Marshall Helmberger is editor and publisher of the Timberjay newspaper, serving northestern Minnesota. This morning he talked with Northern Community Radio's News and Public Affairs Director, Heidi Holtan, about a local couple that have been stuck on a cruise ship since March 7th. Marshall also tells us about a manufacturing company in Ely that is changing from making coats and outdoor gear to protective hospital gowns and masks. Life as we know it has turned upside down. KAXE/KBXE is here for

Minnesotans are sheltering in place to slow the spread of Covid-19. This means we mostly stay home. We are allowed to go out to a few places – to get medicines, or gas, or groceries. Grocery workers are among those who don’t stay home. In fact, Minnesota grocery workers are classified as “emergency personnel.” Colleen Bakken is General Manager of Harmony Food Co-op in Bemidji. She talked with Maggie Montgomery about how the “new normal” is affecting the co-op, and the steps they’re taking to

The Reif Center and the MacRostie Art Center connected with ICTV to make First Friday happen despite people's inability to visit the galleries. Everyone is invited to watch a first ever virtual First Friday celebration in Grand Rapids. You can find it on ICTV Facebook and Youtube channels as well as Mediacom 2 & 7 and Paul Bunyan 32 & 37. The 90 minutes program will include art exhibits created by area students and live music by McKayla Smith and Sam Miltich and others! Tune in today at

Nate Lane is manager of Super One Foods South in Grand Rapids . Grocery workers are in contact with the public every day, so during a pandemic safety for both shoppers and staff is a big concern. John Bauer talked with Nate about store safety, the supply chain, and employment opportunities at Super One. You can hear the full interview below (did you know pickles are in short supply?) It is clear that Nate Lane is extremely grateful to his employees. “I cannot thank my employees enough,” he said.

Our Early Bird fishing guide Jeff Sundin is joined by Alaskan fishing guide Keith Holtan on the Thursday Morning Show. They talk with John and Heidi about the possibilities of social distancing while fishing, the availability of bait, and they share recipes and cooking tips for preparing fish. Most importantly in these trying times, they talk about the therapeutic aspects of being out fishing.

Even though sports aren't happening right now, Fred Friedman and Kyle Erickson still had plenty to talk about on Thursday's Morning Show, including college eligibility, the Olympics postponement, and trivia.

The Watermark Art Center in Bemidji has a new exhibit opening today, a photography exhibit celebrating the kids and their animals who came in last at their county fair competitions back in 2016. RJ Kern's The Unchosen Ones is an unusual photographic social experiment that has resulted in a series of large-scale images (43" x 53") that are personal, majestic, and humble. His master-manipulation of light in a non-studio atmosphere creates a photographic style reminiscent of European landscape

KAXE/KBXE's Heidi Holtan hosted a statewide conversation with Minnesota’s Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. It was an opportunity to ask questions about Minnesota’s response and plans concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on the states response to COVID-19 visit the Minnesota State's Website. Do you have questions facing you or your small business as a result of COVID-19, email KAXE/KBXE - Northern Community Radio.

We spoke with Minnesota's House Majority Leader Ryan Winkler on Thursday's Morning Show about legislation that has been passed regarding COVID-19 in Minnesota. Listen now:

Chad Museus loves his business. “Being in the greenhouse in the spring is one of the most exciting things you can do,” he says. "It’s the most fun environment you could ever work in…People always come in happy!” Chad and his husband Tyler own Nature’s Edge Garden Center in Bemidji, where visitors are sometimes greeted by the couple’s year-old basset hound, Eleanor. Besides plants (including bedding plants, shrubs, trees, and perennials), landscaping, pottery, soils, and all kinds of garden