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May 15, 2024

Bemidji, MN - The City of Bemidji will hold an open house tonight at City Hall to hear from the public about the Highway 197 reconstruction, roundabouts, and Hannah Avenue and Middle School Drive roundabouts.  The meeting tonight runs from 4pm to 7pm.  If you can't make the open house, but have ideas or questions about the projects, you can call 333-1850.

Walker, MN - The newly built Super One Foods in Walker will open for business today.  The building has been under construction for months.  Once the new store is fully in use, the old store will be demolished.  

Grand Rapids, MN - L & M Fleet Supply has broken ground on a new $50 million distribution center in Grand Rapids.  Plans for the 200,000 square foot building call for it to be open in March of 2025.  The distribution center will add 50 new jobs, for a total of 130 jobs at L & M in Grand Rapids.  Construction firms from Grand Rapids and Hibbing are in line for much of the work on the new building.  A grand opening for L & M's newest store in Marquette, Michigan is tomorrow.  There are 12 store locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.

Akeley, MN - The Akeley City Council received an audit report for 2023, and the audit showed no issues within the city's fund balances.  According to a story in the Park Rapids Enterprise, the city's general fund cash and investment balance is $230,778. The liquor store cash balance was $210,178; the water fund balance was $106,121; the sewer fund balance was $355,930 and the park fund balance was $120,855. The total balance for all accounts was $1,023,862.

Bemidji, MN - The Mississippi Headwaters Board has set their plans for 2024, and an increase in social media engagement is high on the list.  The campaign is called "Minnesota Traditions" and is aimed at helping stop the spread of aquatic invasive species like zebra mussels and starry stonewort.  Formed in 1980 as an alternative to designation of the river into the National Wild and Scenic River System, the Mississippi Headwaters Board works to protect and preserve the 400 miles of the Mississippi River that runs in Minnesota.

Cohasset, MN - A Cohasset teen has won a $2500 scholarship from Paul Bunyan Communications and the Foundation for Rural Service, the philanthropic arm of NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association.  Emily Timm is this years winner.  Emily is the daughter Jon and Connie Timm. She plans to attend the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire in the fall to pursue a materials science and engineering degree.  There were 1300 applications for the scholarship this year.

Shevlin, MN - The Clearwater County Historical Society will have a clean up day at the Center in Shevlin tomorrow from 10am to 2pm.  They are looking for volunteers to help get the building ready to open.  The Center will open for the year this Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 4pm.  Admission is free.

Bemidji, MN - AirCorp Aviation recently closed on the acquisition of all inventory of Dusters and Sprayers Incorporated.  Dusters and Sprayers had the largest inventory of Stearman parts in the world.  AirCorps Aviation specializes in the restoration, maintenance, and rebuilding of vintage WWII aircraft.  AirCorps Aviation was born of the combined dreams and experience of a small group of aircraft restoration purists. Eric Trueblood, Mark Tisler, Dan Matejcek, and Eric Hokuf started the facility in Bemidji in 2011.  AirCorps Aviation currently employs 50 in Bemidji.

Bemidji, MN - The website University HQ has recently ranked NTC Bemidji's Technical College as one of Minnesota's best choices for those seeking associate's degrees and as one of its best online two-year colleges.   The site ranked NTC 13th on its list, "Top 25 Best Online Associate & Community Colleges in Minnesota," and 14th on its list, "Top 25 Best Associate Degree Programs in Minnesota."  University HQ compiles data from a variety of reputable sources, including the federal government’s College Navigator and College Scorecard, the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale. Best Colleges rankings include a variety of data related to academics, graduate outcomes, affordability and institutional reputation.



May 14, 2024

Walker, MN - A road construction project on Cass County Road 37 south of Walker is on hold until a canine forensic team can look for possible human remains.  The road is also known as the Ah-Gwah-Chin cut across.  A story in the Walker Pilot Independent yesterday says that the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council and the Office of the State Archaeologist are now in charge of the project until the dogs can do their work.  The dogs are expected at the scene next week.

Itasca County - The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has turned off the water pumps at the Canisteo Mine Pit, in Itasca County, marking the end of a second season of winter contingency pumping. For the last two winters into early springtime, water pumping operations ran 24 hours a day to reduce the water level in the Canisteo pit and prevent it from overtopping.  During this pumping season, the water levels in Canisteo have dropped now nearly six feet lower than last year. Since seasonal pumping began two years ago, more than five billion gallons of water have been discharged from the Canisteo into a nearby wetland complex and Holman Lake, decreasing water levels in the pit by eight feet.  The Canisteo contingency pumping project was the first step in building a permanent water outflow for the pit. The 2023 Minnesota Legislature approved $8.875 million in bonding funds to construct an outlet at Canisteo. The outlet is designed as a natural gravity outflow system with sand filtration built-in to prevent the transfer of zebra mussels to downstream water bodies.

Bemidji, MN - Leech Lake Early Head Start is now accepting applications for next school year.  A recruitment event will take place at the Bemidji City Park today from 3:30pm to 6pm.  You're asked to bring your child's birth certificate, immunization records, and income verification to the event today.  Call 335-8345 with questions.

Bemidji, MN - Construction is underway for a new battered woman's shelter in Bemidji.  The $4.1 million facility is the result of grants and donations.  Last year alone, the existing shelter turned away more than 550 victim survivors because of a lack of space.  The current shelter is 46 years old.

Cass Lake - A Public Hearing on Class II Gaming will be held at Northern Lights Casino next Wednesday, May 20th.  The public hearing is hosted by Leech Lake Gaming.  Congress included the definition of Class II gaming as follows: bingo, pull tabs, punch boards, and other games similar to bingo. All other games are Class III including but are not limited to the following: baccarat, blackjack, slot machines, and electronic facsimiles of any game of chance.

Park Rapids, MN - Upwards of 50 trees were stolen near Park Rapids this weekend on state-owned land near County Road 46.  A farmer noticed tire tracks and numerous holes that were dug.  A truck, loaded with spruce trees, was also seen leaving the area.  A 56 year old man was in the truck.  That man has been previously investigated for stealing trees off state land.  His name was not released.

Leech Lake - The Bug O Nay Ge Shig School will hold its annual Memorial Feast on May 22nd beginning at 5:00pm.  The feast will be held in the school gymnasium. The Memorial Ceremony and Feast is held in memory of all deceased students and staff of the school dating back to the 1970's.



May 13, 2024

Bemidji, MN - Minnesota State Patrol troopers kicked off a new initiative to help stop dangerous speeding on rural high-risk roadways. This spring and summer, troopers will take part in the Rural Speed Reduction Project. Each district will assign troopers to conduct high visibility patrols on problematic roadways in their areas now through September 2nd.  The Bemidji District was the first to have increased patrols.  It happened this past weekend.  Other areas of the state will be targeted throughout the summer.  Fatal crashes are up almost 40 percent from this time last year on Minnesota roads. Speeding increases not only the chance of being in a crash, but also increases the severity of the crash.  Traffic fatalities in Minnesota last year January 1st to May 9th were 84.  This year, January 1st to May 9th, the number of fatal crashes was up to 116.

Bagley, MN - A 20 year old man from Grand Forks was injured in a crash in Clearwater County on Saturday.  Kalden Tyler Francis was traveling southbound on highway 92 from Bagley when his vehicle lost control leaving the roadway and going into the east ditch hitting some trees. The State Patrol says that alcohol was a factor in the crash.  Francis was taken to Sanford Bagley Emergency Room and treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Bemidji, MN - The Otto Bremer Trust awarded nearly $13 million in grants and program-related investments in February and March, several of those awarded grants are in the area.  Akeley Regional Community Center, Inc. received $45,000. for general operations to provide safe shelter and wraparound supportive services to survivors of domestic violence in Hubbard, Clearwater, and Cass Counties.  The Boys & Girls Club of the Bemidji Area received $80,000 for general operations to provide youth development through outreach and out-of-school-time programming in Bemidji and surrounding communities.  Itasca County Habitat for Humanity Inc received $30,000 for general operations to create and preserve long-term affordable housing for working families in Grand Rapids and Cohasset, Minnesota.  The Nameless Coalition for the Homeless in Bemidji received $50,000 for general operations to provide day and overnight shelter and resources to individuals facing homelessness in the Bemidji area.  The Family Safety Network of Cass County located in Walker received $20,000 for general operations to provide services for domestic violence victims and their families.  And Leech Lake Financial Services in Cass Lake received $60,000 for general operations to promote access to financial education and resources that build community economic well-being.

Red Lake - A 49 year old woman from Red Lake is dead following a crash in Pennington County two weeks ago.  Mary Jean May crashed with a car driven by a McIntosh man, Justin Schultz.  Schultz had been drinking.  May died in the crash.  Two others in her car suffered non-life threatening injuries.    

Bemidji, MN - Bemidji Parks and Rec is holding a Basic Life Support Class for first responders tonight at 5pm at the Gillette Wellness Center.  A second class will be held August 12th.  You only need to attend one of the classes for certification.  Basic Life Support is geared towards pre-hospital providers, like EMTs, paramedics, fire fighters, and in-facility hospital providers. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a course completion card, valid for two years.  The cost is $130.  Call 333-1862 for more information.

Bemidji, MN - The Beltrami County GOP party will meet tonight at the Doubletree at 6:30pm.  The Beltrami County DFL will meet tomorrow at the DFL Offices on Bemidji Avenue at 6pm.  The Bemidji Area League of Women Voters will meet at 6pm on Thursday at The Northstar Speakeasy.

Nashwauk, MN - On Saturday at approximately 10am, the Itasca County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a fatal hit and run accident in the town of Nashwauk. Itasca County Sheriff's Office deputies, as well as Minnesota State Patrol, Hibbing Fire Department, and the Nashwauk Ambulance, arrived on scene where life-saving measures were performed. Hibbing Fire Department personnel later confirmed that the victim was deceased on scene. The victim is described as a 59-year-old female from Silver Springs, Florida. Preliminary investigation showed that the accident was not the result of a hit and run incident, but instead the victim's truck and camper trailer were unmanned as they began to roll from their parking spot. Subsequently, the truck and camper trailer struck the victim, killing her.  The name of the deceased woman is being withheld until the family is notified.

Bemidji, MN - The Bemidji Parks and Rec Department youth climbing clinics are an introductory course designed to discover the sport of climbing with experienced climbing instructors and a state of the art climbing wall. During sessions, youth ages 9-14 will explore basic climbing movement skills and master techniques like knot tying and belaying. For up to 10 participants with two instructors provided. For more information and to register visit www.ci.bemidji.mn.us  If you have any questions contact 218-333-1862.  Session 1 is June 10-12, Session 2 is June 17-19, and Session 3 is July 29-31.



May 10, 2024

Bemidji, MN - Bemidji Mayor Jorge Prince announced yesterday that he will run for re-election this fall.  In a press release announcing the decision, Prince cited a few areas that he's most pleased with what he, and the council have done in his first term.  Those include: navigating out of Covid, expanding the water treatment plant to eliminate forever chemicals from the water, securing millions of dollars from outside sources for the city, and driving property development through sales of city-owned land.

Undated - Law enforcement officers across Minnesota issued 5,380 citations for hands-free cell phone violations during a month-long distracted driving enforcement campaign in April. That’s nearly 2,000 more citations handed out than during last year’s campaign.  There were 5,380 citations for hands-free cell phone violations, and 278 Minnesota agencies participated.  The Bemidji PD issued 8 tickets.  The Grand Rapids PD issued 36.  No other law enforcement agency in the listening area reported any citations written for distracted driving during April.

Bemidji, MN - The Bemidji School Board met Wednesday night to discuss possible cuts to staff and programs, trying to balance a $1.6 million budget deficit for next school year.  In a story by Lakeland News, the Board opted to eliminate 13 teaching positions for next year, based on enrollment numbers and shifts.  Kindergarten numbers have been down the last few years, meaning there are fewer lower grade teachers needed right now.  The Board did encourage the impacted teachers to apply for other openings within the district, such as current openings in Special Ed that haven't had enough applicants recently.  Teachers wondered at the meeting why there weren't any cuts to administration.  None of the cuts are finalized as of yet, as the district continues to find other ways to save money.

Undated - The approaching walleye fishing season comes with a reminder from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to always follow state laws to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.  It’s important for anglers to take a few minutes for invasive species prevention every time a boat comes out of the water.  DNR Invasive Species Program Supervisor Kelly Pennington said that’s true whether an enforcement officer or watercraft inspector is present or not.  People must clean aquatic plants and debris from watercraft, drain lake or river water and keep drain plugs out during transport, and dispose of unwanted bait in the trash, not in the water.  Whether or not a lake has any invasive species, Minnesota law requires people to:
- Clean watercraft, trailers and gear to remove aquatic plants and prohibited invasive species.
- Drain all water and leave drain plugs out during transport.
- Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
- Never release bait, plants or aquarium pets into Minnesota waters.
- Dry docks, lifts and rafts for 21 days before moving them from one water body to another.

Park Rapids, MN - Hubbard County will be getting a new jail and Government Center.  Prior to approval, the County Board added some elements to the project that added about $3 million more to the final price.  The County Board voted 4-1 this week to move forward with the plan that would cost up to $12 million total.  ICS of Park Rapids was selected as the construction manager for the project.  

Itasca State Park - If you're not fishing tomorrow, you can take a bird watching walk at Itasca State Park.   Join Itasca State Park naturalists for a birding walk to discover recently arrived breeding birds as well as species passing through on their northward migration.  Birders of all levels are welcome.  Bring binoculars and bird field guidebooks. Itasca State Park has a limited number of binoculars to lend.

Walker, MN - The Minnesota Department of Transportation is asking the public to complete a survey and provide input on the preferred alternatives proposed for Highways 371 and 34 in Walker. The project study has been underway since August 2023. The Community Review Panel (CRP) has met three times, providing feedback and input on the corridor. During public outreach in the fall of 2023, the following priority areas were identified as the greatest need: Mainline and side street traffic flow, Parking/Business Access, Safety, Pedestrian/Bicycle Access, and Costs associated with improvements.  Based on these priority areas, the project team has developed roadway alternatives for different segments of the corridor. You are asked to review corridor concepts and rate your preference on each one. The survey can be found at www.inputcentral.com/walker-hwy-371-corridor-study.  The project team will also be available for input and comments at the following pop-up events on May 10 and 11 in Walker: May 10: Portage Brewing Company, 5pm-7pm and May 11: Village Square Pizza & Ice Cream Parlor, 10:30am to 1:30pm and Northern Lights Casino, 2pm - 4pm.



May 9, 2024

Bemidji, MN - U.S. Senator Tina Smith announced a significant investment in the Bi-County Community Action Programs Inc. (BI-CAP) in Bemidji to empower young workers and strengthen the workforce in the region. Totaling $1,242,000 from the U.S. Department of Labor, the grant will support training and employment services critical for preparing young people to secure well-paying jobs in high-demand industries. The grant was provided by the DOL’s YouthBuild Program and prioritized proposals that align training with local infrastructure projects.  BI-CAP was established in 1966 as part of the national war on poverty and is one of approximately 1,000 community action programs nationwide that make up the service delivery arm of the federal Office of Community Services. They serve Beltrami and Cass counties with the following programs: early childhood education, housing, weatherization, energy assistance, and youth education/employment services.  The $1.2 million grant will support the education and training of young people, ages 16-24, who are neither enrolled in school nor in the labor market, for jobs in construction and other high-demand industries.

Undated - RD Offutt Farms, one of the largest potato growing companies in the world is suing the White Earth Band over a water permitting law enacted by the Band last year.  RDO Farms is questioning in the lawsuit if the Band has the authority, or jurisdiction over water use on, or off the Reservation.  RDO claims that they were to have applied for a water permit by last week, and that the permitting process could take three years.  RDO claims that if that were the case, they would run the risk of not having a crop for three years.  

Undated - U.S. Senator Tina Smith announced two grants that will expand residential solar projects in Minnesota. The first grant will help increase solar adoption in lower-income communities who are often excluded from clean energy projects. The second award will help build solar energy capacity for Minnesota Tribal communities.  Minnesota will benefit from two Solar for All grants. The Minnesota Department of Commerce will use their $62,450,000 funding to deliver financial support and technical assistance to low-income areas and communities historically left behind in the clean energy transition across Minnesota. The Midwest Tribal Energy Resources Association, in conjunction with their partners GRID Alternatives, the Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy, and the Native CDFI Network, will use their $62,330,000 to deploy Tribally-owned residential solar, along with storage and necessary upgrades, for the benefit of the 35 Tribes located in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Bemidji, MN - The United Way of the Bemidji Area is accepting grant applications for emergency food and shelter funding for Beltrami County Agencies.  The application window is open until May 24th. The Federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program is giving Beltrami County $20,567 for agencies in Beltrami County.  The United Way will disperse those funds after the application process ends.   Applications are availbe at the United Way Office, and also at: unitedwaybemidji.org/grant-opportunities.

Bemidji, MN - Earlier this week, Clothing Store Chain Rue21 announced that they were declaring bankruptcy and closing all of their stores, including the store in the Paul Bunyan Mall in Bemidji.  The store in Bemidji is closing earlier than expected, as all of the employees quit.  Employees posted a note on the door that read in part, "Due to cooporate (sic) greed, we the workers have decided to quit.  

Washington DC - U.S. Senator Tina Smith, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, announced grants for 70 farms and small businesses across rural and Greater Minnesota to install clean energy technology on their farms. This round of funding for Minnesota totals nearly $8 million. This initiative is possible through the Renewable Energy for America program.  A farm in Shevlin gets $134,490 to install a 50KW solar array.  Another farm in Clearbrook gets $130,740 to install a 50KW solar array.  Energy savings for the two farms is said to be $31,000 a year, enough to power 16 homes.



May 8, 2024

Bemidji, MN - If you were waiting for deliveries from the Bemidji Post Office right before the Holidays, you weren't the only one.  The USPS Inspector General has released their findings into the operation of the Bemidji Post Office.  In a story by the Pioneer, the USPS says that over a three day period in December, when mail volumes are at their highest point of the year, the Bemidji Post Office had 78,948 pieces of delayed mail in the mail processing area.  Bemidji is one of the few Post Office Branches that has mail delivery and mail processing.  The USPS Inspector General recommended five different ways for the USPS to remedy the issue.  The local Post Office agreed with just three of those recommendations.  At the time, the Post Office Branch in Bemidji was ten delivery drivers short, and saw a massive increase in package volumes because of a new contract to deliver Amazon packages via the USPS in the area.  Amazon told the USPS that the number of packages to be delivered would average 2400 a day.  The single day high number of Amazon deliveries that the Bemidji USPS delivered was 4100.  The report is available here: https://www.uspsoig.gov/reports/audit-reports/delivery-northern-minnesota

Bemidji, MN - The Bemidji School Board meets in special session tonight at 5:30pm to discuss reductions and additions to the schools programming and staff.  This special meeting to discuss these issues occurs every year.

Bemidji, MN - A day after the US Postal Service Audit report about delivery delays back in December,, we bring you a great story from the Postal Service.  The National Association of Letter Carriers, for decades, has collected canned foods for local food shelves the second Saturday in May.  That's this Saturday.  You can leave non-perishable food items in plastic grocery bags at your mailbox on Saturday, and all of the food will be donated to the local food shelf.  For more information on the program, call the United Way of the Bemidji Area at 218-444-8929.

Bemidji, MN - Beltrami County Commissioner Joe Gould has announced his plan to run for re-election this fall.  After a redistricting lawsuit was finalized last week, all Wards in Beltrami County will have elections this fall.  Gould, who is a teacher in the Cass Lake Bena District, first ran in 2022.

Red Lake - The Red Lake Nation Project GROW Garden till list from years past has been thrown out, so if you've had your garden's tilled in the past by 4-Directions Development, and want to keep that tradition going, then make sure to call to re-register.  Those living in the Red Lake, Redby & Little Rock/Neptune districts should call us at 218-679-4332, as this is the last week to register.

Undated - May is foster care awareness month. There is a great need for foster families in Minnesota. Each year, thousands of children in Minnesota experience out of home care.  You’re asked to consider becoming a foster parent through Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota or Children’s Home Society of Minnesota. Learn more by visiting fosterminnesota.org.

Undated - When every second counts, blood products can provide lifesaving care. The American Red Cross asks the public to give blood during Trauma Awareness Month in May to keep hospitals prepared for all transfusion needs, including emergencies. Type O blood donors and donors giving platelets are especially needed right now:  Type O negative is the universal blood type and what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type in the most serious situations.  Type O positive blood is the most used blood type because it can be transfused to Rh-positive patients of any blood type.  Platelets are often needed to help with clotting in cases of massive bleeding. Calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Those who donate blood through May 19 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two and VIP racing experience to the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Races at Darlington Raceway Labor Day weekend. For details, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RaceToGive.

Bemidji, MN - The Bemidji Public Library, in partnership with the Beltrami County Master Gardeners, will be offering a special children's activity just in time for Mother's Day, a Make-and-Take Bee Houses, to make your own bee house out of everyday recycled household objects. Hill’s Country Greenhouse is providing flowers, and the community has donated the craft supplies. Contact Sabrina Grauman at the library with any questions at graumans@krls.org or 218-751-3963.



May 7, 2024

Red Lake - A Red Lake woman, accused of kidnapping her son, leading to an Amber Alert being issued, has now been charged with kidnapping, as well as murder and arson in a fire that killed two of her other sons.  Thirty five year old Jennifer Stately is accused of slashing the two with a knife, and then setting fire to the house.  She is then accused to kidnapping the third child.  She was caught shortly after the Amber Alert was issued.  Stately was charged with one count of premeditated murder, one count of murder in the course of committing child abuse, one count of murder in the course of committing arson, one count of arson, and one count of felony child neglect.  She remains in custody.  

Pine River, MN - A Cass County crash Sunday took the lives of three and left three more with serious injuries. The crash, in Pine River Township, killed 39 year old Royal William Noe of Hillman, 50 year old Heather Faye Ceballos of Brainerd, and 36 year old Corey Stephen Peterson on Brainerd.  They were in a vehicle that was hit head on by a pickup truck, whose driver, Kyle Daniel Jones of Bayport, Minnesota.  Jones had been drinking.  Jones' passenger was also injured, both with life threatening injuries.  

Bemidji, MN - The Bemidji School Board will meet in a special session tomorrow at 5:30pm to discuss reductions and additions to programs and staffing.  The meeting tomorrow is in the District Office Boardroom.

Cass Lake - The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe is set to host a community meeting for band members to discuss the latest developments regarding cannabis business initiatives. The meeting, scheduled for 5:30pm tonight at Cedar Lakes Event Center in Cass Lake, will provide band members with an opportunity to learn about the current status of this project,  steps taken towards launching a cannabis retail business, and the broader impact on the community.

Walker, MN - The Cass County Sheriffs Department has come to a settlement agreement with a former jail staff member.  Mary Tennis is a jail staffer in Cass County.  Her husband twice tried to run for County Sheriff.  Tennis' lawsuit alleged that she was passed over for promotions because her husband ran for for the County Sheriff's position twice.  The settlement pays Tennis $49,000, while her lawyers will get almost $39,000.

Itasca State Park - If you're not fishing this Saturday, you can take a bird watching walk at Itasca State Park.   Join Itasca State Park naturalists for a birding walk to discover recently arrived breeding birds as well as species passing through on their northward migration.  Birders of all levels are welcome.  Bring binoculars and bird field guidebooks. Itasca State Park has a limited number of binoculars to lend.

Bemidji, MN - The Bemidji City Council met last night at took up the issue of outdoor dining for the summer.  Bar 209 and The Keg N' Cork wanted to pursue outdoor dining again this summer.  Both measures passed unanimously.  The only issues that were brought to the council were about the behaviors of some of the patrons to people walking by the outdoor dinning establishments, and whether or not smoking would be allowed in those locations, which smoking is not allowed.

Walker, MN - The Minnesota Department of Transportation is asking the public to complete a survey and provide input on the preferred alternatives proposed for Highways 371 and 34 in Walker. The project study has been underway since August 2023. The Community Review Panel (CRP) has met three times, providing feedback and input on the corridor. During public outreach in the fall of 2023, the following priority areas were identified as the greatest need: Mainline and side street traffic flow, Parking/Business Access, Safety, Pedestrian/Bicycle Access, and Costs associated with improvements.  Based on these priority areas, the project team has developed roadway alternatives for different segments of the corridor. You are asked to review corridor concepts and rate your preference on each one. The survey can be found at www.inputcentral.com/walker-hwy-371-corridor-study.  The project team will also be available for input and comments at the following pop-up events on May 10 and 11 in Walker: May 10: Portage Brewing Company, 5pm-7pm and May 11: Village Square Pizza & Ice Cream Parlor, 10:30am to 1:30pm and Northern Lights Casino, 2pm - 4pm.

Bemidji, MN - The Bemidji Rotary Club and Sanford Health will host a blood screening event from 7am -10am Wednesday-Friday, May 15-17, in the Education Center at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, 1300 Anne St. NW. Participants should use the east entrance.  With a simple blood test participants can discover a wealth of information regarding their health including the diagnosis and possible treatment of many diseases.  The comprehensive screening is $35 and includes screenings for: cholesterol (blood lipids), triglyceride (blood fats), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), glucose (blood sugar), creatinine, hemoglobin, white blood cell count and liver (ALT).   An appointment is required to participate in the screening. To schedule an appointment, call 218-333-2277.