Chatabout!

The Voice of the Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival, Brian Bissonette, is in to preview this year's event which starts Thursday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amy Bowles is back for a public health update. We discuss the new summer safety kits you can get at the Fair, Community Health goals, and their new Community Health tab in conjunction with bemidjinow.com, The Minnesota Department of Health and North Country Community Health Services.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Beltrami County Commissioner Joe Gould was in to recap this week's Beltrami County Board meeting, and we get another update on the Beltrami County Fair with Vern, Beryl and Becky.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Board of Education continues to get ready for the new School year. Supt. Jeremy Olson and Board Member Jenny Frenzel discuss JW Smith fundraising, cell phone policies, district goals and the upcoming election with 3 board seats up.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Boys & Girls Club of the Bemidji Area Executive Director Andrea Kent talks all things Club...Golf Tourneys, job opportunities, National Night Out...And The Challenges Of The Non-Profit WorldSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Sanford Center management agreement with Legends Global ends in March of 2027. So what does that mean for the future of Bemidji's Event and Convention Center? We go deep in the Sanford Center weeds with Bemidji Mayor Jorge Prince and City Manager Rich Spiczka. Where are we at? How did we get here? And what comes next?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Beltrami County Solid Waste Director Brian Olson was in to talk recycling and Minnesota's Extended Producer Responsibility Law. He also talks about the continuing concerns about lithium ion battery safety and the continued roll out of the organics program.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We are less than a month away from the Beltrami County Fair, so it's time to get ready for Open Class competition. Stacy Ness, Home Arts Superintendent and Amber Bury, Horticulture Superintendent, are in to discuss bringing your projects and plants to the fair.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On the latest Living United, Denae and Kev discuss the state of things one year after the storm, the upcoming Lueken's Village Foods Fishing Tournament, other summer events and the challenge of ALICE households.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bemidji Fire Chief Justin Sherwood reports on Fire Station 1 renovations, new training equipment, a new Fire Engine 1 is being put together this year...for next year, and how we're doing a year plus after the storm.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim Hess, Lloyd Holy and Todd Haugen are in with the details on the annual Corvette Car Show at Dondelinger Chevrolet GM this Saturday...and why they love Corvettes so much.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Planning Board meets tonight with four action items on the agenda, the biggest being the adoption of the Rail Corridor Project's final plat. Plus, a look at other projects and what's coming soon to Bemidji.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's time to start looking at the 2027 budget, and Sheriff Jason Riggs knows it will be another year of trying to do more with less. He also talks water safety and all other things law enforcement.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sanford Health's Director of Quality Heather Tverstol and Quality Improvement Advisor Amy Schmidt are in to discuss Sanford's Patient & Family Advistory Council. They are beginning the second year and are looking for more voices.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Beltrami County Commissioner Joe Gould was in to recap the Tuesday Beltrami County Board meeting and then Jeff & Ashley McDonald are in to preview the 47th Annual Blackduck Woodcarver's Festival later this month.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Bemidji City Council's most recent meeting was Monday, July 6th and Councilor At Large Audrey Thayer recapped the meeting and discussed the great things happening in our community...and the challenges as well.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 4th Annual Babe's Burnout Car Show returns to Sanford Center this Saturday. We get all the details from Lexi and Ethan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bemidji Area Schools Superintendent Jeremy Olson is in to talk about what's happening in the schools. A new fiscal year is underway and the budget is balanced. Plus, Jeremy discusses a constitutional amendment Minnesota voters will weigh in on in November that would provide more funding for schools, but NOT through additional taxes. Plus, if you're interested, there are three school board positions up for election this year.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 4th of July means packed state parks and activities. But the entire month of July is packed with stuff at the state parks! Connie Cox of Itasca State Park, Christa Drake of Lake Bemidji State Park & Big Bog Recreation Area and Christa's intern Jacob are all in to talk about a packed July...plus we learn all about the state butterfly...The Monarch.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Laporte is gearing up for their annual huge Independence Days Celebration. It's set for next weekend and Sue Olson says they have the BEST Fireworks. Take a listen for all the details!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Water Carnival Chair Larissa Donovan is in with all the details on the 82nd Annual Bemidji Jaycees Water Carnival. The medallion hunt is underway...and all the festivities begin Wednesday.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sanford Health Pediatrician Dr. Musa Bolkent was in to discuss the need for childhood vaccines and the upcoming sports physical season for young athletesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Music Director Libby Sorenson and actors Marcy McKee and Marilyn Hood preview The Paul Bunyan Playhouse's upcoming production of the musicaly "Church Basement Ladies" opening July 2nd.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Base Supervisor and Flight Paramedic Kristen Otteson discusses Sanford Air Med. She discusses its mission, how it operates within the airport and the life saving advantages it provides in critical situations.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jen Meece and Alexandra Linz work for Marshfield Research, part of the Sanford Health network. They discuss their study throughout the upper midwest to find out the prevalence of ticks and tick borne diseases in our area. And they talk about the importance of us helping out.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our own Nell and her sister Angela Lyseng of Beltrami Electric are in to get vendors lined up for the 4th Annual Northwoods Makers Market for the United Way. Then Beltrami County Solid Waste Director Brian Olson is in to talk all things solid waste.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mayor Jorge Prince was in to talk about all things Bemidji, including recent ICE activities int he city, the anniversary of the storm, the upcoming YMCA groundbreaking, and his recent leadership award.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Beltrami County Commissioner John Carlson is in to recap the latest County Board meeting. Among the topics were the annual coroner's report, recaps of last year's storm, a jail update and virtual tour, and an update on the drug court program.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Katie Fellows and her sister Lisa Kiewatt are headed to the Special Olympics USA Games in the Twin Cities tomorrow. We hear from LIsa and Jodi Sandmeyer of Bemidji's Special Olympics program about the event and their big send off tomorrow. Then, Brad Olson from Scouting America previews the big Lawn Social returning to Dr. Mark Shanfeld's house next week.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jeremy and Dave are in to discuss this week's school board meeting. They recapped the work session's discussion on district goals, continuing contract negotiations, and the upcoming school board election.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Deb Pierce of Adult Day Services is in to preview this Saturday's Quack For A Cause event at Adult Day Services. The Tim Terrill, the Executive Director of the Mississippi Headwaters Board is in to discuss the organization and the work it does for the Headwaters area of the Mississippi River.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Beltrami County Sheriff Jason Riggs is back to talk all things law enforcement, including state challenges, safe driving in construction zones and a deputy retires.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Gary Johnson led the technology revolution in northern Minnesota during his 37 year career at Paul Bunyan Communications. In addition to that, he was instrumental in bringing a couple of big events to the community.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The First Ever Bemidji Local Authors Fair is set for Saturday June 27th at the Eagles Club, John and Wendall discuss the event, the process of writing a book and the challenges.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bemidji Fire Chief Justin Sherwood and Bemidji Area Schools Superintendent Jeremy Olson are in to talk all things fire and education.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bemidji's Planning & Zoning Director Jamin Carlson previews the Monday Planning Board meeting. He discusses the cases before the board this month, and some projects they'll be voting on in the coming months. Plus a discussion of the rail corrdior plat and how the city is saving money by putting in solar panels financed by a grant.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Denae and Kev talk with Abby Greenside and Lindsey Falk of First Natonal Bank Bemidji talk about their upcoming Better Together Food Truck Lunch Tuesday at the main bank. Plus we discuss everything else FNB does to help the United Way.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our resident nature experts...Christa Drake & Connie Cox...of Lake Bemidji & Itasca State Parks...are back to tell us what we'll find and what we can do in June at our state parks.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Beltrami County Public Health Director Amy Bowles is in to discuss all the things they are doing to educate and keep people healthy in our communities.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Family Advocacy Center is helping more than 350 children a year who have suffered from sexual and physical abuse. Executive Director Courtney Haskins and Minnesota House 2A State Representative Bidal Duran discuss the importance of this program and the challenges of keeping it financed.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Paul Conklin and Cole Flaat are "The Sunshine Boys" for the latest Bemidji Community Theater production opening Friday. They have all the details of this Paul Simon classic on the latest podcast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

House 2A Representative Bidal Duran recaps the legislative session and discusses his thoughts on what went well and what didn't. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bemidji Area Schools Superintendent Jeremy Olson is back to talk about the latest School Board Meeting, the end of school and the budget.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Voice of the Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival, Brian Bissonette, is in to talk all things Dragon Boats...including the 20th anniversary celebration! Then Jared Davidson, Beltrami County Solid Waste Operations Manager, is back to do a little trash talkin'See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Beltrami County Commissioner Scott Winger is in to recap the latest Beltrami County Board meeting and what's happening with roads, budgets and personnel. Then, Lexi Mudrick & Shelana Ysen of Sanford Center stop by to talk about the many things going on there, including a couple of BIG summer events. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today we hear from Dr. Russ Lee & Susan Shelquist, board members with Hope House, about their upcoming Open House on Wednesday. They also discuss the mental health challenges in America and the mission of Hope House to walk alongside those suffering from severe mental illness. Then, Carol L Johnson of the Bemidji Area Church Musicians is in to talk about their Summer Recital Series at 13 area churches every Wednesday from June through August. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bemidji State University recently received the largest gift in its history. Plus, new programs and innovations are happening at both BSU and NTC. We learn all about it!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Boys & Girls Club of the Bemidji Area Executive Director Andrea Kent is in to preview the upcoming summer season at the Club, along with a discussion on the kids served, challenges and the upcoming fundraisers including the spring campaign match through the end of JuneSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There are many, many career opportunities in health care and Hannah Johnson of Sanford Health is in to discuss a couple of events next month for students considering health care careersSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mississippi Headwater Audobon Society & Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve Outreach Coordinator Beth Drost and Board Member Brian Hemmelman are in to discuss the many activities the Audobon Society has planned for the coming months, and a "Forever Fund" campaign to make the Society & Preserve sustainable for, well, forever.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.