The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians and the Region Five Development Commission received millions of dollars from the U.S. Department of Energy’s local government energy program.
According to a Thursday, Sept. 5, news release, the band plans a $3.5 million investment into a microgrid system to provide electricity for its secondary school complex.
Region Five received $2.5 million, which it will use to provide inclusive clean energy financing to four identified projects, including school solar and tribal electric vehicles. Region Five’s service area includes Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd and Wadena counties and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe reservation.
Just 12 local governments and tribes were selected to receive over $31 million in funding through the Department of Energy program. Communities Sparking Investment in Transformative Energy seeks to support high-impact projects in disadvantaged communities.
The projects are selected for commitment to clean energy approaches like building efficiency, clean transportation, grid development and renewable energy.
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Plus: Petition aims to force public vote on Carlton-Wrenshall consolidation; alumni take one last trip through Nashwauk High School before demolition. -
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. -
Plus: Secretary of State Steve Simon presented St. Louis County election workers with awards; and the Minnesota Department of Health presented two Northwest Minnesota practitioners with rural health awards.
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Contributed/Eric KlangPlanning for natural disasters minimizes the impact of events that can cause vast economic loss and personal hardship, and plan updates make the county eligible for FEMA funding. -
Contributed/City of BemidjiAs a board member, Audrey Thayer will help guide efforts to inform state legislators on issues such as local government aid, economic development, transportation and environmental policy. -
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.
