Sept. 7, 2024: How 'good fire' could reshape the forests, culture of northeastern MN

The city's motion to approve on Oct. 7, 2024, included a condition for an agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation to leave the eastern part of the corridor alone.

Three fires burn in the Boundary Waters amid dry fall conditions. Elevated fire risk prompted burning restrictions in the Superior National Forest and much of the Arrowhead.

Eric Maturi earned the Trail Builders Award for his service in the Arrowhead Chapter, a Grand Rapids, MN, organization responsible for maintaining the trail in the area.

The public can attend the open house to discuss the future of motorized and non-motorized trails in the state forest in Aitkin County and share feedback on planning.

Plus: Government and energy leaders gathered in Hermantown to celebrate major electric grid upgrades at Minnesota Power's Arrowhead substation; the Salvation Army is looking for Kettle Campaign coordinators for Carlton and Itasca Counties; and the National Weather Service in Duluth is looking for new observers for its Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network.

Kiosks will help minimize barriers and enable more residents to access Crow Wing County services in locations that are convenient to them, the county stated.

After a failed referendum vote in November 2023, Pequot Lakes School Board members are planning four sessions to gather public feedback for future decision-making.

Plus: the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office released more details on the suspicious deaths in Mission Township Sunday; a Red Lake woman was sentenced for her role in the death of a child in her care; a juvenile suspect was apprehended related to South Ridge's school threat; a third fire is actively burning in the Superior National Forest; more than 800 market-rate rental units will be created with $40 million in new state funding; and KAXE's 2024 election guide is now complete.

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.