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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Plus: Some aquatic invasive species prevention efforts to prepare for the impending open water season in Minnesota are already taking place. -
Ten days after the City Council approved a permit for a cannabis business in Second Harvest’s warehouse, the prospective buyer learned that the sale would not be taking place. -
Plus: The Cook County Sheriff is resigning in May 2026 to accept an early childhood education role; and Minnesota DEED awarded nearly $2 million to support Youthbuild programs.
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And: Park Rapids man faces third charge for threatening lawmakers; former state Sen. Justin Eichorn's trial pushed to June; Warroad boys win state hockey title, and Kelliher/Northome, Mountain Iron-Buhl and Rock Ridge to compete in girls basketball tourney.
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The Kelliher/Northome Mustangs' only loss this season was in December 2025 to Mountain Iron-Buhl, 100-90, and the Rangers' only loss was in February to Rock Ridge, 79-67. -
Warroad and Moorhead won the 2026 boys hockey titles, marking the first back-to-back all Northland champions in the two-class era. -
Staples-Motley junior Ronnie Noska is KAXE's second-ever North Star Student. Noska's hard work has led to a successful career on the court, and she continues to grow as a leader off of it.
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Noska was nominated for North Star Student because of her amazing tennis career — and the fact she's got one more season of fun and achievement ahead of her. -
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.
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The 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.
