Latest News From Minnesota Daily News Dot Com

August 27, 2026

The 37-year-old Brainerd man, Keith Michael Donovan, died on August 25th after his vehicle hit a train in Cass County. The Minnesota State Patrol reported the accident occurred at 6:26A-M Donovan was not wearing a seat belt, and emergency services assisted at the scene. This was one of a few of fatal, or serious injuries involving vehicles or pedestrians in the area in the last few weeks. T.J. Melcher of MNDot was in yesterday for a Roundabout Wednesday podcast recording. He talked about some of these accidents. Check it out at Paskvan Podcast on YouTube.

The Beltrami County Housing Trust Fund is currently accepting pre-applications for large-scale construction and development projects aimed at improving housing availability in the community. Non-profit, for-profit, and government entities are invited to apply for projects that will add at least 100 housing units through various methods. The pre-application period runs until October 9th, but submitting an application does not guarantee funding. Questions can be directed to Annie@UnitedWayBemidji.org.

Walker-Hackensack-Akeley Schools has launched a new website, http://TheWolfpackPlan.org, to provide clear information about the operating levy referendum on the November ballot. The site aims to help community members understand the proposed Wolfpack Plan, its estimated tax effects, and voting details. On November 3rd, voters will consider a two-question operating levy. According to the Walker Pilot Independent, if passed, it would allow state funding to support the district without raising property taxes. Question 1 seeks a $1,847 per pupil levy for $637,000 in state aid, while Question 2 requests an additional $553 per pupil if Question 1 is approved. The estimated tax impact for a $400,000 home would be about $49 annually, with no tax increase for seasonal properties. The two questions could generate around $1 million in revenue, including significant state funding. The website includes details about the Wolfpack Plan, state funding, estimated tax impacts, FAQs, election information, and ways to connect with district leaders.

Headwaters Alliance for Suicide Prevention invites the community to its annual Walk for Hope on Saturday, September 26th, at Paul & Babe in Bemidji. Check-in starts at 7 a.m., with a 5k walk from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. through Bemidji State University's campus and back. The event aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and support those affected by suicide. A survey by Headwaters Alliance for Suicide Prevention showed that many families in Beltrami County are impacted by suicide. The event is funded by a Minnesota Department of Health grant and partnerships. To register or volunteer, visit http://UnitedWayBemidji.org.

The Red Lake Nation is currently seeking a full-time Sexual Assault Advocate to provide support and advocacy services to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. The role involves serving as a primary point of contact, offering crisis intervention, accompanying victims to hospitals and court appearances, and managing client services. The closing date to submit applications to Human Resources in Red Lake is September 25th.

August 26, 2026

Discussions on the Blueprint 2035 affordable housing initiative continued during the Bemidji City Council meeting this week. The housing program was initially presented by leaders from Greater Bemidji and local government agencies last week. The plan aims to develop housing, support workforce growth, and expand the tax base. City staff proposed allocating around $180,000 over three years, funded by the Urban Development Action Grant. This funding seeks to prepare for unexpected costs without frequent requests for additional money. City Manager Spiczka recommended nominating two council members to join the initiative's governance board, ensuring representation from contributing entities. Concerns about effective representation and incentivizing property improvements were raised by several council members. Overall, there was a consensus to support the initiative, but members wanted more clarity on specific issues. No formal action was taken during this meeting, and the topic is expected to be revisited in future meetings.

During the Nevis school board's meeting, second-grade teacher Karly Cobb requested to extend her maternity leave from October 5 to January 4, which would be unpaid. Board chair Dave McGee expressed concern since Cobb is also the varsity volleyball coach, questioning the fairness of her absence from the classroom while managing coaching duties. Superintendent Ranae Seykora explained that Cobb's childcare issues prompted the request. The board approved the leave 5-1, pending a substitute hire, with McGee voting against it. Additionally, the board discussed a new policy on the use of artificial intelligence in schools. Seykora highlighted the need for responsible AI usage and the establishment of a committee to oversee it. The proposed policy aims to introduce AI concepts to elementary students through teacher-led activities, while middle school students will engage directly in media literacy classes. For high school, AI applications will vary by subject. Concerns were raised about AI misuse among students, emphasizing the need for clear guidelines set by teachers.

The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe is hosting its annual Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway to hand out free backpacks and school supplies. The giveaway events schedule includes: District One: today, at the Winnie Dam Recreation Park. District Two: today, at the Bena Dave Morgan Community Center, and at the Battle Point Community Center. Duluth: tomorrow, at the Duluth LLBO Office. For more information, contact your district office.

The Red Lake Nation Embassy in Minneapolis is hosting a two-day tribal ID issuance event this week. Sessions will be held tomorrow, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and on Friday, August 28th, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The event takes place at the Red Lake Nation Embassy in Minneapolis. The cost for a tribal ID is $15, cash only, while tribal members 55 years and older can receive theirs for free. For more details, you can contact the embassy at 612-874-9588.

NativeCare, the cannabis business for Red Lake Nation, will open a Dispensary in the Twin Cities suburb of Maplewood this week. The Grand Opening is set for this Friday. There are NativeCare Dispensary's in Red Lake, West Saint Paul, Thief River Falls, and now Maplewood.

August 25, 2026

A 30-year-old motorcyclist, Roy John Berger, was killed in a crash on Highway 371 south of Walker last Thursday. Timothy William Hall, a 33-year-old semi driver from Emlenton, Pennsylvania, was traveling south when he swerved onto the shoulder, causing Berger to hit a cable barrier, after which the semi ran over him. Witnesses reported that Hall intentionally swerved to block the motorcycle and fled the scene afterward. Law enforcement reviewed dash camera footage from the semi that supported the witnesses' accounts. Hall is in custody, facing two felony charges for criminal vehicular homicide.

Fifty-eight-year-old Richard D. Gilligan, from Bemidji, has been charged with first-degree felony drug possession for having 50 grams or more of cocaine or methamphetamine. He was a passenger in a vehicle during his arrest on August 15, where deputies found a small bag of methamphetamine and a larger amount in a toolbox, weighing 428 grams. Gilligan confessed that his DNA and fingerprints would be on the bag and that he had paid $2,500 for it.

Forty-seven-year-old Casey D. Christiansen, from Laporte, is charged with felony possession of a firearm and/or ammunition after a previous violent crime conviction. On August 15, he was pulled over by a deputy, showing signs of impairment, following a tip about his vehicle's involvement in drug activity. Christiansen refused to take sobriety tests, claiming he hadn’t used substances since a past driving charge. A search of his vehicle found two butane mini torches and a handgun magazine with live ammunition. He was in court yesterday.

The Minnesota Championship Canoe Races will take place during the Beaver Bay Beach Bash on Saturday, September 5th, and Sunday, September 6th, by the Mississippi River in Bemidji. The event starts at 1 p.m. on Saturday with men's and women's tandem races, followed by the Beaver Paddle Battle at 2:30 p.m., and solo racing at 3:30 p.m. Races continue at 11 a.m. on Sunday with mixed tandem canoeing. Participants need to register one hour before their races at a cost of $40. Music and camping will be available.

Thirty-six-year-old Cassandra F. Krumrey, from Laporte, is charged with felony second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon, threats of violence, and misdemeanor fourth-degree DWI. On August 5th, at 9:33 p.m., police responded to a report of Krumrey confronting her husband with a shotgun. While speaking with the husband, a deputy saw Krumrey driving recklessly. After exiting her vehicle, Krumrey ran into her home and locked the door. A search of her home uncovered a shotgun in a partially open safe. Her blood alcohol level was tested at 0.11.

Red Lake Comprehensive Health Services is offering free CPR, AED, First Aid, and Stop the Bleed training sessions. Four dates are scheduled, each from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM: September 11th at the Redby Center, September 18th at the Red Lake Old Center, September 25th at the Little Rock Center, and September 26th at the Ponemah Center. The training is open to all Red Lake Nation residents aged 18 and older, with no prior medical experience required. Advanced registration is required by emailing Michelle Graves at Bearclan71@gmail.com.

August 24, 2026

A two-vehicle crash in Itasca County on Saturday afternoon claimed one life, and sent two to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. A Chevy Colorado, driven by 38-year-old Kerri Ellen Hart of Deer River, was westbound on Highway 2, when it crossed the center line, hitting a Chevy Impala driven by 42-year-old Janelle Marie Swenson, of Cohasset, killing Swenson at the scene. Swenson was wearing a seat belt, while neither Hart, or her passenger, 41-year-old Jack Leroy Drumbeater, was. Hart and Drumbeater were taken to St. Mary's Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Alcohol was not a factor in the crash. The Grand Rapids police, Itasca County Sheriff's Office, Grand Rapids Fire, Cohasset Fire, and North Ambulance and Air responded at the scene.

The Minnesota Safety Council invites the public to the 2026 Minnesota Regional Safety Days on Thursday, September 10th, at the Sanford Center in Bemidji. The events will include expert-led sessions, safety topics, and networking opportunities. Attendees can earn continuing education units and connect with organizations focused on workplace safety. Similar events will be held in Carlton and in Mankato.

Two adult males escaped unharmed after their float plane flipped and sank while attempting to land on Lake Bemidji on Friday. At 4:15 PM, the Beltrami County Emergency Communications Center received multiple 911 calls about the incident. The plane overturned and began to sink, but the two occupants managed to exit safely. Bystanders on boats assisted them, confirming there were only two people on board. The aircraft remained partially above water due to its pontoons and was later towed to shore. The owner and pilot will arrange for the plane's removal. The FAA and NTSB have been notified and will investigate the cause of the crash. Emergency Medical Services checked the occupants, who declined treatment.

A 31-year-old woman from Bemidji, Larissa Lee Sailor, sustained life-threatening injuries after being hit by a pickup truck on Friday morning. The accident occurred around 9:42 a.m. at the intersection of Bemidji Avenue and Highway 197. The driver, 32-year-old Christine Marie Easton, was not injured and was wearing her seat belt. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor, and road conditions were dry. The crash is still under investigation.

On a nearly cloudless day in northern Minnesota, Brody Robison, from Alabama, and Peyton Sorrow, from South Carolina, faced tough conditions in the Championship Saturday of the 2026 Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship at Leech Lake. Although they felt uncertain after their performance, a crucial catch late in the day secured their victory. They totaled 61 pounds, 3 ounces, winning by just 9 ounces against McKendree’s Ethan Fields and Lane Stephens. This is the third Bassmaster Tournament on Leech Lake in the last few years.

The Bemidji School Board will meet in special session tomorrow morning in a Closed Session for Preliminary Consideration of Allegations Against an Employee. The meeting begins at 7am tomorrow morning.

Congratulations to Marla Mesarina from the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, elected as the 2026–2027 Female Co-President of the UNITY Organization, alongside Male Co-President Nathan Solorio. This role offers a chance to enhance youth leadership and involvement. Interested youth and community members can contact Marla at fcopresident@unityinc.org for more information or to get involved.