KAXE

Area lakes are mostly snow-free as of early December. It’s perfect for skating and ice boating and John Latimer and Marshall Helmberger are taking advantage of the remarkable time.

The threat, according to Superintendent Jeremy Olson, was reported to the district by law enforcement around 9:45 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5.

And: Staffers from Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith's office held a roundtable discussion on issues at the Bemidji Post Office Tuesday, the State Emblems Redesign Commission unanimously selected a new state seal depicting a loon and other Minnesota staples, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation is inviting public participation for the annual "Name a Snowplow" contest.

John Rajala pointed out that consumers appreciate the concept of a natural working forest and will go out of their way to buy from ecologically responsible companies.

And: businesses prepare for new paid leave law, public comments being accepted on what state should do with $651 million in federal broadband money, Superior National Forest staff to host open house on prescribed burn project; and the state nursery seeks black spruce cone hunters.

Plus: A new lake litter law goes into effect; an appeal forces a second look at a challenge Brainerd school library book; and rural electrical cooperatives compete for dollars to support the green energy transition.

And: wildlife officials emphasize winter severity impacting deer hunter success in northeastern Minnesota as the wolf debate heats up; fire safety officials emphasize caution during the holiday season; and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe is seeking applicants for their Cannabis Regulation Commission by Dec. 15.

Grand Rapids Area Library children's librarian Tracy Kampa reviews and recommends new children's books of interest for "What We're Reading."

Flowers At Your Feet by Rahill is KAXE's Album of the Week for Dec. 4 - Dec. 10, 2023.

The Minnesota Supreme Court suspended Mahnomen County Attorney Julie Bruggeman's license to practice law after a petition citing numerous instances of unethical misconduct.