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Ian Welsh
During the week of Dec. 9, 2025, we enjoy reports of subnivean tunnels, pine siskins, and sundogs. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
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Adobe Stock via Minnesota News Connection
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Brothers Burn Mountain
"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!
Share your favorite albums and songs from 2025 with the KAXE Music Team! Click below to send in your top picks.
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
MPCA fines Bovey man $20K for wetland violations; 'MyPillow guy' joins 2026 governor's race
Plus: An agricultural policy expert in Minnesota says the new bailout package for farms is a temporary fix; and MnDOT's "Name a Snowplow" contest returns for its sixth year.
Great Horned Owls' courtship duets echo through the winter forest
During the Phenology Report for the week of Dec. 9, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers Great Horned Owl courtship, the bounding tracks of otters, and his notes from birthdays gone by..
Exploring brumation during a birthday celebration
In this episode, co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell discuss science vocabulary, eerie ice noises, and John Latimer's birthday. Featuring: Pam Perry and Long Lake Conservation Center.
DHS announces pause for new group home licenses; Women in trades call for action after MN workplace homicide
Plus: As Pulsar Helium hopes to mine what may be the largest concentration of helium in the world, other companies are also exploring the potential for naturally forming hydrogen on the Iron Range.
Steve Simon to seek 4th term; Northern MN co-ops, utilities get grid resilience grants
And: Biwabik to take one more look at lowering 30% levy increase; and new report says USDA leans too much on industrial agriculture.
Report: USDA's grocery list leans too much on industrial ag
Concentrated power in agriculture is a consistent rallying cry for small farmers, who say a handful of food producers are given too much leeway to control the marketplace.
Biwabik will take one more look at lowering 29.6% levy increase
The city faces increased costs from a police contract, repayment to the DNR of mining tax revenue the agency overpaid and a new fire truck.
North Itasca, Itasca-Mantrap among co-ops awarded grid resilience grants
Nine Northern Minnesota electric cooperatives and municipal utilities were awarded state dollars for grid resilience, including Virginia and Clearwater-Polk Electric Coop.
Telehealth at Deer River High School is 1st step toward health center
The district plans to open a school-based health center by the end of 2026 using a state grant. The work is a continuation of efforts to meet students' needs.
Spotting a winter finch is a cinch: Join the Christmas Bird Count!
Pam Perry, our favorite retired non-game wildlife biologist, talks about the Christmas Bird Count and Pine Grosbeaks with Heidi Holtan and our Staff Phenologist John Latimer.
Clipper winter storm track shifts south; Arrowhead snowfall forecast nudged down
The potential for high winds in northwest Minnesota has diminished somewhat, but heavy snow rates and light, blowing snow are still risks for those traveling.
Dont'cha Snow? MnDOT's Name a Snowplow contest back for 6th year
The agency invites witty, unique and Minnesota or winter-themed names for snowplows each year, culminating in a public vote to select the winners.
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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Chad Kaddatz
During the week of Dec. 2, we enjoy reports of an active frog and garter snake, an opposum and animal tracks in the snow. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
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Chad Kaddatz
More Local Stories
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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