The title says it all. It is to be a regional center, one that will benefit the entire area and not just Bemidji alone. A strong case can be made for an events center in Bemidji. The location is appropriate because Bemidji is the hub of the region. Virtually all areas of citizens' needs and interests -- health/
hospital, education, cultural activities, sports, shopping and more -- are located in Bemidji and hence the city draws people from all the area communities and towns. What is still needed is an events center to better accommodate several of the aforementioned needs -- and more, like a large facility for meetings and conventions, as well as concerts.
In researching for my book on Bemidji State ("University in the Pines: A History of Bemidji State University"), the importance of the town to both students and faculty became clear, all agreeing that the heart of this north-central region of the state was and is this one town. It is still this way. Bemidji has been important to the university and vice versa. An events center will make it even better for both town and gown.
Obviously Bemidji needs state help in financing the building of this special project. A year ago, the governor agreed to aid this financing by including the events center in his proposed budget. Unfortunately the governor seems to have changed his position this year, hence the appeal of many -- this writer among them -- for the current Legislature to restore the funding so that this worthwhile project can get started.
Perhaps the vernacular phrasing might sum this up; or in the lexicon of my 14-year old granddaughter: "Hey! We need help right now. Y'know? If ya'd come through quick-like, Cool!"
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Arthur O. Lee
Bemidji
