Heidi and John visit with Tobi Aiyedun, a 2020 graduate from Bemidji State University with a masters degree in Biology. Tobi explains how a virtual graduation works, and how she felt about it compared to other graduations she has experienced in the past. She talks about the difficulties of finishing out the school year virtually and gives other 2020 graduates encouragment in these trying times.

Marshall Helmberger is editor and publisher of the Timberjay newspaper, serving northestern Minnesota. Each week he joins Heidi Holtan on the Friday Morning Show for Border News Roundup. This week he talks about the ongoing lawsuits of the Twin Metals proposed copper-nickel mine near the Boundary Waters, the controversy over the new RV Park in Tower, MN and he gives us an update on lake conditions in northeastern Minnesota for the fishing opener.

Tony Powers' artwork can be seen in many places around the Brainerd area. His tattoos and body art decorate droves of people while his vibrant murals have breathed life into several locations including a car wash, the American Legion, a skateboard shop, and the Crossing Arts Alliance . In this Area Voices segment, we learn about his newest mural projects at the Crossing Arts Alliance and his journey as an artist. Follow the progress of the new Crossing Arts Alliance mural right here!

Each week John looks at what's happening outside and compares it to what he's documented in his decades of recording phenology notes. This week he compares aspen leafout times to years gone by among other interesting and inspiring facts. Take a listen to learn all about it! Don't forget to check out our Season Watch page on Facebook ! And don't hold back if you have a phenology question or observation you'd like to share! We want to know about it! Send an email or call 218-999-9876 and leave a

Wow... It's the most wonderful time of the year! Click on the links below to hear all about the wild wonder our student phenologists and listeners are taking note of! We'd love to include your observations in our weekly report... don't hesitate to call 218-999-9876 or send an email and tell us what you are noticing! Among many other things, Auggie reports the frogs going quiet when the air got cold... Blackberry kids birds and blooms in their neck of the woods... North Shore Elementary kids

Jonathan Edwards, who performs as Wayward, stopped by CenterStage Minnesota to talk about a new song written in the throes of the corona virus pandemic. "This song was literally written in my pajamas!" he said, which isn't a surprise since many of us are in our jammies most days. Hear the whole conversation by clicking below. Find out more about Jonathan Edwards and his music on YouTube , Facebook and Instagram . Listen in on May 22 when KAXE/KBXE debuts Wayward's newest song during CenterStage

Wintergreen Northern Wear in Ely are manufacturers of outdoor clothing gear. Aftering closing due to COVID-19 restrictions they have shifted their entire production to making masks and medical gowns for local and regional hospitals. Bria Schurke, physican's assistant and daughter of the owners of Wintergreen Northern Wear, visits with Heidi Holtan on the Friday Morning Show. They talk about how her medical expertise helped to guide the company in going forward during the pandemic.

2020 is an extraordinary year, especially for local high school seniors. They are experiencing something no one has gone through before: celebrating and honoring their education in a world of social distancing. Do you know a graduating senior? We'd love to talk with them! Email us. Logan Monroe is no ordinary student. He's the 1st Native American valedictorian at Northland Remer Schools and was just listed by UNITY as 25 Native Leaders under 25 . He was recently featured on Fox 9 Shine On with

Michael Small is a minister at Community Church of Walker, he joins Heidi Holtan on the extended hour of the Monday Morning Show. He talks about the history and meaning of Mother's Day, ways to reach out to this years graduates who have no ceremonies to attend, new ways to run church services after the stay-at-home order is lifted and he shares recent books he has been reading. If you would like to sign up for Michael's email newsletter "Small Talk" email Heidi at [email protected].

Today on Northern Voices Leah Lemm talks with Brian French co-founder and director of the Duluth Folk School. Before we had to get used to the “new normal” due to the pandemic… I visited the Duluth Folk School… It’s been closed in recent weeks, but join me on this tour and you’ll see why lots of people are eager for it to re-open soon. The Duluth Folks school is a great place to learn more about the traditions, sustainable practices and indigenous and ancestral ways of life of my neighbors… Okay