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In this episode, co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Heidi Holtan find New Year's joy and inspiration from partnering teacher Chad Kaddatz.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!
Contributed
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Nicole Neri / Minnesota Reformer
Contributed
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Joe Dasovich
"Season Watch" is a KAXE podcast for the curious, filled with the delights of nature in Northern Minnesota. Hosts are Charlie Mitchell, Heidi Holtan, John Latimer and a rotating cast of characters, often featuring voices of young nature observers from around the state. From owl calls to sleeping bears and freezing frogs, we want hear from you! Record a message and send us what you are seeing in nature!
Our picks (and yours!) for music, conversations, local news, books and more!
When our neighbors are in need of food, organizations and volunteers across Northern Minnesota step up. Food shelves, community meals and soup kitchens aim to the fill the gaps.
Latest Stories
More layoffs planned at HibTac; Trump admin says mining ban near BWCA was 'illegal'
Plus: High flu rates reported across Northern Minnesota; and Hibbing Public Utilities will host a town hall meeting on elevated lead levels.
Beltrami County Sheriff Jason Riggs announces intent to seek 2nd term
Riggs was first elected to sheriff in November 2022, having served since January 2023.
Flu hitting Northern Minnesotans amid high rates across nation
Dr. Daniel Hoody at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center advises precautions for combatting flu and other respiratory illnesses, and Essentia Health advises choosing care carefully.
MN begins collecting evidence into ICE shooting following ousting by feds
The Attorney General’s Office and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office set up a portal for people to submit photos, videos and other evidence they think may help prosecutors.
Column: Libraries are a balm for our divided society, says Aaron Brown
"Minnesota Star Tribune" columnist Aaron Brown talks media consumption and the state of library funding in Minnesota.
Events Up North Jan. 12-18: Bingo at Buck Lake, Lecture Series at Forest History Center
Events this week include a games and puzzle swap in Pine River and the Second Annual Cardboard Classic sledding event in Deer River.
Longtime Wadena County sheriff to retire; sergeant announces campaign
Wadena County Sheriff Michael Carr announced that he would not seek a sixth term at the end of 2026. Sgt. Bryan Savaloja intends to run for the top law enforcement job.
BCA barred from investigating ICE shooting; Hibbing schools losing superintendent, business manager
And: MDH will not follow CDC vaccination guidance changes; and Itasca, Beltrami sheriffs to seek 2nd terms, Wadena County sheriff to retire.
Hibbing to select acting superintendent at Friday emergency meeting
Hibbing School District Superintendent Rick Aldrich resigned Jan. 7, 2025, due to a health condition. The district is also set to lose its business manager Jan. 15.
Winter chickadees have beefy brains
During the Phenology Report for the week of Jan. 6, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on the ferocity of muskrats and the big brains of winter chickadees.
Vigil for Renee Nicole Good becomes a call to action against ICE
Good’s death has already become a rallying cry for the people working to disrupt President Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign.
Walz urges calm after ICE killing; Auditor flags concerns in Behavioral Health Administration
Plus: Environmental group CURE is asking the state to reassess the private equity sale of Minnesota Power, given new information about the utility's data center plans.
With The Setlist, KAXE's Music Team curates the best live music to catch each week across Northern Minnesota and beyond.
Contributed
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Deanne Trottier
During the Phenology Report for the week of Dec. 23, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers subnivean tunnels, and the comparative bite force of mink and voles.
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Stay up to date on what's happening up north with KAXE/KBXE News, bringing you the top stories across Northern Minnesota.
KAXE/KBXE is the oldest rural community radio station in the U.S. and an independent NPR affiliate.
KAXE/KBXE is the oldest rural community radio station in the U.S. and an independent NPR affiliate.
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