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State attempts to recover Camp House Fire costs; Crews deploy sprinklers in Superior National ForestAnd: Construction starts for Boswell Solar Project; and MDH will host public hearing for closure of clinic in Silver Bay -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEFirefighters are using sprinkler systems and fuel removal to protect structures like homes from wildfire. The systems work to dampen the areas around structures to prevent fire. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEA lack of answers about potential impacts fueled skepticism in an already wary community. Mine leaders say it's too early in the process to answer many of the questions. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEPeriods of reduced air quality due to wildfire smoke are expected for the rest of the warm season as fires continue to burn in Northern Minnesota and Canada. -
Contributed/InciWebThe DNR is authorized under the Minnesota Wildfire Act to recover costs of responding to the Camp House Fire, which burned about 12,070 acres and destroyed 187 structures. -
Plus: The Boundary Waters will partially reopen for day use Monday; and Emily gathers for an update on proposed manganese mine.
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Contributed/Bemidji Fire DepartmentThe Bemidji Fire Department responded to the 400 block of Wood Avenue on the report of a possible garage fire. -
Contributed/via Minnesota ReformerThe July 23, 2026, hearing signifies the final chapter in a year-long saga that has scarred the state and injected a new level of fear into politics. -
Contributed/Bridget Bennett / MinnPost / CatchLight Local / Report for AmericaAs wildfires burn, they release a mixture of toxic compounds like heavy metals, mercury and carcinogenic chemicals that form from burning organic matter. -
Plus: Candidate filing period closes July 28; and wildfire smoke is expected to impact air quality in the state through the fall.
Chelsey Perkins became the News Director in early 2023 and was tasked with building a new local newsroom at the station. She is based in Brainerd and leads a team of two reporters covering communities across Northern Minnesota from the KAXE studio in Grand Rapids and the KBXE studio in Bemidji.
Megan Buffington covers North-Central Minnesota from the Brainerd lakes area. Originally from Pequot Lakes, she joined the KAXE newsroom in 2024. Megan previously covered the Arrowhead for KAXE. She is passionate about amplifying Northern Minnesota voices and educating communities through local reporting.
Larissa Donovan has been in the Bemidji area's local news scene since 2016, joining the KAXE newsroom in 2023 after several years as the News Director for the stations of Paul Bunyan Broadcasting.
