Larissa Donovan
Bemidji Area ReporterLarissa Donovan has been in the Bemidji area's local news scene since 2016, joining the KAXE newsroom in 2023 after several years as the News Director for the stations of Paul Bunyan Broadcasting.
Larissa studied communications at Bemidji State University.
Larissa enjoys traveling, crafting, and volunteering with the Bemidji Jaycees, as well as spending time with her family.
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Plus: The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will accept comment on Minnesota Power's proposed transmission line project; and the Minnesota Department of Health updated its guidelines for eating fish from Arrowhead lakes. -
Plus: The Grand Rapids Economic Development Agency will use state funds to demolish the former Itasca Farm Co-op.
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Klobuchar visited with Conservation Corps members, local and state fire officials and others during a follow-up on recovery from a devastating wind storm in June 2025. -
Plus: St. Louis County to choose between local labor or risking federal funds.
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Plus: Ruby's Pantry will cease operations in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa; Hermantown will accept public comment on a study for the proposed Google data center through April 30; and the Soudan Mine State Park will offer underground mine tours beginning Memorial Day weekend.
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Ruby's Pantry, a faith-based nonprofit coordinating monthly pop-up food events with local churches, including 11 in Northern Minnesota, closed its operations as of March 31, 2026. -
Candidates who receive more than 50% of the vote in the primary win their elections; otherwise, the top two vote-getters face off in a general election June 9, 2026. -
Plus: Two local elementary schools meet their fates, with Bemidji's J.W. Smith set to remain open for at least a year, while Greenhaven in Hibbing will close.
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A motion to close and consolidate the Bemidji school, dispersing students to other area elementaries serving kindergarten through third grade, failed to pass on a 3-3 vote. -
Plus: Minnesotans gathered in the thousands for "No Kings" rallies across the state; Aitkin Public Schools will soon have a new superintendent; Burning restrictions for areas of the state went into effect Monday; and 2 Northland teams placed at the state boys basketball tournament.
