carnival tent

20-minute-mission — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: A allegedly intoxicated driver lands an SUV onto a building with a resident inside in Naytahwaush

Minnesotans warned of deceptive health plans; Heat on the way, storms possible

20-minute-mission — Sat, 27 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Tourism-based businesses brace for slower summer amid high gas prices and consumer costs; Little Fork River watershed plan open for comment; and fireworks galore in the Northland.

Grand Rapids Area Library receives $30k Donation; Google hosts data center open house

20-minute-mission — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: Hubbard County and the city of Akeley disagree on non-emergency calls; and Leech Lake Community Tribal College announces a new president.

Virginia confronts budget woes; Fosston, Essentia must continue talks

20-minute-mission — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: The state’s soon-to-be new city of Northern will elect a mayor and Council in November; and aerial spongy moth treatments will take place in a couple of weeks in NE MN.

Escapee gets prison time; Crow Wing ICE agreements draw ire, support

20-minute-mission — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: A cannabis business has been approved for Second Harvest’s LaPrairie warehouse; and Rock Ridge has nearly depleted its reserves.

Crashes claim Northland lives; Judge quashes subpoenas in immigration probe

20-minute-mission — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Changes are in the wings to the BWCAW permit cancellation policy; and the DNR is expanding a deer feeding and attractant ban in two Northern MN counties.

North Star Student: Win-E-Mac's Paige Breitbach is 'easy to cheer for'

20-minute-mission — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

The three-sport athlete and recent graduate made an impact through her positive attitude, hard work and leadership — whether her team was winning or losing.

Tracking 2026 women gubernatorial candidates; Authentic rural connections aim of concert tour

20-minute-mission — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: MnDOT begins projects near Park Rapids, Cotton and Cromwell on Monday.

Nevis man sentenced for allowing unregistered voters to vote; Rep. Stauber visits Hibbing

20-minute-mission — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Annual financial disclosure reports show Reps. Michelle Fischbach and Pete Stauber’s assets, broadly.

Gilbert seeks solutions for crime spike; MN farmers lobby for Farm Bill provisions

20-minute-mission — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Hermantown opens another public comment period related to the proposed Google data center; and the sixth annual Juneteenth celebration is set for Friday in Virginia.

Feds charge 15 anti-ICE activists; ICE activity reported in Park Rapids

20-minute-mission — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: Minnesota nonprofit offers $25K reward for information on Wadena disappearance; and Bemidji Mayor Jorge Prince accepts award for disaster leadership.

Motorcycle crash kills Saginaw man; Blackduck votes to disband its PD

20-minute-mission — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: Itasca County reuses flag poles to fly new and old state flags; Crow Wing County adds 10 license plate readers to Flock Safety network; and Red Lake County takes 2nd in state baseball tourney.

MN resumes payments to most Medicaid providers; Online hate still swirls year after MN assassinations

20-minute-mission — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: COVID learning woes still haunt MN kids’ well-being.

ICE detains workers in Bemidji; GOP Reps. call for Walz, Ellison resignations

20-minute-mission — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: A McGregor gas station was fined by the state Pollution Control Agency; the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission was given a transportation award; and Red Lake County will defend its baseball title Monday.

Families displaced by apartment fire near Bemidji; Vance Boelter pleads guilty in federal case

20-minute-mission — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: A missing Alexandria woman found alive in mud puddle near Backus; a nature-based early learning center opens in Coleraine; and Brainerd boys and Detroit Lakes girls are state golf champions.

6 new leaders elected to MCT tribal councils; MPCA takes comment on plan for former Hibbing gas plant

20-minute-mission — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: the Brainerd City Council is considering a plan to redevelop the City Hall parking lot into a four-story apartment complex.

Shooting death reported in Fosston; Man drowns in Aitkin County lake

20-minute-mission — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: the Brainerd School Board votes to put a levy referendum on the ballot; and the DNR’s new electronic licensing system launches.

Plane crashes into Coleraine lake; Enhanced severe weather risk on tap

20-minute-mission — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Causes of BWCAW-area wildfires determined; Brainerd educators reach tentative agreement on overdue contract; and rural Northland athletes take home 87 medals in track and field.

Up North Lookback 1976: Murder suspect slashes wrists; Breezy Point supper club burns down

20-minute-mission — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:00:00 +0000

This is the Up North Lookback, where we’re digging into the local news archives from 50 years ago — the year KAXE was born. It’s the week of June 8.

Paul Bunyan Playhouse returns for 75th season of summer stock theater

20-minute-mission — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 08:00:00 +0000

After a short 2024 season and skipping a season in 2025, the Paul Bunyan Playhouse is back with a full season in 2026.

Charges filed in case of shot Itasca deputy; BWCAW campfire ban in effect

20-minute-mission — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: A new conservation easement protects more than 900 acres on North Shore; Cohasset to host comprehensive plan meeting; and more Northland HS sports results.

Red Lake returns plane to Roseau pilot; MN to disenroll 3K Medicaid providers

20-minute-mission — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 14:23:59 +0000

Plus: the Rock Ridge boys’ tennis team took fourth at state and many Northland golfers will head to state next week after qualifying.

Local primary elections take shape; Feds issue guidelines for Medicaid work rules

20-minute-mission — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Grand Rapids hosts the state’s annual wildland firefighting academy.

Birch Bay Fire burns 30-35 acres; Lisa Demuth to run in GOP primary

20-minute-mission — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: Esports, girls team wrestling moving foward with MSHSL; Highway 6 bridge in Itasca County closes Monday.

Burnsville man drowns in Emily; Qualls, Schwarze endorsed by GOP; Klobuchar, Flanagan by DFL

20-minute-mission — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: Six Northland teams will compete in the state softball tournament and Northern Minnesota will have over 250 entries in the state track and field meet.

Up North Lookback 1976: Arrest in murder of Bemidji teen; Escaped WV prisoner found in cabin

20-minute-mission — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:00:00 +0000

This is the Up North Lookback, where we’re digging into the local news archives from 50 years ago — the year KAXE was born. It’s the week of June 1.

Grand Rapids aims to open municipal cannabis dispensary by July 2027

20-minute-mission — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

The city would be among the first to try the new money-making venture, which it estimates will make the city at least $500,000 a year.

Deadline approaches for Bemidji derecho forest recovery help; State, U of M transfer Cloquet Forestry Center to Fond du Lac

20-minute-mission — Sat, 30 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will host public hearings on Otter Tail Power Co.’s proposed electric rate increase; and the Brainerd Area League of Women Voters will host a Crow Wing County election official.

Man's body recovered at Palisade Head; Brainerd graduation will include drum ceremony

20-minute-mission — Fri, 29 May 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Rep. Angie Craig abandons Democratic endorsement; MN cannabis office listening tour to stop in Bemidji and Duluth; state grants can help farmers buy electric equipment.

Trek North hosts 3rd annual powwow; DNR electronic licensing system launch set for June 9

20-minute-mission — Thu, 28 May 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: New MN law enacts guardrails for kids on social media; and Rock Ridge will compete in the boys state tennis tournament, as well as athletes from Cloquet, Thief River Falls and Crookston.

Near record-breaking heat expected in Northland; Kitchigami Regional Library System fires 2 managers

20-minute-mission — Wed, 27 May 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: the Federal Aviation Administration is pressuring the Red Lake Nation to return a Roseau pilot’s vintage airplane; and the Beltrami County Soil and Water Conservation District quickly dispersed thousands of trees in Bemidji.

Bankruptcy on rise for MN farmers; Crow Wing County warns of scams after Flanders Fire

20-minute-mission — Tue, 26 May 2026 08:01:00 +0000

Plus: Minnesota State’s board of trustees names new interim president for Central Lakes College; Gov. Tim Walz appoints Theodora Gaitas as next Supreme Court Chief Justice; and the U of M Extension is offering free well test kits in the Brainerd area.

Up North Lookback 1976: Man pulls gun on firefighter; Drought causes $600M in farm losses

20-minute-mission — Mon, 25 May 2026 14:00:00 +0000

This is the Up North Lookback, where we’re digging into the local news archives from 50 years ago — the year KAXE was born. It’s the week of May 25.

New research project aims to map, record Minnesota's dozen tick species

20-minute-mission — Mon, 25 May 2026 09:00:00 +0000

The tick biodiversity project is driven by citizen scientists’ reports of all tick species. Similar research hasn’t been done since the 1940s.

Senate reverses mining ban near BWCAW; Iron Range manufacturer to close

20-minute-mission — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Lockdown at Northwest Technical College; downtown Walker evacuated as natural gas line damaged; and a man missing in St. Louis County was found five days later by family.

S-M passes referendum, Aitkin's fails; St. Louis County finds workaround to use PLAs

20-minute-mission — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: Sen. Amy Klobuchar has raised almost $5 million in the first two months of her gubernatorial campaign; and three Northern Minnesota communities will get planning assistance from MnDOT.

Smith urges colleagues to protect BWCA in Senate floor speech; Rock Ridge sticks to 5 day week

20-minute-mission — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: A complex land dispute in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area leads to a developer turning to state lawmakers for a solution.

Hibbing woman dies after self-inflicted fire; St. Louis County authorities seek missing man near Greaney

20-minute-mission — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: State lawmakers are considering bills to address Greater Minnesota housing needs; MnDOT has several road construction projects planned in the Northland; and the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority awarded grants to five Northland communities.

North Star Students: N-K's Maddy, Abby Koivisto are 'shining examples'

20-minute-mission — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Their schedules are booked solid, and graduation is only a few weeks away, but seniors Maddy and Abby Koivisto are engaged in class every day and always willing to lend a hand.

Reforest Bemidji sees 'overwhelming response'; Red Lake Nation College gets $7M grant

20-minute-mission — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: Minnesota-based nonprofit says Big Tech fight reminiscent of Big Tobacco crackdown; and National Weather Service offering free weather spotter classes.

Hibbing School Board approves $1.5 million in staff cuts; Beltrami County seeks legislative fix to disaster aid

20-minute-mission — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: Central Lakes College President Hara Charlier is leaving the school; and a new report is concerned with the DNR’s plans for electronic licenses this spring.

Carlton County sheriff to retire; Bill aims to protect wild rice from boaters

20-minute-mission — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Minnesota to select first youth poet laureate; Beltrami County seeks parks committee members; and Superior National Forest to begin prescribed fires.

Brainerd overnight shelter to remain open this summer; MN Chief Justice to retire

20-minute-mission — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: Experts say AI could have a big impact on Minnesota’s labor force.

Aitkin School Board accepts principal resignation; Rural EMS crews push for state aid

20-minute-mission — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will accept comment on Minnesota Power’s proposed transmission line project; and the Minnesota Department of Health updated its guidelines for eating fish from Arrowhead lakes.

Specialized mental health treatment court kicks off in Itasca County

20-minute-mission — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

The cross-jurisdictional court includes the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and is intended to reduce recidivism among participants in a highly intensive, court-supervised treatment program.

Partners call Grand Rapids research office closure a major loss; Sen. Klobuchar visits Bemidji

20-minute-mission — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: The Grand Rapids Economic Development Agency will use state funds to demolish the former Itasca Farm Co-op.

Remer grass fire burns 40 acres; USFS Grand Rapids research office to close

20-minute-mission — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: St. Louis County to choose between local labor or risking federal funds.

Becker County IDs boy and his father in murder-suicide; Minnesota Chippewa Tribe bands host primary elections

20-minute-mission — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: Ruby’s Pantry will cease operations in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa; Hermantown will accept public comment on a study for the proposed Google data center through April 30; and the Soudan Mine State Park will offer underground mine tours beginning Memorial Day weekend.

2 shot to death in rural Becker County; Sebeka mourns woman killed in crash

20-minute-mission — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Two local elementary schools meet their fates, with Bemidji’s J.W. Smith set to remain open for at least a year, while Greenhaven in Hibbing will close.

2 killed in head-on crash on Highway 71 in Park Rapids; Train derailment near Warroad prompts evacuation

20-minute-mission — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: Minnesotans gathered in the thousands for “No Kings” rallies across the state; Aitkin Public Schools will soon have a new superintendent; Burning restrictions for areas of the state went into effect Monday; and 2 Northland teams placed at the state boys basketball tournament.

Study provides greater detail on Northern Minnesota's housing needs

20-minute-mission — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Greater Minnesota Housing Fund’s Nate Dorr discusses the next steps after a Beltrami County-specific housing study shows high demand for new housing builds across all categories.

Cass Lake sawmill destroyed in fire; Hibbing Public Schools hosts hearing on closing Greenhaven

20-minute-mission — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: MnDOT will host an open house Tuesday ahead of its 2026 construction season in Brainerd; and the Bemidji Public Library hosted a send-off Friday as it prepares to cut its staff and reduce its hours.

Deerwood mayor dies unexpectedly at age 74; Park Rapids woman pleads guilty as accomplice in stabbing

20-minute-mission — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: Eighth District Congressman Pete Stauber’s bill for Great Lakes restoration funding passed the House with bipartisan support; Minnesota will no longer recognize Cesar Chavez Day; and St. Louis County seeks public input on how to use opioid settlement funds.

MN sues over access to evidence in shootings by federal agents

20-minute-mission — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: Bemidji community urges Board to keep J.W. Smith open; and a Cuyuna rec area land dispute prompts road closure confusion, concerns.

Nevis man pleads guilty to election crime; Incumbent state Sen. Paul Utke fails to gain party endorsement

20-minute-mission — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: An overnight shelter in Brainerd is again seeking city approval to operate year-round; and Paul Bunyan Communications is expanding in more locations in Aitkin, Hubbard, Itasca and St. Louis counties.

Red Lake woman killed in rollover crash near TRF; Bemidji man ID'd as victim in Mississippi River crash

20-minute-mission — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: Lawmakers move to limit AI use in therapy; Sacred Bundle hosts first event in former Bemidji elementary school; and Grand Itasca redesignated Level III trauma hospital.

Task forces on lowering health care costs take flight; MN contends with slower population growth

20-minute-mission — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: Bemidji’s Aircorps Aviation receives MN DEED grant; and Beltrami County seeks feedback for safer roads planning.

Missing International Falls man confirmed dead; Hibbing union, school district make deal, avoid strike

20-minute-mission — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: Bemidji Public Library to cut hours, staff; a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit by a former Rock Ridge School Board member; Northern Minnesota tribal leaders testified in the nation’s capital; and Minnesota Forest Industries’ Tom Radovich was appointed to the state’s Forest Resources Council.

Hibbing school support staff to strike; MN North names new president

20-minute-mission — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:46:50 +0000

Plus: Blackduck considers disbanding its police force; spongy moth treatments are proposed in parts of Northern Minnesota; and the Detroit Lakes HS musicians have returned from their unexpected road trip.

Bemidji Area Schools hosts J.W. Smith closure Q&A; Northern MN lawmakers introduce liquor bills

20-minute-mission — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Leech Lake Tribal College selects three finalists in president search; and four Northland teams are heading to the boys basketball state tournament.

Fire prompts evacuations of 3 Lutsen townhomes; Nearly 90 acres returned to Grand Portage Band

20-minute-mission — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: the Bemidji City Council rejected Northern Township’s wastewater connection request; and the Brainerd City Council selected its next Chief of Police.

1 dead following Breezy Point fire; Flight cancellations cause improptu road trip for DL students

20-minute-mission — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: A new bill would ban municipalities from signing nondisclosure agreements; Otter Tail Power Co. had above-average profits last two years; Mountain Iron-Buhl is girls basketball runner-up.

Bemidji Fire braces for spring wildfire season, months after major storm

20-minute-mission — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Planning and preparation for the 2026 spring wildfire season began shortly after the major blowdown storm in the Bemidji region, which saw an estimated 9 million trees downed or damaged.

Judge declines to dismiss charges in Beltrami County jail death; Stauber introduced Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act

20-minute-mission — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: A new bill in the Minnesota Legislature would allow small school districts to shrink their school board size.

Rural housing fixes included in US Senate bill; Cannabis plans in LaPrairie nixed

20-minute-mission — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Some aquatic invasive species prevention efforts to prepare for the impending open water season in Minnesota are already taking place.

MN accepts settlement with Lyft over disability discrimination; State lawmakers contend with federal Medicaid changes

20-minute-mission — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: The Cook County Sheriff is resigning in May 2026 to accept an early childhood education role; and Minnesota DEED awarded nearly $2 million to support Youthbuild programs.

MDH study shows uninsured rate on the rise; state Senate considers bill giving inherent rights to wild rice

20-minute-mission — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Plus: the Minnesota Legislature is considering a ban on cryptocurrency kiosks as the FBI reports these ATMs are connected to $333 million in reported losses to fraud.

Man dies in snowmobile crash north of Orr; 2 dead in apparent murder-suicide in I-Falls

20-minute-mission — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

And: Park Rapids man faces third charge for threatening lawmakers; former state Sen. Justin Eichorn’s trial pushed to June; Warroad boys win state hockey title, and Kelliher/Northome, Mountain Iron-Buhl and Rock Ridge to compete in girls basketball tourney.

North Star Student: 1 season left in S-M's Ronnie Noska's 'amazing' tennis career

20-minute-mission — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Staples-Motley junior Ronnie Noska is KAXE’s second-ever North Star Student. Noska’s hard work has led to a successful career on the court, and she continues to grow as a leader off of it.

Bemidji Day returns to the MN Capitol; Beltrami County seeks input on hazard plan

20-minute-mission — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: Townships across Minnesota will host their annual meetings on March 10, 2026; the DNR is seeking input on proposed changes to Itasca State Park; and the Superior National Forest will host a Tofte Ranger District open house on March 12.

At the Capitol: Fraud bills, slowing speeders, student cellphones, gun control

20-minute-mission — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 17:06:01 +0000

News Director Chelsey Perkins catches up on what’s happening in St. Paul with Report for Minnesota student journalists Abbey Mulcahy, Kendra Mobilia, Shay Scanlan and Eleanor Steffen.

Bomb threat closes Park Rapids restaurant; Hibbing moves ahead with school closure

20-minute-mission — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Plus: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources awards Cass Lake conservation officer as 2025 officer of the year; and the high school boys hockey tourney is underway.

Meet the 2026 Report for Minnesota interns covering the state Capitol

20-minute-mission — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:27:00 +0000

Abbey Mulcahy, Kendra Mobilia, Shay Scanlan and Eleanor Steffen are reporting on the Legislature. New this year, intern Karina Kafka is also producing photojournalism.

Man dies after being trapped under snow groomer; Judge denies Bemidji's motion to reopen boundary trial

20-minute-mission — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Plus: The Brainerd Police Chief will retire early due to cancer; a new solar cooperative is forming in north-central MN; and MN DEED recently awarded more than $7 million in housing infrastructure grants.

2025 Top 10: Federal funding changes prompt confusion, upheaval; Storm leaves mass destruction in Bemidji area

20-minute-mission — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Our No. 1 and No. 2 stories of year follow the wide-ranging local impacts of sometimes swift and surprising decisions in Washington, D.C., and a severe natural disaster changes the landscape in the Bemidji area.

The Up North Report is a product of KAXE and can be found at https://www.kaxe.org/upnorthreport.

2025 Top 10: Permit request reignites wild rice sulfate debate; Eichorn arrest prompts resignation, special election

20-minute-mission — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Our No. 3 and No. 4 stories of year examine the state’s wild rice sulfate standard as U.S. Steel seeks a variance from the MPCA, and the arrest and subsequent resignation of former state Sen. Justin Eichorn.

The Up North Report is a product of KAXE and can be found at https://www.kaxe.org/upnorthreport.

2025 Top 10: Local sheriffs agree to assist ICE; Libraries face deep budget cuts

20-minute-mission — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Our No. 5 and No. 6 stories of year break down what it means for local sheriffs to help enforce immigration laws, and the impact of budget cuts to library systems across the region.

The Up North Report is a product of KAXE and can be found at https://www.kaxe.org/upnorthreport.

2025 Top 10: Automatic license plate readers in the Northland; Wildfires run rampant in St. Louis County

20-minute-mission — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Our No. 7 and No. 8 stories of year cover the proliferation of automatic license plate readers as a law enforcement tool in Northern MN, and spring wildfires that destroyed thousands of acres and hundreds of structures.

The Up North Report is a product of KAXE and can be found at https://www.kaxe.org/upnorthreport.

2025 Top 10: Essentia providers strike over forming union; Minnesota Power sold to private equity firms

20-minute-mission — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Our No. 9 and No. 10 stories of year include an unusual strike over whether a wide range of Essentia Health providers can form a union and the controversial sale of an MN utility company.

The Up North Report is a product of KAXE and can be found at https://www.kaxe.org/upnorthreport.

Bemidji's Havenwood Care Center staff bring festive spirit to residents

20-minute-mission — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Staff and residents at Havenwood Care Center celebrate the holidays throughout December in Bemidji.

The Up North Report is a product of KAXE and can be found at https://www.kaxe.org/upnorthreport.

Home for the holidays: Cohasset family moves into net-zero Habitat build

20-minute-mission — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

It was a packed house for Misty Jarvi, Rhys Britt and their two daughters’ home dedication one week before Christmas 2025.

The Up North Report is a product of KAXE and can be found at https://www.kaxe.org/upnorthreport.

Int'l hockey talent takes center rink at Bemidji Sanford Center

20-minute-mission — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Hockey teams from Slovakia, Czechia and Latvia competed in exhibition games at Bemidji’s Sanford Event Center Dec. 19-22, 2025.

The Up North Report is a product of KAXE and can be found at https://www.kaxe.org/upnorthreport.

Your property tax statement explained, Part 2: Credits, levies and 'the pie'

20-minute-mission — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

The KAXE News Team is breaking down your property tax statement, line by line. Next, credits, local government’s preliminary tax levies and how others’ value changes affect your taxes.

The Up North Report is a product of KAXE and can be found at https://www.kaxe.org/upnorthreport.

Brainerd man pleads guilty to 2024 murder, kidnapping; Former MN GOP Chair Hahn announces US Senate run

20-minute-mission — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Plus: More fraud uncovered in state-run Medicaid services, but total is disputed; and MPCA to study sulfate levels in Minnesota waters.