Several Northern Minnesotans began their terms on state boards covering a variety of issues after appointment by Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan.
Joining the new Board of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson are Shawna Bullen-Fairbanks of Bemidji, Ziigwan Frazer of Grand Rapids, and Jasmine Clark of Duluth.
Frazer and Clark are both adults who were in the foster care system as youths. Bullen-Fairbanks is a youth recently in the foster care system and last year, she testified for the bill creating the office.
The board makes recommendations to the ombudsperson and oversees their work.
Joining the Governor's Advisory Council on Climate Change are Peter Aube of Bemidji and Mindy Granley and Bethany Owen of Duluth. Aube is a retired forester and also the chair of the Minnesota Forest Resources Council.
Aitkin County Administrator Jessica Seibert will join the board for the Center for Rural Policy and Development as a regional county government representative.
And Myrna Peterson of Grand Rapids was reappointed to the Governor's Council on Connected and Automated Vehicles, serving another four-year term. Peterson was a driving force behind the GoMarti automated vehicle program in Grand Rapids and also serves on the Minnesota Council for Disability.
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Plus: Itasca County Habitat for Humanity builds net-zero energy efficient homes; and Bemidji City Council member Audrey Thayer will serve on the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities board. -
Contributed/Rodolfo Quirós via PexelsAmong 39 organizations receiving grants are those in Bemidji and Virginia, and the funds will provide more than 4,000 youths with workforce development and training. -
Contributed/My Neighbor to Love CoalitionThe Brainerd lakes area organization's mission is to end homelessness and lift people out of poverty. Its Creekside Community continues to expand. Donations are being accepted to help furnish new homes. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe new building style is more affordable and saves families money by being more energy efficient, according to the nonprofit Habitat for Humanity. -
Under a Minnesota law passed in 2023, all employees are entitled to one hour of paid sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked up to 48 hours a year. -
Graphic by Sarah Bignall/KAXECommunity support helps unlock national and local matching dollars for local news as part of INN's NewsMatch program. -
Malachy Koons/KAXEThe KAXE Music Team highlights recent singles and albums you should listen to, including releases from Joshua Hedley, Nightmares on Wax, Sampa The Great, Bill Callahan and more. -
Plus: The Bagley City Council is deliberating whether to expand its police department or disband it to contract with the Clearwater County Sheriff's Office; 3 Northlanders medaled at the state swimming and diving meet; and Northland football teams end season after semifinal losses.
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Larissa Donovan/KAXEThrough a partnership with the Nature Conservancy, Endazhi-Nitaawiging, Red Lake's first charter school, celebrated the arrival of its new pontoon with family boat rides and hot chocolate on Nov. 12, 2025. -
Contributed/City of HermantownMinneapolis-based Mortenson Development wrote in a letter that it wishes to host a public open house before proceeding.
