Latest News From Minnesota Daily News Dot Com

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.

June 25, 2026

The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office requested help yesterday in finding a missing 15 year old Native American female, last known location of mile marker 17 on Hwy 89 north of Bemidji. Less than an hour after a Facebook message was posted, the girl was located. Several other high-profile missing person cases around Bemidji remain unsolved. If you have any information regarding any missing individual, you're asked to contact the Beltrami County Sheriff's Department Dispatch at 911 or 218-333-9111 option 2.

Voters in Northern Township will elect their first city council in November, with ballots ready by the end of July. The filing period for candidates has recently changed to July 14-28 to comply with a new state law. On the ballot will be four at-large council positions, and mayor. Election Day is November 3rd, with voting being conducted at Northern Town Hall. The township will officially become a city in January 2027 after the council is sworn in.

A Community Block Party is planned for tomorrow from 1pm to 9pm. The event features live music and food, and will be held on Beltrami Avenue in front of Brigid's Pub and the Keg N' Cork.

With a new director, the Northwest Minnesota Small Business Development Center and the LaunchPad are hosting monthly entrepreneur meet-ups on the first Wednesday of each month from 8 to 9 a.m. at the LaunchPad in Bemidji. These meet-ups will include guests, local entrepreneur stories, and discussions to help entrepreneurs learn and connect. Additionally, “Welcome Wednesday” gatherings will be held every other Wednesday at the same time, allowing for informal conversations without a set agenda. Entrepreneurs and community members are invited to attend without registration. For more details, visit greaterbemidji.com. Philip Knutson is the new director of the Northwest Minnesota Small Business Development Center. He's expected to join Brian Huch of the Launchpad on an upcoming episode on Paskvan Podcasts on YouTube.

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, June 29, 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.

National Bank of Commerce will hold its annual summer fundraiser brat lunch for the United Way of Bemidji Area on today. All proceeds support the 2026 United Way Campaign for the Community. If you missed the lunch, you can still dontate at UnitedWayBemidji.org.

The Clearwater County Historical Society will celebrate 30 years of public programming with an open house on Sunday, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Clearwater County History Center. Tours of historic buildings and archives will be offered, along with cake and refreshments. A short membership meeting will start at 1 p.m. For more information, call the history center at (218) 785-2000.

Tomorrow, starting at 9am, there will be a yard sale at the Group Home in Redby to raise funds for extracurricular resident activities. There will be food available for purchase at starting at 10am. The Group Home is on Green Lake Road in Redby. The group home in Redby offers programs for: alcohol and drug abuse prevention, education, intervention and treatment; Chemical dependency outpatient program; Alcohol rehabilitation program; Indian and Free Drug Prevention and Treatment Program; Pregnant women and families program; Red Lake Group Home - adolescent residential treatment; Northern Winds treatment center; New Roads halfway house.

June 24, 2026

The Bemidji City Council held a discussion about parking during a work session this week, focusing on various topics including calendar parking, technology, infrastructure, and enforcement. City Manager Rich Spiczka highlighted the need for the conversation as residents frequently express concerns about parking rules and availability. Central to the discussion was the concept of calendar parking, particularly during winter months. Some councilors supported the idea of having seasonal enforcement, with one suggesting a cut-off time for vehicles in downtown to help mitigate issues. Others proposed a time limit for vehicle removal that could benefit early morning businesses. Concerns about unclear parking signage and inconsistent enforcement were raised by several councilors. Mayor Jorge Prince suggested that the city could improve its parking regulations and consider investing in technology like electronic payment options. The council plans to continue this discussion in future meetings.

The Leech Lake Tribal Police Department is seeking the public's help in locating Bentley Sherman Gotchie, who was last seen Sunday in Cass Lake at the Leech Lake Days Pow Wow. He was last seen at 6pm Sunday wearing a dark t-shirt and shorts, with a blue backpack. Gotchie is known to frequent Cass Lake, Ball Club, and Bemidji. If you have any information, call the Leech Lake Tribal Police at 218-335-8277.


The Sanford Health Foundation raised nearly $415,000 at its Pours for a Purpose event two weeks ago to improve the Emergency Department at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center. The foundation announced a $1 million donation from retired physician Richard Stennes and his wife, Nilla, leading to the department being renamed the Stennes Emergency Department. According to the press release, Sanford Bemidji serves over 176,000 people and experiences growing demand for emergency care. The enhancement project aims to raise a total of $2.6 million for various improvements, including better behavioral health rooms, security features, new treatment rooms, and upgraded equipment. The foundation will continue its fundraising efforts and welcomes community support at 218-333-5505.

The Nevis School Board has approved its preliminary budget for the next school year, anticipating $10,259,693 in revenue and $10,258,950 in expenditures. Most expenses, about $7.5 million, are for salaries, expected to rise by 4.45%. Non-salary costs will decrease by $21,000. The district lost $170,000 in compensatory revenue due to fewer families submitting lunch forms, as all students now receive free meals. To address this loss, some revenue is gained through direct certifications for families receiving assistance. Projections assume a conservative enrollment of 597 students. The board will partner with nearby districts for a three-year integration plan starting July 1, needed for state aid.

On Monday, we told you about a 11 year old boy, Ninde Lowell Paquette, injured in an ATV accident in Cass Lake. A GoFundMe (https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-nindes-courageous-recovery-journey) page has been set up for the boy, already nearing their $5500 goal. Doctors have informed the family that the boy has suffered paralysis and is not expected to walk again. On Saturday Paquette underwent a 13-hour surgery as a team of doctors worked to stabilize him.

An 80-year-old woman from Grand Forks was hit by a vehicle while in a crosswalk in Walker on Saturday. The driver, a 67-year-old man from Lake Elmo, was driving a pickup truck and struck her while waiting for traffic to clear. The woman, whose name is Ann Porter, suffered non-life threatening injuries and was hospitalized.

Beltrami County Farm Bureau's Ag Day Breakfast will be on Sunday, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Beltrami County Fairgrounds. The menu includes pancakes, berries, ice cream, sausage, ham, coffee, and juice for a donation. There will be activities like a silent auction, farm animals, children's activities, live music, and more. The Summer Swine Showdown starts at 11 a.m.

June 23, 2026

An adult male pedestrian, 65-year-old Floyd Cloud from Bemidji, was struck by a vehicle on Division Street NW on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at around 10:43 PM. He suffered multiple injuries and died at the scene despite lifesaving efforts by emergency responders. The driver, 56-year-old Robert Ortez, also from Bemidji, stayed at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement, showing no signs of impairment. The Minnesota State Patrol is assisting with the crash reconstruction, and an investigation is ongoing.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has added five counties to a ban on deer feeding and attractants to help prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD) after new cases were found in wild deer. The ban aims to reduce deer congregating, which can spread disease. The counties now under the ban include: Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Hubbard, Itasca, and Polk counties, with Clearwater just added to the list. Even outside the ban, the DNR advises against feeding deer and encourages people to improve habitats to support deer in the long term. More information on habitat improvement can be found on the DNR website.

Tomorrow, Clearwater-Polk Electric members will have an outage starting at 9am for about 1.5 hours in the following townships: Jones, Moose Creek, La Prairie, Minerva, Bear Creek, Lake Hattie, Itasca, Rice, Long Lost Lake, and Lake Alice.. This is for substation maintenance. For questions, please call 1-888-694-3833.

Megan Hill, one of the owners of Bemidji Brewing, has an additional job. She has started working as a disaster recovery case manager with the United Way of the Bemidji Area. She is part of a Long-term Storm Recovery Group that includes various community leaders. The group's goal is to identify unmet community needs, prioritize vulnerable households, coordinate resources, and facilitate recovery services. They focus on community-centered decision-making and have arranged training for members, set priorities, and recruited volunteers and donations. Hill's role is to guide families affected by the storm toward necessary resources and support.

Work has begun, and the detour is now in place, along Highway 71 near Hay Creek, just north of Park Rapids. Crews are working to replace a box culvert. The project will improve aging infrastructure and is expected to be complete by August 12, weather permitting. Highway 71 will be closed at Hay Creek. Motorists can expect a detour during construction using Hubbard County roads 40 and 4 as well as Highway 200 and Highway 71. Boat access under the bridge will be closed during construction. Property owners will have access to their homes and businesses during construction. For more information on the project, including a detour map, please visit the project website www.mndot.gov/d2/projects/hwy71-hay-creek.

Red Lake Public Safety has announced a registered sex offender is being released. Michael Wayne Needham is 39 years old, and was convicted of interfering with privacy, by using a device to photograph or record intimate body parts. Needham is not wanted by Red Lake Law Enforcement and has served the sentence imposed on him by the Court. Information in this release is being given to educate the public, and not to alarm the public. With any questions about this case, call Red Lake Public Safety at 218-679-3313.

New statistics from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development shows that 885 in Beltrami County live in subsidized housing in Beltrami County. That's 1.9% of the population. Federally subsidized rental housing began with 1937’s US Housing Act, which created the United States Housing Authority and provided financial assistance to state and local governments for housing low-income people. The Minnesota average county has 2.8% in subsidized housing. Clearwater has 1.4%, Hubbard 1.9%, Cass 0.9%, Itasca is 2.3%, Polk County has 4.8%, which is the second-highest percentage in the state, only behind Ramsey County, which is St. Paul. Thirty-eight-percent of households with subsidies earned between $10,000 and $15,000 in annual income. To qualify for subsidized housing in Beltrami County, your household income generally must fall at or below 50% to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with the exact limits scale directly with your household size. For a single person, the Very-Low Income Limit is $32,600, for two people, it's $37,250, and for a family of four, it's $46,550.