Latest News From Minnesota Daily News Dot Com

October 2, 2026

Minnesota Housing has awarded Bemidji $425,000 to build six new rental homes through its Workforce Housing Development Program. City Manager Rich Spiczka states that Mountain View Meadows developer Mitch Rautio will construct the homes. The program is investing a total of $4.5 million to create 77 new rental homes in various communities in Minnesota. The initiative aims to meet rental housing needs in growing areas and offers deferred loans for new construction. Local communities must provide matching funds and demonstrate housing needs from employers. The next round of funding will open on October 15.

The Red Lake Tribal Council has announced a two-hundred-dollar trust fund distribution for all duly enrolled Red Lake Band members. In-person check distribution is scheduled for Saturday, November 21st, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM at the Wellness Event Center in Redby, and recipients must be prepared to show a picture ID. Any remaining checks will be mailed on Monday, November 23rd, to the address on file. Address changes can be made by calling the Enrollment Office at 218-679-1345.

USDA Rural Development Minnesota State Director Mick Ditlevson announced $78.6 million in funding for projects in northern Minnesota aimed at improving infrastructure, public safety, and economic growth. Ditlevson emphasized the importance of enhancing essential services for rural communities under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. One significant project is in Bemidji, where USDA is providing a $450,000 grant to the city of Bemidji for renovations to its Fire Station #1. The renovations will create private bunk rooms and new shower facilities for firefighters within the existing sleeping and locker rooms. The improvements will enhance privacy, provide accessible shower facilities, and modernize the sleeping and locker room areas. These upgrades will ensure safer, more comfortable, and compliant living quarters, that will support firefighter readiness and the quality of emergency services provided to the 15,114 city of Bemidji residents. Bemidji Fire Chief Justin Sherwood said, , "Receiving this funding will support the firefighters our community depends on" .

USDA Rural Development Minnesota State Director Mick Ditlevson announced $78.6 million in funding for projects in northern Minnesota aimed at improving infrastructure, public safety, and economic growth. Ditlevson emphasized the importance of enhancing essential services for rural communities under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. USDA is providing a $648,916 intermediary re-lending loan to assist new and existing businesses in Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard and Cass counties. In the first year, Greater Bemidji will assist five businesses that will create 56 jobs. Through the Intermediary Re-lending Program, Greater Bemidji will be able to assist additional businesses in the future once the initial loans are repaid. Congressman Pete Stauber said , "I am grateful to President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins for their strong commitment to rural Minnesota. This money will deliver critical upgrades and infrastructure that our small communities depend on to grow and thrive" .

October 1, 2026

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is urging deer hunters to buy their licenses early this year. Paul Burr, the DNR deer coordinator, advises that purchasing a license several weeks in advance will help avoid delays and ensure hunters are prepared for the season. The DNR has introduced a new electronic license system which may take longer for first-time users. Some hunters with multiple records in the old system may need assistance to transfer their information. Over 400,000 hunters are expected to participate in the firearms deer season starting on November 7. Last year, many licenses were sold right before the season opener. Burr appreciates hunters' patience and emphasizes that buying a license supports wildlife conservation efforts and helps monitor deer populations.

Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Government offices will be closed on Monday, October 5, for the Battle of Sugar Point holiday, reopening on Tuesday, October 6, at 8:00 AM. They will also be closed on Monday, October 12, 2026, for Indigenous Peoples Day, resuming regular hours on Tuesday.

The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office warns residents about a scam where offenders pretend to be deputies. They name real staff and claim victims have a summons or warrant for arrest. The scammers try to get personal details and money to prevent arrest. Law enforcement does not make such calls or ask for online payments. If you get these calls, hang up right away and do not share any personal information. With questions, call the Beltrami County Sheriff's Department. If you ever give out, or have your banking information compromised, call your bank immediately.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has issued an alert about an endangered missing person for 25-year-old Zachariah Ausmus, who is from Bemidji, and who may be in Fargo. He was last seen in Bemidji about two weeks ago and last contacted his family in July. Ausmus’ family reports that his mental status has been unstable. Police state he may be using the names River-Born or Celia Marie Ausmus-May. If you have information about this case, or any missing person, call your local police or county sheriff.

The Nevis School Board voted unanimously to certify its preliminary levy for the upcoming year at the maximum amount. District bookkeeper Tom Haldeman recommended this due to frequent state-level changes that could affect the levy. The overall expected levy revenue increase is 33.55%, primarily due to a new facilities maintenance debt, but individual household costs will see a slight decrease. The board will finalize the levy in December, with a truth in taxation meeting scheduled for December 21.

Work is wrapping up on the Highway 197 project for this construction season, with some landscaping, and lane stripping still to be done, along with hanging the permanent traffic lights at the Highway 71 and Highway 197 intersection. You can expect lane closures while this work is finishing up. Paving has begun on the Highway 71 project north of Turtle River. Once two layers of blacktop are down, the detour will be lifted, and the third layer of blacktop will be installed with pilot cars and flaggers. For more on these projects, check out Paskvan Podcast on YouTube.

September 30, 2026

A two-vehicle crash in Bemidji, yesterday morning sent two people to the hospital around 10:30. Forty-six-year-old Mark Haugen, was driving north on Highway 71 when his SUV hit a minivan turning onto Fern Street. Both Haugen and a 42-year-old passenger in the minivan were taken to Sanford Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while the minivan's driver was unharmed. The Bemidji Police Department, and Fire and Ambulance assisted at the scene.

A man from Laporte was arrested for criminal vehicular operation after a hit-and-run crash in Hendrickson Township on Sunday, September 20. Deputies responded to a crash with injuries around 12:51 p.m. at the intersection of State Highway 200 and 263rd Avenue. A witness reported that a man fled to his nearby home. Law enforcement contacted Marvin Nelson, who confirmed his son, 28-year-old Quintin Nelson, was involved and was "pretty drunk." endquaote. Deputies noticed signs of impairment in Quintin Nelson during a sobriety test. He was arrested and taken to CHI St. Joseph’s Hospital.

The Laporte Benedict Lions recently donated $1,250 to Lakeport Fire and Rescue, supporting the community and its hardworking volunteers.

Northwoods Habitat for Humanity is hosting its 17th Annual Roof Raiser fundraiser this Saturday, October 3rd, at the Bemidji Eagles Club. Doors open at 5:00 PM for hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar, followed by dinner at 6:30 PM and the program and live auction at 7:15 PM. The evening features a dinner of meatballs and mashed potatoes, silent and live auctions, interactive games, a 50/50 cash raffle, and a Last Paddle Standing finale. Live auction experiences include a Costa Rica vacation, a Northwoods Kohls Resort getaway, and a weekend at Joe's Lodge. Numerous guns can also be won. Individual tickets are $30 and can be purchased online at habitatbemidji.org.

Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Government offices will be closed on Monday, October 5, for the Battle of Sugar Point holiday, reopening on Tuesday, October 6, at 8:00 AM. They will also be closed on Monday, October 12, 2026, for Indigenous Peoples Day, resuming regular hours on Tuesday.

The boards of Essentia Health and HealthPartners have agreed to merge, starting January 1, 2027. This merger aims to give patients better access to specialists and coordinated care. HealthPartners President and CEO Andrea Walsh will lead the new organization, while Essentia Health's CEO David Herman will be president of clinical operations. The merged entity will keep the name HealthPartners, encompassing 22 hospitals and over 135 clinics. Essentia facilities will retain their name temporarily. The Minnesota Nurses Association has raised concerns about transparency and the potential impacts on patient choice and costs. Essentia has locations in Fosston, Park Rapids, Bagley, Grand Rapids, Deer River, Walker, Pine River, Hackensack, and other locations in Northern Minnesota.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources urges deer hunters to buy their licenses early this year to avoid last-minute issues and ensure they are ready for the hunting season. A new electronic license system was introduced in June, which may take extra time for first-time users.

September 29, 2026

The 26th annual Knights of Columbus Walleye Classic took place on June 13 on Lake Bemidji and Lake Irving, featuring 100 two-person teams competing for over $54,000 in cash and prizes. Ben and Andrew Hittle from Alexandria won the tournament by catching, photographing, and releasing the largest five-fish bag, earning $15,000 and other prizes. Nineteen additional teams won cash prizes, and the top ten teams participated in a boat parade at the Sanford Center. The tournament recently announced that it raised $146,775 for 11 charities. Overall, the tournament has contributed $1,531,443 to community projects over 26 years. The next tournament is scheduled for June 12, 2027. For updates and registration details, follow the Facebook page.

The Bemidji Police Department was asking help in finding 14-year-old Jessie Dillard, who was reported as a runaway. Dillard, who was last seen on Paul Bunyan Drive on Sunday, was located late yesterday. Another runaway from last week, Karsen Smith, was located. Call the Bemidji Police Department at 218-333-9111 with any information on any missing or runaway child.

Beltrami County invites you to its annual meeting as part of the Minnesota Opioids State-Subdivision Memorandum of Agreement. The meeting will cover Beltrami County’s response to opioids, recovery efforts, and future plans. It will start with a welcome and overview, discuss local opioid data and the use of settlement funds, and feature updates from grant recipients. The meeting will end with an open conversation for questions and ideas on improving recovery efforts. The meeting is Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 6pm in the Beltrami County Board Room.

The Minnesota waterfowl opener was last weekend, and the Minnesota DNR reports mixed success over the weekend. DNR Conservation Officers in the Bemidji area spent time working the busy waterfowl opener, with area hunters having mixed results. They also spent time checking grouse hunters, and patrolling for shiners. Enforcement action was taken for transportation of loaded firearms, life jacket violations, operating with expired A-T-V registration, and hunting with an unplugged shotgun.

The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Minnesota, St. Paul, and Minneapolis, challenging the constitutionality of a state law that requires a 30-day waiting period for handguns and certain rifles. The lawsuit argues that this waiting period violates the Second Amendment rights of Minnesotans who need firearms for home defense. It also notes that over 93% of Minnesotans do not have a carry permit. The lawsuit seeks to stop the enforcement of these waiting periods and permit-to-purchase requirements for individuals without a carry permit.

Sanford Health will hold its annual Walk to Remember on Saturday, at 10 a.m. at the Sanford Bemidji Medical Center. The community is invited to join the Sanford PETAL program to honor babies lost due to early pregnancy loss, stillbirth, newborn deaths, and SIDS. Registration starts at 9 a.m., and a remembrance tree will be planted after the walk. The event is free, and a silent auction will run online, with proceeds supporting the PETAL program. For more information, call 218-333-6129.

September 28, 2026

Starbucks plans to close about 250 locations in North America, which is around 1% of its total stores. The closures are due to some locations not offering the desired customer experience or being financially viable. This initiative is part of a larger effort to improve the business with simpler menus and better store conditions. At least two stores in Minnesota are confirmed closures, including one in Mankato, and one in Bemidji. The Bemidji location is on the south end of town, and was just built a few years ago. Starbucks corporate expressed gratitude to affected employees and mentioned efforts to transfer them where possible.

The American Red Cross encourages people of all blood types to make an appointment to donate blood, as the demand is high. They provide hospitals with over 6.5 million blood products each year, relying on volunteer donors. As September is National Preparedness Month, it is vital to remember that disasters can occur unexpectedly, making a strong blood supply necessary. A Red Cross Blood Drive is set for St. Phillips on October 15.

A man from Blackduck, Eric Gourley, 58, is facing charges after allegedly threatening a woman in the parking lot of Blackduck High School. Staff reported that Gourley pinned the woman’s car door and yelled threats after she entered her vehicle. The school principal witnessed the incident and asked Gourley to leave, which he did. Security footage showed Gourley preventing the woman from entering her car and pushing the door into her. The woman feared for her safety, interpreting his words as death threats. Later, officers arrested Gourley, who claimed he didn’t touch her and denied using meth, despite being found with a substance that tested positive for it. Gourley is currently in custody.

The persistent drought across the region continues to ease and that is reflected in last week's update for the U-S Drought Monitor. Less than half of Beltrami County remains in moderate drought with the northwest half either not in drought or categorized as abnormally dry. The precipitation deficit remains as bodies of water continue to be very low. Areas south of Fargo and south of Duluth remain in extreme drought, the worst in the state.

United States Attorney Daniel Rosen announced that 56-year-old Courtney John Barrett Sr., of Red Lake, had his initial appearance hearing. Barrett was indicted on two counts of sexual abuse of a minor on September 22, 2026. The indictment claims he engaged in sexual acts with a minor victim on two occasions from June 2023 to February 2025. The FBI and Red Lake Police Department conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dana Joseph is prosecuting the case. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

More than 110 schools in Minnesota and thousands of students are set to join the 31st annual Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 7. This event, sponsored by Minnesota Safe Routes to School, promotes healthy habits by encouraging families to walk to school. Minnesota law requires students to learn safe walking and biking skills at the start of the school year. Students can participate regardless of their home distance from school by using designated drop-off points. Volunteers will assist with supervision and street crossings.