As Red Flag Warnings continue for much of Minnesota with dry fuels and warm, windy air, fire personnel across Northern Minnesota have been busy this week responding to grass fires.
A St. Louis County woman is facing charges of negligent burning following a grass fire that expanded to 10 acres Tuesday, April 21.
Deputies, local fire departments, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources responded to a report of a grass fire just after noon on Tuesday. The fire, on Sheldon Road in Ellsburg Township, consumed a few uninhabited outbuildings but was contained a few hours later.
On Monday, responders in the Park Rapids area battled a 10-acre grass fire that escaped into the woods. As of Wednesday, the fire was 100% contained.
Under Red Flag Warnings, burning permits for brush piles will not be issued. Residents are advised to avoid activities during these conditions that can cause wildfires, such as leaving campfires unattended, creating sparks near dry fuels such as a dragging chain, or even having hot exhaust pipes from recreational vehicles on tall, dry grass.
-
Contributed/Photo by iNaturalist user krisskinouDuring the week of Aug. 18, 2026, we enjoy reports of exploding seeds, hopping frogs and red pine cones. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
Contributed/Cullen HorienGet to know the volunteers behind the mic on KAXE. This week we find out more from "On The River" host and volunteer, Cullen Horien. -
Plus: Meat processing facility in Staples opens -
Contributed/Deborah Rose / Minnesota Department of Natural ResourcesThirty-three communities received nearly $5 million in funding, including Virginia, Hill City and other Northern Minnesota cities. A new DNR grant closes Sept. 14, 2026. -
Megan Buffington/KAXELocal livestock producers face limited options for meat processing and slaughter amid market consolidation and workforce shortages. -
Contributed/Max Nesterak / Minnesota ReformerWalz is instructing the DNR not to grant permits. This move bears a strong risk of litigation over Twin Metals, which wants to extract copper, nickel, cobalt and other valuable metals from underground veins. -
And: Glen's Army Navy in Grand Rapids to close after 80 years.
-
Emma Krab/KAXEGlen’s Army Navy Store in Grand Rapids, founded in 1946, began liquidating its inventory Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, after 80 years in business. -
Malachy Koons/KAXEThe KAXE Music Team on new music from Megasound, Womack Sisters, Margaret Glaspy, The Mary Wallopers, Ibibio Sound Machine, Angela Autumn, and Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs. Plus T. Rex in '76. -
Contributed/Nicole Neri / Minnesota ReformerThe U.S. Department of Justice sued Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon over his refusal to hand over the voter registration list, which includes voters’ names, birthdates, addresses and partial Social Security numbers.
