President Joe Biden approved federal disaster relief in 22 of Minnesota's 87 counties because of the severe flooding in recent weeks.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency approved the request Monday, July 1, from state officials for the declaration. The approval provides resources to reimburse communities for debris removal, repair and replacement of damaged infrastructure.
In a Friday briefing with FEMA Regional Administrator Tom Sivak, Gov. Tim Walz said it will take a united effort at every level of government to rebuild and recover.
Area counties receiving assistance include Cass, Cook, Lake and St. Louis. State officials say damage assessments are ongoing, and more counties and forms of assistance may be added once these are completed.
-
Danique van Kesteren/Bandcamp"Dark Sky Reserve" by Robin Kester is KAXE's Album of the Week for Sept. 15-21, 2025. -
Contributed/University of Minnesota CrookstonAn official census will be announced by the Board of Regents in early October, but U of M Crookston said it expects to pass the record set in the 2014-15 school year. -
The American Bear Association-owned sanctuary near Orr started with one man feeding black bears to co-exist. The nonprofit continues the practice to educate visitors. -
And: Highway 7 near Iron will be closed for about five days starting Monday; and the U of M seeks nominations from NW MN for Growing Local Leadership course.
-
Megan Buffington/KAXENevis Public School reported the student for threatening to bring a gun to school on Sept. 11, 2025. -
Contributed/Minnesota DNRThe Cook County/Grand Marais Joint Economic Development Authority is seeking 12-15 members from Cook and Lake counties to serve on an advisory committee for the Taconite Harbor Redevelopment Project. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEBeltrami County is proposing a 41% reduction in community funding for libraries in Blackduck and Bemidji, as well as the Beltrami County Historical Society and Paul Bunyan Transit, for the 2026 budget. -
During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 9, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer talks fall colors, fuzzy caterpillars and hummingbird migration.
