![Megan Buffington is a KAXE news reporter based in Grand Rapids, covering northeastern Minnesota.](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/e2b2cf9/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2268x3024+631+0/resize/150x200!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F08%2F86%2Fb8ab3d5a4bdfac0afaece86d7347%2Fimg-1496.jpg)
Megan Buffington
Grand Rapids Area ReporterMegan Buffington joined the KAXE newsroom in 2024 after graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Originally from Pequot Lakes, she is passionate about educating and empowering communities through local reporting.
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The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency stated tests show an increase of sulfate and boron in the Blackwater Creek at Minnesota Power in Cohasset.
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Plus: The science behind coal ash wastewater a week after the Boswell spill; small business funding headed to Red Lake Nation; and United Way of 1000 Lakes' Stuff the Bus campaign is underway.
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Plus: Test drilling at a manganese deposit near Emily suggests the highest grade manganese on the continent; and a Minnesota Housing Partnership study confirms many renters pay more for housing than they can afford.
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Holly Rose, president of the Arrowhead Chapter of the North Country Trail Association, shares more about the trail, new segments and why it's special to her and others.
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Holly Rose, Arrowhead chapter president, shares how she found out about the trail, what volunteers do and why she — and others — love the North Country Trail.
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And: A Grand Rapids berry farmer is adding solar power to his revenue stream and a Brainerd-based pilot will be honored for her actions during a canoeist rescue in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
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Plus: As Fosston and Essentia Health's contract may soon end, the city hires the former Fosston hospital admin for transition under new leadership; and Amazon will build a distribution center in Baxter.
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Contaminant tests are planned for Thursday. Major concerns have yet to emerge, but the Leech Lake emergency management director expressed concern about wild rice harvest impacts.
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The site was selected after local organizers convinced the Council to change its mind about developing Cobb Cook Park. Funding from the state is required for the project to advance.
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Plus: Gas stations in Moose Lake and Proctor will receive funding for fast-charging electric vehicle stations; a business in Tower has an opportunity following the bear canister requirements in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness; and experts say employers can do a lot to keep workers cool and hydrated during Minnesota's first stretch of hot days this summer.