VIRGINIA — Plastic is everywhere in our world.
In a recent conversation on the KAXE Morning Show, Iron Range Partnership for Sustainability Executive Director Melissa Roach said, "We're really trying to take a notice of the amount of plastic that we have in our lives, like single use plastics and how it is affecting not only our planet but our bodies."
The Iron Range Earth Fest is April 25 and 26 at the Iron Trail Motors Event Center in Virginia. The kickoff event starts Friday evening with the award-winning documentary, We’re all Plastic People Now.
From 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, the arena and ballroom will include local marketplace vendors, exhibitors, activities, with music by Horse FZCE and Christopher David Hanson and more. A silent auction will occur with proceeds benefiting Iron Range Partnership for Sustainability's mission-driven projects. KAXE’s John Latimer will conduct a phenology walk. Food by 5 & Go available for purchase.
In addition, the sustainability nonprofit and Virginia Public Library are launching the Lending Library Toy Share. Gently used toys will be accepted for the toy library. This initiative aims to reduce waste and save money. No stuffed animals/plushies, imitation weapons or electronic toys will be accepted.
Global Ewaste Solutions will collect electronics for electronic waste recycling to keep harmful waste out of landfills or illegally dumped in our communities.
Admission to both events is free, thanks to the generosity of our Earth Fest sponsors.
Listen to our conversation above!
Editor's Note: KAXE is a cosponsor of Iron Range Earth Fest.
Have you tried to lessen the plastic in your life? Let us know!
-
Contributed/Wesley Tingey via UnsplashJordan Zempel, 35, of Apple Valley, faces a third-degree criminal sexual conduct charge for sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEDaniel Dale of Hoyt Lakes made his first court appearance May 19, 2026, on the upgraded felony charge. He remains in custody in the St. Louis County Jail. -
Contributed/Minnesota Incident Command SystemAccurate mapping of the fire perimeter led to the fire size increasing to 356 acres. The wildfire destroyed 34 structures and was caused by a power line. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe fire, which began May 16, 2026, burned around 1,666 acres in Crow Wing County. The DNR asks residents and others in the area with information to contact them. -
contributed/Julie CrabbGet to know the volunteers behind the mic on KAXE. This week, we find out more from the longtime "Green Cheese" and "The Dark Side of Love" host and volunteer Julie Crabb. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEAbout a half-inch of rain fell across the area overnight into Tuesday, and crews are expected to return to work on securing and improving the fire lines again. -
And: A rural Orr man was arrested for allegedly shooting a firefighting plane; the Legislature passed a bonding bill; and filings open for public office Tuesday. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEIn their final hours before the session ended, lawmakers passed a county hospital bailout, an infrastructure bill and small cuts to car tab fees and property taxes. -
Contributed/Ellen Schmidt / MinnPost / CatchLight Local / Report for AmericaHere’s what made it into the Legislature's infrastructure package and what lawmakers and others had to say about it May 17, 2026. -
Malachy Koons/KAXEThe KAXE Music Team on new music from Jobi Riccio, Genesis Owusu, Aldous Harding, Helado Tropical, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Angine de Poitrine and Brooklyn Funk Essentials. Our Pick from '76 is Dolly Parton's "All I Can Do."
