Latest News From Minnesota Daily News Dot Com

June 1, 2026

May 18th, a rainstorm brought half an inch of water to the Northern Minnesota, changing the landscape as the ground became greener. That has led to a short spring window for prescribed burns. Prescribed burns are used to manage habitat across public lands, aiming to burn several thousand acres in the region. Prescribed burning benefits ecosystems by clearing old vegetation, preventing the overgrowth of areas, and maintaining wildlife habitats. The windstorm last June has left a lot of fuel laying dead on public lands around Bemidji. Expect more prescribed burns throughout the summer.

Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, received the DFL Party's endorsement for U-S Senate at the convention in Rochester, gaining support from over 1,000 delegates. In her acceptance speech, she highlighted the struggles people face with rising costs and linked them to Republican policies in Washington, noting issues like housing and healthcare affordability. Flanagan was expected to win the endorsement, especially after her main opponent, Rep. Angie Craig, chose to withdraw from the process. Craig plans to challenge Flanagan in the August primary. Craig, seen as a moderate Democrat, has faced criticism for her past votes and her decision to skip the convention. Meanwhile, Adam Schwarze received the Republican Party's endorsement, with Michele Tafoya also planning to run in the primary.

The Minnesota Lions Hearing Foundation will hold its annual D-Feet Hearing Loss Walk on Saturday, June 6, starting at Diamond Point Park. Participants will walk two miles to the Paul and Babe statues and back, with lunch, children's games, and live music by the Empty Cooler Band offered. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m., and the walk begins at 9:45 a.m. The cost is $25, but children 12 and under can walk for free. Pre-register online through Facebook. Proceeds will aid hearing loss research and provide hearing aids to those in need.

The National Weather Service has issued several red flag warnings recently, advising people to avoid burning in certain areas due to wildfire risks in Minnesota. This high-risk period mainly occurs in spring, with about 75% of wildfires happening in May and June. Most wildfires, over 90%, are caused by people, particularly from burning vegetative debris larger than a standard campfire, which should be 3 feet wide by 3 feet high. Debris burns are allowed in winter only with sufficient snow. Caution is essential to prevent wildfires, as conditions can rapidly dry out vegetation. The summer risk depends on weather factors and available fuel.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources advises hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts to learn how to avoid conflicts with bears. Black bears usually stay away from humans but being careful is key. To prevent bear encounters, people should follow six BearWise Basics. Stay alert while hiking and keep children close. Always pack out trash and food, double-bagging it while hiking, and avoid burning scraps in fire rings. Keep dogs leashed and do not allow them to chase bears. While camping, store food, trash, and toiletries in bear-resistant containers or locked vehicles, and keep them away from tents. If you see a bear, remain with your group and do not approach. Stand still and slowly back away if the bear notices you. If a bear approaches, hold your ground, wave your arms, and yell “hey bear. ” Carry bear spray, know how to use it, and do not spray it on belongings.

May 2026 marks two years since Cass County adopted its all-terrain vehicle (ATV) ordinance, focusing on educating and enforcing rules for ATV operators. Overall compliance is high, but according to Sheriff Bryan Welk, improvements are still needed. The ordinance covers Class I and II ATVs and regulates their operation on county roads. Class 1 ATVs are 50 inches wide or less, while Class 2 ATVs are wider but not exceeding 65 inches. Key rules include operating ATVs in the same direction as traffic, not exceeding reasonable speeds (30 mph for Class 1 and posted limits for Class 2), and maintaining awareness of road hazards. Operators must have a safety certificate if born after July 1, 1987, and must follow all relevant laws. The ordinance applies only to county roadways, with state statutes governing state highways and local roads.

May 28, 2026

The city of Bemidji has received a 2026 ReLeaf Grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to fund a tree inventory, stump removal, and the planting of up to 186 trees this year. The city is also looking to partner with Great River Greening to add up to 400 more trees later this spring, along with planting 30 larger pine trees. Trees will be planted in parks, rights-of-way, and public spaces. Residents cannot plant trees in public right-of-way areas. Questions can be directed to the Parks and Trails Department at 218-333-1861.

Great River Greening, a nonprofit in Minnesota, is hosting a tree planting event on Tuesday, June 2, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Bemidji Regional Interdistrict Council, located at 1615 Fifth St. NW. The entire Bemidji area experienced a loss of 9 million trees in 2025, significantly affecting BRIC, which serves several small school districts. Great River Greening, with the help of BRIC and local volunteers, plans to plant 100 trees at BRIC’s headquarters. This initiative is part of their Cooling Minnesota Communities program, aimed at improving biodiversity and combating urban heat. There are plans to plant an additional 400 trees in Bemidji in the future. Funding comes from various local and federal sources. For more information and registration, visit givepulse.com/event/721564.

The Bemidji Fire Department performed controlled burns yesterday at three locations: the Library Park shoreline, a waterfront park area, and near Lake Shore Dr NE & Central Ave NE. These burns are part of wildfire risk reduction efforts and were be planned and monitored. Expect more controlled burns in the aftermath of last June's storm.

Private forestland owners affected by natural disasters, like the June 2025 derecho in Bemidji, can apply for Emergency Forest Restoration Program help by contacting their local Farm Service Agency office by Friday, June 5. The program may cover up to 75% of eligible costs. Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources will provide assistance. More information is available at fsa.usda.gov.

The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Education Department will host a Graduation Feast to celebrate all graduates. The event is on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 5:30 PM at Cedar Lakes Casino & Event Center in Cass Lake. Graduates should RSVP by June 11, and send their graduation photo for a collage. Priority is for Band members and their descendants.

Filings are starting to come in for Bemidji City Council races. Filing for Ward Four are: Emelie Rivera, and for the At-Large position, Grace Wilder. For the 2026 City of Bemidji City Council election, the candidacy filing period opened on May 19, and closes on June 2. Councilmember Ward 2, Councilmember Ward 4, and Councilmember At-Large, all 4-year terms, will be on the ballot this November. File at Bemidji City Hall between 8:00am and 4:30pm. The filing fee is $5.

A driver was injured in a two-vehicle crash last week in Hubbard County. The Minnesota State Patrol reported that the accident happened around 5:21 p.m. at the intersection of State Hwy. 34 and Echo Ridge Drive in Nevis Township. Twenty-three-year-old Miles Heck was driving a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado and was turning left when a 2018 GMC Terrain SUV driven by 54-year-old Ruth Ann Boatright, hit it. Boatright was taken to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, while Heck and his passenger were unharmed. All passengers were wearing seat belts. Firefighters and police responded to the scene.

May 27, 2026

The Bemidji School Board will meet in a special session this afternoon to discuss tentative agreements with nine different bargaining units, including: Food Service, Bus Drivers, the Bemidji Principals Association, Non licensed Staff, Support Services, Confidential Administrative Support, District Office Administration, Hourly Workers, and Bus Mechanics. The meeting today is in the District Office Boardroom.

The Beltrami Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will distribute 5,000 free trees in the Lueken’s North parking lot today from 12:00-4:30 PM. People should bring their own buckets or bags, and trees will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. The trees are part of the Living Lands & Waters – Million Trees Project. Additionally, a free live webinar about forest management will take place today at 5 PM. Contact Kaylie Carver at 218-333-4157 to register for the webinar. The Million Trees Project, launched in 2007 by the nonprofit Living Lands & Waters, re-establishes native hardwood and nut-bearing trees along waterways and in communities. Originally aiming for one million trees (a goal reached in 2016), the project has since surpassed two million.

Cynthia Martin, a former Minnesota DFL official from Grand Rapids, has pleaded guilty to fatally hitting a 19-year-old man, Carter John Haithcock, with her vehicle and failing to stop in July 2024. Haithcock was walking along Highway 169 near Nashwauk when he was struck. As part of a plea deal, Martin is expected to receive a one-year prison sentence followed by five years of probation, although she initially faced a maximum sentence of 10 years. Martin had previously held leadership roles in the Minnesota DFL but resigned after pleading not guilty to the charges. Haithcock was walking home after leaving a street dance when the incident occurred. He was discovered by another driver and died at the scene. Martin later called 911, believing she had hit an animal.

Walker Super One Foods and Liquor recently held a donation drive to Paws and Claws Animal Rescue Resort. Between the two locations, they raised nearly $3800. Meanwhile, the In Country Motorcycle Club recently gave away two E-Bikes as part of a fundraiser.

The Region 2 Arts Council Board recently gave $18,000 in grants to artists in its five-county area. These grants are available to artists, creators, artisans, and culture bearers in Minnesota counties including Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard, Lake of the Woods, and Mahnomen, at all stages of their creative work. The Artist Support Grant program, funded by the McKnight Foundation, helps cover costs for exhibitions, performances, materials, education, mentorship, conferences, residencies, and marketing efforts.

A semi-truck rollover crash occurred in Hubbard County, sending the 74-year-old driver, Matthew Jepson, to the hospital and causing fertilizer to leak onto the road. The crash happened on May 24 at 6:17 a.m. when Jepson lost control of the truck while traveling east on Highway 87. His 26-year-old passenger, Connor Guck, was unharmed. The Park Rapids Fire Department found two totes leaking fertilizer at the scene and quickly set up barriers to prevent it from entering a storm sewer. The road conditions were reported to be dry at the time of the incident.

May 26, 2026

Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon spoke in Bemidji last week about the state's strong voter turnout and the importance of voting. During an event hosted by the League of Women Voters, Simon highlighted Minnesota's top ranking in voter participation since the 1970s, noting that the state has been first in America for three consecutive elections. He attributed this success to effective laws, like same-day registration and mail-in voting, as well as a supportive voting culture. Every seat in the Minnesota Legislature, and the Governor's Office, will be on the ballot this November.

Kitchigami Regional Library System's Executive Director Melissa Whatley and Tech Services Manager Tammy Beto were terminated during a closed session of the KRLS board meeting last week. The board voted to end their employment after reviewing the findings from a Pemberton Law investigation. Board member Lynn Eaton stated that the board will work more closely with the new director and plans to create a position that combines human resources and finance responsibilities. Interim Director Melissa Brechon will serve until a new director is hired. Both Whatley and Beto were previously involved in a 2025 investigation by AFSCME Council 65 related to allegations accusing a member of management of racial and religious discrimination, sexual harassment, wage discrimination and bringing firearms to the workplace. The Kitchigami Regional Library System covers Beltrami, Cass, Crow Wing, Hubbard and Wadena Counties.

Minnesota State’s Board of Trustees has approved a tuition increase for undergraduate students averaging 6.25%, effective fall 2026. The increase is attributed to stagnant state funding, which remains at $879 million for the second year, alongside rising costs such as employee pay and inflation. This marks the second consecutive year of significant tuition hikes, following a 5.5% increase last June. The increases will vary by campus, with two-year colleges seeing an average rise of $357 and universities $578. North Hennepin Community College will have the smallest increase at 4.39%, while Inver Hills Community College will see the largest at 8.68%. Among universities, Winona State University will have the highest increase at 6.71%, with Bemidji State University is staying at the highest University tuition at $10,154, even though BSU's tuition increase, at 6%, is the smallest increase in the state.

The Park Rapids community is raising money for Ryan “Rino” Hart, who was seriously injured in a farming accident. He was working underneath a planter and had to be airlifted to a Fargo hospital, where he spent a week. Now home, Hart needs full-time care and has a long recovery ahead. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help support him, his wife, and children. Community member Douglas Brucer emphasized the risks of working in agriculture and noted their strong bonds. The GoFundMe campaign had raised over $4500 toward its $5000 goal as of early yesterday.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is hosting an open house for the State Hwy. 34 corridor study in Park Rapids. It will take place on Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Park Rapids City Hall, with staff available to share information and collect public input, but there will be no formal presentation. The study focuses on Hwy. 34 and aims to set long-term goals for improvements, including pedestrian crossings. A resurfacing project is planned in the next seven to 10 years.

Seven months after Red Lake Nation took a small airplane from pilot Darrin Smedsmo, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is considering legal action against the tribe. Smedsmo had to land the plane on tribal land due to engine failure, which the tribe claims violated a 1978 resolution against low flying over the Reservation. The FAA argues that the tribal ban conflicts with federal law and has demanded the tribe return the aircraft and halt legal proceedings against the pilot. Legal representatives for Red Lake have stated they are trying to resolve the issue. This case is significant for the aviation community, as it raises questions about tribal sovereignty over airspace. He was offered a settlement to retrieve his airplane but declined. State officials and aviation groups have urged the tribe to return the plane. Smedsmo has actively shared his experience to garner support, presenting at aviation events and raising money for legal defense. He denies allegations that he planned the landing to challenge the tribal law. Red Lake's resolution was established in 1978 to prevent low-altitude flights over the reservation.