Voting is open for the 2026 Northern Community Radio (doing business as KAXE) Board of Directors election.
Members of KAXE / KBXE can check email inboxes or mailboxes for information with their digital ballot.
Voting closes June 20, 2026, at 12:00 a.m. CT.
Candidates
Mike Berre
Hello, being a KAXE member and volunteer I am interested in being a Board member because I want to help the station in fulfilling its mission, especially in these trying times for public media. KAXE is a critical local resource that is worth protecting and supporting. I will do whatever I can in helping the organization remain strong and sustainable—financially, operationally, and culturally, and supporting the staff and volunteers who make the day-to-day work possible. I live north of Park Rapids with my wife Beth, and our two dogs (Cinder and Poppy) and two cats (Ellie and Buddy). More than anything, I care deeply about where we’re headed and want to be part of building that future. Thank you for your consideration and for the opportunity to serve.
Jerrod Hegwood
I am Jerrod Hegwood. I live in the Grand Rapids area. I have hosted After Dark since September 2025, and I want to help KAXE to continue to be the best radio station in the country.
Kathleen Maloney Hermerding
My name is Kathleen Maloney Hemerding. Running for my 3rd and final term for the Board, I have enjoyed representing the southernmost aspect of the KAXE/KBXE broadcasting area. I have lived in the Brainerd area for a large majority of my 60+ years. I grew up exploring the woods, sleeping under the stars in the summer, walking on the ice in winter and looking at the birds in spring. For over 30 years, I've worked at the Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in the operating room as a perioperative RN. Nurturing and community are a part of who I am. Along with my career, I have six wonderful adult children and two grandchildren. It would be an honor to serve another term on the board.
Scott Jorgensen
My name is Scott Jorgensen from Bemidji, and I have been a member of KAXE/KBXE since the early 2000's. I was drawn to the voices and the music that did not sound like anything I had heard before growing up in the Fargo area. This on-air-community has been formative in my sense of belonging in the "north woods" and my Bemidji community. KAXE/KBXE is the sound track to my life, and serving on the board would give me the chance to give back to this place that I call home.
Dave Murphy
My name is David (Dave) Murphy. I am semi-retired. I spent my career in sales, sales management, marketing and business development in the technology sector. Currently I am a part time, short-call substitute teacher in the state. I'm running for my second term on KAXE's board. I'm currently treasurer. KAXE is the fifth board I've been on; most all were non-profits including Bloomington, MN Sister City Organization where I served for nine years (www.bsco-izumi.org). I reside in Bloomington and Deer River throughout the year. I am very proud to represent KAXE by being both a board member and volunteer DJ. KAXE is a great asset to northern Minnesota's local community and I want to continue to help the station, employees, and our community members in any way I can. Being an active member by serving on KAXE/KBXE's board is a small way to give back to the community of northern Minnesota. Thank you.
Bill Rahn
Bill Rahn has been a KAXE member since around 1999 and has been a longtime Cheeser, making the trip to the Cheese Picnic more than 25 times over the years, along with attending plenty of Riverfests and volunteer trainings along the way. Bill is a retired high school math teacher. After the passing of his wife Nancy, he sold his lake place near Brainerd, but KAXE is still a big part of his daily life and is pretty much streaming at his house 24/7. Bill has loved watching KAXE grow over the years and appreciates how much the station has evolved while still feeling connected to the community. He’d love the opportunity to help support KAXE’s future growth and continue building on what makes it special.
Mike Spry
Mike Spry is a retired business owner who co-founded an environmental consulting and engineering firm that had success as a federal contractor. Mike has been married to Melinda for 45 years and they are parents of three grown children and two grandchildren. When he’s not fishing, Mike enjoys wood carving, volunteering and spending time with his family. Mike has been volunteering at KBXE as an OTR DJ since 2016 and has been a Green Cheese host since 2017. Mike’s previous board experience includes Bemidji State University Alumni Association, Rural Renewal Energy Alliance and currently, Waabigwan Mashkiki, LLC.
