LOCAL

Rural cities rally against amendment

The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities is fighting a proposed constitutional amendment that would require a supermajority vote from legislators to adopt any tax increase.

By Bethany Wesley , February 14, 2012

Mixed-use district still envisioned for south shore

The south shore still is envisioned to be a mixed-use destination district.

By Bethany Wesley , February 14, 2012

It’s go time for Valentine’s Day shoppers

An all-yellow bouquet of flowers is expected to be delivered to a woman today – a hint from her husband she will get her yellow kitchen this year.

By Anne Williams , February 14, 2012

Brainerd resident wins Cass Lake fishing tournament

Cole McHigney of Brainerd was the overall winner during this year’s Cass Lake Area/Palace Casino & Hotel Winter Fishing Challenge. McHigney caught a 2-pound, 13.8-ounce northern to capture the $2,000 first-place prize. More than 400 contestants participated in the Saturday event. In total, 52 place prizes were awarded. SUBMITTED PHOTO

February 14, 2012

Bemidji City Council meets Monday

The Bemidji City Council will meet in a work session at 5:30 p.m. Monday at City Hall to discuss two matters.

February 12, 2012

Pioneer Previews: ‘History meets music’ today

“History meets music: Up close and unplugged” with the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra at 3 p.m. today at Bemidji High School. Meet J. Robert Oppenheimer (Clay Jenkinson) and hear the music that he enjoyed and related to his time. The concert will highlight tenor Brad Bradshaw and pianist Matt Seiberg. Artistic Director Beverly Everett and Clay Jenkinson will host a talk-back after the performance to answer questions from the audience. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for college students with an ID and free for students in grades K-12. For more information on the concert, please see Bemidji Arts Blog under staff blogs on homepage of the Pioneer.

By Patt Rall , February 12, 2012

Red Lake Fitness Center celebrates grand opening

The first thing one notices when entering the southwest door of the Red Lake Humanities Center (also now known as the Red Lake Recreation Center) is how bright it is.

By Michael Meuers , February 12, 2012

Enjoying Northern Minnesotan culture

If you’d asked me before about the culture of northern Minnesota, or America even, I’d have suggested it was better described as a lack of culture.

February 12, 2012

Former Bemidji artist expresses love for pets through paintings

Animal lovers have long been accused of thinking their pets have human traits by those who do not understand the bond between an owner and a pet.

By Patt Rall , February 12, 2012

‘Game-changer’: Sanford pledges 15 acres for northern Minnesota veterans home

Bemidji’s prospects of hosting a regional veterans home got a lot stronger Saturday as Sanford Health pledged to donate the needed land and assist with the facility’s operational costs.

By Bethany Wesley , February 12, 2012

No Child Left Behind: School districts react to state’s waiver from federal requirements

Some school districts in the area are feeling relief that they no longer need to meet the 2014 goal of 100 percent proficiency.

By Anne Williams , February 11, 2012

Weather: Computer models hint at possible winter storm

What do Roswell, N.M., and Midland, Texas, have that we don’t have? Besides vast treeless plains dotted with oil wells, the answer is above average snowfall. Above Bemidji snowfall, in fact.

By Tom Siemers , February 11, 2012

Getting robot ready

Four robotic teams brought their VEX robots to participate Friday in the VEX Robot Scrimmage at Northwest Technical College-Bemidji. The practice session was held to run robots through a series of obstacle courses. Shown above is Civil Air Patrol member David Helgager as he received help from team coach Doug Coutlee before the robot ran the course. Team members not pictured are Bryan Porter and Joe Rogers. Monte Draper | Bemidji Pioneer

February 11, 2012

Thrifty White Drug planning to close one of its Bemidji stores

As of Feb. 20, Thrifty White Drug Store customers will have only one location available to them.

By Anne Williams , February 11, 2012

Bemidji Middle School Science Fair showcases student innovation

The spotlight was on bright ideas Thursday night during the 26th annual Bemidji Middle School Science Fair.

By Laurie Swenson , February 10, 2012