Latest News From Minnesota Daily News Dot Com

June 16, 2026

The Beltrami County Board will meet tonight in regular session. One of the few items on the agenda tonight is whether or not to collect probation fees in felony cases from adult clients. The County already collects probation fees for misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases, but the State collected the fees on felony cases. The State is no longer collecting these fees, opening the door for Beltrami County to collect them. The County Board meets at 5pm at the County Administration Building.

Bemidji Mayor Jorge Prince received the Tommy Longo Disaster Leadership Award for his work in the recovery following the June 21 storm. This award, given by the nonprofit LeadersLink, recognizes city and county leaders who manage weather crises. Prince emphasized that recovery efforts involved many people, including emergency services and community volunteers. He believes the award should be shared with the entire community. The selection panel praised Prince for his exceptional leadership during the storm, which caused significant damage in Bemidji. He was presented the award at last night's City Council meeting.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public input on new special fishing regulation proposals for the 2027 fishing season. Each year, the DNR reviews fishing regulations and considers changes based on their effectiveness. The current proposals include new or adjusted regulations for various fish species in specific lakes, such as sunfish at Hovde Lake, northern pike at Pine Lake, both in Cass County. Notifications about these proposed changes have been posted at the lake accesses. The DNR encourages feedback through an online platform.

The Red Lake IHS Hospital will hold an event on Thursday to honor Rainbow Babies. The event, at the front entrance on Thursday, runs from 3:00pm-5:00pm. All are welcome to participate in decorating the Healing Garden with flowers, memorial rocks, or tobacco ties. Kids crafts will also be available to take home. A rainbow baby is a child born after a family has experienced the loss of a previous baby due to miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death. The rainbow represents hope and healing following the storm of grief after a loss.

MnDOT has started a public comment period for its Greater Minnesota Transit Plan, which aims to update transit policies, assess mobility needs, and set goals for public transit. This plan builds on past initiatives to develop comprehensive transit strategies. Minnesota is noted for its transportation, largely due to good transit access. MnDOT collaborates with 39 public transit systems in Greater Minnesota to provide transit services across 80 counties, offering over 7.5 million rides each year. The plan's goals include updating transit policies, increasing access for all, establishing equitable mobility strategies, and developing metrics for transit systems.

Over the weekend at White Oak Casino, a commemorative monument was unveiled for the 50th anniversary of Bryan v. Itasca County, honoring Helen Jean “Charwood” Bryan. Her case affirmed tribal sovereignty and impacted tribal self-governance and Indian gaming in the US. A commemorative monument was unveiled near the front of the casino.

June 15, 2026

Several construction workers at the Villas at Vista North in Bemidji were arrested on Thursday by U-S Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, causing concern among residents. A local resident noticed several workers running between houses and saw multiple ICE vehicles and officers at the scene. A neighbor called 911, unsure of what was happening. According to the Bemidji Pioneer, Minnesota Rep. Bidal Duran confirmed the incident, stating it was a targeted operation with ICE looking for specific individuals with immigration violations. He mentioned that they had apprehended those they intended to arrest but did not specify how many were detained. Bemidji Mayor Jorge Prince confirmed that the Bemidji Police Department was not involved in the ICE operation, which was strictly federal. Beltrami County Sheriff Jason Riggs told us Friday morning that he was notified of the the ICE presence a few days before they came to town, and he reiterated that immigration violations are strictly a Federal offense, and local authorities will never be a part of those efforts since there is no state or local law that has been broken, only, a federal law. For more with Sheriff Riggs, log on to Paskvan Podcast on YouTube.

Blackduck is shutting down its Police Department after over a century of service, following a unanimous council vote. The city, home to 800 residents, had limited police resources, featuring only a part-time chief and one officer. This decision is part of a wider trend in Minnesota, where about 40 police agencies have closed since 2016, particularly in rural areas struggling to attract and retain officers due to low wages and a lack of applicants. Many small towns are now relying on county sheriff’s offices for police coverage.

Three women from Minneapolis were rescued after their boat drifted away while they swam in Steamboat Lake due to strong winds on Thursday afternoon. The Cass County Sheriff’s office received a call at 12:47 p.m. about people unaccounted for in the water. A tired woman from the group arrived at a resort, reporting that she and two others were in the lake after their boat had blown away. While resort guests and a fisherman searched, they found the two women in the water and brought them to safety. The three women, ages 23, 25, and 28, received first aid for minor injuries. Sheriff Welk praised the quick response of those who helped.

Red Lake Nation has announced dates of their upcoming Run-Off Election. Absentee balloting begins today, with the election on July 15th. Races on the run-off ballot include Tribal Chairman between Darrell Seki Sr. and Floyd Buck Jourdain. Red Lake Representative with Clem May Sr. and David Desjarlait. Little Rock Representative between Lisa Beaulieu and Michelle Barrett-Cobenais. Ponemah Representative between Eugene Standingcloud and Delwyn Holthusen Jr. With questions about the run-off, call 218-679-3341.

The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe is aware that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been operating within Beltrami County. The Band says, "ICE has mistakenly detained Tribal Members in the past and has, at times, used dangerous detainment practices. Tribal Members are advised to use caution, carry their Leech Lake Tribal Identification, and remain aware of their rights. Leech Lake is currently working through the Leech Lake Police Department in coordination with Beltrami County to consult with ICE. This effort is intended to help ensure the safety and security of our Tribal Members. If you believe your rights have been violated as a result of unlawful detainment, please contact the Leech Lake Police Department at 218-335-8277". Meanwhile, Red Lake Nation signed a resolution prohibiting ICE from entering the Reservation if they do not have a specific court order signed by a judge, and that ICE must meet with the Director of Public Safety to provide the court order prior to coming onto the Reservation.

June 12, 2026

Leech Lake Band members voted for a secretary-treasurer and a District 1 representative in the Ball Club area this week, part of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribal General Election. Cindy Jackson Kingbird won the secretary-treasurer position with 811 votes (52.59%), defeating Michael Reyes. Jonathan White defeated incumbent Kyle Fairbanks for District 1 representative, receiving 281 votes (56.54%). Voting also took place for the tribal housing authority, with winners: Brenda White, Miguel Reyes, and Don Headbird Sr. Meanwhile, White Earth Band members voted for new leaders. Jacob McArthur defeated Michael LaRoque for secretary-treasurer with 1,065 votes to 664. Henry G. Fox won reelection for District 1 with 198 votes. Alrick Accobee won District 2, receiving 470 votes against 235.

On Tuesday, June 16th and Wednesday June 24th, some Clearwater-Polk Electric members will experience an outage starting at 9am for about 1.5 hours on both days located in the following townships: Jones, Moose Creek, La Prairie, Minerva, Bear Creek, Lake Hattie, Itasca, Rice, Long Lost Lake, and Lake Alice. This is a planned outage for substation maintenance. For questions, please call Clearwater-Polk Electric at 888-694-3833.

On Wednesday, at about 10:38am, the Bemidji Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Spirit Ave NW in Wilton. Firefighters found smoke coming from a second-story window of a two-story multi-family building. They quickly used two lines to put out the fire. Thirty firefighters and eleven pieces of equipment worked on the scene for around 2 1/2 hours. The involved apartment had severe damage, while the rest of the building had moderate damage. No injuries were reported, and the fire is believed to be accidental. North Country First Responders, Bemidji Ambulance Service, Beltrami County Sheriff's Office, Ottertail Power Company, and Red Lake Housing assisted the Bemidji Fire Department at the scene.

Pinnacle Marketing Group has acquired Evolve Creative, a marketing agency in Bemidji, Minnesota. This move will enhance both companies' capabilities and client services throughout northern Minnesota. Shelly Geerdes, CEO of Pinnacle, emphasized that the acquisition will combine expertise and create growth opportunities. Evolve Creative, with over 20 years of experience, is known for its strategic marketing and website development. Both agencies will maintain their current brands while exploring collaboration and future growth to better serve clients and communities.

The Knights of Columbus Walleye Classic is an annual fishing tournament in Bemidji, held on Lake Bemidji and Lake Irving. Held tomorrow, it also includes family activities, and an awards ceremony, with proceeds supporting local charities. The tournament starts at 7:00 a.m. with a Catch-Photo-Release format and offers over $48,000 in cash and prizes. A community celebration features a free public party with food, games, and a "Top 10 Team" Boat Parade, which will be held at the Sanford Center. Additionally, there is an annual raffle for a boat package. The event has raised over $1.2 million for various local organizations over 25 years.

Two men found a missing woman who had been stuck in mud for three days. Adam Sandbeck noticed her body in a puddle next to her van and, when she asked for help, he and Mike Gravalin helped to rescue her. This all happened just east of Park Rapids. Sandbeck filmed rescue crews as they arrived to assist the 68-year-old woman, who was badly sunburned after falling into mud that felt like quicksand. She had gotten out of her stuck van on a trail where the men had never ridden before. The woman was about 100 miles from home, and police are investigating why she was there.

June 11, 2026

On Tuesday, at 9:11 PM, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call about a motorcycle crash on County Road 1 near Pillager Lake in Sylvan Township, Minnesota. A motorcycle hit a deer, which ejected the 40-year-old male driver from Pequot Lakes and caused the bike to crash. He received emergency treatment and was airlifted to a hospital for serious injuries. Pillager Fire and Rescue, North Memorial Ambulance, and Life Link assisted at the scene.

The Nevis City Council voted 4-0 to fly Minnesota’s previous flag design within city limits after a successful petition. John Nicklawsky and Marv Vredenburg presented the petition at the council's May meeting, requesting the return of the flag used from 1983-2023, which they argued symbolized unity and pride. The petition criticized the new state flag design from 2024 for lacking historical significance and noted that residents hadn't been consulted before its adoption. At the council's June 8 meeting, after gathering enough local signatures, the motion to display the old flag in Muskie Park was made and supported. Also at the Council meeting, it was discussed to add temporary speed bumps on city streets around the school athletic fields to help reduce speed. The cost would be around $200 per speed bump. The motion was tabled as the city plans to ask the school to pay for half the cost.

Those traveling this weekend to the Boundary Waters should be alerted that even with some rain the last two days, campfires and charcoal grills are banned in the BWCA through the end of the month. Gas or propane grills are allowed. The ban will stay in place until at least the end of June.

The Mahnomen County Sheriff's Office arrested two men near a stolen vehicle on Monday. Deputies found the vehicle at a residence by Roy Lake and saw two suspects. One fled but was caught, while the other was arrested near the vehicle. Officers took 11.7 grams of meth, drug paraphernalia, $4,177 in cash, and a semi-automatic rifle. Darius Barnes, 28, and Alejandro Sanchez, 23, were booked into a corrections facility.

Red Lake Community Health Services will have a grand reopening on Monday, June 15, from 1 to 4 p.m. at 705 5th St. NW, Suite A2. The event will include a ribbon-cutting at 1:30 p.m. and showcase a mobile crisis medical unit and a mural by artist Kent Estey. The mural is created to welcome Indigenous clients and partners to the new space. The event will also feature performances by Mitch Walking Elk, Keveon Kingbird, and the Battle River Singers, along with a raffle to support cancer patients. Redbears Frybread will provide food.

Plans are underway for America's 250th Birthday next month. The Bemidji Jaycees 82nd annual Water Carnival is July 1st-5th, with fireworks on the 4th. Other fireworks shows in the area include: Walker, Bagley, Park Rapids, Cass Lake, and Grand Rapids. Most of these towns pay for fireworks displays via donations. Donations for next year are still being collected. Park Rapids announced last week that they are over 50% of the way to their goal for next year.

The Hubbard County Coalition of Lake Associations (COLA) met to learn about native and invasive mussels from Ingrid Bey, a member of the Minnesota’s AIS Research Center Advisory Committee. Bey described 14 native mussel species, highlighting their size, diversity, and unique names. She explained that native mussels begin as larvae and need to attach to host fish to survive. Bey noted that freshwater mussels face serious threats from historical harvesting, changes to river systems, and invasive species, especially zebra mussels. She discussed measures being taken by AIS Research Center to combat the spread of zebra mussels, including a new antifouling coating and projects like Zebra Mussel Safari and genomic surveillance to track infestations. Lake Riley will receive statewide treatment for zebra mussels starting this summer.

June 10, 2026

An 18-year-old named Elias Harper is facing felony assault charges after an incident with a sheriff’s deputy, Michael Cowan, on May 4 in Max, Minnesota. Harper, who did not show up in court, has a long criminal record and was being arrested for an outstanding warrant. While attempting to arrest Harper, Cowan noted that Harper was unpredictable and initially complied before resisting, leading to a struggle. During the confrontation, Cowan’s firearm discharged, injuring him in the thigh. There is conflicting information about how the gun fired. Harper denies wrongdoing, claiming the gun misfired, while Cowan disagrees. Another deputy later used a Taser on Harper to subdue him. Harper is currently in jail, facing multiple charges. Max is 28 miles northwest of Deer River.

A man is in the hospital, and a 22-year-old suspect is in custody following a shooting in Fosston, on Monday afternoon. Police responded to a disturbance report around 3:20 p.m. and found a man shot inside an apartment. He was taken to the hospital in serious condition. Officers arrested the suspect at the scene. Officials indicate there is no ongoing danger to the public, and the Fosston Police Department is investigating the incident.

A two-vehicle accident happened Monday afternoon at the intersection of westbound Hwy 2 and Centerline Rd in Bemidji. At about 4:47 p.m., a 2008 Dodge Ram, turning left, collided with a 2020 Buick Encore traveling east. The 78-year-old Buick driver from Solway suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to Sanford Hospital. The 24-year-old Dodge Ram driver from Bemidji was unhurt. Preliminary findings indicated alcohol involvement for the Buick driver.

Indivisible Bemidji will hold a "We the People" Flag Day rally at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, by the Paul and Babe statues. Everyone is invited to join and is encouraged to bring an American flag to show support for the U-S Constitution. The rally emphasizes that the government’s authority comes from its citizens, not from a king or elite group. It highlights the need for active participation, respect for legal institutions, and protection of civil liberties. Donations will also be collected for the Bemidji Community Food Shelf.

Devin J. Gorski announced his candidacy for Itasca County Attorney, highlighting his courtroom experience and commitment to public safety. He aims for common-sense prosecution, legal efficiency, and youth education on laws and consequences. Currently an Assistant Itasca County Attorney, Gorski has worked as an Assistant Public Defender, representing clients in various legal cases.

Sanford Health of Bemidji will hold its annual Native Americans with Stethoscopes health care career exploration event on Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center. This free event is for students in grades 7-12 to learn about health care careers through hands-on activities. Registration is required at tinyurl.com/sanfordbemidjistethoscopes. For more information, contact Hannah Johnson at hannah. johnson@sanfordhealth.org or (218) 333-4544.

The Friends of Lake Bemidji State Park invite the public to their meetings at 11 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month, which is tomorrow, at the visitor center. For more information, call the state park at (218) 308-2300.