1976 was a big year: The United States celebrated its bicentennial, the Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup, The Muppet Show premiered on ABC, and Fiona Apple was born.
... And on April 23, 1976, KAXE went live.
Five decades and counting is not bad for a station whose audience was estimated to be only several counties’ "gopher colonies." For KAXE’s 50th year, we’re delving into our archives to bring you stories and voices from years past, while turning to you to be part of the future.
While a lot has changed in five decades, the important things are the same: KAXE is a bridge, a companion and a community. As people struggle to find common ground and connection, isn’t it pretty darn neat that this middle-aged radio station in Northern Minnesota offers all of that at the click of a button?
Can you help KAXE raise $50,000 during our spring member drive?
When all public media lost federal funding in 2025, KAXE / KBXE was overwhelmingly reminded why we're still here: YOU!
Without members, volunteers and a whole lot of resourcefulness, KAXE would be a memory. But here we are in 2026 with a thriving team of journalists, a lively morning show, diverse music offerings, sports coverage, a beloved trivia show and lots of plans for the future. Meanwhile, we’re still asking you what you ate for breakfast.
Federal funding, which made up about 12% of KAXE's budget, is not coming back. Members will continue to keep this relentlessly authentic and unlikely community radio on the air.
Membership donations are our largest single source of funding. That means members power all of the programs you rely on. We need you this week.
- Donate online
- Call 218-326-1234
- Text "Donate" to 218-326-1234
As always, we invite you to tune in, as we will have lots of amazing guests and volunteers on the air. And we want to hear from you, too! When did you first hear KAXE? Tell us how you found the station by texting your answer to 218-326-1234!
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Contributed/State Sen. Rob KupecFinancial assistance and tax breaks are available to tornado-impacted residents as the community works toward rebuilding after an EF-2 twister. -
Contributed/Tony Webster, FlickrAnyone who may have seen Rikki Skog, 37, on or after July 15, 2026, or with information that may assist investigators, is asked to contact the Itasca County Sheriff's Office. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEAug. 11 is primary election day, but voting is already underway in Minnesota. Learn more about how primaries work, where and when to vote and how to register. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe American Veterinary Medical Association is reminding people to be mindful of the impacts of wildfire smoke on animals, too, amid hazardous air quality in Northern Minnesota. -
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. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe group works to inform the PCA on environmental justice issues. Applications are due July 22, 2026. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEMinnesota Pollution Control Agency meteorologist Ryan Lueck explains how the PCA measures air quality and puts the record-breaking smoke event into context. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe Red Lake Nation's runoff election on July 15, 2026, included the chairman's race between the incumbent Darrell Seki Sr. and former Chairman Floyd "Buck" Jourdain. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXECo-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell grump about heat and wildfire smoke, get charmed by little jumping ducklings, and learn about red-bellied snakes. Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe!
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Events this week include "Hello, Dolly!" in Hibbing, a book sale in Park Rapids and a nighttime pollinator program at Lake Bemidji State Park.
