Two Northern Minnesota electrical cooperatives are among those receiving federal loans to strengthen the rural power grid.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is making the investments as part of a $2.2 billion program to build and improve infrastructure and smart grid technologies.
Wild Rice Electric Coop in Mahnomen, which serves more than 14,000 customers in six northwestern counties, will use $18.6 million to connect more than 600 more consumers and improve almost 100 miles of powerlines.
North Itasca Electric Coop in Bigfork will use $8.7 million to connect more than 240 consumers and build and improve 40 miles of line. North Itasca provides electricity to 5,600 in three north-central counties.
Both loans include funding for smart grid technology. A smart grid allows for sensing along the power lines with computers and other equipment to respond more quickly to changing electrical demand.
The projects seek to ensure more than 2 million people in rural areas have access to reliable electricity.
-
The 110 investor-owned utilities included in the report had an average profit margin of 12.8% from 2021 to 2024 and 14.6% in 2025. Xcel and Otter Tail were in the top 40 both years. -
Contributed/Ellen Schmidt / MinnPost / CatchLight Local / Report for AmericaHundreds of cities are vying for state bonding bill dollars to fund local infrastructure projects at the Legislature. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEAn estimated 9 million trees around the Bemidji area were damaged or downed in the June 2025 storm. Bemidji Fire Chief Justin Sherwood said planning for spring fire danger has been ongoing since. -
Contributed/John Muhlenpoh / MSHSLMountain Iron-Buhl finishes its season with a 30-2 record. Anna Neyens and Paige Norman were named to the all-tournament team, as was Kelliher/Northome’s Kate Thayer. -
Planning and preparation for the 2026 spring wildfire season began shortly after the major blowdown storm in the Bemidji region, which saw an estimated 9 million trees downed or damaged. -
And: A new bill in the Minnesota Legislature would allow small school districts to shrink their school board size.
-
Contributed/Beltrami CountyIn a Thursday, March 12, 2026, order, Judge Jeanine Brand said the attorney general’s office showed sufficient probable cause for the case against Michelle R. Skroch to move forward. -
Contributed/US House Clerk YouTube screenshotThe legislation was previously introduced in the Senate and aims to prevent fraud in the child care assistance program. The Council on American-Islamic Relations Minnesota condemned the bill's name. -
Contributed/Minnesota Senate Media Services via YouTubeDistricts with fewer than a thousand students could ask voters to approve reducing board membership from six to five. Small districts often struggle to fill out their boards. -
Contributed/Ely Film FestivalWith the Oscars ceremony March 15, 2026, we want to hear about your moviegoing experiences this week! What are your early memories? What are your favorite snacks?
