Latest News From Minnesota Daily News Dot Com

July 2, 2026

The 82nd annual Bemidji Jaycees Water Carnival continues today at the Sanford Center and the waterfront. The midway starts at 1pm, with bingo starting at 3pm. Food vendors at the waterfront open starting at 1pm, with live music tonight from Indecent Proposal starting at 8pm. The band is a 21-and-over event. More details at http://bemidjijaycees.com.

Employees at Park Rapids businesses have faced potential scam attempts, prompting a warning to remain vigilant. According to the Park Rapids Enterprise, at a June 3 meeting of the Park Rapids Downtown Business Association, business owner Steph Carlson shared that a scammer impersonating law enforcement contacted her staff in May. The scammer instructed them to withdraw cash from the register and avoid using the credit card machine. Fortunately, the 18-year-old employee verified the situation with Carlson, who confirmed it was a scam and advised them to hang up and contact the police. The police confirmed it was a common scam, and no personal information or money was lost. Carlson also noted another attempted scam at L&M Fleet Supply and a call to Dairy Queen about an alleged overseas purchase, urging staff to call 911 if approached by anyone claiming to need money.

The Hubbard County Environmental Services Office charges fees for new addresses, road signs, and replacement items, but these fees do not cover the full costs. ESO Director Eric Buitenwerf explained to the County Board that expenses exceed revenue, with costs nearly $38,461 last year and only about $10,000 in income. Between 2022 and 2025, the average annual revenue was $15,125, which does not support time and labor costs. Buitenwerf noted issues with labor-intensive payment processing and difficulties collecting fees from those who refuse to pay for new addresses. He asked whether the county should write off these debts or include the costs in the tax levy budget. County commissioners opposed increasing the tax levy and suggested looking for other solutions.

The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe invites all Band members and employees to the Inauguration Ceremony and Quarterly Meeting of the Leech Lake Tribal Council on Friday, July 10, at 10am at Northern Lights Event Center, Walker. Newly elected officials for District I Representative, District II Representative, and Secretary/Treasurer will take the Oath of Office, and several boards, including Leech Lake Housing Board, Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School Board, District I LIC Members, and District II LIC Members will be sworn in. A free lunch will be provided following the ceremony.

The U-S Fish and Wildlife Service and the White Earth Nation have signed a multi-year funding agreement to support their partnership at Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, which includes lands within the White Earth Reservation. The agreement aims to strengthen co-stewardship and enhance tribal expertise, benefiting wildlife, tribal communities, and visitors for years to come. It focuses on three main activities: managing water and wild rice to aid wildlife and tribal harvest, improving forestry for bird habitats, and providing culturally relevant visitor services. Public access remains important at the refuge, offering opportunities for hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation. Increased collaboration will involve White Earth Nation staff actively working at Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge.

Bob Ross's message of creativity lives on years after his TV shows. Lakeland PBS is offering a unique opportunity for Northern Minnesota residents to paint with Nicholas Hankins, a certified Bob Ross instructor, at an event on Thursday, August 20th. This event will be held at The Loft Event Center in Bemidji and invites people of all painting skills to recreate a Bob Ross masterpiece. Proceeds from ticket sales will support local educational and cultural programs by Lakeland PBS. The evening starts with doors opening at 5:30 PM and the painting class at 6:00 PM, followed by a book signing with Hankins.

July 1, 2026

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Sarah Strommen appointed Karl Anderson and Robert Tibbetts, both from Bemidji, to the first 15-person advisory council for the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund Community Grant Program. The council's role is to guide the DNR in ensuring grants effectively support communities with environmental and health issues, natural resource protection, and trail maintenance. The grant program funds projects aimed at enhancing Minnesota's natural resources. The council will also make recommendations to the Minnesota Legislature and DNR commissioner, with public meetings held virtually.

The Bemidji Jaycees Water Carnival starts tonight with the Midway at the Sanford Center. That starts at 6pm. Food vendors and a Cornhole tournament start at 1pm. Corey Medina and Brothers start in the newly replaced tent at the waterfront at 7pm. The music tonight is a 21-and-older event. More details at bemidjijaycees.com.

Casting With Cops was held this week with the Bemidji Police Department. It's an opportunity for kids to fish with City Cops. Sixty fish were caught this week, and kids get prizes for attending. Casting With Cops is held every summer with the Bemidji Police Department.

Lake Bemidji State Park has several events this week. Tomorrow, from 10 to 10:30 a.m., the Story Tree Preschool Program welcomes kids aged 3 to 5, featuring songs, weather lessons, stories, crafts, and a playground. Adults must accompany children, and the event takes place at the Amphitheater. On Friday, July 3, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., the Bog Discovery program offers a chance to learn about bogs and plants like lady's slippers. This is a self-guided walk along a two-mile trail. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and snacks. Also, on that day from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., the Nature Discovery Table will focus on eagle trivia in the Visitor Center. On Saturday, July 4, from 10 to 11 a.m., visitors can explore pond critters at the marina. Later, from 2 to 3 p.m., there will be a bug hunt in the west picnic area.

“Church Basement Ladies” is set to open on Thursday, July 2, at the Chief Theater in Bemidji, after previously being performed by the Bagley Community Theater in 2021. Directed by Philip Hoks, the production is tied to Lutheran culture and fits well with the community. It is based on the book “Growing Up Lutheran” and features a cast of five women organizing food and solving issues in a rural Minnesota church in 1965. The cast includes Marilyn Hood and Marcy McKee. The rehearsals lasted nine days, and the show runs through July 11. Tickets are available at thechieftheater.com.

Members of the Nevis School Board approved a submission to the Minnesota Department of Education regarding a $17.6 million bond referendum for voters in November. The referendum includes three questions: $11.1 million for improving school facilities, $6 million for a physical education space, and $425,000 for a bus maintenance building. The board also approved $8 million in maintenance bonds for urgent needs. Additionally, they appointed Shawn Klimek as principal, discussed hiring a long-term substitute, and planned a school board election for November 3.

A zoning reclassification in Homebrook Township, initially denied by the Cass County Planning Commission, was approved by county commissioners during a meeting in Ponto Lake Township. Shon Jensen requested the reclassification to sell six lots and give two to his children for homes. Although some local property owners opposed the change, commissioners emphasized the housing shortage and the logical development of the area. According to the Walker Pilot Independent, other actions included granting a liquor license and approving salary adjustments for a labor contract.

June 30, 2026

Another year, and another year of storm damage to the Bemidji Jaycees Water Carnival Tent. The tent, which was destroyed in a 2012 storm, was destroyed again yesterday as a storm rolled through downtown with wind in excess of 45 miles per hour. The tent, which is used as the beer garden and entertainment tent for the Water Carnival, will be replaced with a replacement tent in time for tomorrow's start to the Water Carnival. The tent, mostly ended up in trees, but for a short time, it did block at least one lane of traffic on Bemidji Avenue, closing that lane for a short time. Bemidji Police, Fire, Parks, and volunteers helped clear the tent from the road, and it was reopened a short time later. Later last night, a tornado watch was in effect for most of the listening area, with a tornado warning in place for a time in Clearwater County.

Beltrami County offices and services will be closed on Friday, July 3, for Independence Day. Solid Waste facilities will also be closed that day and Saturday. Emergency services will operate normally.

The Bemidji Senior Hockey Association holds several tournaments and fundraisers throughout the season. As such, they recently donated $1,000 to the Bemidji Community Arena. One of their biggest tournaments is also their biggest fundraiser. It's the Annual Steve McLean Memorial Tournament.

A man from Moorhead was arrested on Saturday evening after the car he allegedly drove crashed into a building near Naytahwaush. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. when the vehicle went off the road and hit the structure. A person inside the building was unharmed. The suspected driver, Charles Ortley, 36, was found nearby after running from the scene. Police discovered pills and open alcohol bottles in the vehicle, and Ortley seemed very drunk but refused sobriety tests. Witnesses reported he had already been intoxicated before arriving at a party prior to the crash. He was taken to jail after a medical check.

Beltrami County DFL will host several events in July at their office located at 1510 Bemidji Ave. N. The schedule includes Pie and Politics on July 1 at 6 p.m., followed by Coffee and Conversation on July 2 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The DFL Executive Committee meeting is on July 8 at 6 p.m., with a light meal at 5 p.m. A board game night will occur on July 15 at 6 p.m., and Pizza and Programs will take place on July 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the topic yet to be announced. For more information, visit www.beltramidfl.org.

The fight is on once again. Last week, a Polk County judge supported the city of Fosston, allowing the city to take its case against Duluth's Essentia hospital to arbitration, for a second time. Essentia managed the local hospital under an agreement made in 2009, but stopped labor and delivery services at the Fosston hospital a few years ago. Since then, the City has tried to get out of their contract with Essentia. The city has tried to take control of the hospital with their own board to run it. Last year, an arbitration panel ruled in favor of Essentia. Now, the city claims that other services have suffered in recent years. That argument was enough to get the issue back in front of an arbitration panel. Just recently, Essentia has begun a $2-million expansion of the Emergency Room in Fosston.

The United Way of Bemidji Area and Lakes Area United Way are hosting the 7th Annual United Way Fishing Tournament on July 25–26, 2026. This catch-photo-release tournament is open to public lakes in several counties. Teams of two can register for $300. Fishing starts at 6 a.m. Saturday, and final entries are due by 6 p.m. Sunday via the FishDonkey app. Cash prizes totaling over $15,000 will be awarded in bass and walleye categories, with special awards for youth and big fish. Register at unitedwaybemidji.org.

June 29, 2026

Utility work on County State Aid Highway 20 (Birchmont Beach Road NE) has completely closed the road now through July, between CSAH 21 (Bemidji Road NE) and Country Club Road NE. There will be a signed detour in place. Access will remain for local businesses and residences. For questions, call the Beltrami County Highway Department at 218-333-8173.

A Grand Rapids woman, 83-year-old Carol Rose Wiss, and a 24-year old woman McKenna Joy Christensen, from Luck, Wisconsin, were both killed in an accident on Highway 169 in Itasca County yesterday afternoon. The two cars collided head-on, and both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. Alcohol was not a factor in the crash.

Absentee voting is now taking place seven days a week for the Red Lake Nation run-off election. In person absentee voting takes place from 9am to 3pm each day in the Chiefs Room at the Red Lake Nation Government Center. Off-Reservation voting may be done on July 13th from 8am to 8pm at the Embassy in Minneapolis, and also in Bemidji. In-person On-Reservation voting will take place from 8am to 8pm on Wednesday, July 15th at Little Rock Center, Red Lake Center, Redby Center, the Ponemah Boys and Girls Club, and at the Red Lake Nation Government Center.

Forty-four-year-old Deanna Lynn Keezer, from Bemidji, has been sentenced for felony theft by swindle after using fake money at Walmart and Dollar Tree in Detroit Lakes. On July 22, 2024, police were called to Walmart where a customer had used counterfeit bills marked “For Motion Picture Purposes". The store lost $500 due to the fake $100 bills. Officers reviewed video footage and identified Keezer through her tattoos from previous arrest photos. The next day, Dollar Tree also reported five fake $100 bills. A witness identified Keezer from a photo lineup. On May 7, she received a 21-month prison sentence, stayed for five years, along with fines and the requirement to complete a Drug Court program and supervised probation for five years.

The First City of Lights Foundation announced last week that three new light displays will happen this Christmas, pushing the total number of lights past the one-million mark. New this year will be the "North Star Diamond" display, presented by Ken K. Thompson Jewelry. The UPS Store presents the "Ultimate Present Spectacular", while Peterson Sheet Metal, Even Aire Systems, LVI Supply and Bessler Electric present the "Peace on Earth Globe".

The next Women United breakfast is on July 16, featuring Meet the Non-Profits. This event will connect community members with local organizations making a difference. Attendees can meet non-profit representatives, learn about their missions, and find out about volunteer and leadership opportunities. The event is open to everyone and will be held at Bemidji State University's Beaux Arts Ballroom from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m., with doors opening at 8:00 a.m. Tickets are $20 in advance ($25 at the door), and Women United members can attend for free with prior registration. Register or buy tickets at http://unitedwaybemidji.org/women-united.

Minnesota state parks and recreation areas are ideal for celebrating the Fourth of July. They offer great options for day trips or weekend getaways in nature. Most residents are close to one of the 73 parks. Visitors can relax and enjoy a peaceful holiday, as fireworks are not allowed in these areas. The DNR’s ParkFinder tool can assist in finding suitable recreational locations.

June 26, 2026

Shawn Klimek has been officially appointed as the elementary principal for the Nevis School District after serving as interim principal for four months. The Nevis School Board approved his hire during a meeting on June 22. Klimek took over in February after the previous principal, Brian Michaelson, was placed on leave and later resigned. Klimek has worked in the district for 23 years, teaching second grade and coaching football. He expressed his commitment to the school, stating it's his home. Klimek's hiring was preceded by his resignation from his role as dean of students. He will earn a salary of $100,000 in his first year, with a planned increase the following year. Superintendent Ranae Seykora praised his qualifications.

The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Workforce Development Division is accepting applications for the 2026 Summer Youth Employment Program. This program, funded by the WIOA Supplemental Youth Services Program, offers eligible youth and young adults paid work experience to develop job skills and explore career paths. Participants can gain hands-on experience in several in-demand industries, such as healthcare, public administration, arts, transportation, construction, and food services. Applications are available now (https://www.leechlakenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SYSP-2026-Summer-Youth-Applicaton.pdf), with a deadline of July 3, 2026.

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) has announced the 2026 recipients of the Dual Training Grant, awarding a total of $4.87 million to 71 businesses and five regional organizations. This funding will help train 867 employees in high-demand industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, IT, childcare, transportation, and legal cannabis. Each grantee can receive up to $150,000 for instruction costs, with individual trainees eligible for up to $6,000 for tuition, fees, and materials. Additionally, up to $15,000 can be granted for trainee support costs like transportation and meals. OHE has awarded 455 Dual Training Grants since 2019, investing over $28.6 million to train 4,169 employees, supporting career pathways for Minnesota families. Included in the funding is $60,000 for Aircorps Aviation in Bemidji, nearly $40,000 for Discovery Place Early Learning Center in Thief River Falls, $79,200 for Grand Village in Grand Rapids, $6600 for Tall Pines Family Dentistry in Bemidji, $150,000 for Greater Bemidji who will represent 16 different employers.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) urges people to check boats, trailers, docks, and other water equipment for invasive species when buying or selling. Mid-season market activities can spread these species, especially zebra mussels. Minnesota law states that docks and lifts must be out of water for at least 21 days before moving to another body of water. A free permit is needed to transport docks with zebra mussels for cleaning. The DNR advises looking for zebra mussels, hiring trained lake service providers, and reporting unknown invasive species. People must also clean and drain equipment, dispose of unwanted bait properly, and dry equipment for 21 days before moving.

Headwaters Music & Arts is partnering with Fire in the Village, led by artist Annie Humphrey, to host a Mini Mobile Music Fest, Magical Frybread Drive-in on Tuesday. This event includes social time with frybread and printmaking, followed by a concert featuring music and poetry. It will take place in the Headwaters parking lot from 5:30–7:00 PM, with the concert starting at 7:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased at the door, with proceeds supporting free music lessons for students.