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/briandjan607 via FlickrWalz is instructing the DNR not to grant permits. This move bears a strong risk of litigation over Twin Metals, which wants to extract copper, nickel, cobalt and other valuable metals from underground veins. -
And: Glen's Army Navy in Grand Rapids to close after 80 years. -
Emma Krab/KAXEGlen’s Army Navy Store in Grand Rapids, founded in 1946, began liquidating its inventory Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, after 80 years in business. -
Malachy Koons/KAXEThe KAXE Music Team on new music from Megasound, Womack Sisters, Margaret Glaspy, The Mary Wallopers, Ibibio Sound Machine, Angela Autumn, and Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs. Plus T. Rex in '76. -
Contributed/Nicole Neri / Minnesota ReformerThe U.S. Department of Justice sued Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon over his refusal to hand over the voter registration list, which includes voters’ names, birthdates, addresses and partial Social Security numbers. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEIn an email to KAXE, the FBI provided statements on the active investigations into recent incidents on the Red Lake Nation. -
Contributed/Authors' websitesMinnesota authors Laura Hern, Candace Simar, David Bruns, Bruce Carlson, Julie Jo Larson and William Burleson talk about their books and writing. -
Red Lake and four other Northern Minnesota counties are classified as legal deserts, with fewer than one practicing attorney per 1,000 residents. -
Red Lake and four other Northern Minnesota counties are classified as legal deserts, with fewer than one practicing attorney per 1,000 residents.
-
And: The DNR confirmed zebra mussels in LaRue Mine Pit and Kabekona Lake; and Fulton Brewing will acquire Bemidji Brewing.
