Chelsey Perkins
News DirectorChelsey Perkins became the News Director in early 2023 and was tasked with building a new local newsroom at the station. She is based in Brainerd and leads a team of two reporters covering communities across Northern Minnesota from the KAXE studio in Grand Rapids and the KBXE studio in Bemidji.
The news team launched the Up North Report in August 2023 — a five-minute newscast airing daily on KAXE, WTIP and available as a podcast on Apple, Spotify and more. They also publish original stories at KAXE.org and make regular appearances on the KAXE Morning Show to dive deeper into their work.
In a short time, the team earned three second-place awards in the Public Media Journalism Association 2024 Awards in digital writing, daily newscast and interview podcast episode. In 2023, Chelsey was named a fellow of the Poynter Institute's Public Media Editorial Integrity and Leadership Initiative.
Chelsey grew up in Crosslake, Minnesota, where most of her family continues to live. She spent the first 15 years of her journalism career as a print journalist, primarily as a newspaper reporter and editor for the Brainerd Dispatch. There, she covered Crow Wing County government and served on the FCC Editorial Advisory Board.
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Plus: The Cloquet River bridge in the Superior National Forest is at risk of collapse and closed until repairs are complete; four Minnesota tribes received federal funding to address violent crime and the opioid epidemic; and Minnesota is part of a new multi-state poll drawing feedback from rural voters. -
Plus: The Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office is investigating the suspicious deaths of two adults in Mission Township; South Ridge School closed Monday in response to a school threat; the Pequot Lakes School Board is seeking feedback after 2023's failed referendum; the 2024 tourism in Minnesota was not as high as in previous years; and after school programs in the state are working to address parent burnout.
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Plus: Almost half of MN is experiencing moderate drought conditions; a new form allows Minnesotans to report voting rights challenges; Crow Wing County unveils kiosks for residents to utilize community services; and Hwy 32 near Red Lake Falls is set for construction.
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Plus: 2023 legislative session sees ballooning lobbying costs; Walz announces $6M in child care grants; Walk to School Day is next week; and Hwy 32 will soon be under construction.
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Plus: Pequot Lakes police chief says Rep. Josh Heintzeman pressured him for support; Bemidji gets grant to support redevelopment of rail corridor; and FEMA extends deadline for individual assistance from summer storms.
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Plus: Death of Burl Ives creates unique situation in upcoming Itasca County Board election, including at least two write-in campaigns.
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Plus: Four adults are injured when an SUV rolls into a crowd at a Hackensack chain saw event; a Grand Rapids man is suffering life-threatening injuries after he was struck as a pedestrian; a Rock Ridge School Board member is charged with a DWI; and fire danger persists across the region with dry conditions.
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Plus: A ballot question asks voters whether to extend the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund; MN's North Star Promise doesn't affect ND colleges as much as expected; and grant looks to address gaps in stroke care.
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Plus: new labor laws in the state include one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked; and Itasca County HRA will host two informational sessions on Oct. 3 about homeownership through community land trusts for qualified buyers.
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Plus: Dan Jourdain resumes the campaign trail after initially announcing intention to drop out of the Bemidji mayor race; those who were subject to property forfeiture for tax delinquency in Minnesota may be eligible as part of a class action lawsuit; and Minnesota Power announces plans to build two large solar projects in Cohasset and Royalton.
