A radio series produced by historian Don Boese. Don is the author of eight books dealing with local history in Itasca County, including "John C. Greenway and the Opening of the Western Mesabi", and the main source for this series, "Papermakers: the Blandin Paper Company and Grand Rapids, Minnesota". The series begins with the arrival of the first Euro-Americans to the forested wilderness of Itasca County in the 1870s. In those early days the site that became the town of Grand Rapids was at the

Pastor Kimbrel Johnson joined us on the Morning Show to talk about their December 23rd 2pm Service of Remembrance for parents honoring children who have died. The holidays can be tough on folks, and Kimbrel reminds us to listen to those who are suffering. She brings up an important point about saying the names of those who have died.

KAXE/KBXE music director Kari Hedlund, Centerstage MN host and producer Brett Carter, and What We're Reading's Tammy Bobrowsky discuss the book Let's Go (So We Can Get Back): A memoir of recording and discording with Wilco, Etc., by Jeff Tweedy.

We Sit is a collaborative book of art by painter Marley Kaul and poet Geri Wilimek. Inviting readers to contemplate mortality, impermanence and rich morsels of experience, the stunning paintings and Zen inspired poetry ignite thought and conjure memories. In this segment of Area Voices, these longtime confidants discuss their decades long friendship, the prevelance of meditation in their lives, their creative processes and how this collaboration of painting of poetry came to be. Marley and Geri

Marshall Helmberger is the publisher of the Timberjay newspaper and this week he talked about the continuing story of connecting towns like Orr and Ely to rural broadband and the difficulty with reliable phone service and internet to businesses. He also filled us in on his rebuttal at the Tower City Council meeting.

Scott and Kara Kesti moved to Remer several years ago. Leaving behing life in the big city, the Kestis opened opened a store on mainstreet in Remer and have made it their mission to be engaged in their community, attract young people to the area, and spice things up a bit. They were a big part of organizing the now annual Bigfoot Music Festival and continue to think of new and creative ways to get folks to stop off in Remer as they pass through. In this segment of Let's Visit, the Kestis discuss

Was that bigfoot?! Remer, MN is known for people having seen, smelled or heard bigfoot in their midst. This fall, the annual Bigfoot Music Festival was in full swing when Let's Visit producer Katie Carter paid a visit. She bumped into a unique and lively group of women who call themselves Shesquatchers . They are the first all female bigfoot hunting team in the nation. Learn about them in this segment of Let's Visit! Have you ever seen Bigfoot?! Send us an email and tell us about it!

Librarians and historians are full of knowledge. In this segment of Let's Visit, retired high school librarian Linda Siokkanen and historian Leonard Hircsh enlighten Let's Visit producer Katie Carter with art history and a whole alot more.

The Chippewa National Forest is home to 21 developed campgrounds and more than 100 backcountry campsites. We caught up with Knutson Dam campground host Floyd Baird just before Labor Day weekend this year. In this segment of Let's Visit, Floyd Baird discusses his experiences as a campground host, people he's encountered, and he shares some no nonsence advice about camping.

Sean Dunham is an archeologist working in the Chippewa National Forest. In this segmetn of Let's Visit, he discusses timetables associated with the Chippewa National Forest as well as the mysterious Star Island! What do you love to do in the Chippewa National Forest? Send us an email and let us know! We'd love to hear about it!