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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Chelsey Perkins/KAXEPeople filled the chairs, stood in the doorway and sat on the floor in Grand Rapids City Council chambers, and commissioners said it might have been the most well-attended Human Rights Commission meeting ever. -
Plus: Mahnomen Health Center CEO speaks on proposed service change; Hwy 34 construction set to resume; and Cuyuna City Hall may join the National Register of Historic Places. -
Plus: Man dies in fatal ATV crash; and the new Itasca County Jail opens for tours.
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Contributed/csledgeKAXE Staff Phenologist John Latimer provides his weekly assessment of nature in Northern Minnesota. This is the week of April 23, 2024. -
contributed/Grand Rapids High SchoolThree students from the Grand Rapids High School production discussed the show which will be performed April 26 and 27 at 7 p.m. and April 28 at 2 p.m. -
And: a new bill in the Legislature would prohibit employers from misclassifying workers, the University of Minnesota is working with the White Earth Nation to provide support to families caring for people with dementia, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation is seeking more groups to 'Adopt a Highway.'
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Casey Ek/Special to KAXE/KBXEMinnesota Forest to Tap highlights the importance of forest industry and management and systems to protect water resources. Participating breweries in Northern Minnesota are offering free seedlings with purchase of local craft beer from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 26. -
Contributed/Ken Lund via FlickrA Beltrami County judge dismissed Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life's claims against a Bemidji man, who canceled checks totaling more than $800,000 after his father's apparent suicide. -
Contributed/AirCorps AviationAirCorps Aviation, founded in 2011, restores vintage airplanes and manufactures unique parts in Erik Hokuf's hometown of Bemidji. -
Contributed/iNaturalist user RahoStudents and listeners from across the state send in their nature reports. Depending on the season, reports may cover wildflowers, animal behaviors, weather patterns and other wonders.
