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John Fleischer
Minnesota-based artist John Fleischer’s work is on display at the Nemeth Art Center in Park Rapids through July 18, 2026. The artist reception is Saturday, June 27.
Larissa Donovan
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KAXE
Contributed
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Virginia Public Library
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“Heartache, there’s nothing you can do.”
The opening song on the new album from Duane Betts is steeped in grief. The intense and immense hole left in your being after losing a parent, spouse, friend or child is unimaginable. Betts has captured that in the lead track, “Heartache.”
The album is made up of songs he wrote after losing his dad, Dickey Betts, founder of the Allman Brothers Band. While the lead song has a vulnerability and deep sadness,“Reckless” and “Pills and Liquor” touch on Betts struggle with addition, retrospection and quiet in “Silver Afternoon,” and slices of straight Southern rock with “Down to Houston,” “Manatee River” and “Keep My Hands Clean.”
Vulnerability is at the core of Isle of Hope with Betts revealing more of himself to listeners with each song. -Kari Hedlund
The opening song on the new album from Duane Betts is steeped in grief. The intense and immense hole left in your being after losing a parent, spouse, friend or child is unimaginable. Betts has captured that in the lead track, “Heartache.”
The album is made up of songs he wrote after losing his dad, Dickey Betts, founder of the Allman Brothers Band. While the lead song has a vulnerability and deep sadness,“Reckless” and “Pills and Liquor” touch on Betts struggle with addition, retrospection and quiet in “Silver Afternoon,” and slices of straight Southern rock with “Down to Houston,” “Manatee River” and “Keep My Hands Clean.”
Vulnerability is at the core of Isle of Hope with Betts revealing more of himself to listeners with each song. -Kari Hedlund
Latest Stories
Events Up North June 22-28: Beltrami Block Party in Bemidji, Paul Bunyan Days in Akeley
Events this week include a powwow in S. Lake, a gallery hop in Hibbing and a youth literacy event in Baxter.
When it comes to personal wealth, Minnesota’s members of Congress are not equal
Annual financial disclosure reports show that party affiliation in Minnesota is no predictor of wealth as both Democrats and GOPers report their assets and liabilities.
After a ‘hectic’ 2 weeks of drugs and violence, Gilbert eyes landlord accountability
The string of incidents was an uncommon run for the Iron Range city, which features a handful of locally owned shops and an active bar scene at night.
Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference's Evening Reading Series is back
The conference presents its Evening Reading Series on June 23-26, 2026, at Hagg-Sauer Hall on Bemidji State University campus. Readings are free and begin at 7 p.m.
The Setlist: Where to hear live music June 20-21, 2026
KAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features Simon Cropp, Between Howls, Creekbed Carter Hogan, Bruce Archer, Aaron Tank, LaPlant Road and Landon Pahl.
Gilbert seeks solutions for crime spike; MN farmers lobby for Farm Bill provisions
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.
Young fawns hide in the undergrowth at Long Lake Conservation Center
During the week of June 16, 2026, we enjoy reports of sundews, damselflies, and Common Nighthawks. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
Winds reveal the brown-red underside of roadside balsam poplar leaves
During the Phenology Report for the week of June 16, 2026 Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on monarch butterflies, balsam poplars, and the reappearance of a Bald Eagle nestling.
Bright Spot: Bemidji Special Olympians are USA Games bound
Two Bemidjians are headed to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games to compete in bowling. Help send them off Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Lucky Dogs.
Feds charge 15 anti-ICE activists; ICE activity reported in Park Rapids
Plus: Minnesota nonprofit offers $25K reward for information on Wadena disappearance; and Bemidji Mayor Jorge Prince accepts award for disaster leadership.
Reward up to $25K offered for information on Wadena cold case
Carla Beth Anderson, a 23-year-old woman, was last seen nearly 40 years ago at her Wadena apartment. Despite hundreds of leads and interviews, no arrests have been made in her disappearance.
Feds charge 15 anti-ICE activists
The charges come months after Immigration and Customs Enforcement's "Operation Metro Surge," when thousands of federal agents were stationed in the Twin Cities.
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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Don Leaon
During the week of June 9, 2026, we enjoy reports of porcupines, leafcutter bees, and loon eggs. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
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