Deer River

In spring, eggs have been collected at Cut Foot Sioux walleye spawning site in Deer River, MN, since the 1920s. Fertilized eggs are transported throughout the state.

Every Friday morning, we get to know one of our members on "What's for Breakfast." Recently, we spoke with Lily Benge-Briggs, an art teacher at the Deer River High School.

Alyssa Roberts told her story on the "KAXE Morning Show" about losing her job in the Chippewa National Forest and her fears for the future of conservation of the Forest.

Other Northern Minnesota events include author talks in Brainerd and Bemidji, a freshwater jellyfish webinar, BSU jazz fest, "Misery" in Bemidji and First Friday Artwalk in Grand Rapids.

Plus: Bemidji State University announces a re-envisioned computer science and design program that will launch in Fall 2025.

The new contract comes some five months after the two sides began negotiations. The two sides butted heads on contract length, pay, wage scales, staffing programs and more.

Plus, striking workers at Essentia Health Deer River say they will meet Essentia at the negotiating table next week as the strike reaches its 40th day, and Department of Human Services Commissioner Jodi Harpstead announced she would step down from her position on Feb. 3.

The union also announced an informational picket is scheduled outside of Essentia Health-St. Mary's hospital in Duluth on Jan. 15, 2025.

A new event in Deer River combines creative cardboard sleds with raising funds to return toddler care to the area.

Events this week include Back to Hack in Hackensack, an artist reception in Bemidji, the Buhl Winter Frolic and Take a Kid Ice Fishing weekend.