Local Foods

Cookies become our holiday currency, according to Amy Thielen

Heidi Holtan

Amy Thielen joined the KAXE Morning Show for a live conversation about holiday baking traditions.

Golden chanterelle mushrooms are a prized edible variety found in Minnesota forests.

MN Sustainable Foraging Task Force seeks public input

The Legislature-created task force will host three online public input sessions to gather information from Minnesotans who forage for mushrooms, berries and plants on DNR-managed state lands.

Families and friends gathered July 29, 2025, at Nymore Park for a free community picnic hosted by the city of Bemidji and the Headwaters Regional Development Commission.

Local News

'Power of community': Hundreds of Bemidjians gather for a night in Nymore

Larissa Donovan

Hosted by the city and the Headwaters Regional Development Commission, a free community picnic drew hundreds to Nymore Park on July 29, 2025.

A dragonfly created out of metal pieces, including butter knives, against a grassy background.

Conversation

Taste of the Arts showcases local creators and food in northwestern MN

The Taste of the Arts tour is Saturday and Sunday. Find maps at Sunrise Foods or Wildflower Cottage in Bemidji or online.

"Ham Radio: Cooking with Amy Thielen" launches May 23, 2025, on KAXE / KBXE.

Inside KAXE

Introducing 'Ham Radio: Cooking with Amy Thielen'

Heidi Holtan

"Ham Radio: Cooking with Amy Thielen" is a new program featuring James Beard Award-winning cookbook author Amy Thielen of Park Rapids, Minnesota.

Goats are behind an electric fence at Clayhill Farm and Forest in rural Brainerd. The goats are raised for meat and also play a significant role in managing invasive buckthorn in the woods, encouraging native plant growth and healthier water and soil.

Conversation

Buckthorn-eating goats at Clayhill Farm and Forest model sustainability

Heidi Holtan, Jennifer Barr

Judy and Harry Worms of rural Brainerd produce maple syrup and hay and raise cattle and goats — which help to eradicate invasive buckthorn to bring back native plants and improve water and soil quality.

People walk by the Moo Booth in the cattle barn at the Minnesota State Fair.

Conversation

Bright Spot: Meet Doris Mold, a friend of dairy

Jennifer Barr

Doris Mold has been an innovator in the dairy industry for decades and is this year's recipient of the Bruce Cottington Friend of Dairy Award.

A stack of red apples on grass, with more apples on the ground.

Conversation

Question of the Week: How do you like them apples?

Jennifer Barr

It's apple season in Northern Minnesota! What are your favorite ways to eat an apple?

Inside KAXE

KAXE kicks off its 'Keep it Local' spring member drive

We keep it local every day at KAXE by sharing local news, conversation and music. Our staff also keeps it local by being active participants in our communities.

Cookbook author Amy Thielen stands in her kitchen in Park Rapids, Minn. with a cutting board of vegetables and a cast iron skillet on the stove.

Books

Amy Thielen keeps us company and reminds us food is about the people we love

Heidi Holtan

The James Beard Award-winning cookbook author reminds us to enjoy the company of friends in our homes. "Company: The Radically Casual Art of Cooking for Others" includes stories, photographs, menus and recipes.