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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Larissa Donovan/KAXEA motion was filed after Bemidji received a letter from Northern Township offering to connect to the city's existing wastewater plant rather than building its own new one. -
Contributed/Kathy Kooda"What's for Breakfast" guests Kathy Lee and Kathy Kooda from Grand Rapids have been delivering donations to families in need in the Twin Cities due to the impact of Operation Metro Surge. -
Contributed/St. Louis County Sheriff's Office Facebook pageThe March 3, 2026, incident involved a private piece of older equipment on private property. -
Maria Hileman/KAXEKAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features Charley Wagner, Rich Mattson, Packsacker Stringband, and the Grant Edwards Band. -
Contributed/Pixabay via PexelsThe co-op is free and open to homeowners and business owners in Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd and Wadena. Members will leverage their numbers to buy solar energy at a competitive price. -
Contributed/Chad KaddatzDuring the week of March 3, 2026, we enjoy reports of Red-winged Blackbirds, temperature swings, and courting squirrels. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
Plus: Bemidji School Board votes to close J.W. Smith Elementary; Hibbing considers closing Greenhaven Elementary; and Google revealed to be owner of propsed Hermantown data center. -
Contributed/Hibbing School DistrictThe March 4, 2026, vote would start the process of a closure, which would save the district an estimated $516,000. The Board will also give an update on contract negotiations with support staff. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe school district must now advertise the planned closure for two weeks before hosting a public hearing on the decision, which would go into effect this spring. -
Contributed/Canva Pro graphicAuthorities reported alcohol is believed to have been a factor. The building was determined to be unstable and unsafe in the immediate area of the crash.
