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[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-31T02:48:06 | null | 2016-08-30T19:24:02 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4104955-tenth-annual-runwalkskate-suicide-prevention-set-sept-10.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Tenth annual Run/Walk/Skate for Suicide Prevention set for Sept. 10 | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BEMIDJI -- The 10th annual Run/Walk/Skate for Suicide Prevention will be held at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 10 at at the Sanford Center in Bemidji.
Registration will begin at 8 a.m. The Run/Walk/Skate for Suicide Prevention is an awareness event held annually in observance of National Suicide Prevention Week. Proceeds raised will be used by the Beltrami County Suicide Prevention Program of Evergreen Youth & Family Services in Bemidji to educate area communities on suicide prevention.
Registration is now open and can be accessed online at www.bemidjirunwalkskate.org. Cost is $25. Individuals and teams choosing to collect pledges will have registration fees waived. T-Shirts
guaranteed for those that pre-register.
A special event called the “Gathering of Hearts” will be held on Sept. 9 at the Lakefront Rotary Pavilion by Paul near Babe in Bemidji.
For more information contact, Stephanie Downey at (218) 441- 4565 or sdowney@evergreenyfs.org. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4104955-tenth-annual-runwalkskate-suicide-prevention-set-sept-10 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/7b4a0da9d3dc1778be34d7134c70a920186746e1a481b112c450e3247b981c17.json |
[
"Dave Olson",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-30T08:48:35 | null | 2016-08-30T01:21:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2F4104235-small-minn-town-cleaning-downed-trees-power-lines-following-night-powerful.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0829/083916.n.ff.storms.01.jpeg?itok=i1o-vVjO | en | null | Small Minn. town cleaning up downed trees, power lines following night of powerful storms | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Residents of Gary, Minn., worked Monday morning, Aug. 29, to clear trees downed by powerful storms Sunday night. Karie Kirschbaum Special to The Forum
GARY, Minn. -- Residents were cleaning up here Monday morning, Aug. 29, following a night of stormy weather that left many trees down as well as water standing in the streets.
Strong winds also damaged some rooftops, and one home in Gary had its roof largely blown away, said Linda Engen, a resident of Gary, a Norman County town of about 200 people 40 miles northeast of Fargo.
Engen said power was still in the process of being restored to parts of the area following Sunday night’s storm, which she said dropped about 4 inches of rain. She said the rain came on the heels of heavy rains that fell Saturday, Aug. 27.
“Lots of water standing in the streets, just trees down all over,” Engen said.
The mayor of Gary, Karie Kirschbaum, was making checks around town early Monday to assess damage.
“We got hammered,” Kirschbaum said, adding that the storms came in about three waves, with winds reaching about 100 mph at times.
She said power crews were still working to restore power Monday morning, with particular attention being paid to downed lines that presented a danger to pedestrians and drivers.
There were no immediate reports of injuries from the storms that blasted through Polk and Norman counties in northwestern Minnesota Sunday night.
Along with the heavy rains and strong winds, there were reports of tornadoes touching down in Polk and Norman counties.
Jody Beauchane, who handles emergency management for Polk County, said he observed damage at a farmstead near the Polk County/Norman County line that was apparently caused by a tornado touchdown.
He said a barn was knocked down at the farm and other buildings were damaged.
Garry Johanson, emergency management director for Norman County, said many trees in the northern part of the county were knocked down by Sunday’s stormy weather and some spots in the rural part of the county received as much as 10 inches of rain over the weekend.
He said there was evidence of tornadic and strong straight-line winds, with some trees looking like they had been twisted.
Johanson said he was at a farmstead owned by Keith Chisolm in rural Gary when he and others heard sounds coming from a 100-year-old barn that collapsed during the storm.
Inside, they found cattle that had survived the collapse, but were stuck beneath a fallen hayloft.
The animals were ultimately freed, Johanson said. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4104235-small-minn-town-cleaning-downed-trees-power-lines-following-night-powerful | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/cfb0e17b484556c3bf1aea142f7921fa6322586ecdf588dfcd29c0f38df5d0f6.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-27T16:46:59 | null | 2016-08-27T10:01:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4102659-senior-surf-computer-training-classes.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Senior Surf computer training classes | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BEMIDJI -- The Bemidji Public Library will continue to offer free Senior Surf computer training classes, according to a release.
Classes will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, 8 to 10 a.m. Sept. 6 and from 8 to 10 a.m. Sept. 20 at the Bemidji Public Library, 509 America Ave. NW. Space is limited; call (218) 751-3963 to reserve a session.
This event is sponsored by the Land of the Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging, along with the Bemidji Public Library, a branch of the Kitchigami Regional Library System. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4102659-senior-surf-computer-training-classes | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/5fb2d7b4a4282606de8d269047bfb29b4fd5d3ae51faec05006a2b075ab343e0.json |
[
"Matthew Liedke",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-28T00:47:34 | null | 2016-08-27T19:01:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4103161-county-government-making-impact.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | COUNTY GOVERNMENT: Making an impact | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BEMIDJI -- Since welfare reform was enacted in the mid 1990s by President Bill Clinton, Beltrami County has continuously been in compliance when it comes to its workforce obligations.
With the economic needs of the county shifting in recent years, though, county officials decided more needed to be done than just ongoing compliance.
For this reason, the Beltrami County Health and Human Services Department is in a transition process, switching its delivery of workforce training services from a contracted provider to a government operated program.
Up until last year, the county had been providing those services by way of a contract through Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program, Inc., or CEP. The contracted services had been continuous since the 1990s when welfare reform mandated that people could only be on public support for five years.
"Each state had to come up with its own plan. In Minnesota, the plan combined with food support and the Minnesota Family Investment Program was created," said John Pugleasa, divisional director for Economic Assistance at Beltrami County. "There are requirements, including that recipients must be looking for work and receive training to get back into the workforce. Consequently, the counties must provide opportunities for the training."
Through the Minnesota Family Investment Program, the state began providing counties with consolidated funds to support these training initiatives. According to Pugleasa, many counties, including Beltrami County, opted to contract those services.
"For the most part, the relationship with CEP has been really good. They were really great in helping a lot of the counties navigate that historic program change, and helped keep Beltrami County and our clients compliant with the state," Pugleasa said. "But it's one thing for ourselves and our clients to be compliant. What we started asking is, 'Is the intent of those services meeting the intended goal, and are we helping people get off of public assistance and become self sufficient?'"
The misalignment in what Beltrami County needed and what CEP provided likely began to occur with the region’s continued growth in recent years, Pugleasa added.
"Beltrami County is becoming a unique county and a center to a region," he said. "I think changing economics are bringing us to a point where there are businesses in the community and region that are saying 'we need more qualified staff.' Meanwhile, we have hundreds of people out of the workforce, and we're having a hard time getting the two to meet."
As a result, county leadership began seeking competition to bring into the equation, and sent out a request for proposals. However, officials never received competitive proposals from anyone other than CEP.
"CEP has been a good and solid partner for many years. They provide these services in 18 or 19 counties in Minnesota, but we were asking for something different from what they provide," Pugleasa said. "So starting last summer, the (Beltrami) county board (of Commissioners) decided that if they can't buy what they're looking for, they'll have to build it."
A new model
Once the decision was made to create a new county program, Pugleasa said an extensive research project took place, with officials reviewing practices across the nation while also visiting 13 other counties and meeting with providers. Additionally, he said, meetings were held with employers across multiple industries, as well as BSU and NTC.
"All of that led us to the design of Workforce Impact. It's going to be dual customer approach system, as the best programs in the nation work hard to meet the needs of the participants, as well as regional employers," Pugleasa said. "We see it more than a public assistance program. It's about finding talent, it's about workforce development and economic development."
According to Beltrami County Administrator Kay Mack, Workforce Impact will start Jan. 1 and the county will continue utilizing funds from the Minnesota Family Investment Program to pay for it.
Once in operation, Workforce Impact will have a staff including a supervising manager, two business account representatives, four navigation case managers and one case aide. Mack said while some of the staff will work directly with program applicants, others will focus on meeting with employers to learn of local business needs.
Another difference with the new program is the location, as Workforce Impact will be headquartered in Northwest Technical College.
"We're going to co-locate at NTC. NTC needs students, and we can put several hundred on their campus each year," Pugleasa said. "We believe that an educational environment is more conducive to the types of things people need to do to make this transition than a welfare office."
For the most part, Pugleasa said the training and curriculum for participants has been put together. The next step for the Health and Human Services Department is to create a transition for current participants who began with the contracted services and will end with a county run program.
The county board, meanwhile, took the first hiring steps for the new program at its Aug. 16 meeting, authorizing the Health and Human Services Department to hire a manager position. Mack said the position will earn salary of $55,300, a pay grade reviewed by Springsted Inc.
Additionally, the commissioners also approved contracts for two consultants, Kathy Carney and Ellen Boyd, to help the county's transition process. Both contracts, also funded by the Family Investment Program, were accepted with a price not to exceed $11,000. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4103161-county-government-making-impact | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/616ccab64c9f672adcc22be045abdadc8a02ffb582b1b387acc6c823560a37d9.json |
[
"Micah Friez",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-28T00:47:24 | null | 2016-08-27T18:13:07 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fsports%2Flumberjacks%2F4103172-girls-soccer-bemidji-squeaks-past-cathedral-1-0-photo-gallery.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0827/082816.s.bp.bhsgsoc1-web.jpg?itok=SxA6GN5e | en | null | GIRLS SOCCER: Bemidji squeaks past Cathedral, 1-0 (PHOTO GALLERY) | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Bemidji’s Jacie Lalli(14) controls the soccer ball during a game Saturday against St. Cloud Cathedral held at Chet Anderson Stadium on the BSU campus. (Maggi Stivers | Bemidji Pioneer)
BHS freshman Katie Alto (19) works to steal the soccer ball from a St. Cloud Cathedral player during a game Saturday held at Chet Anderson Stadium on the BSU campus. (Maggi Stivers | Bemidji Pioneer)
Bemidji’s Harper Toward (8) runs with the soccer ball during a game Saturday against St. Cloud Cathedral held at Chet Anderson Stadium on the BSU campus. (Maggi Stivers | Bemidji Pioneer)
Bemidji High School senior Rachael Holm (16) controls the soccer ball during a game Saturday against St. Cloud Cathedral held at Chet Anderson Stadium on the BSU campus. (Maggi Stivers | Bemidji Pioneer)
Bemidji’s Kinley Prestegard (left) battles with a St. Cloud Cathedral player in the corner of the field during a game Saturday held at Chet Anderson Stadium on the BSU campus. (Maggi Stivers | Bemidji Pioneer)
Bemidji High School senior Lydia Bitter (22) controls the ball during a game against St. Cloud Cathedral on Saturday at BSU’s Chet Anderson Stadium. Bitter scored the only goal in the Lumberjacks slim 1-0 victory. (Maggi Stivers | Bemidji Pioneer)
BEMIDJI — In a game that featured plenty of close-range, high-chance scoring opportunities for the Bemidji High School girls soccer team, it was only fitting that the winning strike came from 40 yards out.
Lydia Bitter’s deep free kick found the back of the net in the 73rd minute, giving the Lumberjacks (2-0) a slim 1-0 victory over St. Cloud Cathedral on Saturday at Bemidji State’s Chet Anderson Stadium.
The winner came after a “very frustrating” start, according to head coach Logan Larsen, in which Bemidji dominated both possession and field position, but couldn’t capitalize with a goal.
The first real chance for the Jacks came midway through the opening half, in which Isabelle Morin got a takeaway in the box, but she just missed the top-right corner of the net, harmlessly resulting in a goal kick.
Though Bemidji continued to attack, the Crusader defense held firm, either blocking close-range shots before getting to net or preventing BHS from getting a shot off altogether. Despite playing on their heels, St. Cloud Cathedral found a way to reach the half at a 0-0 tie.
After the break, the Lumberjacks had even better looks for a goal. An early cross into the box almost resulted in a quality shot, but instead it was blocked by the Crusader defense, and then the counter-attack was on.
Anika Wirth had a breakaway, with only Bemidji goalkeeper Laura Bieberdorf standing in her way of a goal. But Bieberdorf held her ground, then charged at just the right moment, diving for the ball before Wirth could even get a shot off.
“She’s great, but still extremely smart,” said Larsen of his keeper. “She’s not afraid to make that move and call for it. We have a very large amount of confidence in her.”
Having survived the scare, the Jacks looked to be in control to finally jump ahead. Bitter found a window with 24 minutes to go in the match, and she fired low and hard into the bottom corner. Crusaders keeper Toni Baynes got to it, but only to deflect it away. The ball trickled to the far post, bounced off, and all but went in the net.
Having so many chances, Bemidji had still been blanked on the scoreboard.
It all changed in the 73rd minute — and at the unlikeliest of times. Bitter stood 40 yards out, looking to get a cross into the box on a free kick. Instead, her high-lofted ball caught the keeper off balance, flying just over her extended hand and into the back of the net.
“I just couldn’t believe it,” Larsen said. “We had created so many chances and this, the long shot — we had been trying to work on creating a finesse opportunity — and that’s how we score? It contradicts some of what I’ve said, but I don’t mind it at all.”
The Lumberjacks successfully held off a last-minute effort by the Crusaders for an equalizer, and Bemidji earned the 1-0 win in the most improbable way.
“Even though it’s frustrating to have so many opportunities and not score, it’s a starting point that we can work with to give us guidance for the future,” Larsen said. “It’s an alright place to start for this season, and it gives us something to work on and practice.”
The Jacks return to the pitch at 5 p.m. on Thursday to take on Detroit Lakes at the Bemidji Middle School. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sports/lumberjacks/4103172-girls-soccer-bemidji-squeaks-past-cathedral-1-0-photo-gallery | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/624f75306ab480dae2d289fdacaa2bf6fe17dde1394ed35b22190fe0d672bac4.json |
[
"Archie Ingersoll",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-28T06:49:18 | null | 2016-08-28T01:00:03 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2F4103170-moorhead-police-new-synthetic-opioid-u-47700-may-have-played-role-apparent.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Moorhead police: New synthetic opioid U-47700 may have played role in apparent overdose death | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | MOORHEAD, Minn. – Like a lot of people, Will and Kristi Sauvageau had never heard of U-47700. They had no idea that it’s a synthetic opioid eight times more powerful than morphine. They weren’t aware that it’s made in foreign labs and sold over the internet.
And they didn’t know their 26-year-old son, Adam, was mixed up with it. Only after he was found dead at his north Moorhead home did they learn about U-47700.
“This is a scary drug,” said Lt. Brad Penas of the Moorhead Police Department. “This is not a drug that’s necessarily new to the United States, but it’s maybe new to our area.”
Penas said Adam Sauvageau died from an apparent drug overdose earlier this month. Based on evidence gathered, investigators suspect that U-47700 played a role in his death, but they won’t know for sure until they receive autopsy results, the lieutenant said.
Police are trying to figure out where the U-47700 in this case originated, and they want to determine who’s selling this powdery drug that can be injected, snorted or taken orally.
“I would guess the product’s coming from overseas. I would suspect China,” Penas said. “Typically, this kind of drug is mail order.”
Other law enforcement agencies in the Fargo-Moorhead area say they have not come across U-47700, but they have encountered other synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl and its analog, furanyl fentanyl.
‘That stupid stuff’
Born in Perham, Minn., Sauvageau lived in Glyndon, Minn., before moving to Moorhead when he was about 5 years old. His parents, who are divorced, described him as a smart kid with a sense of humor and a bunch of friends.
“He liked his catfishing, liked his motorcycles,” his mom said. “He just had a problem with that stupid stuff.”
Sauvageau attended Moorhead public schools, and his parents believe he got hooked on drugs while in high school after he began hanging out with a different crowd. His dad assumes Adam started out using prescription drugs, but what led up to his opioid use isn’t clear.
Sometime after graduating from Moorhead High School, Sauvageau received outpatient treatment at Prairie St. John’s Hospital in Fargo and later in Brainerd.
“I thought he was clean for a while, and he was doing really good,” his father said. “Temptation must have got to him.”
His parents said they occasionally tried talking to him about his addiction, but it was a difficult subject to broach. “He said he just suffered all the time, basically. He’d be happy on the outside, but (on) the inside, he just couldn’t beat it,” his father said.
His mother lamented the shortage of local treatment options for people with opioid addictions. She said she would sometimes ask her son about getting help, and he would try to reassure her.
“I’m taking care of it, Mom,” he would say. “I’m taking care of it.”
‘To bury their child’
Opioids like heroin and fentanyl have taken a toll on the Fargo-Moorhead region this year, resulting in scores of hospitalizations and about a dozen fatal overdoses. Sauvageau’s death is the first that appears connected to U-47700.
The drug, which sells for about $40 a gram online, has been linked to at least 50 deaths nationwide, The Associated Press reported in June. It’s one of a variety of potent synthetic opioids that have popped up around the country. An extreme example is carfentanil, a drug sold commercially as a sedative for elephants.
Because new versions of these drugs are quickly produced and distributed, state and federal officials have scrambled to regulate them.
The Drug Enforcement Administration is in the process of evaluating U-47700, but in the meantime, it’s taken emergency action to outlaw the drug nationwide, said Kenneth Solek, assistant special agent in charge of the Minneapolis-St. Paul district office.
Sauvageau was a cook at the Brickhouse Tavern in Moorhead, and he had been living with his father. On the afternoon of Aug. 12, his dad came home to find a message on the answering machine that said his son had not shown up for work.
“So I went downstairs to wake him up about 2 o’clock,” his father said. “He was already dead.”
A little over two months before, Sauvageau had suffered his first drug overdose, presumably from opioid use, his mom said. Afterward, she told him, “A parent is not supposed to bury their child.”
Sauvageau’s response was nonchalant. “He just kind of, like, shrugged it off,” she said. “He was using too much again.”
This weekend, Sauvageau’s family plans to spread his ashes along the banks of the Red River in Gooseberry Mound Park where he spent hours upon hours catfishing.
“He had his best times there, I think,” his dad said. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4103170-moorhead-police-new-synthetic-opioid-u-47700-may-have-played-role-apparent | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/ef4cf9e26f18e6d8fb53a4780e85efb845d182095adc09ae08299146eaa2645d.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-30T02:48:12 | null | 2016-08-29T20:01:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4104141-law-enforcement-scholarship-program-underway.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0829/download.jpg?itok=VIJP5ibj | en | null | Law Enforcement Scholarship Program underway | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Hodapp announced that the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association Board of Directors has established a scholarship fund to award up to 15 $600 scholarships for this academic year. The MSA gives special recognition to the financial needs of students attending the peace officer skills course, or one of the two- or four-year law enforcement degree colleges, according to a release.
Scholarship awards will be announced by Dec. 30. Application forms and a statement of procedures are available at the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office. Scholarships are only available to students currently enrolled in one of the following three categories: mandated POST Skills Program, in their second year of a two-year law enforcement program or in their third or fourth year of a four-year college criminal justice program.
Students also can obtain scholarship application forms online at www.mnsheriffs.org . | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4104141-law-enforcement-scholarship-program-underway | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/a35ddcacc1e005506059881d1bfe02ce40705aaa9a37240a23f65c10ef604d90.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-30T12:48:17 | null | 2016-08-30T07:21:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4104105-benefit-concert-planned-parenthood-tuesday.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0829/planned-parenthood-logo.jpg?itok=DiCo3iAm | en | null | Benefit concert for Planned Parenthood Tuesday | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BEMIDJI -- A benefit concert for the Bemidji chapter of Planned Parenthood will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday on the outdoor stage in front of the old Beltrami County building. Adam Steele will be performing on the 12-string acoustic guitar. A freewill offering will be collected. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4104105-benefit-concert-planned-parenthood-tuesday | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/6442eca0d390a02c29bdbfa524071219c089305a748951f0ab342597c3e54c9b.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-27T14:46:58 | null | 2016-08-27T09:01:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4102658-music-senior-activity-center.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Music at Senior Activity Center | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BEMIDJI -- Classic Country will be playing from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Bemidji Senior Activity Center, 216 Third St. NW. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4102658-music-senior-activity-center | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/28d7e29c3e7c5399ea0465040e1ff911d94ba9d76ec3fa43467338f75cc29edc.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-30T04:48:44 | null | 2016-08-29T22:30:32 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fsports%2F4104399-amateur-baseball-blue-ox-beat-st-martin-class-c-state-tourney-opener.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | AMATEUR BASEBALL: Blue Ox beat St. Martin in Class C state tourney opener | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | DASSEL — The Bemidji Blue Ox amateur baseball team started slowly in its Minnesota Class C state tournament game with the St. Martin Martins on Sunday in Dassel.
But the Blue Ox broke the game open late with a couple home runs, allowing them to win 11-5 and advance to the next round.
“Throughout the whole game the entire lineup was hitting the ball hard but not finding holes,” head coach Matt Baier said. “We kept on them and the hard hit balls eventually found gaps.”
The Martins (15-7) led 5-4 in the top of the sixth inning, but the Blue Ox (24-1) re-took the lead with a big bottom half of the inning.
Connor McNallan and Cody Rutledge both homered for the Blue Ox to make it 8-5.
Bemidji then sealed the deal with a three-run home run by Nick Hovila in the eighth inning.
Blue Ox starting pitcher Brenden Gillies threw a complete-game gem to earn the win.
“Gillies gave a tremendous effort on the mound, going the distance with the complete game 15-strikeout performance,” Baier said. “St. Martin kept pressure but he always answered back to shut the door.”
The Blue Ox, who had a bye in the first round, advance to next week’s round-of-16 with the win.
Bemidji will take on Nisswa — who survived for a 4-3 extra-inning win over Minnesota Lake — at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Dassel.
The winner advances to Sunday’s 11 a.m. quarterfinal, also in Dassel.
The semifinals will be Sunday afternoon in Hutchinson with the final to take place Monday, Sept. 5 in Dassel.
Bemidji Blue Ox 11, St. Martin Martins 5
St. Martin 100 031 000 — 5-8-1
Bemidji 000 224 030 —11-13-3
ST. MARTIN — Kyle Lieser 0-1 R-2 B HBP-3 SB, Bryan Schlangen 3-4 R RBI SAC SB, Taylor Holthaus 1-5 R RBi-2, Jordan Moscho 0-4 SAC, Jared Overman 0-3 RBI BB SAC, Michael Schangen 3-5, Matthew Schlangen 0-3 R BB; LP-Patrick Courtney IP-1 H-3 R-4 ER-4 BB-0 SO-0, ST-Ben Schroeder IP-6 H-8 R-4 ER-4 BB-1 SO-3, Jaylin Arceneau IP-2 H-2 R-3 ER-3 BB-1 SO-1.
BEMIDJI — Connor McNallan 1-4 R HR RBI-2, Nick Hovila 2-4 R-3 HR RBI-3 HBP, Cody Rutledge 2-5 R-2 HR Rbi-2 SB, Zach Braun 2-5, Bazil Zuehlke 1-4 2B RBI-2, Collin Rutledge 1-4 R 2B, Matt Baier 2-4 R-2 2B RBI, Thomas Revering 1-1 BB-2 SAC, Matt Hendricks 1-4 R; WP-Brenden Gillies IP-9 H-7 R-5 ER-4 BB-4 SO-15. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sports/4104399-amateur-baseball-blue-ox-beat-st-martin-class-c-state-tourney-opener | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/853ab6aa50da7b3b261d7faae7fe7c987743247fc43af764b1635ac44c6fbb3f.json |
[
"Don Davis",
"Don Davis Has Been The Forum Communications Minnesota Capitol Bureau Chief Since",
"Covering State Government",
"Politics For Two Dozen Newspapers In The State. Don Also Blogs At",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-31T08:48:09 | null | 2016-08-31T03:42:02 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2F4105102-minnesota-state-fair-celebrates-yellow-ribbon-program-veterans.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0830/083116-n-mcb-fairmilitary-flyby.jpg?itok=WCoZUgMS | en | null | Minnesota State Fair celebrates Yellow Ribbon program for veterans | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Audience members at a Minnesota State Fair military celebration on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2106, enjoy a fly-by of World War II aircraft. (Forum News Service photo by Don Davis)
FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. -- Minnesota leads the country in its Beyond Yellow Ribbon program to help military personnel, veterans and their families, and state leaders used the State Fair to celebrate.
"Companies and communities have shown immense support," Maj. Gen. Rick Nash, Minnesota National Guard's adjutant general, told hundreds gathered at the Minnesota State Fair Tuesday to celebrate the military.
The Yellow Ribbon program provides services to military personnel, with such things as helping reintegrate them back into their communities when returning from a deployment. It also helps families understand what is going on with their military loved ones and provide other services.
More than 290 cities, counties, businesses and nonprofit organizations are involved in Yellow Ribbon.
"The individuals at these cities, counties and companies have taken it upon themselves to identify resources in their community to support our military-connected residents and their families," said Annette Kuyper, Minnesota National Guard director of military outreach.
The Yellow Ribbon State Fair celebration included a flyover by World War II-era P6 and B25 aircraft and speeches by politicians. Carousel Park was full of military-related exhibits.
Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton said that when he was U.S. senator, he helped get the first federal Yellow Ribbon funding with U.S. Rep. John Kline, R-Minn.
In this time of sharp political partisan divides, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar said helping the military has been bipartisan, reminding the audience that Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty helped start the program.
She said that the best way to honor veterans and military personnel is to "treat them with dignity and respect." She said she is working on improving health care at federal Veterans' Administration facilities.
A bill Klobuchar co-wrote would give military medics an easier path to become civilian medical workers when they are discharged. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4105102-minnesota-state-fair-celebrates-yellow-ribbon-program-veterans | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/a500e801d74f6ef57f5d44ef975f0509942e6fcfb5560c724eb1d6ee47906bff.json |
[
"Audrey Zimmerman",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-26T16:47:26 | null | 2016-08-26T10:35:02 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4102301-correction-gabrelcik-retires-not-resigns.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Correction: Gabrelcik retires, not resigns | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | After 27 years, Troy Gabrelcik will retire at the end of the month, at which point Brian Larson will succeed him as chief. The information in last week’s American was incorrect. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4102301-correction-gabrelcik-retires-not-resigns | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/a1b44a28792905ab646b3c6290b8a40787cff16c3f34d4af23dc41560c59bdaf.json |
[
"Don Davis",
"Don Davis Has Been The Forum Communications Minnesota Capitol Bureau Chief Since",
"Covering State Government",
"Politics For Two Dozen Newspapers In The State. Don Also Blogs At",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-31T08:49:10 | null | 2016-08-31T03:21:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2F4105099-dayton-wants-minnesotans-take-clean-water-pledge.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0830/083116-n-mcb-fairwaterpledge-drink.jpg?itok=3OrCWjPM | en | null | Dayton wants Minnesotans to take clean water pledge | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Taking a drink of what he said was clean Minnesota water, Gov. Mark Dayton launches a drive to get people to sign a pledge to protect the state's water on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016. (Forum News Service photo by Don Davis)
"Good Minnesota clean water..." he declared after drinking from a blue bottle at the Minnesota State Fair. "May we always keep it available."
Dayton then asked every Minnesotan to take a pledge to care for the state's water.
"It is something we can no longer take for granted," he said in front of the Department of Natural Resources' fair fish pond.
Pollution Control Commissioner John Linc Stine said just 2 percent of Minnesota's water comes from outside the state, so no one is to blame but its residents for the 40 percent of watersheds that fail to meet water standards.
Health Commissioner Dr. Ed Ehlinger said that not only is clean water safe, but it also helps create a better economy.
And Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson encouraged landowners to "plant cover crops and buffer strips" to help clean up water by reducing runoff.
Dayton is leading a year-long charge to improve the state's water after Stine's department issued reports showing poor water quality in many parts of the state, but especially the southwest where farming is intense.
The pledge Dayton wants Minnesotans to take reads:
"I know that water is critical to my life. Because water is so critical, I vow to be a good steward of our water.
"I today take the Minnesota Water Stewardship Pledge to affirm my commitment to:
"Rethink how water impacts my life, and the lives of future generations.
"Use water efficiently and wisely in my everyday activities.
"Learn more about what people can do to protect and preserve water.
"Factor water use efficiency and protection into the choices as a consumer.
"Talk to others about clean water protection and preservation." | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4105099-dayton-wants-minnesotans-take-clean-water-pledge | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/2f05c5815238b9a8a9c94eb7fe881eddb47d9654ef1bc8695fc589adf27976a4.json |
[
"Jon Collins",
"Mpr News Fm",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-29T22:48:11 | null | 2016-08-29T16:35:58 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2F4104071-serial-style-podcast-take-deep-look-wetterling-investigation.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0829/0b9icsrgvo88ir3zpz3zcbjvyqmc.jpg?itok=kEhHjELT | en | null | 'Serial'-style podcast to take deep look at Wetterling investigation | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | A large print shows one of the new billboards to be installed in the search for Jacob Wetterling. Six of the billboards will be placed near where he was abducted in 1989. Dave Schwarz, St. Cloud Times
American Public Media will launch an investigative podcast next month looking at the disappearance of Jacob Wetterling, the 11-year-old boy abducted from his hometown of St. Joseph, Minn., almost 27 years ago.
Wetterling was taken by a masked gunman on Oct. 22, 1989. A friend and younger brother say the three were bicycling home after renting a video when a man came down a driveway and ordered them to lie on the ground. The other two boys were told to run away and not look back or they'd be shot.
The podcast, called In the Dark, is led by reporter Madeleine Baran, who won a Peabody Award for her reporting on clergy sexual abuse in Minnesota. The name of the podcast refers to the crime itself, Baran said, but also to the lack of transparency around the decades-long investigation.
"So it has these two senses," Baran said. "There's this crime that happened in the dark and, also, there's this investigation that happened in the dark."
The abduction was a pivotal moment in Minnesota and beyond, sparking concerns about child abduction and a national focus on sex offenders. Because the case has been closely covered by local media for all those years, Baran was surprised to find details that had been overlooked.
"When I started reading just basic information about the case, there were certain things that stood out to me as interesting, like the fact that this happened on a dead-end street, this happened in a town of 3,000 people, the police got there right away," Baran said. "That changed how I thought about it and made me think, 'Why hasn't this been solved?'"
The Wetterling case led to the passage of a federal law in 1994 that required states to create sex offender registries.
"This was obviously a sensational crime in Minnesota, but for us to spend this much time as investigative reporters looking into it, it has to have something more than that," Baran said. "The something more in this case is that it's affected the lives of hundreds of thousands of people who are on sex offender registries in this country."
Following the success of Serial, podcasts are seen as a way to tell a longer, more complex story.
"It can go much deeper even than one long radio documentary can," Baran said. "It's hard for me to imagine, given what we've found out, doing it in a different way. The format really does lend itself, because these are complicated stories."
Unlike Serial, though, In the Dark's mission isn't to solve the crime. Baran said it's looking at why the case hasn't been solved and the impact it's had on the people swept up in it, including Jacob's parents.
"In the eyes of Minnesota there's this person, Jacob, who is missing, but he's their son," Baran said. "You can talk to a lot of people ... who want to talk about it as a mystery or this sensational crime. But, really, what is it like if that's your kid?"
APM Reports editor-in-chief Chris Worthington is overseeing the reporting project.
"While this case has been covered locally and nationally, no one has really gone in depth about the investigation itself," Worthington said in a statement. "We wanted to examine what went wrong and why this case has not been solved. And most importantly, why Jacob Wetterling hasn't been found."
The podcast is produced by APM Reports, which began work last year as American Public Media's investigative reporting and documentary unit. American Public Media is the parent company of MPR News.
In the Dark begins Sept. 13. After that, a new installment of the eight-episode series will be released each week. It will be available on iTunes. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4104071-serial-style-podcast-take-deep-look-wetterling-investigation | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/69f6e65cb84c938a699f6d8b95437eea43f0f3f089f0a7914a1d2813b56acba1.json |
[
"Forum News Service",
"On Aug",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-26T12:56:51 | null | 2016-08-25T16:45:35 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2F4101544-dna-results-point-owner-severed-fingers-found-east-grand-forks.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | DNA results point to owner of severed fingers found in East Grand Forks | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | EAST GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- The mystery of the severed fingers in the East Grand Forks park seems to have been solved.
Police have DNA results pointing to the owner of two severed fingers found in May on a picnic table at a Red River State Recreation Area campsite, according to a news release. The digits came from a Grand Forks man who was involved in a fireworks accident in downtown Grand Forks about a month earlier, East Grand Forks Lt. Rodney Hajicek said in the release Thursday.
“We’re satisfied with the conclusion of it,” East Grand Forks Detective Tony Hart said. “It wasn’t … the result of an act of violence. It was just a mistake.”
The accident victim, identified in a police report as 24-year-old Mackenzie Steele, attempted to light the fuse of a 2-inch mortar round and place it inside a launch tube in the early hours of April 30 at 100 N. Third St. in downtown Grand Forks. He then held “onto the base of the launch tube after deliberately igniting the fuse,” police said in the report. Steele set the tube down and held onto it to prevent it from falling, but the firework exploded, causing the tube to explode into small fragments of shrapnel, the report stated.
The shrapnel severely injured Steel’s hand, resulting in the complete or partial loss of his left palm, wrist and fingers, including his ring and middle fingers.
Police at the time were concerned with his safety, Lt. Derik Zimmel said, adding Steele probably wouldn’t be charged with having fireworks within city limits. North Dakota court records indicate he was not prosecuted.
Several weeks later, Melissa and Monty Atkinson told the Herald they were setting up camp at the Red River State Recreation Area in East Grand Forks when their 6-year-old child found two fingers on a picnic table. The Minnesota state crime lab determined they were a middle and ring finger from a left hand attached by skin from a palm.
“At the time it was reported, we had a lot of theories, but it turned out to be just the result of an accident,” Hart said.
Hajicek speculated the fingers may have belonged to the man involved in the firework accident.
It is unknown how the fingers ended up on the East Grand Forks side of the Red River, but the state lab noted possible beak marks in the flesh, Hart said.
“The theory is a bird found them and took them over here,” he said.
The lesson from the incident is that fireworks are dangerous and should be handled properly and with care, Zimmel said.
As for the mystery being solved, “it’s always good to finally have an answer,” he said. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4101544-dna-results-point-owner-severed-fingers-found-east-grand-forks | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/dda5c712e2fbf56bd0e45591170f4895c563b6a7d642273ad4ca51eb9d77e68d.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-29T22:48:21 | null | 2016-08-29T17:24:29 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4104144-crime-report-aug-26-28.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0829/pioneer-daily-arrests-graphicweb.jpg?itok=E8_FFVOt | en | null | Crime report for Aug. 26-28 | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls Friday-Monday:
Assault
10:56 a.m. Friday. Officers received a report of an assault at the 500 block of Justice Road NW.
4:58 a.m. Sunday. A 31-year-old female was arrested for domestic assault and a male was arrested for obstructing the legal process after officers received a report of domestic assault in Blackduck.
Disorderly Conduct
2:29 a.m. Friday. Officers received a report of a male party crawling on a complainant’s roof at the 7100 block of Balsam Road NW.
10:34 p.m. Saturday. A 28-year-old female was arrested for a probation violation at the 29000 block of Irvine Avenue NE.
Drugs
11:09 a.m. Friday. A 38-year-old male was arrested for a fifth-degree felony controlled substance crime, fleeing on foot and Cass County felony arrest warrants after officers received a report of a suspicious vehicle.
Fire
5:38 p.m. Sunday. Officers responded to a garage fire at the 4500 block of Blue Mayflower Road NW.
Warrant
12:55 a.m. Friday. A 28-year-old male was arrested on outstanding warrant at the 10000 block of Grant Creek Road NW after officers received a report of a suspicious person.
9:43 p.m. Friday. A 33-year-old female and a 34-year-old male were arrested for felony warrants, possession of controlled substances and false names during a traffic stop at the intersection of Irvine Avenue NW and 21st Street NW.
8:11 a.m. Sunday. A 29-year-old male was arrested on a warrant at the 28000 block of Connection Drive SE.
Police Report
The Bemidji Police Department responded to the following calls Friday-Monday:
Accident
6 p.m. Friday. Officers received a report of a car-pedestrian crash at the intersection of Grant Avenue SE and Roosevelt Avenue SE. The pedestrian was taken to the emergency room by ambulance.
Assault
3:40 p.m. Sunday. A 50-year-old individual was cited after officers received a report of a fifth-degree assault at the 1300 block of Anne Street NW.
Medical
11:15 a.m. Sunday. Officers assisted a male who fell off the roof of a residence at the 3900 block of Irvine Avenue NW. The male was transported to the emergency room by ambulance.
Theft
10:46 p.m. Friday. Officers received a report of a stolen bicycle at the 100 block of Paul Bunyan Drive S.
11:23 p.m. Friday. Officers received a report of the theft of a Norwegian flag from a yard at the 500 block of 6th Street SE.
12:25 a.m. Saturday. Three juveniles were arrested after officers received a report of juveniles shoplifting alcoholic beverages at the 2000 block of Paul Bunyan Drive NW.
2:09 p.m. Sunday. Officers received a report of a gas tank removed from a vehicle at the 2800 block of Lake Avenue NE.
Warrant
2:47 p.m. A 22-year-old female was arrested on a warrant at the 29600 block of Pine Ridge Avenue NW. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4104144-crime-report-aug-26-28 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/01226633178cb0321dee9fac36f047176eda2f22e98515797cef5d2a54ba68c3.json |
[
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-28T18:47:33 | null | 2016-08-28T12:00:03 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F4102903-letter-editor-many-stepped-forward-clean-cemetery.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Many stepped forward to clean up cemet... | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | The Greenwood Cemetery Association board members and staff wish to extend our appreciation and gratitude to the following businesses and people for their help with the cleanup of the cemetery after the July 21 storm. We lost 37 massive and iconic trees at this non-profit member-owned cemetery.
We simply could not have been able to clean up without the support in equipment and labor by Sparky’s Construction Inc., Bemidji Monument, the city of Bemidji, Don Thomas, Ross Lewis Sign Co. and T&K Outdoors Inc.
The American Legion is providing a new flagpole to honor our veterans and our country.
Special thank you to Jack Naastad and the Bemidji Lions Club; without his help in recruiting workers and equipment, we could not have managed it as efficiently.
Many volunteers stepped up to help out: Francis and Carol Rogers, Kelly Reid, Kirby Bahr (trustee), Leon Nelson (Lions), Meghan Troudt, Roger Hare (Lions), Tom Smith and all of the other people who showed up. We are indebted to you for the work you did.
We also received monetary donations to help us supplement our break-even budget (our 23-year-old tractor broke down in the process). Thank you to Bud and Gloria Woodard, Charles and Linda Vincent, Karen Gausen and Leona Gary.
In a time of need it is impressive to know that people will give their money, support and time to help sustain the appearance of this historic cemetery that is maintained and funded only by lot sales and burials.
Kevin Cease
President, Greenwood Cemetery Association
Bemidji | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/opinion/letters/4102903-letter-editor-many-stepped-forward-clean-cemetery | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/c99c3768d0b6559931447cec5aa279ac9b5e9acf2ab34a2c37b29f033ae26c09.json |
[
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-28T06:48:27 | null | 2016-08-28T00:30:04 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fcolumns%2F4102798-cyndi-fenske-goings-library-september.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Cyndi Fenske: Goings on at the library in September | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | As leaves turn colors and kids go back to school this month, it is a good time to reflect upon all of the wonderful work Bemidji children did this past summer at the library in preparation for their upcoming school years. The library’s Read for the Win! summer reading program was a great success this year. By the numbers: 129 pre-readers read a total of 67,514 minutes; 358 children read a total of 329,439 minutes; and 96 teens read a total of 182,080 minutes. That’s a total of 465 area youth reading 579,033 minutes!
The library would like to thank the following organizations and businesses in the Bemidji community who helped make this summer’s reading program a success: AmericInn, Beltrami Electric, Burger King, Culligan Water, Dairy Queen, Hardee’s, Headwater’s Science Center, Keith’s Pizza, McDonald’s, North Country Snowmobile Club, Papa Murphy’s Pizza, Paul Bunyan Communications, Target, Walmart and many individual patron donations of both money and books.
Children’s programming at the library for the month of September includes Storytime and B.A.R.C. Storytime is at 10:30 a.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday for pre-K children and their families. Themes for this month are: What Pirates Really Do, Yee-haw!, Up Down All Around, What’s in a Box and Snuggle Up.
The Bemidji Area Reading Canines (B.A.R.C.) will be at the library from 10 a.m. to noon on Sept. 17. This unique program partners with certified trainers to give children the opportunity to read to therapy dogs. The program is free of charge, but a sign-up is required and a permission form must be signed by a parent or guardian. Stop into the library or call (218) 751-3963 for a 15 minute time slot.
September is library card sign-up month. The Bemidji Public Library encourages everyone who doesn’t have a library card to come in and sign up. All you need is a current photo ID. Haven’t been to the library in a while? This is also a great time to stop on by and update your account. To help celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month, the library will host a Movie Night at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 15. September’s movie will feature a librarian embarking on an epic adventure. This event is open to all ages.
Craft Night will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 8, in the Front Meeting Room. All ages are welcome to join in on the fun. Participants are encouraged to bring in their own projects from home.
There are two book club opportunities offered for the public each month. The YA Forever Book Club will meet at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 20 in the Front Meeting Room. The book up for discussion is “The Young Elites” by Marie Lu. The Monthly Book Discussion will be at noon on Sept.12 in the library’s Front Meeting Room and will last about an hour.
September’s discussion will feature Jeffrey Eugenides’s novel, “The Marriage Plot.” Both are open discussions and new faces are always welcome. Attend one or both discussions to engage with other readers in Bemidji.
Senior Surf Computer Training classes will be at 5-7 p.m. on Sept. 1, and from 8-10 a.m. Sept. 6 and 20 at the library. Those interested in this class can call the library at (218) 751-3963 for more information and to register. Please note that library computers will be used and the trainer is not prepared to teach people how to use their own laptops or tablets.
This month the library will also celebrate Banned Books Week on Sept. 25 through Oct. 1, featuring books that have been challenged. According to the American Library Association, “A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others.” Stop in and check out the library’s Banned Books on display that week. You may be surprised at some of the titles that have been banned.
Finally, the library will be closed on Sept. 5 in observance of the Labor Day holiday, but will resume regular hours the next day.
Cyndi Fenske volunteers to write this column for the Bemidji Public Library. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/columns/4102798-cyndi-fenske-goings-library-september | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/73b97f6d73549404da04764483c65e7e952feecd3c68342475e99826a6f44590.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-26T14:47:03 | null | 2016-08-26T07:47:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4101751-mndot-hosts-open-house-upcoming-projects-bemidji.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | MnDOT hosts open house for upcoming projects in Bemidji | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | MnDOT hosts open house for upcoming projects in Bemidji
BEMIDJI -- An open house about two upcoming Bemidji projects will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Mondayat the Bemidji MnDOT building, 3920 Highway 2 West. The projects being presented are a corridor improvement study on Highway 2 from Bemidji to Wilton, and 2017 resurfacing project on Highway 197/Bemidji Ave. from Third Street Northwest to Seventh Street Southwest.
Explore related topics: NewslocalmndotBemidji | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4101751-mndot-hosts-open-house-upcoming-projects-bemidji | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/cabf7d54bca4e038e63bcd616ecbcba5d04728e627e336a3d17d3307f486c7fe.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-30T04:48:54 | null | 2016-08-29T21:01:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4104229-farm-bureau-hold-beltrami-county-candidate-forum-next-month.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Farm Bureau to hold Beltrami County candidate forum next mo... | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BEMIDJI -- Candidates running for Beltrami County Board of Commissioner seats in the November election will be able to share their thoughts on issues next month.
On Sept. 14, the Beltrami County Farm Bureau is hosting a candidate forum at the 4H building on the Beltrami County Fairgrounds to give voters a chance to meet, greet and direct questions to those running for office. Candidates from county districts 2, 4 and 5 will be represented at the forum and the event will be moderated by Todd Haugen of Paul Bunyan Broadcasting KB101.
The event will start with a social at 6:30 p.m. and the forum begins at 7 p.m. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4104229-farm-bureau-hold-beltrami-county-candidate-forum-next-month | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/8991510c98328a749d28e312a12ddc6f31c0bb52b3774800f599d19ec218d2f4.json |
[
"Grace Pastoor",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-29T22:48:01 | null | 2016-08-29T17:38:06 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2F4104163-downwind-accomplice-sentenced-10-years.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Downwind accomplice sentenced to 10 years | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BEMIDJI-- A St. Paul man who admitted to aiding an offender in connection with the murder of Rose Downwind was sentenced to 10 years and three months in prison Monday.
Christopher John Davis, 28, will be eligible for supervised release after serving six years and 10 months of his sentence and would spend the remaining time on parole.
Davis admitted in July to helping Downwind's former boyfriend, Marchello Cimmarusti, transport her body to a location west of Bemidji, dig a hole, burn and bury the body, and later text Downwind's mother from her phone to make it appear Downwind was still alive.
Cimmarusti, 40, of Bemidji, pleaded guilty in April to one charge of second-degree intentional murder and admitted that he killed Downwind, a 31-year-old mother of five from Redby.
Eleven of Downwind's friends and family members gave victim impact statements before Davis was sentenced Monday, describing to Judge Shari Schluchter the pain and uncertainty they experienced during the 50 days Downwind was missing, and the impact Downwind's death has had on her five children.
"The hardest thing we had to do...was tell the kids, 'Your mama is an angel in heaven,'" said Kristy White, Downwind's sister.
Misty Bray, a friend of Downwind's, described searching for her while trying to comfort one of Downwind's young daughters, who asked Bray to bring Downwind home. She remembered Downwind as a devoted mother who whose face would light up when she arrived at her children's' school to pick them up.
"It broke my heart to look at that sweet little face," Bray said.
Many speakers addressed Davis directly, including Downwind's cousin Dwa Weston.
"This is going to haunt you," Weston told Davis. "You have scarred a family...and that will be with you for the rest of your life."
Before he was sentenced, Davis also addressed the court, saying only that he had no adequate words.
Neither the defense nor the prosecution argued against the sentence, which was 20 months higher than the maximum possible sentence of 103 months in prison, due to aggravating factors Davis admitted to during his guilty plea.
"Someday we as a family will heal," said Georgia Downwind, who also gave a victim impact statement. "Until then our hearts will feel a terrible sorrow." | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/4104163-downwind-accomplice-sentenced-10-years | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/5048f5e258cc7105b54896dfc359900bf43dc49f36415d6a5a8f6856422d8944.json |
[
"Reuters Media",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-30T08:48:25 | null | 2016-08-30T01:00:03 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2F4104232-traffic-deaths-rise-72-percent-2015-almost-half-involved-no-seat-belt-use.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Traffic deaths rise 7.2 percent in 2015, almost half involved no seat belt use | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | WASHINGTON -- Last year 35,092 people died in traffic crashes in the United States, a 7.2 percent year-on-year increase that runs counter to a five-decade trend of declining fatalities, the U.S. Transportation Department said.
U.S. officials said lower gasoline prices combined with job growth increased the number of miles driven last year by the highest rate in nearly 25 years. Distracted driving was cited in about a tenth of traffic fatalities in 2015, the U.S. DOT said.
Data "showed traffic deaths rising across nearly every segment of the population," the department said in a statement.
The number of fatalities was near preliminary estimates issued nearly two months ago.
The last time U.S. traffic fatalities rose at a greater rate was in 1966, when they went up 8.1 percent. That was two years before the federal government required seat belts in cars.
While the number of fatalities rose in 2015, driving is far safer now in the United States than it was in the past. In 1966, the fatality rate -- measured as deaths per miles driven -- was five times higher than today. In that year, nearly 51,000 people were killed on U.S. roads.
Almost half of passenger vehicle occupants killed last year were not wearing safety belts, although the belts are standard equipment in all cars and required to be worn in some U.S. states, the DOT said.
"Solving this problem will take teamwork, so we're issuing a call to action and asking researchers, safety experts, data scientists, and the public to analyze the fatality data and help find ways to prevent these tragedies," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.
Almost one in three fatalities involved drunk drivers or speeding, the DOT said.
The number of vehicle miles traveled in the United States rose 3.5 percent in 2015 from a year earlier, the DOT said.
In 2005, U.S. traffic deaths were 22 percent higher, at 42,708. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4104232-traffic-deaths-rise-72-percent-2015-almost-half-involved-no-seat-belt-use | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/7f4eeb9d5120e9b24ad93a586b3487ae3c4ce276ac48f67d1d920e16fc18e6e1.json |
[
"Don Davis",
"Don Davis Has Been The Forum Communications Minnesota Capitol Bureau Chief Since",
"Covering State Government",
"Politics For Two Dozen Newspapers In The State. Don Also Blogs At",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-31T08:48:20 | null | 2016-08-31T03:01:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2F4105097-does-dayton-talk-farmers-enough.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Does Dayton talk to farmers enough? | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. -- First it was an effort to keep agriculture runoff out of the state's waters by the use of plant buffers, then last week it was a restriction on the use of some pesticides.
Many of Minnesota's farmers and farm organizations are not happy with Gov. Mark Dayton, who began both efforts without what farmers say was adequate consultation. Many say they agree with Dayton's desire to clean up pollution and protect bees, but disagree with how he approaches agriculture-related issues.
"I thought we did involve the farmer," Dayton said at the Minnesota State Fair Tuesday when asked about farmers' complaints.
Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson, a Dayton appointee, said that a 15-member board will advise the administration on how to implement a governor's executive order aimed at reducing the use of pesticides that could hurt bees and other animals that pollinate crops.
The pesticide executive order produced strong reactions from some in farm country, especially House Republicans who Democrat Dayton said get upset with many things he does.
"Once again, instead of collaborating and partnering with farmers and agriculture stakeholders, Gov. Dayton has plowed ahead with his own plan and blindsided everyone in the ag community," said state House Agriculture Finance Chairman Rod Hamilton, R-Mountain Lake, usually one of the least partisan lawmakers. "While we all share a common concern for the health of our pollinators, it is extremely troublesome that when it comes to issues of agriculture, the governor continues to shut farmers out of the process and not engage stakeholders on critical agriculture issues."
An official of the Democratic-leaning Minnesota Farmers' Union was not as harsh, but said his organization also would like more say before farm-related orders are issued.
"We appreciate it when we can be at the table instead of being on the table," said Thom Petersen, Farmers' Union government relations director.
The pesticide controversy piled on top of the buffer issue for farmers, Peterson said. "I think he needs to continue to build a bridge. I think there is a little bit of fatigue out there with the buffer piece."
Petersen watched Tuesday as Dayton asked Minnesotans to pledge to work toward better water quality, including adding buffers between crops and water.
"There is a lot of confusion still, and a lot of things to be worked out," Petersen said about the buffer issue that has been debated for two years.
On the pesticide order, Rep. Deb Kiel, R-Crookston, disagreed with Dayton's "unilateral" executive order.
"This plan will add layers of bureaucracy to farming, an industry essential to the health of our state’s economy," she said.
The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association issued a statement saying Dayton mishandled the pesticide order.
"We are troubled the governor has politicized this issue and didn’t consult with affected producers," association President Theresia Gillie said.
Dayton said Republicans are trying to turn the water quality and pesticide issues into "us vs. them."
He said farm groups will have a seat on the pesticide task force.
A Republican lawmaker, Rep. Paul Torkelson of Hanska, was chief legislative negotiator behind the buffer law that passed in 2015 and was revised this year. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4105097-does-dayton-talk-farmers-enough | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/0d53606ce5e24c5792a2832a85ec250f656b8e5914da9c856b002c2fa79e3092.json |
[
"Kaysey Price",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-28T02:47:37 | null | 2016-08-27T21:01:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2F4103169-brew-boys-bring-new-flavor-beer-hobby-turns-obsession-business-pairing.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0827/082416.b.dl.lakesidebrewboys1.jpg?itok=WgmPK4xO | en | null | ‘Brew boys’ bring new flavor: Beer hobby turns into obsession, business pairing | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Nick Murray shows where it all began: one of his first brewers, which he and John Schott used to brew beer in his garage before pairing with Lakeside Brewery. The brewer now sits at Lakeside Tavern, and they plan to make small ‘mystery’ beer batches in it. KAYSEY PRICE / FORUM NEWS SERVICE
DETROIT LAKES, Minn. -- Beer. It seems to have been around forever, capturing people’s interest since the beginning of time. Nick Murray and John Schott, who began manning the Lakeside Brewery back in April, are no exception -- for them, brewing the beverage has become an “obsession.”
It all began when Murray and Schott, who have been best friends since high school, were working at Zorbaz in Detroit Lakes, and the craft beer scene started growing.
“We were able to taste a lot of (craft beers) that a lot of people weren’t able to get,” Murray remembers.
From there the ale interest began brewing between the two friends.
“I was like ‘well, why don’t we start a brewery?’” Murray said, recalling that they bought their first brew kit off Amazon, and “it was really bad,” he laughed. “When we bottled it, a couple of the bottles exploded.”
But the two kept a positive attitude and took to the books.
“I hate reading” Murray said. “I am a picture person all the way.”
But he said once he gets hooked on something, he gets obsessed.
“It’s like, ‘get out of my way,’” Murray added, saying he and Schott had a “let’s keep trying” attitude.
Eventually, after much experimenting, they began getting the hang of the brewing process and turned one of their garages into a brewery.
“Once we hit that point, it was kind of frustrating,” Murray recalled.
A restaurant wasn’t something Murray and Schott wanted to tackle -- they wanted to open their own brewery, but “the banks wouldn’t even look at you,” Murray said.
Murray and Schott had spent time working at local restaurants and had family and friends supporting their obsession. They even earned a few awards for their brew creations, including a Zorbaz Home Brew award and second place in the porter category of an American Homebrewers Association competition. But it wasn’t until Chet Collins, the owner of Lakeside Tavern, approached the two brewers with an idea that their obsession found a home. Collins had the brewery, and Murray and Schott were brewers, so they decided to put the two together.
“It was kind of surreal when we go this deal,” Murray said, remembering that they brewed a beer batch at the Lakeside Brewery with Collins, and he was on board within a matter of hours.
With the agreement in place, Murray and Schott were able start “figuring out the nooks and crannies of the new brewery” and continued getting creative with their brews.
“I try to make (brewing) as fun as possible and as interesting as possible,” Murray said. “To me brewing is an art -- it’s a science, but you have to have a creative side.”
Murray, who went to culinary school says the food creativity comes in handy with the different flavors involved in the beer-brewing business, and they do their best to meld the science side with the creative side.
“(We’re) not so much on quantity. (We’re) more on quality,” Murray said, adding that they have five in-house brews as of right now, one of each type of beer: IPA, porter, pale ale, lager and shandy, and they are hoping to add a couple more soon.
Their goal is to try “to appeal to everyone.”
“My thoughts are more on the demographics of the area,” Murray said, since he sees the area as having starkly different taste in beers: the craft beer scene is starting to emerge, but “people are also still drinking Old Milwaukee,” Murray said.
They want to respect the differing tastes by just making beer that just “tastes great,” and their method seems to be working.
“We average about eight kegs a week, so it’s going well. The Shaka Shandy is definitely a top seller right now,” Murray said, adding that they make the shandy’s lemonade in-house.
And the positive feedback from customers is giving the brewers a feeling like they’re “not under any pressure,” so they’re “just trying to take different angles to (brewing).”
Murray and Schott are hoping to start a “mystery tap line” in about a month where customers will blindly test a new beer and try to describe on a comment card what they think the flavors are.
They may also start showcasing local home brewers’ recipes, giving other brewers who may still be stuck in their garage a little recognition.
They’re even going to try to change a city ordinance in Sept., so they can sell their growlers on Sundays.
But with all the change, the “Brew Boys” still focus on making good beer and staying humble, although some have dubbed them “brewmasters.”
“That’s a title I feel you have to earn,” Murray said, adding that he doesn’t feel like they will ever reach that level. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4103169-brew-boys-bring-new-flavor-beer-hobby-turns-obsession-business-pairing | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/88296dd2ffb673d73c8e507d4473d991955d03c5f47dd79a91399c861670ad86.json |
[
"Dave Olson",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-26T20:48:06 | null | 2016-08-26T15:41:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2F4102500-two-arrested-suspicion-swiping-10k-nd-hockey-club.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0826/wf-hockey-quote0.png?itok=vM8dza6e | en | null | Two arrested on suspicion of swiping $10K from ND hockey club | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | WEST FARGO—Two women who worked for the West Fargo Hockey Association's bingo operation at the M&J Saloon in West Fargo have been arrested on suspicion of defrauding the operation of more than $10,000.
Leah Willason, 39, of Fargo, and Amy Grieger, 41, of West Fargo, were arrested Thursday evening, Aug. 25, according to West Fargo police Detective Joe Birrenkott.
Birrenkott said one of the women worked as a caller for the bingo operation and the other was a floor walker.
He said they are suspected of having defrauded the hockey association of more than $10,000 since the first of the year.
The two women were being held in the Cass County Jail Friday morning, Aug. 26, pending possible theft charges involving an amount between $10,000 and $50,000, according to online jail records. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4102500-two-arrested-suspicion-swiping-10k-nd-hockey-club | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/7440db91e0489f0140d1583718d8740a1c28d1c4901075e9a7d480b97027de9e.json |
[
"St. Paul Pioneer Press",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-30T02:48:43 | null | 2016-08-29T21:01:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2F4104155-firefighters-driver-jailed-i-35w-crash-killed-2.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Firefighters’ driver jailed in I-35W crash that killed 2 | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BLAINE, Minn. - A firefighter from Michigan was under arrest in Minnesota Monday on suspicion of criminal vehicular homicide in a crash that killed two fellow firefighters and injured seven more as they drove to Utah to fight a wildfire.
Anoka County Jail records show Michael A. Johnson, 28, of Baraga, Mich., was arrested after the crash Saturday on Interstate 35W in the northern Twin Cities suburb of Blaine. He has not been charged.
The online jail roster said Johnson was being held on suspicion of criminal vehicular homicide under a portion of state law covering operating a motor vehicle in a “grossly negligent manner.” The State Patrol and Anoka County attorney’s office have released no details about his role in the crash, but planned to issue a statement later Monday.
James Shelifoe, 23, and Alan Swartz, 25, both of Baraga, died in the crash. The driver was among the seven injured. The State Patrol’s accident report says the truck left the highway, struck the median cable barriers and rolled. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4104155-firefighters-driver-jailed-i-35w-crash-killed-2 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/e2954cb9659b5a110433e2f87533c4f68325761886464e105de7ec25847a8ddd.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-30T16:48:30 | null | 2016-08-30T10:21:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4104130-hcll-program-set-sept-13.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0829/614jx4ynrcl.jpg?itok=b5w25qAE | en | null | HCLL program set for Sept. 13 | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | PARK RAPIDS -- Headwaters Center for Lifelong Learning presents “Firewood Happens — Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness in Minnesota’s Northwoods” by Mike Lein from 1 to 2 p.m. Sept. 13 at Armory Square in Park Rapids.
Lein, a Minnesota Master Naturalist and a registered Environmental Health Specialist, is noted for his non-fiction stories about dogs, hunting, fishing, and life at his lake cabin near Nevis. The program is open to the public, free of charge and handicap-accessible. Refreshments are provided. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4104130-hcll-program-set-sept-13 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/e98091864f57e684c3d45c3ceaa9207b0a7cd8bf531647cd634e84472a0e7dbe.json |
[
"Forum News Service",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-31T06:48:28 | null | 2016-08-31T01:31:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2F4105085-racing-group-fined-illegal-fireworks-display.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Racing group fined for illegal fireworks display | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | WILLMAR, Minn. —The Kandi Racing Association will pay at least $2,000 for conducting an illegal fireworks display last summer that left a volunteer firefighter severely injured.
Association president Jason McCoy appeared on behalf of the group at Tuesday's hearing in Kandiyohi County District Court, and asserted a guilty plea to one gross misdemeanor charge: conducting a fireworks display without a certified operator.
The association was sentenced Tuesday to pay the $2,000 fine within six months. An additional $1,000 fine was stayed, which means it can be dismissed on successful completion of two years of unsupervised probation.
New London firefighter Travis Roediger was injured at the June 10, 2015, fireworks show at the KRA Speedway in Willmar after he bent down to light a fuse and the box shifted, blasting a second rocket straight into his chest, according to the criminal complaint on the charges. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4105085-racing-group-fined-illegal-fireworks-display | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/a5f322020258639bb8eba1904e8813d19d7da4bedbb78bdf169c344ad823759e.json |
[
"Chris Rocheford",
"Minnesota Pga",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-31T04:48:38 | null | 2016-08-30T22:44:18 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fsports%2F4105230-golf-mackedanz-wins-minnesota-pga-championship.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0830/083116.s.bp.golf-web.jpg?itok=00MWzWc1 | en | null | GOLF: Mackedanz wins Minnesota PGA Championship | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Mitchell Mackedanz, of Bemidji, tees off on the tenth hole while defending champion Don Berry watches on Tuesday during the Minnesota PGA Professional Championship at the Bemidji Town and Country Club. (JILLIAN GANDSEY | BEMIDJI PIONEER)
BEMIDJI — Winning a PGA section major championship in your debut is a daunting task for anyone; but when Mitch Mackedanz showed up Tuesday for the final round of the 2016 Minnesota PGA Professional Championship at Bemidji Town & Country Club, something just felt right.
With his family, friends and the Bemidji State golf team in attendance, Mackedanz battled back-and-forth with Minnesota Golf Hall of Famer and defending champion, Don Berry.
After 18 holes, the two remained tied at 7-under for the tournament forcing a playoff.
On the first playoff hole, Berry found trouble in a greenside bunker which ultimately led to a bogey, opening the door for the hometown kid. Mackedanz calmly two-putted for par from 10-feet to clinch the biggest victory in his young professional golf career.
“I was just trying to play some decent golf this week,” said the 29-year-old Bemidji resident said in a press release from the Minnesota PGA. “I know this course extremely well, probably better than anyone else in the field.”
Mackedanz, a former BSU Beaver from 2006-2009 who is assistant professional at Bemidji Town & Country Club, was familiar with the course, but began the day one shot back of Berry.
Berry even took a two-shot lead into the 14th tee, but Mackedanz rallied.
He would then birdie the par-5 15th hole and then the par-4 17th to move to 7-under — good enough to put him in a tie with Berry for first with just the 18th to play.
With the gallery watching, Berry would par, placing the pressure on Mackedanz. He quickly responded with a 10-foot par to match Berry, setting up his dramatic, playoff victory.
“Being paired and competing with Don [Berry] was awesome, he’s a class act and a great player,” Mackedanz said. “I don’t know what to say right now, it feels great.”
Mackedanz and Berry will each compete at the 50th PGA Professional Championship in 2017. The tournament will be held June 25-28, 2017, at Sunriver Resort in Sunriver, Ore. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sports/4105230-golf-mackedanz-wins-minnesota-pga-championship | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/6117d70d7ffcd220dfb511e51766151d42d2cb25b428443aa4c6f4e6d400ca93.json |
[
"Richard Chin",
"St. Paul Pioneer Press",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-30T08:48:15 | null | 2016-08-30T02:00:03 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2F4104240-state-fair-crop-art-none-top-prince.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0829/082916.n.stp.cropart1.jpg?itok=R9TTEyVI | en | null | In State Fair crop art, none top Prince | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | The Minnesota State Fair crop art display in the Agriculture Horticulture Building had a number of art works depicting Prince, and Donald Trump, two celebrities very much in the news this past year, Thursday, August 25, 2016, including this artwork of Prince by Susanne Devitt of Minneapolis, and Donald Trump by Dawn Busch of St. Anthony. (Pioneer Press: Scott Takushi)
A Prince seed art entry by Suzanne Mears at the seed art exhibit at the Agricultural Building at the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights on Friday, August 26, 2016.(Pioneer Press: John Autey)
ST. PAUL -- When it comes to crop art at the Minnesota State Fair, the race wasn’t between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. It was between Trump and Prince.
And the winner was Prince.
Much like Marshmallow Peeps diorama contests, the crop art competition displayed at the Fair’s Agriculture-Horticulture building is often driven by pop culture, with seedy tributes to recent celebrity deaths or inspired by people in the news.
This year, the recently late and long-time great rock star Prince took the title as the favorite subject for crop artists, with works ranging from a mashup between Prince and the logo from the “Hamilton” musical, a Prince glyph turned into a seed necklace and a seed art version of the album cover art of Prince’s “HITnRUN Phase One.”
But coming in a close second was Republican presidential candidate Trump, who was the inspiration for a crop art depiction of the cartoon character Richie Rich spouting quotes like, “I’m yuge,” and “I don’t like losers.”
There was also a Trumpian chicken declaring “The sky is falling!” and Trump as a Pokémon Go character called “Evil Trumpachu.”
But even if you count the crop-art depiction of Ronald Reagan in heaven saying, “I said tear down the wall,” the Prince-inspired seed art entries outnumbered the Trump references seven to five.
Prince’s image also could be seen at the Fair’s Creative Activities building, woven into ribbon-winning rugs.
Despite making history as the first woman presidential candidate of a major party, we didn’t see any crop art versions of Clinton. But there was one that featured a quote from President Jimmy Carter, and another depicted Trump critic Khizr Khan waving a copy of the U.S. Constitution.
And poor David Bowie. He’s another pop-music icon who died in the past year, but he didn’t rate a crop art portrait at the State Fair. But there was a version of Abe Vigoda, the longtime character actor who died in January.
Nick Rindo said he’s not surprised that Prince inspired so many crop artists, even though it can be hard to find purple seeds among the crops grown in Minnesota.
“Prince is a natural fit. It just makes sense. There’s nothing more Minnesota than Prince,” Rindo said.
After methodically sorting purple corn kernels by hue, Rindo did a version of “Purple Rain” Prince emerging from a purple lotus flower.
“I tried to make the whole thing out of purple seeds, which proved to be very difficult,” he said.
Former Pioneer Press artist David Steinlicht, who did the Prince album cover in crop art, said that if you were really serious about getting a crop art blue ribbon, you’d probably avoid what other people are doing and try to come up with something different or unusual.
“In the past, I’ve worried about what other people would do,” said Steinlicht, who now lives in Canada. But he said crop art takes so long to create, “you want to do something that appeals to you to put in that much effort.”
“That illustration kind of spoke to me,” Steinlicht said of the Prince album cover image that he re-created in seeds.
As far as why Trump attracted so many entries, well, there’s the hair.
“I use corn husks as hair,” said Laura Melnick, a longtime crop artist from St. Paul, who did the Trump as Richie Rich entry. “You can draw your own conclusions on whether it works.”
“Trump is just so out there and so obvious. He’s given us so much to work with,” said Teresa Anderson, a crop artist from St. Paul who did Ronald Reagan commenting on Trump.
Anderson said she once saw a crop art entry that depicted Democratic Minnesota Sen. Al Franken as the Joker.
But in general, when crop artists get political, they tend to be left leaning, say many of the competitors.
Crop art competitor Cathy Camper said that’s been the trend as a new generation of younger crop artists started getting interested in the medium. Over the years, Camper has done crop art portraits of Malcolm X, Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie and Mexican painter Frida Kahlo.
“Where else can you have your artwork viewed by thousands of people?” she said.
“We get a lot of grief from right-wing blogs,” Anderson said.
“I wouldn’t mind seeing Republican crop art,” Melnick said. But “Republicans don’t do it.” | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4104240-state-fair-crop-art-none-top-prince | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/7347d24168d79be88e55903495b1f64fac42373a7a5716c50efd8fea351ef055.json |
[
"Celeste Edenloff",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-26T20:47:05 | null | 2016-08-26T14:43:31 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2F4102502-lifeguard-credited-staying-calm-during-back-back-emergencies.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0826/lifeguard.jpg?itok=z7V7Nh3I | en | null | Lifeguard credited with staying calm during back-to-back emergencies | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | ALEXANDRIA, Minn. - When Katie Coopet went to work Monday, she expected it to be a typical day working at the snack bar in the waterpark at Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center.
The 17-year-old, who will be a senior at Alexandria Area High School this fall, also works as a lifeguard at the waterpark. But Monday, she was "off duty" - or so she thought.
She not only had to call 911 for one of the lifeguards on duty who was having a seizure, she helped save the life of another lifeguard who also ended up having a seizure.
"I almost had to do CPR on my friend," she said. "At one point, he just stared at the ceiling, there was nothing there. His eyes were lifeless."
Coopet recalled the events that took place Aug. 22 during her shift at the waterpark. There were four lifeguards on duty and two people working the snack bar. She was one of them. Shortly after 5 p.m., one of her co-workers told her to call 911 because one of the lifeguards was having a seizure on the pool deck.
"She wasn't in the water, which was good," Coopet said.
While on the phone and after she knew help was on the way, Coopet told a coworker, whom she described as panicky, to wait outside for the ambulance.
"I tend to stay the calmest," she said, "so I stayed with the girl, who seemed terrified, and told her EMS was on its way."
In addition, Coopet called the waterpark manager, Beth Housen, and explained what was happening.
"She was calm and had a cool head. Katie did a good job," Housen said. "She was very professional."
Once the seizing lifeguard was being tended to by EMS and everything was OK, Coopet was asked by Housen to change into her swimsuit and move from the snack bar to lifeguarding.
Coopet said she was on her way to her car when she saw one of the other lifeguards, Austin Hohler. She said he has a history of seizures and she had witnessed two of them. She asked him if he was OK because he looked a little off. Hohler assured her he was fine. Coopet jokingly told him, "If I come back and you're on the floor, I'm going to punch you."
Because she has been with him having seizures before, she knew his signs. When she came back from changing into her suit, she asked Hohler again if he was OK.
"He just stared at me blankly," she explained. "I took him into our lifeguard room and had him sit down. I asked him what day it was, what time it was. He couldn't speak. And he was pale as a ghost."
Coopet said she has been through lifeguard training and is CPR certified so she remembered with seizure patients that you have to protect their head and put them on their side. However, at that point, her co-worker and friend was not actually seizing. She said Hohler was sitting down and that he was "kind of going in and out of it." She told him to lean on her as she felt like something was going to happen.
Although she could recall most of what happened, Coopet said some things are still a little fuzzy.
She remembers taking off his glasses and his lifeguard whistle from around his neck. At that point, Housen was with them and Coopet asked her to get a cold towel to put on Hohler's head.
"Katie saw that he was in trouble and took charge," said Housen. "She did an awesome job. I am proud of her. I am proud of all of them. As a group they worked hard and pulled together."
Coopet explained that Hohler wasn't necessarily having a seizure, but he was more or less twitching and it wouldn't last more than a few minutes.
At one point, however, he stopped breathing. "I had two fingers on his neck at all times, his heart was beating, but he wasn't breathing.
"I told him I needed to see his stomach rise and at that moment, his eyes darted open and he looked at me," explained Coopet. "I got him calmed down and told him to focus on me."
After Hohler had the first seizure, Housen called 911. Housen said she had to repeat herself a couple of times because the dispatcher thought she was still needing an ambulance for the first incident. She had to explain that there was a second person who was seizing.
At one point, Coopet said she took the CPR mask out of the first aid kit and ripped it open.
"I had it ready just in case," she said.
After five or six cycles of Hohler going in and out of consciousness, Coopet said he looked at her and got teary-eyed.
"I asked him if he was scared," Coopet said. "Even though he couldn't answer, I knew he was. I promised him he was going to be OK and I would get him through this. He stared right through me, like nothing was there."
Coopet admitted that she, too, was scared.
"Even if I am freaking out, I don't show it. I do what I need to do," Coopet said. "I was just doing my job."
That's the kind of job Coopet plans to do after she graduates. Coopet has plans to go to nursing school in Washington state with a goal of becoming a trauma nurse.
Her mother, Tracie Berglund, said it is very fitting. "Since she was 2, she's wanted to be in the medical field."
"I am so very proud of her. She's going to do well whatever she decides to do," Berglund said.
Hohler was transported to the Douglas County Hospital and then to Children's Hospital in the Twin Cities. According to a family member's Facebook page, he was expected to go home Thursday. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4102502-lifeguard-credited-staying-calm-during-back-back-emergencies | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/ce23004c91325d2dc2ff9e8d313ff6394eca4949a6a9e75a1edcf6bfe2a71fe1.json |
[
"Kevin Cederstrom",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-26T20:47:36 | null | 2016-08-26T13:49:54 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2F4102462-search-continues-victim-after-boats-collide-fish-hook-lake.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0826/082716.n.pre.boatingaccident1.jpg?itok=yMw9ge_W | en | null | Search continues for victim after boats collide on Fish Hook Lake | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Members of the Lakes Area Dive Team put their dive suits on as they leave the public access of Highway 71 to join the search for a missing man following a two-boat accident Thursday on Fish Hook Lake. (Kevin Cederstrom/Enterprise)
Law enforcement and first responders administer medical aid to a victim brought to the public access off Highway 71 following a boating accident Thursday on Fish Hook Lake north of Park Rapids. (Kevin Cederstrom/Forum News Service)
One man remains missing on Fish Hook Lake on the north edge of Park Rapids following an accident involving two boats on Thursday.
The search for the unidentified missing man continued into Thursday evening, but Hubbard County Sheriff Cory Aukes said late Thursday night the search was suspended at dark and resumed Friday morning with cadaver dogs out in the boats, and a DNR helicopter searching from the air.
The victim is a 78-year-old local man, but his name has not yet been released. The search operation resumed Friday morning with efforts moving from a rescue to recovery.
The Hubbard County Sheriff's Office confirmed three people were in a 14-foot aluminum boat that capsized after a collision with a second boat, described as a bass fishing boat.
The two injured people were transported from the public access off Highway 71 and one was believed to be airlifted to a Twin Cities hospital. The third man is the 78-year-old who remains missing.
The two occupants of the second boat were not injured. Names of those involved in the accident have not been released by the sheriff's office.
Hubbard County Chief Deputy Scott Parks said the exact cause of the accident was unknown and the boats simply collided. He said Thursday the investigation continues and alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash.
The Lakes Area Dive Team and Becker County Dive Team joined the search for the missing man, along with the Hubbard County Sheriff's Office and a Minnesota DNR airplane. Also responding to the scene at both the public access and Loon's Nest Resort, which made the initial call, was Hubbard County Sheriff's Office, Hubbard First Response & Rescue, North Memorial Ambulance and Park Rapids Police Department.
Sheriff Aukes declined to comment further or release additional information as the search continued Friday. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4102462-search-continues-victim-after-boats-collide-fish-hook-lake | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/57706d3619626b0fcb0ccc463f68fb124cb470a85ac4fa13d27fbf3129c19387.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-30T14:48:40 | null | 2016-08-30T08:42:02 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4104128-trail-day-event-held-sept-10.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0829/01.jpg?itok=f0qB547K | en | null | “Trail in a Day” event held Sept. 10 | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BEMIDJI -- A “Trail in a Day” event will take place Sept. 10 on the Paul Bunyan State Trail. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Tom Landwehr and Division of Parks and Trails Director Erika Rivers, as well as local communities, families and trail users will attempt to completely cover the entire 123-mile stretch of the Paul Bunyan State Trail with hikers, skaters and bicyclers.
The trail stretches from Crow Wing State Park in the Brainerd area to Lake Bemidji State Park in Bemidji traversing through 16 towns, including Akeley, Backus, Baxter, Bemidji, Benedict, Brainerd, Crow Wing State Park, Guthrie, Hackensack, Jenkins, La Porte, Lake Bemidji State Park, Merrifield, Nary, Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, Pine River and Walker. At 8 a.m., symbols of the trail's namesake will leave from each end of the 123-mile trail. Paul Bunyan will travel north from Crow Wing State Park and Babe the Blue Ox will travel south from Lake Bemidji State Park. Paul and Babe will travel by bicycle, making stops in the communities along the way. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4104128-trail-day-event-held-sept-10 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/e5aec8f835ec8fb20a4548de25f9e9a05986c9e2262eea555fe2ad860d87062f.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-26T20:47:56 | null | 2016-08-26T13:50:59 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Foutdoors%2Ffish-tales%2F4102463-fish-tales-gunner-ganske-swenson-lake.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0826/fish-tales-8-26.jpg?itok=ErPusEdN | en | null | FISH TALES: Gunner Ganske on Swenson Lake | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Gunner Ganske, 8, caught this 17-inch small mouth bass on Aug. 26 on Swenson Lake. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/outdoors/fish-tales/4102463-fish-tales-gunner-ganske-swenson-lake | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/a1e9164bec6abc739c577693f13e4ab020f5558f5b6c6c1d29bb5abe405ba96b.json |
[
"Jeff Beach",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-30T02:48:53 | null | 2016-08-29T20:41:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2F4104158-minn-drowning-victim-talented-mechanic-huge-heart.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0829/ndrowning0827160036.jpg?itok=-DuO4Uw- | en | null | Minn. drowning victim ‘a talented mechanic with a huge heart’ | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Officials worked to canvas Lake Le Homme Dieu Saturday morning in search of Randt. (Beth Leipholtz | Echo Press)
ALEXANDRIA, Minn. -- The third drowning death of the summer in Douglas County happened Saturday when a Garfield man fell from a boat on Lake L’Homme Dieu.
The body of 29-year-old Brandon Darryl Randt, a mechanic for Alex Auto and Marine, was found at 1:35 p.m. in 24 feet of water.
Randt was test driving a new Lund Alaskan aluminum fishing boat for the dealership, where he had worked for nearly six years.
“Just an amazingly talented mechanic, with a huge heart,” said Todd Hanson of Alex Auto and Marine.
Hanson said the test drive was “something he did just about on a daily basis.”
Randt’s mother, Chris Carrigan, said her son loved “anything outdoors,” including four-wheeling and ice fishing and was an Eagle Scout.
A donation fund to Ducks Unlimited is planned in Randt’s memory.
Carrigan said Randt, who grew up in Hutchinson, also developed a love of gardening and raising chickens at his Garfield home.
“He loved to cook and try new recipes,” Carrigan said.
Carrigan said Randt’s family includes two brothers, two sisters, a half-brother and half-sister.
She last saw her son during a camping trip to Lake Carlos State Park.
“He loved to have fun,” Carrigan said.
Randt fell into the lake Saturday morning.
A witness called 911 at 9:14 a.m., reporting a man overboard near the Rotary Beach boat access on the north side of the lake.
According to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, that witness said Randt seemed to be returning to shore when the witness lost sight of the boat due to the sun. When the witness spotted the watercraft again, Randt was in the water and the boat was circling.
Multiple agencies were involved in the search, including a North Ambulance helicopter.
Randt was not wearing a personal flotation device. Randt’s body was transported to the Midwest Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy.
Visitation for Randt will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 31, at Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria and will continue from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1, with a 1 p.m. funeral service at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria.
Two other Douglas County drowning deaths came in June.
The body of 61-year-old Glenn Charles Steffen of South St. Paul, was pulled from Lake Andrew after he had gone out fishing on June 20.
Scott A. Gagner, 55, of Miltona, fell from a boat and drowned in Lake Miltona on June 11.
Reporter Beth Leipholtz contributed to this report. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4104158-minn-drowning-victim-talented-mechanic-huge-heart | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/6e2bef89b874078d3fc494fb08b8a640e7eb7b5f5b8228282f11e612626a7bab.json |
[
"Matthew Liedke",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-31T02:48:16 | null | 2016-08-30T21:08:59 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4105091-timber-talks-forestry-business-leaders-meet-state-dnr-commissioner-bemidji.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Timber talks: Forestry business leaders meet with state DNR commissioner in Bemidji | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BEMIDJI -- Forest industry representatives from across the northern Minnesota region gathered Tuesday at the Mayflower Building in Bemidji to discuss issues with the Department of Natural Resources.
As part of the meeting, DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr was on hand to answer questions on forestry topics and converse about where the industry is headed. As the event unfolded, officials brought up potential funding avenues for reforestation efforts.
In response, Landwehr said the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council could be an option, as it's for fish, game and wildlife.
"Whatever proposal has to be around those purposes," Landwehr said. "We have in the past submitted reforestation, but it was rejected. So it has to be a wildlife improvement project, how it's framed is how it will be received."
Another issue raised Tuesday was the condition of the state's 3,000 miles of roads utilized by the industry. During the meeting, Landwehr responded to the fact that multiple roads have been deteriorating in recent years.
"Our roads are bad, we would love to bring them back. It will take a huge concerted effort to get the funding we need," Landwehr said. "We have a huge backlog. In a 10-year replacement plan, it would take $130 million per year for all of our assets, that includes roads, bridges, offices and buildings.”
The message of additional funding and investment in the industry is one Landwehr has taken back to the Capitol.
“When I talk to the legislators in St. Paul, I tell them that the foundation of the economy up north is timber. We have to invest in it,” he said. “It’s a commodity economy, and it still drives much of northern Minnesota.”
The meeting Tuesday was one of many recently for Landwehr, who's been traveling the DNR's four regions in Minnesota to speak with industries about current challenges. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4105091-timber-talks-forestry-business-leaders-meet-state-dnr-commissioner-bemidji | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/f2b716d7a1ec89a6d36d9b81b6c641af02db7fb88cc434b908f2b72e16d14a53.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-28T14:47:39 | null | 2016-08-28T08:02:02 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4103164-cass-lake-lions-club-pancake-breakfast.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Cass Lake Lions Club pancake breakfast | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | CASS LAKE -- The Cass Lake Lions Club’s pancake breakfast will be from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 4 at the Cass Lake Senior Center. Cost is $6 for adults, $4 for children ages 6 to 12, and ages 5 and younger are free. The menu consists of all-you-can-eat pancakes with a serving of scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee and juice. Proceeds go to local Lions Club projects. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4103164-cass-lake-lions-club-pancake-breakfast | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/6045cd4b5be5c3253da1b1fc5761cd469ae94900bff70d0617e717d1e82d1602.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Reports",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-28T10:49:40 | null | 2016-08-28T00:28:02 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fentertainment%2F4102796-art-briefs-sunday-aug-28.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | ART BRIEFS - SUNDAY AUG. 28 | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BAGLEY—Farm by the Lake will host a Sunday concert series throughout the summer. Joel Bauman will perform at 4 p.m. today at Farm by the Lake, 17797 366th St. in Bagley.
In his room on a farm in Kerkhoven, Bauman purchased and assembled equipment and began to teach himself how to lay down beats and create productions, according to a release.
Bauman studied and wrestled at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. While out on an injury, from his fifth concussion, he recorded the song "Ones in the Sky." The song became successful, but caused a problem with the NCAA, the release said.
Bauman was told to remove his music and likeness to remain eligible. He refused to create an alias stating that he did not want to hide behind it. His message is "I will inspire" and "I will impact." He felt that his message was more important than his eligibility, the release said.
In the past three years, he has been able to concentrate solely on his music professionally.
His song, "Won't Back Down," has been used for the movie "The Business of Amateurs."
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota, through a grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
First Friday artist reception
BEMIDJI—A First Friday open house and artist reception will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. Sept. 2 at Gallery North, 502 Third St. NW. Gallery North's showcase artist for the month is Courtney Olson of Crookston. Olson's works express aspects of nature, and the natural beauty she sees in the world, according to a release. She creates her works with minimal detail so the brush strokes become the details of each piece. The featured member artist for the month is Bob Panther, who will have a presentation on night photography for viewing during the open house.
Opening reception with Fisher Jambor
BEMIDJI—Wild Hare Bistro and Coffeehouse will present "Disembodied Disassociations" by painter Fisher Jambor from Sept. 2 to Oct. 5. An opening reception will be from 3 to 5 p.m. Sept. 2 at Wild Hare, 523 Minnesota Ave. Jambor is an artist, musician and flower arranger who will exhibit new watercolor and acrylic works of abstract portraits and still-lifes.
Artist reception and open house at Watermark Art Center
BEMIDJI—Watermark Art Center will host an artist reception for their current exhibit "Through the Lens" from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at the center, 505 Bemidji Ave. N. The exhibit is a photography show featuring seven Minnesota artists, including Patricia Grimes, Duane Paulson, Joyce Kleven, Cal Rice, Sean McCroy, Marilyn Walsh and John Walsh. During the reception, Watermark will also host an open house at their new annex location at 516 Beltrami Ave. This site, directly across the parking lot from their current location, will be the art center's temporary home during their upcoming renovation project. Refreshments will be provided at both locations.
Book release set for Aug. 9
BEMIDJI—The book release of "Teachers in the Forest: Essays from the Last Wilderness in Mississippi Headwaters Country" by Barry W. Babcock will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at Bemidji Brewing Company Taproom, 211 America Ave. In this collection, Babcock discusses what it's like to live entirely off-grid, as a member of nature and not above it, according to a release.
R2AC Artist Fellowship application deadline Sept. 15
BEMIDJI—The Region 2 Arts Council Artist Fellowship application deadline is Sept. 15. The grant is open to established Region 2 artists in all disciplines who have shown sustained commitment and accomplishment in their work as artists for a period of at least five years. The 18-month fellowship provides the opportunity for experiences that facilitate innovation, depth and advancement in your art form, according to a release. Two $6,000 fellowships will be awarded per year. Applications are available online at r2arts.org. A information session for applicants will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Bemidji Public Library, 509 America Ave. and Sept.1 at Nemeth Art Center, 301 Court Ave. in Park Rapids. Individual assistance offered from 6:30 -7:30 p.m. at both events. For more information, email staff@r2arts.org or call (218) 751-5447. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/entertainment/4102796-art-briefs-sunday-aug-28 | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/93b94424c4a1928152fad02db5d0235d3d2f6b2a19135819be2e42ca639779ca.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-30T16:48:00 | null | 2016-08-30T10:31:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4104132-nell-programs-begin-sept-14.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0829/itascastateparksign_0.jpg?itok=l6dJ5ssB | en | null | NELL programs begin Sept. 14 | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BEMIDJI -- The fall Northern Exposure to Lifelong Learning (NELL) program will begin at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 14 at Grace Free Lutheran Church, 703 Main Ave N in Bagley. Keith Butler will present “The Early History of Itasca State Park.” Butler has lived in the Itasca area most of his life and has become sort of a local historian, a release said. For years, he has told the story of early Itasca as himself and as the character, Benjamin A, the woodsman. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4104132-nell-programs-begin-sept-14 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/6dd763d861788b3628a1d47ca57cabb0af36c3a57f443124dce27f6aac8bdee3.json |
[
"Forum News Service",
"On Aug",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-27T10:46:54 | null | 2016-08-26T23:42:02 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2F4102698-crash-involving-trailer-full-farm-equipment-injures-woman-near-pillager.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0826/0b7rw7divrmlxumxfuxlcrgxcsxc.jpg?itok=P9XDqYgQ | en | null | Crash involving trailer full of farm equipment injures woman near Pillager | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | This was the aftermath of a two-vehicle crash involving this passenger car. The car crashed with a truck pulling a trailer full of farm equipment crashed Thursday morning on Dove Road near Pillager. The woman driving the car was seriously injured. (Photo by Pillager Fire and Rescue)
A passenger car and a truck pulling a trailer full of farm equipment crashed Thursday morning on Dove Road near Pillager. A woman was seriously injured. (Photo by Pillager Fire and Rescue)
PILLAGER—A 51-year-old woman was seriously injured Thursday when the car she was driving struck a truck pulling a trailer full of farm equipment near Pillager.
The Morrison County Sheriff's Office responded to the report at 9:36 a.m. of a two-vehicle crash with injuries on Dove Road, about 2 miles south of Pillager, in Rosing Township.
According to the sheriff's office, Peter Peterson, 76, of Pine River, was traveling south on Dove Road in a 2006 Dodge Ram truck pulling a trailer full of farm equipment. Dianna Lindgren, 51, of Corcoran, was traveling north on Dove Road in a 2002 Saturn sedan. According to the initial investigation it appears Lindgren's vehicle crossed over the centerline and struck Peterson's vehicle. Firefighters with Pillager Fire and Rescue extricated Lindgren out of the vehicle. She was transported by North Memorial Air Care to North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale with serious injuries.
Lindgren's vehicle was totaled and Peterson's vehicle sustained moderate damage. Peterson was not injured.
The sheriff's office stated the case is still under investigation.
The Morrison County Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by the Cass County Sheriff's Office, Minnesota State Patrol, Pillager Fire and Rescue, North Memorial Ambulance and North Memorial Air Care. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4102698-crash-involving-trailer-full-farm-equipment-injures-woman-near-pillager | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/8873fbd9020d540de080d54d234770b46b54fb9e239ca81595a401d189d120c1.json |
[
"Micah Friez",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-31T04:48:28 | null | 2016-08-30T22:41:10 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fsports%2Flumberjacks%2F4105223-swimming-and-diving-bhs-falls-brainerd.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0830/bhsswimming.jpg?itok=PaA6T5LE | en | null | SWIMMING AND DIVING: BHS falls to Brainerd | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BRAINERD — The Bemidji High School girls swimming team came up short in the pool on Tuesday, falling 113-73 to Brainerd.
Paige Andersen led the charge for the Lumberjacks, winning both the 50 Free and the 100 Free with times of 26.10 and 57.67, respectively. Andersen was also on the 200 Free Relay team that took second with a 1:50.10 mark and the 400 Free Relay with a time of 3:59.13, also taking a No. 2 finish.
Abby Yartz also secured a first-place finish for BHS, locking a 2:09.81 finish in the 200 Free. Yartz was also on the 200 Free Relay and 400 Free Relay teams with Andersen, along with Claudia Vincent and Hannah Sether, finishing at 1:50.10 and 3:59.13, respectively.
Sether (500 Free) and Alyssa Mess (200 IM, 100 Breaststroke) took home second-place finishes. The team of Mess, Madi Knutson, Kendra Jacobson and Laura Davis finished second in the 200 Medley Relay, as well.
The Jacks will return to action at 6 p.m. on Sep. 13 for a home meet at Bemidji High School.
Bemidji 73, Brainerd 113
BEMIDJI RESULTS
200 Medley Relay — 2, Bemidji (Knutson, Mess, Jacobson, Davis), 2:06.14; 4, Bemidji (St Clair, Port, Son, Korbel), 2:13.99.
200 Free — 1, Yartz (2:09.81); 4, Sether (2:13.74); 5, Takkunen (2:15.68).
200 IM — 2, Mess (2:34.61); 4, Son (2:39.50); 6, Port (2:46.25).
50 Free — 1, Anderson (26.10); 4, Vincent (27.34); 6, Davis (29.47).
100 Butterfly — 3, Jacobson (1:13.21); 4, Son (1:13.49); 6, St Clair (1:17.15).
100 Free — 1, Andersen (57.67); 3, Vincent (59.73); 5, Takkunen (1:01.79).
500 Free — 2, Sether (6:01.43); 3, Yartz (6:01.90); 6, Fairbanks (6:28.72).
200 Free Relay — 2, Bemidji (Andersen, Vincent, Sether, Yartz), 1:50.10; 4, Bemidji (Takkunen, Port, Korbel, Davis), 1:57.41.
100 Backstroke — 3, Knutson (1:10.56); 5, St Clair (1:12.12); 6, Korbel (1:21.22).
100 Breaststroke — 2, Mess (1:17.80); 4, Port (1:24.09); 5, Davis (1:25.73).
400 Free Relay — 2, Bemidji (Yartz, Sether, Vincent, Andersen), 3:59.13; 3, Bemidji (Jacobson, Knutson, Son, Takkunen), 4:14.19.
1 mtr Diving — 4, Corradi (191.20); 5, Howard (169.55), 6 Lundquist (125.70). | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sports/lumberjacks/4105223-swimming-and-diving-bhs-falls-brainerd | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/254b8806469341b6aa1da9a0ff5e7fe05c4621aaad58bf1d063c79e21baf7243.json |
[
"Audrey Zimmerman",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-26T16:46:59 | null | 2016-08-26T10:30:14 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4102296-nk-football-gears-new-season.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | NK football gears up for new season | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Coming off an undefeated regular season last year, the Kelliher/Northome football team is “absolutely looking forward to a great year,” said Coach Derrick Gross.
The Mustangs’ returning all-conference players are the core group of this year’s team.
“Johnathan Weidenborner will play tight end and defensive end; Clyde Jensen will play tackle and defensive end; fullback Chris Rieger and tailback Daniel Jourdan are both two-way starters and returning all-conference players,” he said.
Sophomore Jake Waldo will start at quarterback for the Mustangs, and “got a lot of quality playing time and experience, so we can expect him to be a little bit ahead of your typical sophomore quarterback,” Gross said.
The returning seniors have “varying amount of experience (and) they’re very good and patient with the kids...to reassure them that we’ll get there,” he said.
As for areas of improvement, Gross is hoping to coach the team on maintaining balance on offense.
“We’ve always been known as a run-first team,” he said. “We don’t pass a whole lot, so we’d like to balance that out and get a few more pass attempts.”
The Mustangs kick off its season at home against Southridge on Friday, Sept. 2 | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4102296-nk-football-gears-new-season | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/f654cc66b7e5835aa4f9c538cf0d02fb6c32079e76d6d04fe0c64bb9ea22a417.json |
[
"Grace Pastoor",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-27T00:47:12 | null | 2016-08-26T19:21:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4102662-police-respond-rash-burglaries.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0826/istockimage.jpg?itok=pTc2ub4S | en | null | Police respond to rash of burglaries | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BEMIDJI -- Law enforcement is encouraging the public to remove valuables from cars, and keep doors locked after a rash of burglaries across the city.
Between Aug. 12 and 24, officers received reports of seven garage burglaries, five bike thefts, 18 thefts from vehicles and three vehicle thefts within Bemidji, said Police Chief Mike Mastin. Police believe a group of people working together is responsible for the incidents.
“Often it’s a group of individuals that work together to go through the neighborhoods and scour, looking for valuables in vehicles or open garages,” Mastin said. “They take advantage of the easy opportunity.”
The thefts and burglaries have not stayed in one area. There have been incidents in both the north and south of the city, as well as in the middle. The burglaries tend to occur between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Mastin said.
The police have “some ideas” of who is responsible, he added, but no official suspects. Extra patrols in areas where thefts have already occurred are rarely helpful because the perpetrators will simple move to a different area.
The public should avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, lock home, car and garage doors and keep an eye out for anything unusual. Stolen items often end up for sale online, Mastin said, and people who have been victims of thefts should search sale pages for their property and contact police if they locate it.
“The best thing residents can do is remove valuables from their vehicles,” Mastin said. “Out of sight, out of mind is a good thing.”
To see where the burglaries have occurred, visit raidsonline.com. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4102662-police-respond-rash-burglaries | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/2c1b0581c6c3ddc94fd4c6e23af0ca96ec70e3cc00f440ced0ac50dbd5276f2a.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-31T06:48:39 | null | 2016-08-31T00:27:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4104965-shriners-hold-free-pediatric-orthopedic-screening-bemidji.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Shriners to hold free pediatric orthopedic screening in Bemi... | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BEMIDJI -- A free screening for potential Shrine Hospital patients is set for 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 16 at Sanford Bemidji Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Clinic, 1300 Anne St. NW.
Shrine Hospital Medical personnel will examine all prospective patients who attend the clinic and will provide information about the Shriners Hospitals for Children. No medical procedures are performed at the clinic; it is for examination only.
For more information, contact Erin Jurkovich at (612) 986-7207 or by email at jurkovich@shrinenet.org.
Shriners Hospitals for Children Twin Cities Hospital and Clinic focuses on treating children with orthopedic conditions in an environment designed to put children at ease. Children up to age 18 are eligible for care at Shriners Hospitals for Children if there is a reasonable possibility they can benefit from the specialized services available. Acceptance is based solely on a child’s medical needs regardless of their ability to pay. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4104965-shriners-hold-free-pediatric-orthopedic-screening-bemidji | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/ab530b7c3930cfa63d2ce8d8758795575b11f7eb185a779cccb2efd95f1a3a07.json |
[
"Forum News Service",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-29T16:47:48 | null | 2016-08-29T09:51:30 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2F4103741-tornado-captured-video-near-beltrami-minn.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0829/1tornado.jpg?itok=HmOyOZju | en | null | Tornado captured on video near Beltrami, Minn. | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Thacher Paine and Laney Forness were driving back home to the Twin Cities area Sunday evening, Aug. 28, when they captured stunning video of a tornado near Beltrami, Minn. in Polk County.
"It was very surreal," Forness said. "I just wanted to keep going faster. It was scary."
Paine captured the video on his phone around 8 p.m.
"It really didn't seem like the weather was that bad." said Paine, noting it was raining a little bit before the tornado formed.
However, Paine said he noticed the clouds "were kind of low" and then commented to Forness: "It's looking a little twisty."
"It was a funnel cloud and it came down and it started getting a little bigger and a little bigger," Forness said. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4103741-tornado-captured-video-near-beltrami-minn | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/a6e9bffd05f3286a880754ff86f4eded55c39339d12b459d602aace6d4983509.json |
[
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-28T06:48:47 | null | 2016-08-28T00:39:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4102807-relay-life-donation.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Relay for Life donation | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Mick Charlton donated $250 from the Pat Charlton/Best of Buds Golf Tourney to Relay For Life of Beltrami County. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4102807-relay-life-donation | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/aa524124bc4317d7e308dace582329c64d054ac83d4b72a0f84b13c8dd3b6de7.json |
[
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-30T22:48:15 | null | 2016-08-30T16:22:12 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F4104894-letter-editor-community-band-season-was-best-ever.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Community Band season was best ever | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Aug. 7 brought to a close the most successful Bemidji Area Community Band concert season ever. Thank you to the 80-plus musicians who participated in at least one concert during the summer. A special thank you to our concert sponsors — Raphael’s Bakery, Ground Round, Stittsworth Meats and C.K. Dudley’s. Also, thank you to the Bemidji Pioneer for their help with program printing and concert promotion, Bemidji Woolen Mills for the shirt subsidy, Nei Bottling for the concert signage and Overbeek’s for help with our new sound system. Thank you also to the summer conductors — Les Torgerson, Fulton Gallagher and Scott Guidry.
The attendance and monetary support from the concert goers were terrific, and we can’t thank them enough. Thanks to their generosity, we were able to purchase a much-needed sound system, new folders, rent and buy music, shirts to replenish our supply due to new players, provide two scholarships for the Bemidji Band Camp, and pay directors and soloists. It’s not as much fun to practice if there is no audience to hear the result of our work.
Our attendance is on the rise as well as the musicians’ participation. We had many new players this year from all locations and backgrounds. As a way of improving the audience experience, we encourage you to like us on Facebook and provide input to us of any kind.
Bravo to our audience and musicians. We’re looking forward to Father’s Day 2017, for our first concert next year.
Glenn Seibel
President, BACB board of directors
Bemidji | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/opinion/letters/4104894-letter-editor-community-band-season-was-best-ever | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/e7db8c97b39b47cc302a5365cf4c60c51aefa2b11095d70cbbe2e2f401142dc9.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-27T00:47:01 | null | 2016-08-26T19:02:02 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4102653-crime-report-aug-25.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0826/pioneer-daily-arrests-graphicweb.jpg?itok=xnI4mAUF | en | null | Crime report for Aug. 25 | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Sheriff’s Report
The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following calls Thursday:
Accident
10:21 p.m. Officers received a report of a single-vehicle accident at the intersection of Sumac Road NE and Hazelwood Road NW. The driver fled the scene and has not been located.
Civil
2:58 p.m. Officers received a report of a dispute regarding the ownership of two rabbits at the 3600 block of Johnsville Lane NW.
Warrant
10:19 a.m. A 39-year-old female was transported to jail for multiple arrest warrants.
Weapons Offenses
3:09 a.m. Officers received a report of shots fired at the 17000 block of Mission Road SE. A 24-year-old male was located and arrested.
Police Report
The Bemidji Police Department responded to the following calls Thursday:
911
8:31 a.m. Officers received a report of a domestic disturbance at the 400 block of Wood Avenue SE. A 26-year-old male was arrested.
Assault
2:54 a.m. Officers received an assault and theft complaint at the 300 block of 1st Street NW.
Theft
7:56 a.m. Officers received a report of the theft of items from a garage at the 1700 block of 6th Street SE.
Violations/Court Orders
3:57 p.m. One adult female was arrested on an active arrest and detain order from probation at the 600 block of Beltrami Avenue NW.
Warrant
3:07 p.m. A 26-year-old female was arrested on warrants at the 3900 block of Irvine Avenue NW. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4102653-crime-report-aug-25 | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/8f22d53c7e7d4ed2962523f6a30302e02021966435c23ab62ffccfcd3daa506b.json |
[
"Austin Monteith",
"On Aug",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-26T12:49:44 | null | 2016-08-25T22:57:32 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fsports%2Flumberjacks%2F4102046-volleyball-bemidji-drops-season-opener-alexandria.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0825/volleyball-1.jpg?itok=shJsBuiC | en | null | VOLLEYBALL: Bemidji drops season opener to Alexandria | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Bemidji's MaKenna Quinn (left) and Anna Falldorf reach for an attempted block during Thursday's Section 8-3A match-up against Alexandria in the season opener. (Eric Morken | Forum News Service)
Bemidji junior outside hitter MaKenna Quinn extends a rally by getting to a ball in the first set during the Lumberjacks’ season opener in Alexandria. (Eric Morken | Forum News Service)
ALEXANDRIA — The Bemidji High School volleyball team opened its 2016 season with a 3-1 road loss to Alexandria on Thursday night.
The Lumberjacks dropped sets No. 1 and 2 by scores of 25-19 and 25-6, respectively. BHS forced a fourth set by winning the third set 25-23. Ultimately, the Jacks lost the final set 25-16.
Head coach Teresa Colligan said the team had trouble playing consistently.
“Basically I think we were just pretty inconsistent,” Colligan said. “We would have moments where we would play well and then we were just pretty inconsistent all around on defense, on setting up on offense. They have good hitters and we had a tough time defending them, blocking them and digging them up.”
Bemidji had problems getting anything going, letting the Cardinals gain momentum.
“There were moments that we were really on fire and that we were passing the ball up,” Colligan said. “And then there were more moments where we just got stuck on our heels and then we let them get the momentum and we stopped talking.”
The team’s serving was a bright spot in the loss, Colligan said.
“We were pretty consistent with our serving,” she said. “Our serving percentage was at 96.9. I mean that’s really good.”
Senior outside hitter Siri Bardwell led the team offensively with 11 kills while junior middle hitter Lexi Wade tallied 10.
Junior setter Addie Colligan played a significant role in the Lumberjacks’ offense, recording 26 assists to lead Bemidji.
A trio of Jacks tallied double digits in digs with junior defensive specialist Kennedy Mills recording 14, senior defensive specialist Claire Schotzko bagging 13 and Colligan getting 10.
The Lumberjacks will next travel to St. Cloud Tech for an away match on Tuesday at 7 p.m. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sports/lumberjacks/4102046-volleyball-bemidji-drops-season-opener-alexandria | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/779896b6d7336b8883ebf2ff2cb14e092415c4e2e487b1eecf882d29d7226803.json |
[
"Tory Cooney",
"St. Paul Pioneer Press",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-31T08:48:30 | null | 2016-08-31T02:42:02 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2F4105096-minnesota-man-gets-18-months-unlicensed-gun-sales.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Minnesota man gets 18 months for unlicensed gun sales | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | ST. PAUL -- A St. Paul man who sold guns without a license was sentenced Tuesday to a year and a half in prison by U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz in federal court in Minneapolis.
Federal law enforcement officials said that Eitan Benjamin Feldman, 30, sold guns online, without a license, despite warnings to stop and the knowledge that some of these weapons were connected to crimes.
Feldman pleaded guilty in April to one count of dealing firearms without a license. Nine counts of making a false statement during a firearm purchase were dismissed at sentencing in accordance with a plea deal.
Feldman was also sentenced to two years of supervised release and ordered to pay $510 in restitution, said Benjamin Petok, spokesman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota.
According to the February indictment, Feldman bought and sold 41 guns between January 2014 and January 2016.
He bought guns online, then turned around and posted them for sale on a different website. He often sold the weapons at a profit and within days of receiving them. While Feldman passed his own background check in buying the guns, he didn’t conduct background checks when selling them, according to the indictment.
Feldman claimed he was a gun collector to circumvent dealer licensing requirements and background check requirements, U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger has said.
An agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives contacted Feldman by phone in July 2015 to inform him that some of the weapons he purchased were connected to crimes in the Twin Cities. Feldman told the agent he couldn’t show him the guns because he had sold them at shows, the indictment said.
In October 2015, the ATF mailed Feldman a written warning telling him to end his unlicensed dealing and that if he continued, it could result in prosecution. Despite the notice, Feldman continued selling guns, including to two undercover agents, according to the indictment.
“Stemming the flow of illicit firearm sales is an important priority for law enforcement,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Bejar said in a written statement. “Engaging in the business of unlicensed firearms sales is a serious crime.” | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4105096-minnesota-man-gets-18-months-unlicensed-gun-sales | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/163ca415b63f79b9e4cdac56aa80aa52ea4f3c7c7bbc4621cb04dec2ce7067f1.json |
[
"Matthew Liedke",
"On Aug",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-26T12:52:25 | null | 2016-08-25T16:56:45 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2F4101785-housing-state-level-processing-continues-westwood-acres-residents.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | HOUSING: State level processing continues for Westwood Acres residents | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BEMIDJI—A number of residents at a Bemidji mobile home park are in the process of relocating, and are doing so through a state program.
The moving effort comes months after Crown Properties Management announced a portion of the Westwood Acres Mobile Home Park in Bemidji would close. The area, with a total of 28 mobile homes at the time of the company's January announcement, borders Hannah Avenue Northwest and is between Balsam Street and 23rd Street.
As a result, the city of Bemidji held a public hearing to inform the residents that they're eligible for financial assistance through the Minnesota Manufactured Home Relocation Trust Fund. Additionally, the City Council appointed a neutral third party, retired Beltrami County Attorney Tim Faver, to resolve any disputes regarding contributions and distributions from the fund.
According to Faver, recent discussions with the Minnesota agency have revealed some of the residents have been processed through the program while there are still some that have yet to finish.
"I have a few left, and I'm still waiting on some information to send in," Faver said. "To the extent that there's any holdup on it, it's primarily due to movers. From what I'm hearing, there's not many people who do this moving process, so they're pretty busy."
The city, which became involved in the process based on Minnesota statutes, hired Faver as a third party in January and set compensation rate at $40 an hour. According to city documents, the property owner didn't indicate their intentions to Bemidji staff for the property once the closure process is finished. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/4101785-housing-state-level-processing-continues-westwood-acres-residents | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/54ee2cfd6e5e4d63726e85dcd7de516fda3700766dbe21d2496fa491de627871.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-30T04:48:03 | null | 2016-08-29T22:28:39 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fsports%2Flumberjacks%2F4104397-girls-tennis-bemidji-edges-pequot-lakes-4-3.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0829/bhstennis.jpg?itok=0pPntLmz | en | null | GIRLS TENNIS: Bemidji edges Pequot Lakes 4-3 | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Despite an hour delay thanks to we courts, the Lumberjacks had two winners in singles in Abbie Kelm at No. 1 and Shelby Eichstadt at No. 2.
“Abbie came out with her usual strong performance and gave us a quick 1-0 lead after an hour delay as we waited for courts to dry,” BHS head coach Mark Fodness said.
“Shelby started a little slow in each set but battled for a win in her first set and then really played well down the stretch in her second set. She’s doing a really nice job of making the switch from doubles to singles as we look for more flexibility in our lineup.”
In doubles, BHS also had two winners. Sam Edlund and Taylor Offerdahl won at No. 1 doubles and Caitlin McCollum and Olivia Jones were victorious at No. 2 doubles.
“Sam and Taylor played together for the first time this year and it took them a set to get comfortable,” Fodness said of No. 1 doubles. “They played well in the tiebreaker in the first set and then completely took control in the second set to finish out their match.
“Caitlin and Olivia struggled in the first set and for most of the second. But we really needed them to step up and they played their best tennis at the end and gave us our fourth point. It was great to see them play their best under pressure.”
Denee Barett and Bethany Chatterton lost at No. 3 and No. 4 singles, respectively, while Emily Serratore and Kate Langerak lost at No. 3 doubles.
The Lumberjacks return to the court Wednesday for a triangular against Grand Rapids and East Grand Forks. Matches start at 10 a.m. at the Bemidji Middle School tennis courts. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sports/lumberjacks/4104397-girls-tennis-bemidji-edges-pequot-lakes-4-3 | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/b8f175d8447c6053ba9737aae3b1dd80de3708f3c7658b881f9ed1a180d8245a.json |
[
"Audrey Zimmerman",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-26T14:46:47 | null | 2016-08-26T09:39:42 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4102232-blackduck-volleyball-looks-forward-new-season.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0826/volleyball.1.jpg?itok=3PZHQOaB | en | null | Blackduck volleyball looks forward to new season | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | “Teamwork” and “encouraging” are among the words used to describe this year’s Lady Drakes volleyball team, according to Head Coach Cherry Brands.
With returning captains Michaela Sparby, Sierra Stroeing and Maddie Cease, the team is poised for a good season, Brands said.
“We’re going to be running a 6-2 (rotation) this year instead of a 5-1, so we’re hoping to get some more back row hits and increase on our hitting,” said Brands, who added serving was a strong suit for the team last year and hopes to maintain and continue improving.
“I think our teamwork is probably the best I’ve seen in years with this team,” she said. “This is a great group of girls who get along really well, and they all help each other out -- whether it’s down to junior high and working out with them all the way to helping each other.”
The Lady Drakes opened its season at home against Clearbrook-Gonvick on Thursday night. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4102232-blackduck-volleyball-looks-forward-new-season | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/61a2df5778d0ee041ce41009cbc542cd15e65631e10d13c5d4b729c2fbce21c7.json |
[
"Don Davis",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-26T20:46:55 | null | 2016-08-26T15:17:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2F4102496-capitol-chatter-trump-last-make-minnesota-ballot.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0826/0b52dxj0kvwfrwdzhtm5lyzfbluu.jpg?itok=Y_h8dhE8 | en | null | Capitol Chatter: Trump last to make Minnesota ballot | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | It is not a Minnesota State Fair without politics, and Republican Chairman Keith Downey delivered on Thursday, July 25, 2016, when he said he felt his party booth volunteers will be safe from Democrats who harassed presidential candidate Donald Trump supporters last week. (Forum News Service photo by Don Davis)
ST. PAUL—Some headlines and social media posts made it sound like Donald Trump's name might not be on the Minnesota ballot on Nov. 8.
That remains a possibility, but only if a judge orders his name removed.
Former state Republican official Michael Brodkorb, now a blogger, warns that "voters should prepare themselves for lawsuits to be filed to challenge if Minnesota Republicans followed the law to get his name on the ballot."
State GOP Chairman Keith Downey told reporters at the State Fair that the party forgot to elect alternate electors, those people who actually pick a president in the country's Electoral College process. But the party's constitution allows the Republican State Central Committee to do that, he said, and everything is good since the committee voted on the issue Wednesday night.
"Lots of people on social media have lots of opinions," Downey said, brushing off any hint of a problem.
Brodkorb, however, says state law requires a convention, not the committee, to pick alternate electors.
Monday is the deadline for Secretary of State Steve Simon to finish the presidential part of the ballot, and predictions are that a lawsuit could come soon after that.
The issue has attracted some national attention.
The Fix, on the Washington Post Website, offered the headline: "How Donald Trump almost missed the ballot in Minnesota (and what that says about his campaign)."
A story by Amber Phillips explains that candidates for other parties—Legal Marijuana Now, American Delta, Democratic, Green, Libertarian and Independence—were on the ballot, but at that point not Trump.
Despite Downey's explanation, the Post says, "the bottom line is still this: The state Republican Party messed up—and Trump was the one who took the hit."
"It'd be pretty embarrassing for a major-party nominee to miss the ballot in a state..." Phillips wrote. "But to some degree, Trump has set himself for this sort of headache. He has largely outsourced the nuts and bolts of running his presidential campaign to the Republican Party, which in turn outsources a lot of the work to its state chapters."
She says that the Trump "hands-off approach" opens the campaign up for errors.
Dayton orders pollinator protection
Gov. Mark Dayton has ordered his Agriculture Department to restrict pesticides thought to kill pollinators such as bees.
In a Friday executive order, the governor said the department is to immediately begin to only allow neonicotinoid pesticides to be used when there is "an imminent threat of significant crop loss." It was not immediately clear how the order will be enforced or how big an impact it will have.
Dayton specifically ordered state agencies to stop using those pesticides whenever possible and told department heads to make sure state land is attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Insects, especially bees, pollinate crops, a vital part of the state's agriculture industry. But pollinators have been dying off, with much of the blame placed on neonicotinoid pesticides, although that suggestion remains under debate.
"Bees and other pollinators play a critical role in supporting both our environment, and our economy," Dayton said. "This order directs state government to take immediate action to alleviate the known risks that pollinators face. It also will create a new taskforce to study the issues impacting pollinators and recommend long-term solutions."
'We did good work'
Minnesota legislators are under attack from many directions for failing to enact tax cuts and fund public construction projects.
But Republican House members are firing back, essentially saying they did good work in the legislative session that ended in May even though they will not get the chance to return to a special session to complete their work.
Several GOP lawmakers sent news releases within the past week emphasizing a bill that freezes, and in some cases reduces, many state college and university tuitions.
"A good education is key to becoming a productive member of today's work force, but it's an expensive endeavor..." Rep. Dale Lueck, R-Aitkin, said in his version of the news release. "We made sure to continue student grants, tuition relief, loan forgiveness and scholarships."
Sex offender release OK'd
A Minnesota sex offender could be the first one released from a state treatment program with no conditions.
But the state could appeal the court decision to release 26-year-old Eric Terhaar, who has been in the sex treatment program six years for crimes he committed as a juvenile.
Terhaar has been in a program that sex offenders who have completed prison sentences sometimes are sent. They remain there indefinitely and so far no one has been completely released, although some got out under heavy security.
A Supreme Court appeals panel ruled that Terhaar does not need the intensive treatment the Minnesota Sex Offender Program offers. The panel openly wondered if he ever should have been committed to the program.
A federal judge has ruled the program, with more than 700 patients, unconstitutionally keeps people after their prison terms expire. State officials disagree with the decision, but at the same time are looking for ways to release some patients.
The state must decide in less than two weeks whether to appeal the Terhaar decision. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4102496-capitol-chatter-trump-last-make-minnesota-ballot | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/2253b8768788b69cf6807e7cf84e770d6f967ff3c3b5b38da9603a3888c5ab07.json |
[
"Kevin Cederstrom",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-29T16:47:58 | null | 2016-08-29T10:26:16 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2F4103778-man-missing-following-fish-hook-lake-accident-identified.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0829/img19091.jpg?itok=SMHDrrqs | en | null | Man missing following Fish Hook Lake accident identified | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | PARK RAPIDS, Minn. -- The body of a missing man following a two-boat accident Thursday on Fish Hook Lake near Park Rapids has been identified. Divers recovered the body of 78-year-old John Patrick Sargent about 1:30 p.m. Friday an estimated 350 yards out from the Fish Hook Lake public access off Highway 71. The sheriff’s office notified family members who gathered at the access. Sargent’s body was brought in just after 3 p.m. and transported to a Park Rapids funeral home.
Hubbard County Sheriff Cory Aukes stated in a news release Friday Sargent’s body was recovered in 8-feet of water. Sargent was operating a 16-foot fishing boat when he collided with a 17-foot boat operated by 32-year-old Jessiah Hoeg of Maple Grove.
Sargent and both his passengers, Thomas and Gloria Dalby of Brainerd, both 57, were ejected from their boat. None of the parties were wearing life jackets, according to the sheriff’s office.
Witnesses at the Loon’s Nest Resort saw the accident Thursday and were able to pull Thomas and Gloria Dalby from the capsized boat and brought to shore.
Thomas Dalby was airlifted from the public access to North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale. He was treated for broken ribs. Gloria Dalby was treated and released from CHI-St. Joseph’s Health in Park Rapids.
The occupants of the second boat, identified as Jessiah and Rick Hoag, sustained minor injuries.
Alcohol does not appear a factor in the crash, according to the sheriff’s office.
Involved in the search operation Friday were the Hubbard County Sheriff's Office, Lakes Area Dive Team, Becker County Dive Team, Central Lakes Search and Rescue and a local fishing guide with specialized electronic equipment.
The cause of the accident where the two boats collided is unknown at this time and Hubbard County Sheriff Cory Aukes said the incident remains under investigation.
Aukes said when the accident occurred people from nearby Loon’s Nest Resort rescued two of the accident victims from the water.
The Lakes Area Dive Team and Becker County Dive Team joined the search for Sargent on Friday, along with the Hubbard County Sheriff's Office and a Minnesota DNR airplane. Also responding to the scene at both the public access and Loon's Nest Resort, which made the initial call, was Hubbard County Sheriff's Office, Hubbard First Response & Rescue, North Memorial Ambulance and Park Rapids Police Department. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4103778-man-missing-following-fish-hook-lake-accident-identified | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/52877f9f58ff98aadac88480bb1680cf396009a37cd9ace95bd021b819f25565.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-30T12:48:27 | null | 2016-08-30T07:01:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4104102-coats-community-collection-begins.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0829/1006-prep-coats-community.jpg?itok=Uw6SLSKv | en | null | Coats for the Community collection begins | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BEMIDJI -- The annual United Way of Bemidji Area’s Coats for the Community drive is underway. People can help by donating new or clean, gently used, men’s, women’s, infant’s and children’s coats and snowsuits. Winter accessories, including boots, scarves, gloves and hats also are needed, officials said in a release.
Organizers of the coat drive ask that you attach pairs of gloves or boots together before donating. The following locations will be accepting donations through Oct. 3: Dress Club Cleaners, JCPenney, Lueken’s Village Foods North and South and Sanford Bemidji Medical Center Lobby.
The coat drive is one of United Way’s community impact initiatives aimed to help meet the basic needs of those who may otherwise have to go without, while also helping families become more financially stable, the release said.
The coats and winter accessories will be distributed from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Boys and Girls Club of the Bemidji Area, 1600 Minnesota Ave. NW. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4104102-coats-community-collection-begins | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/712393aeaad12c40ea081e1ac4b16fee6c75f2943a8460a4136023af93dcd2ce.json |
[
"American Staff Report",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-26T14:47:21 | null | 2016-08-26T09:26:26 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4102213-blackduck-community-thanks-sponsors-successful-golf-scramble.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0826/08262016.n.ba.scramble.jpg?itok=PMrzg2se | en | null | Blackduck community thanks sponsors for successful golf scramble | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | The 2016 Deerwood Bank Drakes Scramble was a great success. There were more than 70 golfers that helped raise more than $7,000 for the athletics/activities department along with generous support from local businesses and individuals. A special thank you to Deerwood Bank for being the corporate sponsor and providing grab bags for the golfers. To the coaches, students, and parents who volunteered their time throughout the last few months, thank you for all your help. I also want to thank the following hole sponsors for their support: | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4102213-blackduck-community-thanks-sponsors-successful-golf-scramble | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/1f937d8dcdb1dbce6d82b171d465d70309695f84ffcffc2068d2d2bc4a68ee4f.json |
[
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-27T02:46:52 | null | 2016-08-26T20:42:42 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fbusiness%2F4102811-acme-tools-receives-achievement-award.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Acme Tools receives achievement award | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BEMIDJI — The Toro Co. recently awarded the Summit Club Residential Award to Acme Tools in Bemidji. The annual award recognizes qualifying Toro dealers for outstanding sales of residential lawn equipment, according to a release. Acme Tools has earned the award from Toro every year since 2012. As an award-winning Toro dealer, Acme Tools offers a complete line of Toro products with the latest advancements and reliable service from technicians trained on Toro equipment using genuine Toro parts. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/business/4102811-acme-tools-receives-achievement-award | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/c4373a11118b5f88ae078eacc830d0475ff3fca254eabf41e9183b6f8a1bebc0.json |
[
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-27T02:47:42 | null | 2016-08-26T20:42:11 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fbusiness%2F4102810-new-providers-join-sanford-bemidji.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | New providers join Sanford Bemidji | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Luma joins the family medicine team at Sanford Bemidji. Luma received his medical degree from the Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica, West Indies. He completed an internship and residency in family medicine at the HackensackUMC Mountainside Hospital in Verona, N.J. Luma is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.
Elie Chalhoub comes to the Sanford Bemidji Clinic, located at 1705 Anne St., as a medical oncologist and hematologist. Chalhoub received his medical degree from the Lebanese University, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Beirut, Lebanon, where he also interned. He completed a residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita, Kan. and recently completed a fellowship in hematology/oncology at Tulane University in New Orleans. Chalhoub is board certified in internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is board eligible from the same organization in the fields of medical oncology and hematology. Chalhoub will also be providing outreach care to patients from the Rainy Lake Medical Center in International Falls. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/business/4102810-new-providers-join-sanford-bemidji | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/a461b98b2007ba310ad286f0aefb470465e774a58e96780fd0a73ec507338f42.json |
[
"Austin Monteith",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-28T02:47:24 | null | 2016-08-27T21:22:33 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fsports%2Flumberjacks%2F4103215-cross-country-experienced-lumberjacks-running-down-another-shot-state.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0827/bhstrack.jpg?itok=asdMc7Mz | en | null | CROSS COUNTRY: Experienced Lumberjacks running down another shot at state | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BEMIDJI — The bulk of both Bemidji High School cross country teams will return this season for another shot at a state title.
The Lumberjacks boys team took fourth place at the Class AA state meet at St. Olaf College in Northfield last year in their fourth straight state appearance.
While Bemidji’s highest finisher at state, Caleb Appleton, has graduated, Isaac Berg, Linaes Whiting, Nathan Alto, Tim Youso, Paul Rietveld and Cody Roder will all be back seeking another section championship.
Head coach Ryan Aylesworth says that although the boys may be missing departing seniors Appleton and Noah Holter, this year’s squad knows how to match their previous successes.
“The kids just need to know that if they put in the work and believe in themselves and each other that they can achieve goals and attain things that other kids have done in the program,” he said.
Senior Isaac Berg posted the second-fastest time for the Jacks at state last season, taking 20th in the race. Berg says the team’s goal is to “five-peat” by making it to state five straight years.
“We have experience I guess for some of us and we have some new people who have to fill-in some of those spots from seniors last year,” Berg said. “But (we need to) just work hard for it and get our minds set on our goal.”
The top runner on the Bemidji girls team, junior Sadie Hamrin, will attempt to qualify for her third-straight state meet.
Hamrin, the sole member of the girls team that competed at state last season, finished 15th in 2015 after placing 19th as a freshman in 2014.
The junior says she hopes to use her finish at state to push herself even further this fall.
“I’m hoping just to use it as confidence to try to get top 10 this year,” Hamrin said. “Because it was so close last year that I think that, if I can just get to the same place, I know I can do it.”
Among the returners joining Hamrin are Sierra Freyholtz and Anna and Arie Gislason, as well as a number of younger runners.
The Willmar girls team will once again be a threat in Section 8AA as the Cardinals return a whole squad that has won section titles and finished third at state in back-to-back years. The top two teams in the section meet advance to state.
“Willmar is returning top three in the state. They went to the Nike national meet,” Aylesworth said.
“They are extremely good. There is a strong core of other teams on the girls side that could all battle for one of those top two spots and we hope that we can be in the mix of girls battling for that spot.”
There is not as much of a clear favorite to win the section for the boys.
“Willmar, Sartell, Detroit Lakes, Little Falls, us. There’s a few other teams that have got a good shot to be in the mix for those two spots,” Aylesworth said. “But we’ve just got to focus on who we are and where we are right now moving forward so that we can challenge at the end of the season.”
The Lumberjacks have their first meet on the season on Monday when they compete at the Shocky Strand Invitational at M.B. Johnson Park in Moorhead. The meet begins at 10 a.m. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sports/lumberjacks/4103215-cross-country-experienced-lumberjacks-running-down-another-shot-state | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/fd8cf5f7b913819433e68cce2eecb19794b7f34b346d8f26a181365e1589af58.json |
[
"Beth Leipholtz",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-30T08:47:55 | null | 2016-08-30T01:41:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2F4104237-heavy-storms-lead-flash-flooding-central-minn.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0829/nflood0829166.jpg?itok=9Thuo-RV | en | null | Heavy storms lead to flash flooding in central Minn. | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Tim Scott, a resident at Viking Towers, inspects his car for damage after flooding in the parking lot. Scott has only owned the car for two weeks, and was awarded it through the Douglas County Car Care program. (Beth Leipholtz | Forum News Service)
ALEXANDRIA, Minn. -- The rain came quickly Monday morning, flooding low-lying areas, but didn’t cause any serious damage as it moved through Douglas County in central Minnesota.
“We had a few trees down, and some roads had water over top of them but the water receded fairly quickly,” said Troy Wolbersen, Douglas County sheriff and Emergency Management director. “As far as reports we received, it was nothing too serious.”
Though serious damage was minimal, the heavy rainfall did flood parking lots and prompted a flash flood warning for southern Douglas County.
According to the National Weather Service, rainfall rates of 3 inches per hour were observed in Alexandria, with 2 to 4 inches of rain falling in 90 minutes. The rain ended about 7 a.m. Monday.
As mid-morning rolled around, residents in Alexandria were out assessing the extent of the flooding.
Part of Ninth Avenue next to Legion Park was blocked to through traffic due to standing water. Also next to Legion Park, the parking lot of Viking Towers was hit particularly hard, as water from surrounding blocks tends to drain into the lower area.
Tim Scott, a 13-year resident of the apartment building, spent part of the morning surveying the damage to his vehicle. Though the vehicle was not running, a few of the lights were on, indicating that the electrical system sustained water damage.
“I just saw my car this morning when I woke up and went down here to check it out,” he said. “There’s not much I can do at this time, until the water goes down.”
The partially-submerged vehicle has only been Scott’s for two weeks, and he was awarded it through the Douglas County Car Care Program, which assists individuals in Douglas County with transportation needs by providing a donated vehicle or repairing an existing vehicle.
“I just hope all the other cars are OK,” Scott said. “I hope mine is OK.”
According to Scott, the same lot flooded about 12 years ago and his vehicle suffered substantial damage, never running the same again.
The hope is that the storm drain construction taking place on the west side of Broadway helps to avoid this type of flooding in the future.
As for the other construction projects in town, the heavy rain won’t have much of an impact on the 50th Avenue/Interstate 94 work going on in south Alexandria, according to Jeremiah Moerke, public affairs coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. It would have if it would have happened when crews were ripping up 50th Avenue and the ramps, but they are now focusing on replacing the bridge.
Moerke added that the rain led to some cleanup work but it will not impact the project’s timeline.
While the storm was strong in rain, lightning was also nearly constant and reportedly a strike caused a fire on the south side of Lake Reno in Lowry. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4104237-heavy-storms-lead-flash-flooding-central-minn | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/37a4209d7d33a3d47a4a4b535d6b991c2d77c90c1613c3682281f2bd568559ec.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-27T14:47:08 | null | 2016-08-27T08:01:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4102664-police-host-alcohol-server-training.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Police to host alcohol server training | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | The classes, which are for anyone that sells or serves alcohol in the Bemidji area, are scheduled for 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. and will take place at the Sanford Center in the club level. The course will cover a number of topics including Minnesota laws servers should be aware of, information on the effects of alcohol, compliance checks and more. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4102664-police-host-alcohol-server-training | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/3cea4aaea7e915f3d0fa482b7b32dbbe5cc00cccfc41822208602c3dbd05b623.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-30T18:48:21 | null | 2016-08-30T12:22:36 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2F4104726-crime-report-aug-29.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0830/pioneer-daily-arrests-graphicweb.jpg?itok=FQem6W2r | en | null | Crime report for Aug. 29 | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office responded to the following calls Monday:
7:20 a.m. Officers received a report of a garage burglary and theft from vehicles at the 3200 block of Doral Drive NE.
9:39 a.m. Officers received a report of the burglary of a garage at the 1200 block of Pleasant Court SW.
6:23 p.m. Officers received a report of a burglary of an unoccupied dwelling at the 6700 block of Radar Road NW.
DWI
8:13 p.m. A 38-year-old male was arrested for drug DWI and fifth-degree possession of methamphetamine during a traffic stop on Balsam Road NW.
Theft
7:16 a.m. Officers received a report of a stolen vehicle at the 3400 block of Mill Street NE.
12:52 p.m. Officers received the report of the theft of an iPad at the 80 block of 1st Street NW in Blackduck.
2:28 p.m. Officers received a report of a theft at the 100 block of Convenience Lane SE.
3:38 p.m. Officers received a report of the theft of a vehicle at the 4800 block of Jackpine Road NW.
8:55 p.m. Officers received a report of the theft of a wallet at the 5200 block of Theater Lane NW.
Warrant
5:43 p.m. An 18-year-old male was arrested for warrants by the Pike Bay Police Department at the 51000 block of Wind Flower Drive near Cass Lake.
Police Report
The Bemidji Police Department responded to the following calls Monday:
Assault
7:43 p.m. Officers responded to an assault report at the 2000 block of Paul Bunyan Drive NW.
Fire
9:43 a.m. Officers received a report of a fire near Highway 2 NW.
Warrant
8:27 a.m. A 27-year-old was arrested on warrants at the 2000 block of Paul Bunyan Drive NW and issued a citation for theft and trespass. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/4104726-crime-report-aug-29 | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/5e933ea90adfd169e7717a0783989bbc3789835ad6ceaf78010d9188e457b6a6.json |
[
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-27T02:47:12 | null | 2016-08-26T20:43:46 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fbusiness%2F4102812-chamber-ambassadors-northway-insurance-services.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0826/082716.n.bp.biz.amb.northway.jpg?itok=sgrPF1OY | en | null | Chamber Ambassadors: Northway Insurance Services | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Bemidji Area Chamber Ambassadors recently congratulated Steve Jaranson and Sandy Girtz, the new owners of the Northway Insurance Services, 307 Third Street NW. The business is a local independent insurance agency offering personal, commercial, life and annuity products. Contact Northway Insurance Services at (218) 751-0821. Pictured (from left) are ambassadors Penny Echternach, Russ Moen, Lisa Engman, agent Chrissy Doris, owners Sandy Girtz and Steve Jaranson, ambassadors Becky Bergquist and Brian Bissonette. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/business/4102812-chamber-ambassadors-northway-insurance-services | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/98147585757f8e33dcf4294252b2b5d6b1831c2b021630bbd196e54cc87517ba.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-28T12:47:30 | null | 2016-08-28T07:02:02 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4103163-lions-pancake-dinner-supports-bsu-track-program.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Lions pancake dinner supports BSU track program | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BEMIDJI -- The Bemidji Lions Club will host a pancake dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at First Lutheran Church, 900 Bemidji Ave. N. The menu will include all you can eat pancakes, sausage, coffee, milk and orange drink. Cost is $5 for adults and $4 for children younger than 12 years of age. Tickets are available from Lions Club members and at the door the day of the event. All profits will be split between the BSU women’s track program and the Lions charities and community organizations. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4103163-lions-pancake-dinner-supports-bsu-track-program | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/52a2d60a7cb1acb77e0856699a49d9be68fcaf4d941490f75ea884848ee94bfd.json |
[
"Don Davis",
"Don Davis Has Been The Forum Communications Minnesota Capitol Bureau Chief Since",
"Covering State Government",
"Politics For Two Dozen Newspapers In The State. Don Also Blogs At",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-27T02:47:01 | null | 2016-08-26T21:02:02 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2F4102669-poultry-back-home-minnesota-state-fair.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0826/082716-n-mcb-fairbirds1.jpg?itok=d5YJkGU4 | en | null | Poultry back home at Minnesota State Fair | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Galvin Eeg of Roseau County grooms a chicken, held by mother Sara Eeg, at the Minnesota State Fair on Aug. 25, 2016. He said he is glad poultry can be exhibited again this year after last year's bird flu epidemic canceled bird shows. (Forum News Service photo by Don Davis)
"It is good," she said in the middle of the Minnesota State Fair poultry exhibit. "It feels like home again."
The clucking, crowing, quacking, honking and peeping heard in the barn when the fair opened Thursday was music to poultry producers' ears.
"It is a sign that things are back to normal, about as normal as they can be," said Steve Olson, executive director of Minnesota chicken and turkey producer organizations.
A year ago, the same room was pretty quiet, save for people talking. A 2015 bird flu epidemic that eventually lead to more than 9 million chicken and turkey deaths in the state forced the cancelation of all poultry shows at fairs to help slow the disease's spread.
The state appears disease-free this year, so the shows resumed.
Gavin Eeg, 12, of Roseau County, was grooming his black Australorp chicken before showing his pen, for which he received a blue ribbon, and remembered last year, when he made a quilt with chickens on when showing the actual animal was banned.
He was not happy shows were canceled last year, suggesting his solution would have been better: "If there are sick ones, just don't bring them." Experts say birds can carry the flu even when they do not show symptoms.
Fleming, 16, whose chickens receive a red ribbon, also missed not being able to show last year, but planning to be veterinarian she said she understood. But she was happy to be back.
"My birds are a little bit weak this year, I know that," the Crow Wing County 4-H'er said. "But that's OK, I am down here and that is all that matters."
Showing poultry helped Fleming, she said, because it forced her out of her comfort zone as she had to talk to judges.
"I enjoy it because when I first started, I was not comfortable with public speaking or talking to people I didn't know," she said. "It has really brought me out of my shell. I have really learned to be more comfortable with situations like that."
Judges ask a lot of questions, and exhibitors need to be there with good answers about the animal and how it was raised.
"You are going to have to talk to him," Fleming said.
For Eeg, who calls his "business" Eeg's Eggs, said he likes to show chickens better than cows, which his sisters show.
"If a cow steps on you, it can break your foot," he said. "If a chicken steps on you, it is not going to hurt at all. If a cow hits you, you could fall over and break your rib or something. If a chicken hits you ... it is not going to be as bad as a cow ramming into you."
Chickens also are cheaper to raise, he said, and fewer people have them.
Eeg, who wants to be a farmer, said he does not eat many eggs and no poultry.
Overall, however, poultry consumption remains strong.
Olson said that most export markets that closed during the flu outbreak have reopened, although China still will not accept American poultry. Typically 15 percent of chickens and a higher percentage of turkeys are exported.
Minnesota flock numbers are at pre-flu levels, with a country-leading 46 million turkeys, 55 million broiler chickens and 10.5 million egg-laying chickens. Broilers were not affected by the 2015 flu, but turkeys and layers were.
Minnesota poultry producers now are in better shape to resist the flu, if it spreads again, Olson said.
For one thing, he said, producers and governments have learned to respond quicker to stop the disease's spread. Also, he added, "we have more biosecurity" to keep diseases out of the flocks.
While adding biosecurity takes money, poultry producers have not needed convincing to increase protection.
"It certainly has got every producer's attention..." Olson said. "If they did not get hit, they understood it was by the grace of God."
In the coming days, a meeting will look at federal biosecurity standards that soon will be required on all poultry operations.
The bird flu did not drive any Minnesota poultry producers out of business, Olson said. "If we had a second year in a row, I think we would have had some."
Scientists still are looking into why the 2015 flu outbreak was more severe than typically hits flocks. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4102669-poultry-back-home-minnesota-state-fair | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/83dbc801b54dc772f125b43415d5a69a7658663ce57c0f1097eff6952a393894.json |
[
"Grace Pastoor",
"On Aug",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-26T12:54:29 | null | 2016-08-25T19:02:02 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4101775-theres-new-sheriffs-dog-town-k9-unit-brings-mac-1-year-old-belgian-malinois.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0825/082616.n.bp.k92.jpg?itok=29ELmDcO | en | null | There’s a new sheriff’s dog in town: K9 unit brings in Mac, a 1-year-old Belgian Malinois | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Mac, a 1-year-old Belgian Malinois, waits to be rewarded with a tennis ball on Aug. 22 outside of the Bemidji Law Enforcement Center. Mac is the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office’s new K9 addition. (Jillian Gandsey | Bemidji Pioneer)
BEMIDJI -- This fall, the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office’s newest employee will begin his career chasing down suspects, searching for lost children and locating illegal drugs, with plenty of breaks to play with tennis balls and enjoy treats.
Mac, a 1-year-old Belgian Malinois, was purchased about a month ago and is the latest addition to the Sheriff’s Office’s K9 unit. He will join the department’s other dog, 6-year-old Jessi, after a 10-week training beginning in September.
Patrol Sgt. Tony Petrie, who is in charge of the K9 unit and is Jessi’s handler, said the office decided to purchase a second K9 to increase the amount of time a dog is available for calls. Mac has been partnered with Patrol Deputy Kyle Nohre, who will work opposite shifts from Petrie.
“Theoretically, every afternoon and evening there will always be a K9 unit on and working,” Petrie said. “During the day, they would be available for callout, either myself or Deputy Nohre.”
Nohre and Mac will spend 10 weeks in the Twin Cities learning how to track, detect drugs and detain suspects. Mac will be trained to bite and hold, meaning he will be able to stop a suspect by biting them and holding on until a deputy can make an arrest.
K9s are useful in many situations, and can be good deterrents, according to Nohre.
“Say you’re on a traffic stop with some less-than-reputable people … they hear a dog back there barking, that definitely changes their tone,” Nohre said. “Makes them think, well maybe I’m not going to run, maybe I don’t want to fight with this guy.”
Purchasing and training a dog costs about $13,000 dollars, Petrie said. The Sheriff’s Office used to have four dogs, but as they aged out and retired, that number dropped. Now the department plans to maintain two dogs.
“Our K9 units stay very, very busy, and there’s obviously more work to do,” Petrie said. “It’s just a matter of having another dog to do it.”
The department used to use German Shepherds, but now trains Belgian Malinois like Mac and Jessi because they are less prone to hip problems and can have longer careers. Belgian Malinois have a high prey drive and can be very focused, something the Sheriff’s Office looks for in a police dog.
So far, Nohre has enjoyed living with Mac and looks forward to working with him.
“It’s nice having a partner there,” Nohre said. “You count on the dog, and trust the dog to watch your back and be there for you when you need him, just like you’re there for him.” | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4101775-theres-new-sheriffs-dog-town-k9-unit-brings-mac-1-year-old-belgian-malinois | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/a86c5f0666a03756143433e29bd81a80149557eb68e910688c7078d556a27683.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-30T18:48:31 | null | 2016-08-30T11:58:44 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2F4104727-public-meeting-photo-contest-set-master-planning-guide.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Public meeting, photo contest set for master planning guide | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BEMIDJI—Greater Bemidji Joint Planning Director Casey Mai is inviting the public to attend a meeting next week where officials will start work on a developing the Comprehensive Plan, which will focus on how the Bemidji should plan growth, development and infrastructure.
The meeting is set for 6 p.m. Sept. 8 at Bemidji City Hall, 317 Fourth St. NW.
As part of the plan, the steering committee also is holding a photo contest of various local and area landmarks. Following the submission process, the committee will select the best pictures from the public and include them in the Comprehensive Plan, courtesy of the photographer.
Mai said the committee is looking for submitted photographs of the following locations, but also will accept various photographs from the area:
• Bemidji City Hall
• Northern Township Hall
• Bemidji Township Hall
• Bemidji Fire Department station
• Beltrami County Law Enforcement Center
• Sanford Bemidji Medical Center
• Sanford Center
• Bemidji Public Library
• Great Northern historic depot
• Beltrami County Historical Society
• Bemidji water towers
• Bemidji Wastewater Treatment Facility
• Lake Bemidji trails
• BSU
• Northwest Technical College
• Oak Hills Christian College
• Downtown Bemidji
• Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/4104727-public-meeting-photo-contest-set-master-planning-guide | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/5e5beadf626e7db42dbc1e90924fe169408a224d295fb32293716b7bae718692.json |
[
"Audrey Zimmerman",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-26T16:47:42 | null | 2016-08-26T10:27:39 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4102291-nk-mustangs-volleyball-poised-great-season.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | NK Mustangs volleyball poised for 'great season' | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | The Kelliher/Northome volleyball team is gearing up for a new season with a new head coach, Brittany Ungerecht. In 2009, Ungerecht coached a Junior Olympic volleyball team in Northome, and said she is eager to work with both new and returning players.
“I think it’ll be a great season,” she said. “We have a lot of highly motivated young women on the team who have been working hard in the offseason without adult motivation. They’ve been doing this all on their own. They’ve been organizing captain’s practices and working really hard.”
Ungerecht praised the Mustangs’ skills, saying they “really meld well together.”
“I’m lucky to have such a dynamic group. All the players have so many skills in so many different positions that it’s very easy to trust them to do a variety of things,” she said. “They’re still one of the most hardworking teams I’ve ever seen.”
In addition to organizing practices, the team also plans to do some volunteer work in the community throughout their season, Ungerecht said.
The Mustangs hosted Cass Lake in the season opener on Aug. 25. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4102291-nk-mustangs-volleyball-poised-great-season | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/484fb10dade2c787967dd01cf404b0db42e3d153ed49b07b56a9170b5b36d6b4.json |
[
"Celeste Edenloff",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-27T22:47:43 | null | 2016-08-27T17:33:29 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2F4103168-motorcycle-crash-victim-says-gear-saved-his-life-without-vest-no-way-he-could.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0827/082616.n.aep.motorcyclegear.1.jpg?itok=pvGccQyt | en | null | Motorcycle crash victim says gear saved his life: Without vest ‘no way he could have survived’ first responder says | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Jim Rasmussen shows some of his gear he wears when he takes to the road on his motorcyle.
This is a motto that Jim and Jaque Rasmussen live by when riding their motorcycles. And it was Jim’s gear that helped save his life.
It was late in the afternoon on Friday, July 29. Jim took off from their home in Miltona and headed down Minnesota Highway 29 on his motorcycle. He was heading to Glenwood, Minn.
“All the further I got was to Jim and Judy’s (at the intersection of County Road 5),” said the 74-year-old. “A vehicle pulled out and I came to an abrupt halt. I hit the front of the car and apparently, I went flying.”
When Kyle Grinager heard his pager go off alerting him to a motorcycle crash, he immediately started thinking about the scene and what he could possibly roll up on.
“I was thinking this was going to be a bad, ugly deal,” said Grinager, the Miltona Fire Department assistant chief and a first responder. “I was expecting to see a mangled, bloody mess.”
However, Grinager was in for a surprise.
The scene was not at all like the images he had pictured in his mind.
“I walked up to him (Rasmussen) lying on the ground and he was talking,” he said. “He was telling us he was OK. There was no blood. I thought, this just isn’t right.”
‘Unbelievable’ lack of injury
Grinager said it took him a few minutes to survey the scene and then he saw a tethered cord and asked Rasmussen what it was. Rasmussen told him it was his vest -- a Helite airbag vest. When Rasmussen was thrown, a cord tethered to the Can Am motorcycle instantly inflated air pockets in the vest, breaking his fall, stabilizing his neck and head, which was covered by a helmet.
“It was crazy. After a complete T-bone crash and being thrown 12 to 15 feet in the air, I thought there was no way he could have survived,” Grinager said, adding that the survival rate of that kind of crash is extremely low.
Jim admitted he really doesn’t remember exactly what happened. All he knows is that a car pulled out, he hit his brakes and then the next thing he remembers, there were faces from the Miltona first responders staring down at him.
Shortly after he was on scene, Grinager said he called into the dispatch center and canceled the LifeLink helicopter, which had previously been called to the scene. He said the dispatcher had him repeat what he had said because in the majority of motorcycle crashes that have been similar, LifeLink is always used.
“I told them we didn’t need it, that the guy was OK. There was no evidence of any serious injury,” Grinager said. “It was seriously crazy. Unbelievable.”
Jim was riding his Can Am roadster motorcycle, which he purchased last fall after he traded in his BMW motorcycle. The Can Am, with its two front wheels and one back wheel, was more stable for the aging motorcyclist, he said.
Although the motorcycle has changed, the amount of gear Rasmussen wears has not. Whenever they ride, the Rasmussens are fully outfitted in specific motorcycle gear including helmet, jacket, pants, gloves and boots that Jim says “won’t fall off.” The pants and jackets are made of special material that they noted is like Kevlar. It is a breathable material, kind of stiff in nature, that is designed specifically for motorcyclists. It is a heavier material than the normal leather gear associated with most motorcycle riders.
Last year, there was an addition to the Rasmussens’ riding attire.
While at the national BMW rally, the Rasmussens purchased the Helite airbag vests -- one for each of them. Jim thought they were a bit expensive, but his wife thought they were the best invention.
The retired pharmacist and his retired emergency room nurse wife have been riding motorcycles for close to 40 years. They have logged about 400,000 miles. Jaque noted they have ridden to New Mexico, Michigan, California, New York, Vermont, Canada and numerous other places -- all without any incidents.
After the crash, both Jim and Jaque really believe in the worth of their gear. “We have always had gear on,” said Jim. “It’s hideously expensive, but definitely worth it.”
Jim said that although he did have to spend the night in the hospital, he basically “walked away” from the crash. Something he believes wouldn’t have happened if he wasn’t wearing the protective clothing. He did end up with a broken wrist and a concussion. He has to have follow-up appointments with a neurologist.
Jaque said that is nothing compared to what it could have been. “He didn’t get a broken neck. He didn’t break his back. He’s not paralyzed. He’s not dead.”
It’s a very different outcome than most motorcycle accidents Grinager has seen. Since joining the Miltona Fire Department and becoming a first responder in 2009, Grinager has been called to about six or seven motorcycle crashes.
“That crash was eye-opening,” said Grinager, who said he would highly recommend all motorcyclists to consider wearing the type of gear Rasmussen was wearing. “It’s definitely worth it.”
As for his gear, Jim said the back of his helmet was slightly crushed/scratched and there were two very small scrapes/marks on his clothing -- one on his pants and one on his vest pocket. His Can Am motorcycle, however, was totaled. As for when he is getting a new one, Jim isn’t so sure.
He hasn’t been on a motorcycle since the accident.
“I might be done,” he said. “But who knows. Never say never, I guess.”
About the vest
The Helite vest provides a rigid neck brace, as well as firm support to the spine and back, chest, rib and kidneys and also provides hip and pelvic protection. The vest can be tethered to the handlebars of a motorcycle. Upon activation, a spring-loaded piston pierces the CO2 cartridge located on the front of the vest and rapidly inflates the airbag around the neck and body. The air chambers are designed to stabilize the neck, spine and torso, reducing the impact to vital organs. Once the vest is deployed, it stays inflated for about 15-20 seconds. It will then deflate on its own. Once the used CO2 cartridge is replaced with a new one, the vest is ready to be used again. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4103168-motorcycle-crash-victim-says-gear-saved-his-life-without-vest-no-way-he-could | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/1527440c1091d6a71701034e89f78c9c9dc0d3e12bb6eeced7db3c1fb1605bb4.json |
[
"Tom Olsen",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-27T04:47:33 | null | 2016-08-26T22:21:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2F4102678-3-face-felony-charges-mills-fleet-farm-shoplifting.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0826/fleetfarm3.jpg?itok=uZRPslTu | en | null | 3 face felony charges in Mills Fleet Farm shoplifting | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Three men face felony charges after an alleged shoplifting spree at the new Mills Fleet Farm store in Hermantown.
Police said the suspects were apprehended on Tuesday afternoon — just six days after the store opened its doors — after they allegedly removed security devices and stole a number of items, including clothing, sunglasses, binoculars, tools and knives.
Jacob Anthony Carlson, 21, of Proctor; James Eugene Ferry, 27, of Toivola; and Kyle David Okstad, 25, of Duluth, each face a felony charge of possession of burglary tools.
Okstad also faces a fifth-degree possession of a controlled substance charge after police said a search turned up a small amount of heroin.
According to court documents:
Video surveillance showed the men entering the store, 4165 Loberg Ave., and concealing merchandise in their clothing.
The video showed Carlson using a knife to open a pair of binoculars, before discarding the empty packaging in a box of boots. He also was seen placing a cordless drill kit in his pants pocket.
Okstad was seen on the video removing a security tag from an Under Armor sweatshirt before proceeding to the hunting department, where he used a knife to steal a Leatherman multi-tool device.
Ferry was shown on the surveillance video removing tags from a pair of sunglasses and slicing open a package containing a tactical knife before leaving the store and meeting up with his co-defendants in the parking lot.
Hermantown police officers reviewed the video and stopped the vehicle, which was driven by Ferry. The stolen merchandise, along with knives suspected to be used in the theft, were recovered. Police said Ferry admitted that he agreed to drive his friends to the store to steal the goods.
A small plastic bag containing two-tenths of a gram of a substance that field-tested positive for heroin also was recovered from Okstad.
Assistant St. Louis County Attorney Kristen Swanson asked for cash bail for all three men, citing extensive criminal histories.
Ferry is currently on supervised release for a third-degree controlled substance charge, and had checked in for the Drug Court program just four days earlier, Swanson said.
Carlson was released from the Northeast Regional Corrections Center on July 17 after serving a sentence for third-degree burglary, felony theft and check forgery.
Okstad was released from prison on June 9 and remains on supervised release on charges of third-degree burglary, third-degree sale of a controlled substance and escape from custody.
Sixth Judicial District Judge Eric Hylden set bail at $20,000 for Okstad and $10,000 for Ferry and Carlson.
All three are due back in court on Sept. 14. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4102678-3-face-felony-charges-mills-fleet-farm-shoplifting | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/1a0a3eb5d29052ee65338a4bd05a323b6e56a388fa72a97c35558da721da64f3.json |
[
"The Sports Xchagne",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-30T20:48:12 | null | 2016-08-30T15:03:30 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fsports%2Fvikings%2F4104845-vikings-qb-bridgewater-injures-knee-during-practice.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0830/080316.s.dr.vikings-bridgewater.web.jpg?itok=9wPOkApO | en | null | Vikings QB Bridgewater injures knee during practice | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks Teddy Bridgewater (5) warms up during the Vikings' training camp earlier this season at Minnesota State Mankato. Bridgewater exited practice on Tuesday after suffering a left knee injury on a non-contact play. (Matt Gade | Forum News Service)
The Vikings immediately stopped practice after 25 minutes and asked reporters to leave the field while medical personnel tended to Bridgewater. An ambulance drove onto the field at Winter Park for Bridgewater, who ESPN reported was being fitted for an air cast.
Coach Mike Zimmer was expected to address the media on Tuesday afternoon.
Shaun Hill serves as the backup to Bridgewater, who has provided a spark for Minnesota since being selected in the first round of the 2014 draft. Bridgewater completed 292-of-447 pass attempts for 3,231 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.
Hill is no stranger to stepping up in the face of injury, as the veteran replaced Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford in 2010 and Sam Bradford four years later after he tore his ACL with the then-St. Louis Rams.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Vikings waived quarterback Brad Sorensen.
Sorensen, who was signed by Minnesota on Aug. 20, was added while Bridgewater and Hill sat out practice with respective injuries. Joel Stave is expected to serve as the team's third-string quarterback.
Team waives Leonhardt
Also Tuesday, the Vikings announced they had waived former Bemidji State star Brian Leonhardt among eight others on Tuesday afternoon as the team inches its way toward the 75-man roster limit.
Minnesota's roster, which currently resides at 80 players, must be reduced prior to the 4 p.m. deadline.
Leonardt, who graduated from Bemidji State in 2013, had seven receptions for 39 yards and one touchdown in 16 games over two seasons with Oakland and San Francisco.
Quarterback Brad Sorensen, wide receivers Terrell Sinkfield and Marken Michel, defensive end Theiren Cockran, guard Sean Hickey, defensive end Claudell Louis, Linebacker Terrance Plummer and guard Austin Shepherd were also cut by the Vikings.
Sorensen was signed by Minnesota on Aug. 20 while starter Teddy Bridgewater and backup Shaun Hill sat out practice with respective injuries. Joel Stave is expected to serve as the team's third-string quarterback. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sports/vikings/4104845-vikings-qb-bridgewater-injures-knee-during-practice | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/18f701bd1de44d6db91782d8578fbca47f674e6e8f9cf2f461d6eac844bff8f2.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-30T14:49:00 | null | 2016-08-30T09:21:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4104127-becida-daze-celebration-held-saturday.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0829/becida-bar-daze-2016....jpg?itok=Tty0QTvA | en | null | Becida Daze Celebration held Saturday | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BECIDA -- The 2016 Becida Daze Celebration, a fundraiser for Fern Town Hall, will be held Saturday at Becida Bar and Grill, corner of County 9 and County 3 in Becida.
A flea market and rummage sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The parade will begin at 3 p.m. Following the parade, a pulled pork dinner will be served. A freewill offering will be accepted for the Fern Town Hall. Karaoke by Ted will take place from 8 p.m. to midnight. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4104127-becida-daze-celebration-held-saturday | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/b749666191c6707fcab834de7eeba1c6aedf304e5b14b9ddc481ce30af34e4dd.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-27T04:47:43 | null | 2016-08-26T22:32:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fsports%2F4102914-swimming-bhs-takes-fifth-place-willmar-opener.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0826/bhsswimming.jpg?itok=44NyeFfX | en | null | SWIMMING: BHS takes fifth place at Willmar in opener | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | WILLMAR—The Bemidji High School girls swimming and diving team kicked off the 2016 season with a fifth-place finish at the Willmar Invitational on Friday.
The Lumberjacks put up 242 points to finish fifth in a field of nine schools at the season-opening meet. Melrose Area won the invite with 535 points.
The Bemidji A 400 free relay team, comprised of Abby Yartz, Hannah Sether, Claudia Vincent and Paige Andersen, recorded a podium finish as they took third place with a time of 3:57.00.
Individually, Andersen also earned sixth-place finishes in the 100 free, with a 57.57 second performance, and in the 100 backstroke in a time of 1:06.84.
Yartz also took sixth in the 500 free for the Jacks.
Team Results
1-Melrose Area 535, 2-Sauk Centre 318, 3-St. Cloud Tech 312.5, 4-Willmar 284, 5-Bemidji 242, 6-Sauk Rapids-Rice 229, 7-Rocori 207, 8-Minnewaska/Morris 134.5, 9-Montevideo 63 | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sports/4102914-swimming-bhs-takes-fifth-place-willmar-opener | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/1710b3be31592fab9a58a046ba6b13fcbaae22d5146430307187eb700226dd5a.json |
[
"Forum News Service",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-31T08:48:50 | null | 2016-08-31T02:21:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2F4105089-helicopter-clips-power-line-sparks-grass-fire.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Helicopter clips power line, sparks grass fire | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BECKER COUNTY, Minn. - A helicopter clipped a power line on the north side of Pelican Lake, downing the line and causing a grass fire that took about an hour to extinguish, Audubon Fire Chief Chris Wiedenmeyer said Tuesday, Aug. 30.
The helicopter was spraying potato fields by County Highway 20 near the Becker and Otter Tail County line when it hit the power line. When the line hit the ground, it started a grass fire that grew to about an acre, Wiedenmeyer said.
The helicopter reported the fire to Otter Tail County dispatch, which relayed the message to Becker County, Wiedenmeyer said. The pilot was apparently not injured, he said.
The helicopter pilot then left the scene and continued his flight, Wiedenmeyer said.
Nine men from the Audubon Volunteer Fire Department responded with a fire truck and a grass fire rig, Wiedenmeyer said. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4105089-helicopter-clips-power-line-sparks-grass-fire | en | 2016-08-31T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/02c31f53d7adfaf344f16d1b2469de886cdac68df27c4d5e0528801933901f33.json |
[
"Grace Pastoor",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-26T22:47:17 | null | 2016-08-26T17:07:46 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4102641-its-incredible-bemidji-resident-sarah-taylor-has-seen-improvements-her-condition.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0826/082716.n.bp.marijuana.jpg?itok=TnWXKB1V | en | null | ‘It’s incredible’: Bemidji resident Sarah Taylor has seen improvements for her condition after using medical cannabis oil | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Leah Corcoran embraces her 25-year-old daughter, Sarah Taylor, on Aug. 18 in their home. Taylor uses medical cannabis oil to treat her tonic-clonic seizures, which she has suffered from since she was an infant. (Jillian Gandsey | Bemidji Pioneer)
That day was the fifth day in a row that Corcoran’s 25-year-old daughter, Sarah Taylor, had not been woken by a violent seizure, something that, up until two months ago, was the norm.
The decrease in the frequency of Taylor’s tonic-clonic seizures -- previously called grand mal -- corresponds with the use of medical cannabis oil to treat the seizure disorder she’s lived with since infancy.
Taylor was born a “typical infant,” Corcoran said, but at three months old she began having seizures. Taylor has been officially diagnosed with idiopathic intractable seizures -- meaning treatment-resistant seizures of unknown origin.
“Her life has been defined by seizures,” Corcoran said. “She’s severely disabled now, and she’s nonverbal. She used to talk, she used to be much more mobile than she is now, but she lives at home with us because she’s completely dependent on others for her care.”
Most of the time Taylor uses a wheelchair, though she will occasionally get up and walk around. Sometimes she will eat and drink without help, though Corcoran or a personal care assistant will often feed her by hand and administer liquids through a gastronomy tube, which is inserted through the abdomen and delivers nutrition directly to the stomach.
Corcoran has always been sure that if Taylor’s seizures could be decreased, her quality of life would improve. The family has tried every kind of treatment, from conventional anticonvulsants to acupuncture. But, until Taylor began using the cannabis oil, nothing worked.
“It’s devastated her life. Having seizures has completely changed the trajectory of her life,” Corcoran said. “That’s been very sad for us as a family to come to terms with the reality of having a devastating disability.”
Dr. William Dicks, a pain management specialist with Sanford Bemidji, said no one is sure how cannabis works to prevent seizures -- or whether it really does -- because of a lack of research due to the drug’s illegal status.
Dicks has never treated Taylor, but spoke about one theory that could explain why some believe the drug prevents seizures.
The brain continues three supporting structures, Dicks said, including microglia, which are more common than neurons. Microglia can become activated, turning into macrophages, which “clean up” debris in the brain by doing things like destroying bacteria and viruses.
“What possibly happens then is that these cannabinoids -- now we’re in conjecture -- stabilize these microglia so they stop becoming activated,” Dicks said.
This theory has not been proven, however.
“It’s not been studied formally for seizures,” Dicks said. “Not one study.”
Corcoran campaigned to legalize medical marijuana in Minnesota, confident it would help her daughter.She signed up for email alerts and wrote to legislators along with friends and family. She thought once medical cannabis was legalized, the rest would be easy.
“We worked really hard to get that, and we were delighted when it passed,” Corcoran said. “I didn’t realize how hard it was going to be to get her enrolled in the program … you have to find a physician willing to enroll you. That in itself was very difficult.”
Since medical marijuana was legalized in the state last year, 2,492 patients have successfully enrolled in the program and 256 caregivers have received background checks and are approved in the registry.
Corcoran eventually found a doctor, whose name she prefers not to make public, and Taylor was enrolled in the program. After a “tremendous” amount of paperwork and certifications -- a year of work and waiting -- Taylor began taking medical cannabis oil.
“It was frustrating,” Corcoran said. “A little disheartening. I had hoped that it would have been easier than it was … I persevered because it was something we had been waiting for for years.”
The form of medical cannabis Taylor uses does not create the high associated with marijuana. The plant has two compounds: THC, which creates a high, and CBD, which is effective for things like nausea, seizures and glaucoma. Taylor’s oil has 20 parts CBT for every one part THC.
The results were nearly instant, according to Corcoran. After her first dose of the oil -- given to her through her gastronomy tube -- Taylor went three days without seizures.
“When we started this, right away the first thing we noticed was that she was not having a seizure in the morning,” Corcoran said. “How nice is that, to not have to wake up to a seizure for her?”
During the past two months, Taylor’s dose of cannabis oil has been gradually increased from two milliliters twice a day to five twice a day. She still takes her conventional anticonvulsants, but Corcoran says her daughter is showing dramatic signs of improvement.
“Anybody that knows Sarah, and has worked with her, they all say the same thing. They just can’t believe the change,” Corcoran said. “It’s like she’s waking up, like she’s coming alive and coming into herself and becoming the person that she really is inside.”
But Corcoran is not sure she and her family can sustain the treatment. State law allows a patient or caregiver enrolled in Minnesota’s medical cannabis program to purchase no more than a 30-day supply of the medication. Because insurance companies do not cover medical marijuana, all costs are out-of-pocket.
For Taylor, a 30-day supply of the oil at her current dosage costs $450. This has strained the family’s finances, though Corcoran and her partner both work. They have two younger children, and Corcoran worries she won’t be able to afford the oil for much longer.
“My savings is gone now, boom, one-and-a-half months, my savings is gone,” Corcoran said. “So while it’s been a great program in that it’s helped a number of people, it’s really a drug for a wealthy population.”
Corcoran has started a bank account at Security Bank USA solely for Taylor’s medical cannabis expenses, and hopes to receive help from family, friends and community members. Anyone interested in donating can make out a check to the Cobalt Care Fund, Corcoran said.
Though Taylor still has seizures and remains nonverbal, Corcoran remains hopeful.
“I was expecting it to be the silver bullet,” Corcoran said. “It’s not, but it’s as close to a silver bullet as I could ever have expected.” | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4102641-its-incredible-bemidji-resident-sarah-taylor-has-seen-improvements-her-condition | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/141b4f6227126bb742bff9e7d3c50a6153f6fd742c6ed8989e5767b957b1acde.json |
[
"Forum News Service",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-26T20:47:15 | null | 2016-08-26T15:00:04 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2F4102494-olso-man-trafficked-cocaine-northwest-minnesota-agents-say.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Olso man trafficked cocaine in northwest Minnesota, agents say | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | CROOKSTON—An Olso, Minn, man who faces multiple charges has been trafficking cocaine in northwest Minnesota, drug task force agents said Friday.
Juan Andres Gonzalez Jr., 24, was arrested Wednesday in Crookston on an outstanding warrant issued Aug. 4 in Polk County District Court. He faces three felony charges—two first-degree conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime-sale and one count of failure to affix a tax stamp—and a gross misdemeanor charge of carrying a pistol without a permit.
The charges come after agents from the Pine to Prairie Drug Task Force, which serves several counties in northwestern Minnesota, purchased cocaine from a street-level dealer, according to a news release. Within a week, agents worked their way to Gonzalez, whom they said was the main distributor.
He also was arrested in July 2014 with a loaded semi-automatic pistol and "buy money" that had been used to purchase cocaine.
Agents searched cellphones that indicated Gonzalez was responsible for distributing more than four ounces of cocaine from North Dakota and Texas to northwest Minnesota in three months.
No further information will be released, officials with the drug task force said.
On each sale charge, Gonzalez faces up to 30 years in prison and $1 million in fines. He also faces seven years in prison and a $14,000 fine on the tax stamp charge. The misdemeanor charge could result in a maximum sentence of a year in jail and a $3,000 fine.
Bond was set for $20,000 in the case, though Gonzalez could post bond for $2,000 with conditions. His next court appearance is Thursday. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4102494-olso-man-trafficked-cocaine-northwest-minnesota-agents-say | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/c2006300420b1ace21f5a76c4e1bd6ebe72556a6a39a993e283be67ffe828bac.json |
[
"Forum News Service",
"On Aug",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-27T10:48:12 | null | 2016-08-26T23:42:02 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4102685-alexandria-winery-signs-wild.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Alexandria winery signs on with Wild | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | ST. PAUL—When the puck drops for Minnesota Wild games at the Xcel Energy Center this season, fans can sip on wine from Alexandria, Minn.'s Carlos Creek Winery as they watch.
The winery has signed a contract to be the sole provider for wine at the St. Paul arena's hockey games and other events, such as concerts.
The deal was made possible when the winery added equipment so it could bottle single-serving plastic bottles. The winery is first in the Midwest to be able to offer this type of bottle, according to Tami Bredeson, president of Carlos Creek Winery.
The sports venue is a first for Carlos Creek, but may not be the last, if things go well at the Xcel.
"We may be able to parlay that into other opportunities," said Tyler Bredeson, vice president for operations for Carlos Creek.
The opportunity became available when Barefoot wines opted not to renew as the Xcel's wine vendor.
Carlos Creek has other new outlets, including the Minnesota State Fair and the Guthrie Theater. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4102685-alexandria-winery-signs-wild | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/2248fd4277aa37df0ba010ab682954e558592a830f6146a5b8efc990a9a0085c.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-30T16:48:10 | null | 2016-08-30T11:21:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4104138-nell-offers-day-trip.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0829/itascastateparksign_1.jpg?itok=MagfW68n | en | null | NELL offers day trip | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BAGLEY -- Northern Exposure to Lifelong Learning will offer a day trip to Itasca State Park on Sept. 29. A bus will leave from Bagley at 8 a.m. and return at 4 p.m. The day will include a fully guided tour of the 125 year-old park with stops at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center, the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center, the Headwaters of the Mississippi, lunch at Douglas
Lodge and a cruise on the Chester Charles II. Cost is $65, which includes bus, admission, lunch and ticket fees. For more details, call Tamara at (218) 694-2856. Reservations are required and $65 must be paid by Sept. 24. Make checks payable to NELL and send to NELL TRIP Box 585, Bagley, MN 55621 or pay at a NELL program. Include a phone number or email , so trip details can be sent before the trip. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4104138-nell-offers-day-trip | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/9cfba5666bc38858e81ffd9f921b88bda1248da1ca9fd0b296a2af869c65d472.json |
[
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-28T06:49:28 | null | 2016-08-28T00:37:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4102806-new-van-minnesota-chapter-no-7-dav.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0826/082816.f.bp.liv.van.jpg?itok=b2DZPIwm | en | null | New van for Minnesota Chapter No. 7 DAV | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | The Veterans Administration of Fargo recently issued a new nine-seat van to Minnesota Chapter No. 7 Disabled American Veterans (DAV). The van will be used to transport veterans to Fargo for VA appointments. Pictured are some of drivers with the van. (From left in the back row) are Richard Habstritt, Joe Schorz, coordinator and scheduler Robert Saddoris, Larry McConkey, Dick Labraaten and Chapter 7 commander David Sterr and in the front row are David Larkin, Allen Bjelland and Billy Ayers. Not pictured are Glenn Aagard, Michael Davis, Joel Anderson and Scotty Allison. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4102806-new-van-minnesota-chapter-no-7-dav | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/973217aef4558c2713f82991a5fb1bedfd235f2202ead4820e33309d1438644a.json |
[
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-26T22:46:56 | null | 2016-08-26T17:45:11 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fopinion%2Fletters%2F4102697-letter-editor-why-do-women-wear-high-heel-shoes.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Why do women wear high-heel shoes? | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | I am writing regarding the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event. I appreciate the effort to stop silence regarding sexual violence. But I continue to wonder why women wear high-heel shoes. They are uncomfortable but make the calf sexier, and I guess women dress for other women. But they are so unnatural and have such great discomfort, it seems to me to be crazy to wear them. Plus they cause bunions which are painful. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/opinion/letters/4102697-letter-editor-why-do-women-wear-high-heel-shoes | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/81875787a56e0dcc24b7a98ef39772a62b996c46a8d6700ba8a2ca0a9595568a.json |
[
"Micah Friez",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-31T04:48:07 | null | 2016-08-30T22:39:22 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fsports%2Flumberjacks%2F4105221-volleyball-bemidji-loses-comeback-bid-against-st-cloud-tech.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0830/bhsvolleyball.jpg?itok=rtTQKU-j | en | null | VOLLEYBALL: Bemidji loses comeback bid against St. Cloud Tech | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | ST. CLOUD — The Bemidji High School volleyball team came within one point of a comeback win on Tuesday, but instead lost a late lead of its own to fall 3-2 (26-24, 25-13, 14-25, 16-25, 16-14) at the hands of St. Cloud Tech.
The Jacks lost a tight first set 26-24, and then the Tigers won the second more comfortably at 25-13.
“We played a little inconsistent,” head coach Teresa Colligan said of her team’s start, “but then we came strong in the third and fourth.”
The next two sets belonged to Bemidji, winning 25-14 and 25-16, and it looked as if the fifth set would, too.
Up 14-11, the Lumberjacks had three match points to secure the comeback. But after a decisive 5-0 St. Cloud Tech run to close it out, BHS came up short in the end.
“In game five we just couldn’t finish it,” said Colligan. “We just let them go on a run.”
Lexi Wade tallied 13 kills, while Siri Bardwell added 12 and Addie Colligan chipped in nine. Anna Falldorf led the Jacks with five blocks, and MaKenna Quinn followed with three. Kennedy Mills finished with a pair of aces and 12 digs, while Colligan had nine digs and Quinn finished with eight. Colligan also finished with a team-high 37 assists throughout the match.
Bemidji will look for redemption in its home opener at 7:15 p.m. on Thursday when it faces off with Detroit Lakes at the Bemidji High School. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sports/lumberjacks/4105221-volleyball-bemidji-loses-comeback-bid-against-st-cloud-tech | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/11efc364074399df1712fb792e8307362c594644b2cf5723dc36dbc1a9dcfd7a.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-30T02:48:33 | null | 2016-08-29T20:22:02 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4104228-recognition-event-pipeline-underground-utilities-construction-companies-set.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Recognition event for pipeline, underground utilities construction companies set for Saturday | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | GONVICK — A tribute and recognition for the founders and early workers of area pipeline construction and underground utilities construction companies, both for employees and their families, will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Clear Waters Life Center, the old Gonvick School, 226 Elm St.
The companies to be recognized include Northern Pipeline Construction, Sovde Construction, North Central Service, Wilde Construction, Aconite Construction, Clearwater Energy and Gustafson and Gouge.
The companies were founded in the seven-county area, including Thief River Falls and Bemidji, as early as the late 1960s. State Sen. Rod Skoe, D-Clearbrook, is set to attend the event along with other special guests, speakers, union representatives, founders and more, officials said in a release.
The ceremony will conclude with the unveiling of a monument as a tribute to the founders and to the workforce during the past 48 years.
A lunch will be available, and the gym is available for the remainder of the day for visiting. Anyone who has worked or works in these industries is welcome to attend as well as the general public.
RSVP online at www.tributetoourdynamic.org.
This event is sponsored by Vance Norgaard, past NPL officer and stockholder. Over the past several years, Norgaard looked at local history books and did not find any recognition of the underground construction industry in this area. He chose to build a granite monument, which will be unveiled during the tribute ceremony. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4104228-recognition-event-pipeline-underground-utilities-construction-companies-set | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/7daddf2af0f907d2b1ecd18e57746ec8af23b4130f1896a0339ac8056ee160fd.json |
[
"Grace Pastoor",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-27T02:47:52 | null | 2016-08-26T20:02:02 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4102665-woman-pleads-not-guilty-assault.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Woman pleads not guilty to assault | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BEMIDJI -- A woman accused of hitting another woman in the face with a glass bottle pleaded not guilty Friday to second-degree assault.
Onawa Dunn, 41, of Bemidji, has been held in Beltrami County Jail and a facility in Crookston since her arrest July 9 after police received a report of an assault near the old Pamida Building.
After officers arrived they located a woman at a nearby Subway restaurant who had a swollen left cheek and lip, as well as blood around her nose, according to the complaint against Dunn. The victim and a witness described a suspect and officers later located Dunn.
After the victim was taken to the hospital, she told police her assailant used fists, feet and a beer bottle in the assault, and officers retrieved a cell phone with a video of the assault.
Dunn will appear in court again Oct. 11. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4102665-woman-pleads-not-guilty-assault | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/2a9ceec2a512caa56cff12290d7b33946dc95ecb25c47651a488fa547dc73aaa.json |
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"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-28T06:49:07 | null | 2016-08-28T00:36:02 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4102802-first-national-bank-bemidji-foundation-donates-churches-united-inc.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0826/082816.f.bp.liv.churches.jpg?itok=yDB0TbbY | en | null | First National Bank Bemidji Foundation donates to Churches United Inc. | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | First National Bank Bemidji Foundation recently presented a $1,000 check to Churches United Inc. to enhance the organization’s Emergency Food Vouchers program. The additional funds are being used to increase emergency food vouchers from $15 to $20 for the poor and homeless in the Bemidji Area. Pictured (from left in the back row are FNBB Foundation Board members Lisa Bruns, FBBB Board President Paul Welle, Scott Curb, Dean Thompson and Glen Lindseth. In the front row are Churches United Treasurer Cheryl Hiltz and FNBB Foundation Secretary/Treasurer Sue Engel. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4102802-first-national-bank-bemidji-foundation-donates-churches-united-inc | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/bf24fe37f679a80cba739f000482702cc83654590ae14bb1d1483534619a518b.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-27T16:47:09 | null | 2016-08-27T11:01:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4102660-world-wide-day-play-set.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0826/091315.n.bp.play.jpg?itok=pSXCxbKA | en | null | World Wide Day of Play set | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BEMIDJI -- The Bemidji Parks and Recreation department will host World Wide Day of Play from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 17 at the Paul Bunyan Park. Cost is $5 for a youth wristband and $3 for a youth wristband if you bring your own helmet and bike. Register online at www.ci.bemidji.mn.us in person at City Hall or the Public Works Facility. For more information, call (218-) 333-1850. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4102660-world-wide-day-play-set | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/a86cd0f71693ea32d0332165b16db7033da3bda40da1a5ba10df339342153a5e.json |
[
"Austin Monteith",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-28T02:47:26 | null | 2016-08-27T21:27:31 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fsports%2Flumberjacks%2F4103243-boys-soccer-wet-wild-home-opener-ends-4-0-bhs-win.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0827/082816.s.bp.bhsbsoc1-web.jpg?itok=z7ziBcih | en | null | BOYS SOCCER: Wet, wild home opener ends in 4-0 BHS win | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Bemidji High School’s Silas Hess (9) battles for the ball with a West Ottertail United Storm player during a their game Saturday at Bemidji Middle School. (Maggi Stivers | Bemidji Pioneer)
BEMIDJI — The Bemidji High School boys soccer home opener featured a hat trick by Leo Spry and a hat trick of weather delays as the Lumberjacks (2-0) topped West Ottertail United 4-0 on Saturday afternoon at Bemidji Middle School.
“That’s just a tough game to play with all the stoppages like you saw,” head coach Rick Toward said. “Our second half wasn’t real crisp. The field was pretty tilted, the ball was in this end or in the middle of the field most of the game. We didn’t have to do much defensively.”
A thunderstorm rolled into Bemidji shortly before kickoff, but the rainfall did not slow down Spry, who recorded his second hat trick in as many games to begin the season.
For Spry’s first goal, Silas Hess fed the ball into the 18-yard box where Spry knocked in a shot off the right post to put the Jacks on the board in the 11th minute.
Just two minutes later, Silas Hess fired a shot that deflected off the goalkeeper into the lap of Spry who buried his second goal of the game.
Lightning in the area caused the first delay about 18 minutes into the match.
After a 15-minute delay, play resumed with Spry picking up where he left off. This time it was Ben Hess who found Spry on a pass across the box that the forward connected on for his third goal of the game and his sixth of the season.
The senior striker has now scored 46 career goals and is just eight goals away from breaking the BHS career goalscoring record.
“Leo creates a lot of opportunities for himself,” Toward said, who also noted he was pleased with how Spry created chances for his teammates.
Lightning was spotted again with three minutes to play in the first half, causing a second delay.
Play continued about 10 minutes later but the lightning returned at halftime, resulting in the third and lengthiest delay of the afternoon.
“That was unusual for me. That’s a first,” Toward said of the three lightning delays. “You do it long enough you think you’ve seen everything and then, guess what? Something new comes along that you haven’t seen before.”
After a 45-minute delay, the sun finally began to peek through the clouds as the second half was able to kick-off at last.
The Lumberjacks’ attack took a little time to get going after the extended halftime, but eventually found its footing again.
Bemidji still controlled possession for most of the second half as Ben Hess found an opening and tallied the Jacks’ fourth goal of the match on a strike from about 15 yards out in the 64th minute.
Toward was impressed by the play he saw from his midfielders who were playing without Luke Hess, who was out of the lineup due to injury.
“I liked a lot of the good stuff that we saw from the center of the field,” Toward said. “That was my concern coming into this season was how we were going to be playing in the middle of the field with some younger guys. I think Aspen (Galdamez) and Ben and Si (Hess) have done a really nice job stepping into that space. And when we get Luke Hess back, who is a year or two older than those guys, I think we’ll be just even that much more solid.”
Adam Laakso got the clean sheet in goal for Bemidji, stopping all three shots he faced.
The Lumberjacks will take on Detroit Lakes in their next match on Tuesday at Chet Anderson Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:15 p.m.
Bemidji 4, West Ottertail United 0
BHS 3 1 — 4
WO 0 0 — 0
First half: BHS GOAL (L. Spry, S. Hess ast) 11’, 1-0 BHS; BHS GOAL (L. Spry, S. Hess ast) 13’ 2-0 BHS; BHS GOAL (L. Spry, B. Hess ast) 21’ 3-0 BHS.
Second half: BHS GOAL (B. Hess, B. Wright ast) 64’ 4-0 BHS. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sports/lumberjacks/4103243-boys-soccer-wet-wild-home-opener-ends-4-0-bhs-win | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/d120b720ab6b73d24b482c34b19226d883a76af232c73ecafeeca4d41af7c893.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-30T16:48:40 | null | 2016-08-30T10:00:04 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4104129-annual-united-way-chili-cook-team-registration-open.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0829/chili-cook-color.jpg?itok=baUheD6x | en | null | Annual United Way Chili Cook-Off team registration open | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | There is no registration fee to be a cook, however cooks must be sponsored by a business, church, nonprofit or restaurant; provide a minimum of two gallons chili prepared in accordance with Department of Health regulations; and decorate your team’s six-foot table space. Registrations are requested by Sept. 9. Cook registration information can be downloaded online at www.unitedwaybemidji.org. Awards will be given in each of the five divisions: celebrity, corporation, business, non-profit and restaurant; and in the following categories: best name, best presentation, most creative and overall winner. Attendees will vote on the Taster’s Choice award. Tickets for all-you-can-eat chili, dessert, and a beverage are $6 in advance or $8 at the door. Tickets can be purchased from the United Way office by calling (218) 444-8929. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4104129-annual-united-way-chili-cook-team-registration-open | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/1d6cfcd29284509303ac5f78db963e2a34592fe360f05f700939f4642566a029.json |
[
"Paul Nelson",
"On Aug",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-26T12:55:23 | null | 2016-08-25T22:35:49 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Foutdoors%2F4102027-paul-nelson-column-caution-needed-prevent-spread-invasive-species.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | PAUL NELSON COLUMN: Caution needed to prevent spread of invasive species | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | There’s only one more weekend in August, with Labor Day always set for the first Monday in September.
Summer managed to kick out two more hot and windy days with highs in the 80s this past week, which kept surface water temperatures in the lakes in the low to mid 70s.
The surface water temperatures should finally be trending down this week, with predicted highs in the 60s and 70s and lows in the 50s, which is actually just about perfect for anyone spending time outdoors.
Walleye fishing in the Bemidji area has been steady, but anglers are still having to work to catch fish during the day on most lakes. The best fishing is still ahead of us, with the bite for most species improving as the water temperatures drop through the 60 degree range.
Lake Bemidji has been a little tough for walleyes most of the summer, with anglers having to search for smaller pods of fish. Northern pike and perch are usually part of the catch when fishing walleyes in Lake Bemidji.
Winnibigoshish has also had a sporadic walleye bite, with the shallow walleyes going good one day and not so good the next. The shoreline cabbage weeds are holding most of the “keeper size” walleyes, but they usually need a little wind or cloud cover to get going.
Anglers fishing the humps on Winnie have been finding larger walleyes, with most of the active fish on top of the humps that have the most baitfish.
Smaller humps that are part of a cluster of humps or closer to other structures usually replenish with fish faster than humps that are more isolated from other structures. When anglers harvest the fish on a small hump and the spot may stay bare for a long period of time until another school of fish finds the spot.
Cass Lake has not been as busy this summer as it has been in past years because of the zebra mussel infestation, which is keeping some anglers off of the lake.
The walleyes and other fish are still in Cass Lake, but they have been harder to catch for anglers as they try to adjust to the extremely clear water conditions.
Anglers really need to be careful on all of the lakes to dry out their live wells and not transport lake water in any form because of the spread of invasive species. That goes double for anglers fishing infested lakes like Cass Lake.
Add Big Turtle Lake to the list of lakes with an invasive plant species, with starry
stonewort found recently near the public access.
With all the information and all of the attendants at the accesses checking for AIS, it’s amazing to still see anglers with boat trailers that have weeds draped all over the bunks and rollers. All weeds are supposed to be removed each time someone pulls their trailer in and out of the lake.
People who “get it” and are in compliance with the regulations often get tired of the routine of being checked and interviewed each time they go on one of the more popular lakes.
The most difficult accesses are the ones that are so choked with weeds it is impossible to pull a boat in and out of the water without getting weeds all over everything. It’s a lot easier to take the weeds off the trailer without the boat on top of it and very difficult for anybody who physically can’t crawl under the trailer and don’t have some kind of tool for getting the weeds off the trailer.
The water part is much easier. Pull the plug on the boat and livewells before leaving the lake and let them dry out. Use well water in aerated bait containers using no lake water for all your bait. Bring a cooler with ice to put the fish into and a jug of fresh water to add to the bait containers.
Once anglers’ habits change, this will get easier. It only takes one person to get AIS started in a lake and mess things up for everyone.
Nelson runs the Bemidji Area Lakes Guide Service. He can be contacted at panelsonbemidji@gmail.com | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/outdoors/4102027-paul-nelson-column-caution-needed-prevent-spread-invasive-species | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/5e73f80761800b4061e0652a6368d0511b82a349730a489aa82646d4d69cc113.json |
[
"Bethany Wesley",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-27T22:47:23 | null | 2016-08-27T17:22:40 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4103160-godsend-godson-nigerian-boy-stays-bemidji-family-he-undergoes-surgery-rare.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0827/082016.n.bp.godson6.jpg?itok=id2GPyrf | en | null | A godsend for Godson: Nigerian boy stays with Bemidji family as he undergoes surgery for rare disorder | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Godson, a 7-year- old boy from Jos, Nigeria, has a serious condition called Blount’s that cause his legs to painfully bow outward. Godson and his mother Martha have been staying with Steve and Kym Kovacic in Bemidji. (Maggi Stivers | Bemidji Pioneer)
BEMIDJI -- Some might call it a chance encounter but to those involved it was divine intervention.
The first moment Steve Kovacic laid eyes on Godson, a 7-year-old boy living in Jos, Nigeria, he felt called to help heal the boy, who due to a serious condition called Blount’s has legs that painfully bow outward. Blount’s caused Godson’s growth plates on the inside of his legs to stop growing while those on the outside continued to thrive.
“I met his family and I was invited to supper … and as soon as the family came running in, I saw (Godson) and I knew why I had been sent there,” Kovacic said. “It was to find a cure for this child.”
Kovacic, who retired from the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office in 2002, is still a licensed peace officer who does some contract work overseas through the Department of State and Department of Defense. He was in Nigeria last summer to teach agents with the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency. Lazarus, Godson’s father, was one of the NDLEA instructor officers and he and Kovacic became friends.
“I immediately went back to where I was staying … and I got on email,” Kovacic said.
Kovacic has been a Shriner since 1994, having been a Mason since the year prior. He’s a past potentate -- kind of like a president -- and during that time had cultivated relationships with some in the “imperial” level of the Shriners, the highest level in the organization.
“A friend of mine during the year that I was a potentate, I emailed him and said, ‘This is what I’ve got here. Is there anything I can do to help this child?’ and he said, ‘I love your heart. I am on this,’” Kovacic recalled.
Godson came to Bemidji with his mother Martha, where they prepared for the life-changing surgery that took place Wednesday at Shriner’s Hospital in Minneapolis. The duo, staying with Kovacic and his wife Kym, have been living in Bemidji since June, getting the relevant immunizations and undergoing the necessary tests in preparation for the surgery.
“It was really, really terrible,” Martha said before the surgery, recalling the daily pains Godson has been suffering. “The pain was so much that when he went to school you could see the agony on his face, the pain on his face, when he was walking. You can see he was not really happy as a child. Whenever he plays with his (younger) sister, they can run far away and he can’t catch up with them. He would stand and start to cry.”
They had visited different doctors as Godson grew, hoping to identify the cause. Fish oils were frequently prescribed, then a heartier diet of fish and eggs. But all that did was make Godson larger, putting more strain on his legs. At one point, doctors recommended ibuprofen and that helped some, but it was temporary.
Meanwhile, Lazarus, a man of deep faith, began fasting and prayed for answers. The message he received in return, he said, was that the Americans would help his child, so the family went to visit missionary doctors a few hours away. Coincidentally, this was while Kovacic was in Nigeria seeking help from the Shriners, but not wanting to unnecessarily raise the family’s hopes he had to keep it to himself.
The doctors were not American, Lazarus reported later, and while they took X-rays and now could name the condition Godson had, the recommended surgery was way too expensive for the family, which survives on Lazarus’s $50-a-month salary.
Just days later, Kovacic got the go-ahead from the Shriners.
“I called (Laz) that night … and said, ‘Meet me at the class 15 minutes early,’” Steve said, “and I said, ‘Remember that I’m a Shriner?’ … and I said that Shriners do a lot of fixing of kids, those with different disorders, and I’ve been given permission to tell you, we can cure your son.”
They both cried and Laz said, as Steve recalled, “I was told the Americans were going to help my son, little did I realize you were the American.”
‘It’s so amazing’
The family waived its right to privacy for this story because, as Martha explained, they want to raise awareness of all the Shriners are doing for them, as well as the Kovacics themselves.
“I never thought people could be so nice, so generous,” Martha said. “These are people who don’t even know you, people you’ve never met and just hearing your story, it touches them so much they want to give not only their money but give their love, prayers. It’s so amazing. I can’t even express how wonderful that experience is.”
While the hospital and surgery will be covered by the Shriners, the associated expenses of having the pair here and having to take Godson back and forth to the Twin Cities for the necessary lab work and tests is not. Because of that, there is a GoFundMe account to raise complementary funds.
‘He makes his sisters jealous’
This summer, Godson has experienced a multitude of thrills. From riding his first airplane to catching his first walleye to learning to watercolor under Kym’s instruction -- she’s an artist who has taken part in the Studio Cruise -- Godson has also helped plant the garden, attended his first powwow, visited Animal Land, and of course, met Paul Bunyan.
“He doesn’t miss home,” Martha said. “He actually makes his sisters jealous, ‘I went fishing today. I went (tubing behind a boat).’”
It’s all quite amazing, really, considering that he previously had never even been swimming, having never been around water.
That said, his visit here is far from a vacation. The surgery and its aftermath are not easy undertakings.
“When they cut the bones, they have a fixator brace, which attaches to the outside with pins that go in through the bone,” Steve explained. “Then, every day (Martha) will have a computer printout that says, ‘Turn this screw this much or release this one this much.’”
It’s a similar process to that of braces on your teeth.
“The process will take a minimum of 30 days but because it’s so severe it could take up to 60 days,” Steve said. “What people don’t realize is that when we say that, the bones aren’t mending, they’re being kept apart.”
It is purposely not allowing the bones to heal because they have to be shifted to where they belong. During that time, Godson will be flat on his back in the Kovacics’ home.
It will be painful, it will be difficult -- and, as Martha said, it will be completely worth it.
“Every bit of it is worth it because after this period, he will be able to play like every other normal child,” she said. “The most important thing is he won’t be in pain. That’s the most important thing.”
To learn more about Godson’s journey, or to donate, visit www.gofundme.com/25tyamc. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4103160-godsend-godson-nigerian-boy-stays-bemidji-family-he-undergoes-surgery-rare | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/4c98bc0e1061f5202ff45af89b37aebb356384ef587ac05d73a88c730512edd9.json |
[
"Ty Filley",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-30T18:48:11 | null | 2016-08-30T12:24:09 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Fregion%2F4104738-north-dakota-family-living-out-camper-after-tornado-rips-through-home.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0830/hillsboro1.jpg?itok=BkFpsyn6 | en | null | North Dakota family living out of camper after tornado rips through home | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | HILLSBORO, N.D. - A Hillsboro family is picking up the pieces after a devastating EF-3 tornado ripped through their farm home over the weekend.
Despite the losing their house in the storm, the Haultins are calling themselves lucky.
"It was just kind of surreal," homeowner Barb Haultin said.
The farm home looks more like a war zone.
“A well-built house like this just kind of demolished completely, it puts me in awe," Haultin said.
Barb and her husband, Glen, are now forced to live out of their camper. They said they plan on rebuilding their house as long as their basement remains intact.
The couple was out of town when the storm hit, making them one of the last to see the damage.
Even after losing their home, this farming family is looking on the bright side.
"I just kept thinking how lucky we were that we weren't here," Barb Haultin said.
They’re also lucky to live in Hillsboro, where they say the community has lifted them up.
"Unbelievable support. We've had hundreds of people coming out to offer to help," Barb Haultin said.
The community is helping clean up, giving meals, just talking to a family who lost almost everything.
"I can't repay what this community means to me," Glen Haultin said. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/4104738-north-dakota-family-living-out-camper-after-tornado-rips-through-home | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/a05c1639545527b60f33e084f7991ad52026204ecbe31a0606b476460d56e420.json |
[
"Austin Monteith",
"On Aug",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-26T12:52:54 | null | 2016-08-25T22:38:26 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fsports%2Flumberjacks%2F4102029-swimming-jacks-aim-sixth-straight-section-title.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0825/bhsswimming.jpg?itok=kRzWj8BD | en | null | SWIMMING: Jacks aim for sixth straight section title | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BEMIDJI — The Lumberjacks have an “X” on their backs, both figuratively and literally, as the Bemidji High School girls swimming and diving team aims for a sixth section title in a row.
The Jacks have adorned their swim caps with “X’s” following five successive Section 8A titles in the past five seasons.
“That’s kind of our theme — the X is on our back,” head coach Woody Leindecker said. “We know that and every other team in the section has to know that.”
The Lumberjacks will be missing a number of athletes from last year’s team that captured the section crown with 393 points.
“Since I’ve been coaching, this is the biggest graduation loss that I can remember,” Leindecker said. “We graduated over 150 points from our section team. But on the other hand, this is one of the bigger teams that I’ve ever had too at 37 swimmers and divers.”
Title No. 6 remains a goal for the young team.
“We talk about it everyday. Every year that is the major goal,” Leindecker said. “But graduating 150 points, we just need to take it day by day. And everybody on this team knows, whether you’re in eighth grade or 12th grade, that, you know what — if you can score at sections, you’re going.”
Leindecker knows the window is wide open for another team to supplant BHS at the top of the section but he says the Jacks have the potential to pull off another surprise.
“This is the year for somebody else to win the section championship,” he said. “Because we’re down, but then again, they’ll be ready come November and they’ve surprised us before.”
A large number of sophomores will anchor the team, says Leindecker, including Paige Andersen, Claudia Vincent, Abby Yartz and Gabbi Takkunen.
“The sophomore class is deep and talented,” Leindecker said. “Dare to say, we’re young.”
Senior captain Ally Palmer says the group of younger swimmers moving up through the ranks bodes well for the future.
“It’s pretty great. We’ve got a few fast people coming up and that will help a lot as other people after this year,” she said.
“We’re very young, but we have a lot of hard workers on our team,” added senior captain Kendra Jacobson.
Bemidji has its first meet of the season today in Willmar at 5 p.m., after which Leindecker says he will have a better idea of where the team can go moving forward.
“Once we get this out of the way, then we see what we have,” he said. “And then we can work from there and make more goals… We need data. We need times. We need to see things happen and then next week it’ll be a real clear picture.” | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sports/lumberjacks/4102029-swimming-jacks-aim-sixth-straight-section-title | en | 2016-08-25T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/32b684c1e539a533c09ceee9332fbb9b1a17402d9d07a6e750775cfc81dcb6d1.json |
[
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-28T06:47:26 | null | 2016-08-28T00:39:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4102808-pharmacy-phanatics-relay-life-team-donates.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Pharmacy Phanatics Relay For Life team donates | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Pictured are Brenda Billings and Bernie Brennan from Relay For Life team “Pharmacy Phanatics” donating to the American Cancer Society. The team raised $6532.85. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4102808-pharmacy-phanatics-relay-life-team-donates | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/fd823a70d58eac9f08ce11d7e8aa6b51909cf8d263d426911aa24fc5c790449b.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-28T02:47:48 | null | 2016-08-27T20:01:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4103162-pipeline-recognition-event-set-sept-3.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Pipeline recognition event set for Sept. 3 | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | GONVICK — A tribute and recognition for the founders and early workers of area pipeline construction and underground utilities construction companies, both for employees and their families, will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 3 at the Clear Waters Life Center, the old Gonvick School, 226 Elm Street.
The companies to be recognized include Northern Pipeline Construction, Sovde Construction, North Central Service, Wilde Construction, Aconite Construction, Clearwater Energy, Gustafson and Gouge and Northern Horizons.
The companies were founded in the seven-county area, including Thief River Falls and Bemidji, as early as the late 1960s. State Sen. Rod Skoe, D-Clearbrook, is set to attend the event along with other special guests, speakers, union representatives, founders and more.
The ceremony will conclude with the unveiling of a monument as a tribute to the founders and to the workforce during the past 48 years.
A lunch will be available, and the gym is available for the remainder of the day for visiting. Anyone who has worked or works in these industries is welcome to attend as well as the general public.
RSVP online at www.tributetoourdynamic.org.
This event is sponsored by Vance Norgaard, past NPL officer and stockholder. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4103162-pipeline-recognition-event-set-sept-3 | en | 2016-08-27T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/47129a24ecd58515d2326f874bd662618a5ba7f09eea18ae0e186a2d395b3a77.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-30T16:48:51 | null | 2016-08-30T10:46:02 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4104136-driver-improvement-program-offered.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0829/driverimprovement.gif?itok=D6i5Oq1P | en | null | Driver improvement program offered | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BEMIDJI -- The Minnesota Highway Safety Center will be offering a 55-plus Driver Improvement Course 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Bemidji Senior Activity Center, 216 Third St. NW. A Minnesota Highway Safety and Research Center certified instructor will lead the class. Persons age 55 and older who complete the course qualify for a 10 percent discount on their auto insurance premiums for three years, according to Minnesota law. Cost is $26. For more information or to register, visit www.mnsafetycenter.org or call (888)-234-1294. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4104136-driver-improvement-program-offered | en | 2016-08-30T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/f1b82492b87d05ffcadc2d4a3d0e8e44aa66d681a2d31fb97fb891e9bd84f6d4.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-28T14:47:29 | null | 2016-08-28T09:02:02 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4103165-kids-kitchen-scheduled.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Kid’s Kitchen scheduled | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | BEMIDJI -- The city of Bemidji and Harmony Foods Co-op will host a special Kid's Kitchen program from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at Harmony Foods Co-op, 302 Irvine Ave. NW. The program is intended for children between 7 and 14 years of age. The menu will include personal pizzas, veggies and dip and a beverage. Cost is $10. Participants will learn how to use healthy ingredients to make a tasty meal, according to a release. Register online at www.ci.bemidji.mn.us or for more information, call (218) 333-1850. Class is limited to 20 participants. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4103165-kids-kitchen-scheduled | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/18d9653f947125c0aa151ac0abaf17ec0bbfab9cb3595f6a729ecc8d9ec46ee7.json |
[
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-28T06:47:36 | null | 2016-08-28T00:33:01 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4102800-laporte-school-receives-grant-implement-stem-carts.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Laporte School receives grant to implement STEM carts | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Laporte School announced it will receive a $10,000 competitive Monsanto grant to implement Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) carts into kindergarten through sixth grade classrooms. STEM carts provide hands-on, creative ways to encourage students to design, experiment, build and invent, according to a release. Students will have access to various portable carts with waht they need to engage in science, technology, engineering and math. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4102800-laporte-school-receives-grant-implement-stem-carts | en | 2016-08-28T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/808ede824bcce619d864ae31dec4e3430c94822d23a2e569841726b5ccbe2724.json |
[
"American Staff Report",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-26T16:46:46 | null | 2016-08-26T10:36:23 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4102303-good-samaritan-society-receives-bronze-award.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/all/themes/bemidjipioneer_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | Good Samaritan Society receives Bronze Award | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | Good Samaritan Society-Blackduck was recognized as a 2016 recipient of the Bronze-Commitment to Quality Award for its dedication to improving the lives of the residents through quality care. The award is the first of three distinctions possible through the National Quality Award Program, presented by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living, the leading association for long term and post-acute care. The program honors provides across the nation that have demonstrated their commitment to improving quality of care for seniors and persons with disabilities, according to a release. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4102303-good-samaritan-society-receives-bronze-award | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/d966d22771983014e871bb908327ccbd6f17401658b5cf28debb96caa65c8ccf.json |
[
"Pioneer Staff Report",
"Today",
"At P.M."
] | 2016-08-30T02:48:02 | null | 2016-08-29T20:05:44 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bemidjipioneer.com%2Fnews%2Flocal%2F4104227-bemidji-police-hold-salvage-vehicle-auction.json | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/sites/default/files/styles/square_300/public/fieldimages/2/0829/thumbbemidji-police-department-patch-minnesota.jpg?itok=AfjPtD69 | en | null | Bemidji Police to hold salvage vehicle auction | null | null | www.bemidjipioneer.com | The Bemidji Police Department will host a salvage vehicle sealed bid auction from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 8 at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, 400 Midway Drive S. Vehicle inspections and bidding will occur on site. Potential bidders will receive bidding sheets and instructions upon arrival. Bids will be opened at 1:30 p.m. and winners will be notified. Winners must remove their vehicles within 10 days of the auction by approved methods, police said in a release.
All vehicles are the result of DWI forfeiture or abandonment. There are no titles and the vehicles have been listed with the state as junk vehicles. They are sold “As is, Where is” and the city of Bemidji reserves the right to reject any or all bids, according to the release.
The vehicles are being sold individually. The vehicles available include a 1992 Oldsmobile Sedan, 1997 Pontiac Grand Am Sedan, 1999 Pontiac Bonneville Sedan, 1999 Cadillac Sedan Deville, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier Sedan and a 2006 Chevrolet Malibu Sedan.
For more information, contact Sgt. LaZella at (218) 333- 8396. | http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/4104227-bemidji-police-hold-salvage-vehicle-auction | en | 2016-08-29T00:00:00 | www.bemidjipioneer.com/7af53601895179ee5559e33cd66da8517e975631490b211e02cf939d3b280eea.json |
[
"Phil Pfuehler",
"Today",
"At A.M."
] | 2016-08-26T14:49:30 | null | 2016-08-26T08:36:32 | null | http%3A%2F%2Fwww.riverfallsjournal.com%2Fnews%2Feducation%2F4102182-new-student-enrollment-uw-river-falls-highest-five-years.json | http://www.riverfallsjournal.com/sites/all/themes/riverfallsjournal_theme/images/touch-icon.png | en | null | New student enrollment at UW-River Falls highest in five years | null | null | www.riverfallsjournal.com | As part of a summer tradition, faculty and staff at UW-River Falls have been welcoming and registering new students for the fall semester.
However, with the largest incoming freshman class the university has seen in five years, this summer has felt a little different.
For the 2016-17 school year, UWRF will have a freshman class in excess of 1,200, as well as about 450 transfer students. The fall 2016 freshman class also boasts the highest average ACT scores the university has recorded in the past 15 years.
“Increasing the size of our freshman class by more than 15% while strengthening the overall academic profile is quite the accomplishment – especially in our competitive recruitment environment,” said Sarah Egerstrom, UWRF executive director of admissions and new student & family programs.
As part of its strategic plan, the university has developed new academic programs that fulfill both student interest and the needs of the Wisconsin workforce, with the most recent addition being an undergraduate degree program in neuroscience.
Incoming students can look forward to the 2017 opening of the $63.5 million Falcon Center to support its health and human performance program, as well as recreation, wellness and athletics.
UWRF also continues to focus on global initiatives and innovative partnerships with regional businesses.
“We are excited that more students are selecting UWRF as their college of choice,” Chancellor Dean Van Galen said. “Thanks to the great work of our faculty and staff, we continue to provide a high-quality experience with unique opportunities for undergraduate research, study abroad, internships, and other impactful experiences.”
For more information about enrollment or about admission to UWRF, email sarah.r.egerstrom@uwrf.edu. | http://www.riverfallsjournal.com/news/education/4102182-new-student-enrollment-uw-river-falls-highest-five-years | en | 2016-08-26T00:00:00 | www.riverfallsjournal.com/9448d31483de8e0dd42d1b5bd4431b8d925f638490e0408c65fbaa589bbd3e94.json |
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