KAXE-FM (Grand Rapids, MN)

KAXE (91.7 FM) is a public radio station that is community licensed and serves various towns in Northern Minnesota, including Grand Rapids, Brainerd, Bemidji, Virginia, Chisholm, and Hibbing. The station features a variety of locally produced programs that include news, discussions, and music. KAXE is part of Ampers, a network of independent public radio stations in Minnesota, and is also affiliated with National Public Radio (NPR). Notably, it is the only full NPR member in Minnesota that does not belong to Minnesota Public Radio. In May 2005, KAXE relocated to a more spacious studio along the Mississippi River in Grand Rapids, having previously operated from Itasca Community College. The station also has two translators: one in Brainerd (K210DR 89.9 FM) and another in Ely (K280AT 103.9 FM). Since March 2012, KAXE has had a sister station, KBXE, which is licensed to Bagley. KBXE operates from studios located at 305 America Ave NW in Bemidji and broadcasts on 90.5 FM with a powerful 50,000 watt transmitter. Its broadcast tower is situated west of Bemidji, near Shevlin.

Local

English

Radio

Outlet metrics

Domain Authority

Ranking

Global

#530664

United States

#123804

Law and Government

#3692

Traffic sources

Monthly visitors

Articles

Tips offered to safeguard against storm-related scams; New emerald ash borer infestations ID'd

2 days ago | kaxe.org | Chelsey Perkins |Megan Buffington |Larissa Donovan
Be vigilant about storm damage scammers, Bemidji law enforcement says

2 days ago | kaxe.org | Larissa Donovan

BEMIDJI — As the home of the Lumberjacks, Bemidjians might feel pressured to clear tree debris away from their properties as quickly as possible following hurricane-strength winds. But local law enforcement officials are encouraging home and business owners to be cautious with their contractors. In times of disaster, residents are encouraged to do their due diligence when hiring contractors for tree removal, roof repair and more.
Home ice: New Bryan Gruley hockey mystery set in small-town Michigan

3 days ago | kaxe.org | Heidi Holtan

Since I was a kid, I've always gravitated toward a good mystery. There's something special about diving deep into a whodunit. My latest read is set in small-town Michigan, where hockey culture is at the center. Much like Northern Minnesota, hockey is more than a sport; it is a way of life. In fiction, it turns out, hockey can be both the joy and the downfall of small towns. Bitterfrost by Bryan Gruley isn't just a crime procedural.
Walz treks to Bemidji to assess recovery efforts after wind storm

3 days ago | kaxe.org | Larissa Donovan

BEMIDJI — Gov. Tim Walz traveled to Bemidji Tuesday, June 24, to assess damage and cleanup efforts after hurricane-strength winds wrought a path of destruction early Saturday morning. Walz was joined by city and county leaders in neighborhoods on the east side of Lake Bemidji, where many towering pines are now reduced to brush piles. "In the time that we're feeling in Minnesota and kind of the trauma we're going through, to see a community respond like this lifts everyone's spirits," Walz said.
Bemidji area works to pick up the pieces after hurricane-force winds

4 days ago | kaxe.org | Larissa Donovan

BEMIDJI — Crews worked around the clock over weekend to restore electricity to thousands of Bemidjians and Beltrami County residents. The severe storm early Saturday morning, June 21, dramatically impacted the area amid intense heat and humidity. National Weather Service Grand Forks meteorologist Jacob Spender said the storm reached wind speeds of more than 100 mph.
Chisholm PD says shooting was apparent murder-suicide; St. Louis County fire assessments begin next week

1 week ago | kaxe.org | Chelsey Perkins |Megan Buffington |Larissa Donovan
More Than A Recipe: Do You Cook by the Book or Off the Map?

1 week ago | kaxe.org | Amy Thielen |Heidi Holtan

Has cooking changed? Do we expect more out of recipes these days? That's our topic this week on KAXE's Ham Radio: Cooking with Amy Thielen. Everyone has different approaches to their cooking: some do not deviate at all from a recipe while others are very comfortable winging it. From what we hear, not only is everyone different in their methods, but it matters WHAT you cook too.
Family says honor Rep. Hortman through acts of service; U of M Extension offers unique forest program in Itasca County

1 week ago | kaxe.org | Chelsey Perkins |Megan Buffington |Larissa Donovan
Chisholm residents shelter-in-place after shooting; Cass Lake man arraigned on 2nd-degree murder

1 week ago | kaxe.org | Megan Buffington |Larissa Donovan

St. Louis County is building a new safety action plan for county roads outside Duluth. The public can share safety concerns and suggestions. The charge stems from an assault, apparently stemming from a $100 debt, that left another man dead in Beltrami County on June 15, 2025.
Cass Lake man arraigned on 2nd-degree murder after fatal stabbing

1 week ago | kaxe.org | Larissa Donovan

BEMIDJI — A Cass Lake man is facing a second-degree murder charge after an apparent stabbing Sunday, June 15, in Beltrami County that left another man dead. In a criminal complaint filed Tuesday, prosecutors allege Avery Cadwell, 21, stabbed his neighbor, Codi Brown, 28, north of Cass Lake while he was traveling through the area on an ATV. Cadwell reportedly harbored some resentment toward Brown over a $100 debt.