Top Stories
Contributed
/
Tom Neustrom Fishing Promotions Facebook Page
The Grand Rapids area fishing guide and former Itasca County deputy died in his home on July 5, 2026. He contributed to the Minnesota fishing community in numerous ways.
Contributed
/
Carlton County Board Meeting Recording / CivicMedia
Contributed
/
Rosemary Holliday Hall
Melissa Carper is omnipresent in today’s old-school country scene, where jazz and blues music has as much influence as fishin’ and drinkin’.
With Sad Daddy, she rolls out with a crew of Arkansas-based musicians: Brian Martin on guitar, Joe Sundell playing banjo and Rebecca Patek on fiddle. Together, they recorded a timeless amalgamation of ballads (“Let's Go Fishin’ ”), jug band songs (“Did We Turn Off the Stove?”) and up-tempo swingers (“Don't You Take My Dollar Bill”).
Recorded at the all-analog Nashville studio The Bomb Shelter (Alabama Shakes, Hurray for the Riff Raff), Ozark Shine sounds like a back porch hootenanny with some of your coolest musician friends. The musicianship and vocal harmonies are top-notch, but Sad Daddy also uses humor, whimsy and kazoos to great effect. "Did We Turn Off the Stove?" is a prime example of the sly cleverness Sad Daddy brings to their music while also being completely relatable. Who hasn't left the house wondering if all the necessary things were turned off, locked up, fed, put away, etc.? -DG
With Sad Daddy, she rolls out with a crew of Arkansas-based musicians: Brian Martin on guitar, Joe Sundell playing banjo and Rebecca Patek on fiddle. Together, they recorded a timeless amalgamation of ballads (“Let's Go Fishin’ ”), jug band songs (“Did We Turn Off the Stove?”) and up-tempo swingers (“Don't You Take My Dollar Bill”).
Recorded at the all-analog Nashville studio The Bomb Shelter (Alabama Shakes, Hurray for the Riff Raff), Ozark Shine sounds like a back porch hootenanny with some of your coolest musician friends. The musicianship and vocal harmonies are top-notch, but Sad Daddy also uses humor, whimsy and kazoos to great effect. "Did We Turn Off the Stove?" is a prime example of the sly cleverness Sad Daddy brings to their music while also being completely relatable. Who hasn't left the house wondering if all the necessary things were turned off, locked up, fed, put away, etc.? -DG
Latest Stories
Sunscreen and annual skin checks vital to MN men's health
Research shows men are more likely than women to be diagnosed with melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer.
Shorelines teem with tiny toads as 'toadpoles' complete metamorphosis
Co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Heidi Holtan delight in tiny toads, listen to catbirds, and wonder at crab spiders.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!
Large portion of BWCA north of Ely closes due to wildfires
The U.S. Forest Service is also banning campfires amid dry conditions. The closures and campfire ban go into effect July 11, 2026.
Hall of fame fishing guide Neustrom dies; Pequot Lakes passes data center moratorium
And: Minnesota partners hope opioid prevention success spreads to youth; and a community storytelling initiative aims to capture recovery stories in St. Louis County.
Comment open on draft Little Fork River Watershed Management Plan
The plan will guide the implementation of voluntary conservation projects and programs in the northeastern Minnesota watershed over the next decade.
Opioid crisis: MN partners hope prevention success spreads to youth
A foundation coordinating with local partners says the opioid crisis isn't over, and a new Minnesota grant is an example of the urgency felt in preventing youth tragedies.
Missing 80-year-old Itasca County man found safe shortly after search starts
Bruce Larson was reported missing July 9, 2026, in the Wabana area, north of Grand Rapids. He was found safe later that morning.
Events Up North July 13-19: Bean Hole Days in Pequot Lakes, Muskie Days in Nevis
Events this week include fundraising concerts in Grand Rapids, Coleraine and Aitkin, plus a powwow in Ball Club.
Plantings under keystone trees give native pollinators a 'soft landing'
Heather Holm, pollinator conservationist and award-winning author, discusses how you can protect pollinators while also cutting down on your yardwork.
2nd death at Palisade Head; 5 new wildfires in Superior National Forest
And: Carlton County continue discussion of data center moratorium; MN could have its first saint; and business owners assess paid leave law
Minnesota business owners assess early going of paid leave law
Nearly 75,000 people were approved for benefits under the state's new paid leave law. State officials this week provided an update on the first six weeks of the program.
Soccer fanatics share their World Cup highlights — so far
Soccer super fans Dan Gannon, Bianca Karjalainen and Chris Walker share their favorite moments partway through the 2026 World Cup. Hear more soccer talk Fridays at 8:40 a.m. on "Futbol is Life!"
With The Setlist, KAXE's Music Team curates the best live music to catch each week across Northern Minnesota and beyond.
During the Phenology Report for the week of June 30, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on ripening fruits, blooming flowers, and chipmunks calling.
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.
News from National Public Radio
Don't miss a beat. 📻 Join our station's newsletter!
Check out our archives.
Join our Season Watch Newsletter!
"The mix of humor, solid information, and approachable science is perfect. It's like having a favorite neighbor who just happens to be a nature expert."
- Michelle from Northfield, MN
Check out what's been happening this past year!
Weather warning widgets from