GRAND RAPIDS — Members, volunteers, staff and friends of KAXE gathered May 16 for the station's annual meeting and to recognize those who helped make it an amazing year.
Attendees heard updates from senior leaders of the organization and highlights from the 2023 Annual Report. Volunteers and community members who did outstanding work were recognized with awards. And the evening featured the musical talents of Mae Simpson and Erik Koskinen, two Minnesota artists whose music is often heard on the airwaves.
Phil Collins Volunteer of the Year Award
Roger Rhodes (aka “Roger Radio”) started volunteering at KAXE in 2023, and quickly became a known personality on the air. He has worked tirelessly on digging into the music library, has volunteered many hours over the past year, and is a constant advocate of the station. Roger volunteered as a stagehand at Grand Rapids Riverfest in 2023 from morning until the very end, with a smile on his face the entire time. He has become a listener and fan favorite, even among Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires.
The Phil Collins Volunteer of the Year Award honors someone who goes “above and beyond” in the same fashion as the late Phil Collins.
Debbie Lentz Silent Star Award
Lorie Shaull has dedicated countless hours behind the scenes to bringing the stories of our news, Morning Show and music departments to life with her beautiful and compelling images. She's always up for the challenge, whether covering labor strikes or kids enjoying nature. KAXE.org wouldn't be the same without Lorie's talents.
The Debbie Lentz Silent Star Award goes to someone who gives their time and talent to our organization off the air.
Marcia Nottingham Community Impact Award
Jesse Davis was a community connector and bridge-builder like no other. His unexpected passing in early 2024 brought to light his immense impact on newcomers to the area, growers, artists and people of all kinds.
Jesse’s natural curiosity, warmth and authenticity allowed him to forge deep bonds across diverse groups. His voice uplifted the often-unsung aspects of daily life and local culture.
Marcia Nottingham worked tirelessly in the nonprofit community and was director of the food bank. Our board of directors gives the Marcia Nottingham Community Impact award annually to someone who makes an outstanding contribution to people in our region.
Beginning next year, the Community Impact Award will be named for Jesse Davis.
Kathy Dodge Community Arts Advocate Award
Megan Reynolds has deeply embedded herself in the arts scene of the Iron Range and beyond. A fervent advocate for youth in arts, she is the Hibbing High School drama director and led the group to perform a one-act play at the state sectional competition this year. She is a member of Sugar on the Roof, an old-time band that performs regularly at barn and contra dances. Bring any arts idea to Megan, and she’ll start scheming on how to make it happen.
Kathy Dodge was a longtime volunteer at KAXE known for connecting people, ideas and arts organizations around the region. Her accomplishments are legendary and key in building a vibrant arts community. She was an advocate of the arts, through and through.
Newcomer of the Year
Alyssa Ellyn is a positive force who puts everything she has into each music set she share with KAXE listeners. She embodies the ethos of musical diversity that KAXE asks of on-air DJs with a knowledgeable and deep selection of music that flows from genre to genre with ease.
Alyssa always brings an upbeat and enthusiastic energy to her sets, and she is also willing to volunteer off the air — even in the most undesirable times, like cleaning up the morning after Grand Rapids Riverfest.
Teacher of the Year
Dennis Jerome, aka DJ the DJ, has been the most accommodating and successful on-air trainer for new volunteer DJs. He said "yes" every single time he was asked if a new volunteer could sit with him, and his success rate is very high. Nearly every prospective DJ that he taught has gone on to produce their own music show.
Thanks to all who attended Kick It With KAXE, and to the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund for making live music possible in rural Minnesota.