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.
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Contributed/Minnesota Secretary of State's OfficeSecretary of State Steve Simon presented five St. Louis County election workers with Excellence in Election Awards on Nov. 20, 2025. -
Andrew Dziengel/KAXEAfter receiving private grant funding for a new permanent exhibit, the Beltrami County Historical Society is seeking a diverse group of people to serve on an Exhibit Advisory Committee. -
Contributed/Minnesota Department of Public SafetyThe Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension identified the man and deputies involved in a deadly exchange of gunfire in Onigum on Nov. 16, 2025. -
Chelsey Perkins/KAXENorth Star Manganese CEO Rick Sandri presented the findings Nov. 12, 2025, to the Emily City Council and an overflow crowd of people at Emily City Hall. -
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Contributed/Minnesota Department of HealthDr. Joseph Corser, a medical director at Sanford Bemidji, and Nicole Kiesow, physician assistant from the Headwaters Health Clinic in Fosston, were recognized for their contributions to rural health. -
Canva Pro designThe two teen boys, ages 13 and 14, were reportedly trying to ice fish Nov. 18, 2025, when their sled fell into the water on Straight Lake near Osage. -
In this episode, co-hosts Heidi Holtan and Charlie Mitchell discuss the digestive habits of Northern Shrikes, naturalists' dodgy freezer contents, and the Northern Lights. We listen to recordings from Little Falls Middle School, John Latimer, Charlie's mom (Barb), and Clinton Dexter-Neinhaus.
