Latest News From Minnesota Daily News Dot Com

October 28, 2026

From November 1 to November 7, the United Way of Bemidji Area invites the community to contribute $1 or $5 at local businesses to support community programs. Every dollar stays in the area. Donations can be made by scanning a QR code at checkout or giving at the register. Participating businesses will display donor names to highlight community support. For more details, visit http://unitedwaybemidji.org.

In the first five weeks of voting in Minnesota, officials have distributed 696,364 absentee and mail ballots. As of October 22, 241,348 voters have voted in person, and 177,841 have returned their ballots by mail, totaling 419,189 ballots. This early voting is significantly higher than during the 2022 midterm elections, where 282,277 ballots were cast in the same period, and 558,300 absentee and mail ballots were distributed. Starting this week, there will be extended early voting hours on specified days for voters to cast their ballots directly into a ballot tabulator at local election offices. For info on early voting for your precinct, log on to sos.mn.gov.

The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe RBC Special Meeting is set for November 5, at 9:00 a.m. in the LLBO Council Chambers. For more details, log on to the Leech Lake Band Facebook Page.

Thirty-nine-year-old Keith Nathan Carmona faces three charges: second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, third-degree riot, and disorderly conduct filed in Beltrami County Court. The charges arise from an incident on October 16, where Carmona reportedly assaulted two men who confronted him about an earlier allegation. After an argument, a fight ensued outside, during which Carmona swung a baseball bat at them, injuring one man.

Hank Paush Demo-Pierce, 27 of Bena, faces three charges: second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, threats of violence, and interfering with a 9-1-1 call. The victim explained she tried to stop Demo-Pierce from drinking and was worried about his threats to harm himself. During the incident, Demo-Pierce hit her with a metal pipe and attempted to use an axe. He also took her phone while she was calling for help.

October 26, 2026

Authorities in Bemidji are investigating a tip related to the missing child case of 3-year-old Kevin Ayotte, who vanished in 1982. On Friday, police searched a home near where Kevin disappeared from his family's summer cabin in Sugar Bush Township. Beltrami County Sheriff Jason Riggs emphasized the importance of providing closure to Kevin's family, stating they hope to recover his remains soon. Kevin went missing on September 30, 1982, while playing outside with his dog. Over the years, there have been various leads, including a recent tip from a family member that directed investigators to search an outbuilding near Kevin's last known location.

Bemidji lost out in its bid to be named "Hallmark Movie Channel's Merriest Christmas Town", losing out to Carlinville Illinois. The announcement came late last week. Bemidji, which was the only finalist from Minnesota, was one of 25 finalists nationwide. The winner gets a Hallmark Movie Channel Christmas movie filmed in its town. Bemidji will kick off the Holiday Season with the Night We Light Parade on Black Friday.

John Hoffman, president of Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College, has joined a coalition to start the National Student Success Project. This initiative involves 19 leaders from various colleges and aims to address concerns about the value of college degrees. It focuses on five core commitments: providing good value for education, creating clear pathways to degrees, enhancing academic excellence, offering real-world experiences, and building supportive communities. Over 50 colleges are involved in the project. Hoffman emphasizes the importance of answering how education can lead to a better future. The initiative is supported by leading national education associations.

Colin Bales, from Park Rapids and known as "Uncle Colin," suffered a complete C-3 spinal cord injury after jumping into water on July 4. To support his recovery, his family organized a benefit last week to help cover his estimated $1 million medical expenses. Over $170,000 has been raised so far, and another benefit was scheduled for this past weekend in Fargo.

Cass Lake-Bena Schools canceled all after-school activities last Thursday and implemented a campus-wide shelter-in-place due to a forwarded social media message from a parent about a potential threat. The message, which was not a direct threat, mentioned a possible shooting at lunch at a school but did not refer specifically to Cass Lake-Bena Schools. The original post was found to have come from out of state and was handed over to the FBI. The school is open today.

Blake Thomas Gene Wagner, 27 of Bemidji, faces several felony charges including first-degree assault against a police officer and second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. The complaint, filed a week ago in Beltrami County District Court, follows an incident on October 17 where Wagner attacked a victim with a knife, causing significant injuries. When approached by law enforcement, Wagner resisted arrest and attempted to flee. He has a history of domestic violence, making the domestic assault charge a felony. The first-degree assault charge could lead to a prison sentence of up to 20 years.

October 23, 2026

Beltrami County Health and Human Services will be closing early next Wednesday. Offices will close at 2pm to accommodate an agency event. The self-service area will remain open for document drop off during this time. The closure includes all Beltrami County Health and Human Services departments: Public Health, Social Services and Economic Assistance. Services will return to their normal schedule on Thursday, October 29 at 8am. With questions, call 218-333-8300.

A cattle farmer in the Park Rapids area, Rob Kelm, is seeking public help after his entire herd of 11 cows was stolen in broad daylight. Kelm discovered the theft when he arrived at his pasture and found it empty. The sheriff's office is investigating, having found tire tracks and grain at the scene. Kelm emphasizes his desire to get his animals back and has received community support. He warns the thief they will be caught and encourages them to return the cows. Cattle theft is a felony in Minnesota, punishable by jail time up to ten years, plus additional fines.

The Red Lake Band will provide free rides to the polls on October 28th from noon to 6pm. Call 612-492-1679 to request a ride. Early voting is open now for the election next month.

Steven Charles Heller, a 33-year-old from Bemidji, faces two charges: aggravated harassment with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a permit. A police officer responded on June 2 to a report from a victim who said Heller had been harassing her for a year, often yelling or making obscene gestures. The victim reported receiving nonstop texts and emails from Heller, including a photo of himself with a pistol. Heller allegedly called her over 60 times in one day and expressed suicidal thoughts. The officer later found Heller at his workplace and conducted a traffic stop, where he admitted to sending the pistol photo and his many calls. A Smith & Wesson 9 millimeter pistol was found in his pickup, and Heller acknowledged he had no permit to carry it. Charges were filed on October 14 in Beltrami County District Court.

The American Red Cross urges people to carve out just an hour of time over the next few weeks to give blood before the holiday rush. In thanks, all who come to give through November 22, will get up to $20 in Gift Cards. Additionally, successful November donations will get free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes. Visit http://RedCrossBlood.org/ for details.

Great River Rescue is inviting community members and their furry friends out for their annual Howl-O-Ween Pet Walk tomorrow. The event runs from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM at the Great River Rescue. Admission is just five dollars per person, with all proceeds directly supporting the shelter's ongoing animal care programs. Attendees and their pets can enjoy a party on the two-acre Great Dog Run, take part in a pet photoshoot, check out local pet vendor booths, and even watch dogs try their paws at bobbing for apples. Prizes will also be awarded for the best pet costumes. Organizers remind participants that all dogs must remain leashed and cats should be safely contained. For more information or questions, call 218-751-7910.

October 22, 2026

Nevaeh Kingbird has been missing since October 22, 2021, and her family, friends, and the Bemidji Police Department continue to search for her. Her mother, Teddi Wind, emphasizes the importance of keeping Nevaeh's memory alive and finding answers. As autumn arrives and deer season approaches, the police urge people to stay alert outdoors and report any suspicious activity. Nevaeh was last seen wearing a black zip-up hoody or a red sweatshirt with a “bull” logo, blue skinny jeans, a white undershirt, and black and red Nike sandals. The police request anyone with information about her clothing or whereabouts to call 218-333-9111. There is a reward of up to $10,000 for information that helps the case, and tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers for a possible reward of up to $1,000.

North Country Food Bank and the United Way of Bemidji Area, along with the Clearwater County Food Shelf will hold a mobile food distribution event on Monday, along Great Northern Drive SW in Bagley. The food distribution event begins at 11 a.m. and runs until noon, or until food runs out.

A driver, Jocelyn Irene Dow, 41, was arrested after fleeing Red Lake Police at speeds of up to 110 miles per hour. She faces charges for first-degree driving while intoxicated, fleeing a peace officer, and driving after her license was canceled for safety reasons. A breath test showed a level of 0.17.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development announced over $2 million for five business expansion projects throughout Minnesota. These projects aim to create or maintain 141 jobs and attract over $19 million in private investments. DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek emphasized that public incentives can lead to significant private investments and economic benefits in communities. The Job Creation Fund provides funds to new and expanding businesses that meet job and investment targets, while the Minnesota Investment Fund offers loans for equipment to help businesses grow and retain jobs. One project involves Aircorps Aviation in Bemidji, which will receive $175,000 from the Job Creation Fund to build a new hangar and is expected to create 14 jobs.

Nathan Francis Niehoff, a 43-year-old man from Deer River, threatened law enforcement during a disturbing 911 call and later refused sobriety tests after being stopped by deputies in Grand Rapids. He faces multiple charges, including threats of violence, second-degree driving while intoxicated, and driving after his license was canceled for safety reasons. A deputy tried to serve Niehoff with civil paperwork but couldn't find him. An hour later, Niehoff called 9-1-1, threatening violence and making explicit statements. When contacted by a deputy, he was aggressive and intoxicated, admitting to drinking earlier. After a traffic stop, he showed erratic behavior, refused tests, and continued to make threats while being transported for a blood draw, which he also refused.

The Red Lake Food Shelf is open today and tomorrow, today for those with last names beginning with "N to "Z", and tomorrow for those with last names from "A" to "M". The food shelf will be open from 1pm to 4pm each day. With questions, call 218-679-2122.