Northwest Minnesota

Events this week include the return of the classic movie series in Bigfork, Pride in the Park in Brainerd and art receptions in Aitkin and Bemidji.

Right after the back-to-school traffic rush on Sept. 8, 2026, MnDOT crews will implement a detour while rebuilding the north side of the Highway 71 intersection.

The designation applies in Beltrami, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods and St. Louis counties.

New state aid covers part of the operating levy for school districts that have lots of cabins. Some districts say they'll offset the levy if voters approve it, meaning more money for the school, while taxes stay the same or go down.

The agreement for the out-of-state acquisition includes services continuing at North Memorial's Robbinsdale Hospital and maintaining its extensive emergency transportation services across the state for 10 years.

An ordinance for a one-year moratorium on data center developments is on its way to the Bemidji Planning Board, with another opportunity for public comment on Sept. 14, 2026.

Events this week include a book sale in Walker, the First Friday Art Walk in Grand Rapids and a pancake breakfast at Lake Bemidji State Park.

Rayne Heck and Phineas Holmes join the "KAXE Morning Show" to discuss Bemidji Pride events from Aug. 26-29, 2026.

KAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features The Bewilderness, BrassZilla, International Treasures, Obsidian James and pink marlena.

Officials hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking for a Bemidji YMCA on Aug. 18, 2026, with construction expected to begin in spring 2027.