Bemidji Buyline | June 15, 2024

Amos and Sarah Kelley to perform at Blackduck Senior Center

BLACKDUCK — The

Blackduck Senior Center

will host Amos and Sarah Kelley in concert at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, at the center, 24 First St. SE.

“Come relax and enjoy music, food and fellowship with friends,” a release said.

Attendees can enjoy sloppy Joes, home-baked beans, coleslaw, bars and a beverage.

This is a free concert; a free-will offering will be accepted.

Paul Bunyan Vintage Auto Club to host car gatherings

BEMIDJI — The Paul Bunyan Vintage Auto Club will host First City Cruise-Ins from 5 to 8

p.m. on Saturdays, June 15, July 20, Aug. 17 and Sept. 21, at Lueken’s South, 609 Washington

Ave. S.

The events will include antiques, collectors, new electric and late model vehicles and many more. There is no cost to attend or participate, all are welcome.

Boy Scouts of America will provide brats, chips and soda.

Fleur de Lis Gallery to feature artist DeeDee Robertson Narum

PUPOSKY — The Wild Rose Theater will host an opening show for artist DeeDee Robertson Narum at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, in the Fleur de Lis Art Gallery at the theater, 24011 Highway 89 NW, in Puposky.

Narum, of Bemidji, is a stained glass, mosaic and mixed media artist. She was commissioned to create a large mosaic on a design by artist Diamond Knispel for the Wild Rose Theater.

The mosaic, depicting rural beauty at Belle Thalia, will be unveiled at 4 p.m. An artist talk

and appetizer potluck will follow. Attendees should bring a dish to share, a release said.

Attendees may then proceed to the theater to enjoy the music of Bemidji singer-songwriter Miriam Tell. Tell will perform some of her original compositions and accompany herself on guitar. Narum’s stained glass and mixed media mosaics will be available for purchase in the gallery the day of the opening reception and by-appointmentonly openings of the gallery Monday through Saturday.

For more information, call (218) 760-2211.

Pinewood Fire Tower, Forestry Education Center open June 16

BEMIDJI — The Pinewood Fire Tower and Forestry Education Center at the Beltrami County Fairgrounds will be open from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 16, weather permitting.

“Did you get tired of waiting in line to climb the Forest Fire Tower at the fairgrounds during fair week?” a release asked. “The tower will open early for one day only on June 16.”

In the case of inclement weather, the tower will be closed but the FEC building will be open.

The Beltrami County Fair is set for Aug. 7-11 this year. Those interested in working at the fire

tower during fair week should call (218) 766-9692 and ask for Dave Quam. Midsommar Festival set for June 16

BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Affiliate of the American Swedish Institute will host its annual Midsommar Festival on Sunday, June 16, in Library Park next to the historic Carnegie Library. Activities will start at 12:30 p.m. with the decorating of the maypole and the weaving of flowered crowns and wreaths. A program will begin at 2 p.m.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair, birch and popple branches and fresh flowers to share.

Strawberries and cream will be available for a free-will donation.In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to First Lutheran Church, 900 Bemidji Ave. N.

Did you get tired of waiting in line to climb the Forest Fire Tower at the Fairgrounds during Fair week? There will be an early opening of June 16th (Sunday) of the Fire Tower and the Forestry Education Center (FEC) from 12pm to 5pm. If the weather is bad then the Tower will be closed and the FEC building will be open to see the new displays. Opening for one day only - June 16th. Want to work ($) at the Fire Tower during Fair Week? Call 218-766-9692 - ask for Dave.

Understanding your joint pain

Wednesday, June 19

3:30 p.m. | Social with light appetizers

4 p.m. | Presentation

Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, Education Rooms A & B Join in person or virtually via WebEx.

Take the first step toward understanding your hip, shoulder or knee pain by attending this free session with orthopedic surgeons Cody Sessions, MD, and Corey Wells, MD. They’ll discuss both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options.

Registration is required.

Visit sanfordhealth.org/classes-and-events/doc-talk-bemidji to register or learn more.

For additional information, call (218) 333-5862.

Beltrami County Historical Society photo

People loading their boat to go fishing at Waskish landing, date unknown.

Cody Sessions, MD Orthopedic Surgery

Corey Wells, MD Orthopedic Surgery

Outdoor preschool program available from Parks and Rec

BEMIDJI — The city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department will offer an outdoor preschool program from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Mondays through Aug. 26, at North Country Park, 1001 30th St. NW.

This nature-based playtime will be held at the new natural playground. Participants will enjoy a few fun stories and then have time to play, a release said.

This is a free program. Attendees should dress to be outside and meetings may be canceled due to the weather. Parents or guardians are asked to stay during this program.

For more information and to register, visit www. ci.bemidji.mn.us or call (218) 333-1862.

Wagging Tails dog walking club available

BEMIDJI — The city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department will host a Wagging Tails dog walking club from 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays through Aug. 20 at various locations in Bemidji.

“Get outside with your furry friend throughout the summer,” a release said. This program is intended for dogs that get along well with both other people and other dogs.

The cost is $15 for the series or $3 per drop-in.

For more information and to register, visit www. ci.bemidji.mn.us or call (218) 333-1862.

Parks and Rec to offer youth climbing club

BEMIDJI — The city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department will host a youth climbing club from 10:30 a.m. to noon on June 17-19 and July 29-31 at the Gillett Wellness Center, 1801 Birch Lane NE.

This introductory course is designed to empower youth to discover the sport of climbing with experienced climbing instructors and a state-of-the-art climbing wall, a release said.

During each session, participants ages 9-14 will explore basic climbing movement skills and master techniques like knot tying and belaying. Each session is for up to 10 participants with two instructors.

The cost is $70 per participant per session.

For more information and to register, visit www. ci.bemidji.mn.us or call (218) 333-1862.

Beltrami County

DFL to host fish fry, auction fundraiser

BEMIDJI — The Beltrami County DemocraticFarmer-Labor party is celebrating the kick-off of the 2024 election cycle with a spring fish fry at 5 p.m. on Monday, June 17, at the Bemidji Eagles

Club, 1270 Neilson Ave. SE.

A social hour will begin at 4 p.m. followed by a Red Lake walleye dinner served from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Following the dinner, DFL-endorsed candidates including Jen Schultz (Minnesota Congressional District 8), Reed Olson (Minnesota House District 2A), and Michael Reyes (Minnesota House District 2B) will give speeches.

The dinner costs $20 per person.

This event is open to the public and all are welcome to attend; there will also be a live auction.

The Beltrami County DFL is an organizing unit staffed by an all-volunteer team. To learn more, visit beltramidfl.org.

REACH support group to resume meeting June 18

BEMIDJI — The Hope House Families and Friends Support Group will convene again at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 18, at Hope House, 2014 Seventh Street SE.

This group is open to anyone who advocates for a loved one with mental illness, a release said.

The topic for the meeting is adult foster care, and a panel of experienced presenters will share on this topic.

There is no fee to attend. The meeting will be held in the living room of the blue building at

Hope House. For more information, call Robin Wold at (218) 444-6748, ext. 109.

Northern Artist Association to hold monthly meeting

BEMIDJI — The Northern Artist Association will hold its monthly meeting at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 17, at Cameron Park, 2609 Birchmont Drive NE.

“If you would like information to become a member, please join us,” a release said. “The public is welcome to attend and encouraged to invite a friend.”

For more information, visit northernartistassociation.com or call Grace at (218) 556-1042.

Parks and Rec to offer free open skate

BEMIDJI — The city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department is offering free skating along with free rental skates from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, June 18 and July 16, at the Power Rink in the Bemidji Community Arena, 3000 Division St. W.

Participants can bring their own skates as limited sizes will be available, a release said. The program is sponsored by the Bernick Family Foundation and Sanford Health. For more information, visit www.ci.bemidji. mn.us., or call (218) 308-3780.

BHS marching band to host ‘Meet the Band’ event

BEMIDJI — The Bemidji High School Marching Band will host its annual “Meet the Band” event at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, at the BHS commons, 2900 Division St. W.

A pulled pork dinner will be followed by the BHS Marching Band showcasing their 2024 show “Spaghetti Western,” on the track.

This is the band’s biggest fundraiser of the year, a release said.

Tickets are $18 and can be purchased in person or online at givebutter.com/ BemidjiMB24.

The rest of the BHS Marching Band’s Minnesota summer schedule is as follows: June 14 Parade in Benson • June 15 Parade in Buffalo • June 30 Parade in Lake City

July 7 Parade in Bemidji. Sanford Bemidji to host joint pain Doc Talk

BEMIDJI — Sanford

Health will host a Doc Talk titled “Understanding Your Joint Pain” from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, 1300 Anne St. NW.

Attendees can take the first step in understanding their hip, shoulder or knee pain by attending this free session with orthopedic surgeons Cody Sessions, MD and Corey Wells, MD.

Refreshments will be available at 3:30 p.m., and the presentation will begin in Education Rooms A and B starting at 4. Attendees can join in person or virtually via Webex. The event is free to attend but registration is required. Doc Talk is a free education series where

Sanford physicians present and answer your questions on a wide variety of topics. To register or learn more, call (218) 333-5862 or visit sanfordhealth.org/classes-andevents/doc-talk-bemidji. JD’s Outpost Bar and Grill to host Wojo’s Rodeo June 21-22

SOLWAY — Wojo’s Rodeo will be featured at the field behind JD’s Outpost Bar and Grill at 7 p.m. on June 21 and 22, 130 Centerline Rd. NW, just north of U.S. Highway 2 in Solway. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or at JD’s Outpost and are $25 for those ages 13 and older, $15 for ages 6-12 and free for 5 and younger. The bar accepts cash and cards, while only cash will be accepted at the gate.

For more information visit Wojo’s Rodeo or JD’s Outpost Bar and Grill on Facebook.

BACM summer recital series continues June 19

BEMIDJI — The 37th season of the Bemidji Area Church Musicians Summer Recital Series continues at noon on Wednesday, June 19, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 123 29th St.

The recital will feature musicians of the Trinity Lutheran congregation. Attendees should expect to hear a variety of instrumental and vocal selections, a release said.

A luncheon will follow the 30-minute recitals with a price to be announced.

The event is free and open to the public. A freewill offering will be received at the door for the scholarship programs of the BACM. For more information call Barbara Fisher at (218) 556-0098 or Carol L. Johnson at (218) 751-0415.

Beltrami County DFL to host pop-up brat stand June 20

BEMIDJI — The Beltrami County DemocraticFarmer-Labor party will run a pop-up brat stand from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, in the parking lot of the Chief Plaza, 1510 Bemidji Ave. N.

Attendees can enjoy grilled brats, baked beans, chips and a beverage for one low price, a release said.

All are welcome.

The Beltrami County DFL is an organizing unit staffed by an all-volunteer team. To learn more, visit beltramidfl.org.

BCHS to hold annual meeting June 22

BEMIDJI — The Beltrami County Historical Society invites members and the public to this year’s annual meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, at the Beltrami County History Center, 130 Minnesota Ave. SW. During the meeting,

members will review the past year’s achievements, discuss upcoming and long-term initiatives and elect new board members. The society will also celebrate its volunteers, announce the Volunteers of the Year, and honor outgoing Board President Dan Allosso, a release said. Ticketed attendees can enjoy a catered hot breakfast buffet during the meeting.

Following the annual meeting, folk musician Brian Miller will share a program and performance. His presentation, “Folk Songs of Early Beltrami County,” will highlight some of the musical heritage of our region. Through his performance, attendees will gain a deeper appreciation of the rich cultural history of Beltrami County and northern Minnesota, the release said.

Miller is a member of the band The Lost Forty and provides guitar and bouzouki accompaniment for the acclaimed band Bua. He has toured throughout the United States and Canada and has been featured on MPR’s “All Things Considered,” CBC Radio’s “Canada Live,” and Ireland’s RTE television, RTE radio and TG4 television.

He teaches Irish music at the Center for Irish Music in St. Paul, as well as at numerous camps around the U.S. and Canada. He also founded the Traditional Singers Club of the Twin Cities. Miller’s research and revival of Irish-influenced music collected in the Great Lakes region has earned him four grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board. He has spoken on the Irish song tradition at University College Cork in Ireland and on Northwoods music at the University of Wisconsin and the Uni-

versity of Minnesota.

Tickets for this event cost $25 for BCHS members and $35 for nonmembers. For those who wish to attend only the annual meeting, admission is free of charge, the release said.

Advance tickets may be purchased in person at the History Center, by phone at (218) 444-3376, or at beltramihistory.org/ event-details/24annual.

Minnesota DNR to host firearm safety field day

BEMIDJI — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will host a firearms safety field day on Thursday, June 20, and Saturday, June 22, at 1556 Yellowhead Road SW in Bemidji. Thursday’s portion of the program will be held from 8 to 11 a.m., and on Saturday the class will begin at 8 a.m. Attendees must complete both days of the class.

Students must be 11 years old before the class start date and have completed the online course in order to be eligible to take this class. Pre-registration is required.

Students must bring their online completion voucher to class. A parent or guardian must attend the first 30 minutes of the field day. Students are encouraged to bring their own bag lunch.

To register, contact instructor Anthony Kerr at (218) 368-5887 or tonykerrster@gmail.com.

Ye Olde

Schoolgrounds group to host dinner June 23

LAPORTE — The Ye Olde Schoolgrounds group will host a smoked ham dinner from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 23, at the Guthrie Community Center, 44255 Front St. in Laporte.

“Take the night off from cooking and join us,” a release said.

The menu will include Schmidt’s double-smoked honey ham, smoked baked beans, creamy coleslaw, baked potatoes with tater topper, butter and sour cream, lemonade and desserts.

The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids aged 11 and younger.

The dinner is first come, first served, and all proceeds will go to the Ye Olde Schoolgrounds nonprofit to maintain the building, the release said. Mobile food drop set for June 24 in Bagley

BAGLEY — North Country Food Bank is partnering with the United Way of Bemidji Area and the Clearwater County Food Shelf to offer a mobile food distribution from 11 a.m. to noon on Monday, June 24, along Great Northern Drive SW in Bagley.

Food will be available from 11 a.m. to noon, or until food runs out.

At the events, people can drive up and receive food. Attendees should be mindful not to block driveways, a release said.

Those receiving food will be asked to identify themselves and answer a few simple household questions by staff from North Country Food Bank. The Food Bank is collecting this information to allow access to more food items for these mobiles, the release said.

For more information,

contact Scott Johnson at (218) 399-7367.

Parks and Rec to offer Nature Explorers day camp

BEMIDJI — The city of Bemidji Parks and Recreation Department will host a Nature Explorers day camp from 8 a.m. to noon on June 24-28, at North Country Park, 1001 30th St. NW.

“Explore the wilderness during this naturebased camp,” a release said. Participants will enjoy lots of fun activities, crafts and snacks. The cost is $60 per participant.

For more information and to register, visit www. ci.bemidji.mn.us or call (218) 333-1862.

Aaron Lewis to perform at Sanford Center in Bemidji June 30

BEMIDJI — The Sanford Center will host

“Aaron Lewis: The American Patriot Tour” at 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 30, at the Center, 1111 Event Center Drive NE.

“Aaron Lewis, the Vermont-born powerhouse, first found success with Staind – the 2000s-era hard rockers who injected meditative muscle into an era better known for mindless aggression,” a release said. “But while that band is still very much alive, it was never enough to satisfy Lewis’ creative drive.”

As a solo artist, Lewis

has had two albums reach number one on the Billboard Country Album Debut charts: “Town Line” and “Sinner.” His song “Country Boy,” with George Jones and Charlie Daniels, went platinum and “Am I the Only One” was a gold-certified Billboard number-one hit. Lewis’ 2022 album

“Frayed at Both Ends” was the best-selling country album in America, the release said.

“No matter the sonic setting, Lewis writes and sings to get his truth out and his upcoming album ‘The Hill’ is no different,” added the release.Tickets are available now and range from $49 to $125, plus applicable fees. Tickets are available at the Sanford Center Box Office at (218) 441-4032 and at ticketmaster.com.

The Bemidji Pioneer

Bemidji State to offer Beaver Happy Hour events for alumni

BEMIDJI — The Bemidji State Alumni and Foundation will offer Beaver Happy Hour events to alumni and friends at local bars and restaurants starting Wednesday, May 8.

The events will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every other month.

Here’s a look at the upcoming schedule:

• July 10: Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge Sept. 11: Bar 209 Nov. 13: Brigid’s Irish

Pub

• Jan. 8: Corner Bar

• March 12: Keg N’ Cork

Beaver Happy Hours provide an opportunity for all community members to connect with Alumni and Foundation staff and others in attendance, make meaningful contacts and build camaraderie around all things BSU, a release said.

Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society to hold summer events

BEMIDJI — The Mississippi Headwaters

Audubon Society will host a Boreal Book Club, Plein Air Painting class and a Mindful Yoga series this summer, at the Neilson Spearhead Center nature preserve, 48851 County 29.

Plein Air Painting:

Capturing the Northwoods Landscape will be held from noon to 2 p.m. on June 15 and Aug. 10. Instructor Gillian Bedford will lead participants in techniques for painting outside, using acrylics to capture the landscape. Bedford’s approach as a teacher is to offer simple techniques as tools and to encourage her students to find their own artistic voice, the release said.

Attendees should bring several sheets of watercolor paper, a water bottle and a folding stool or chair if needed. Paint and palette, brushes, paper towels, clipboards and tape will be available.

The cost is $30 per class or $90 for the series.

Mindful Yoga:

Stretch and Flow led by instructor Ann Gorman will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. on the last Tuesday of each month through September, invite participants to engage their senses and relax in their practice while taking in the sights, sounds and smells of nature, the release said. Participants are asked to dress in comfortable layers suited to the outside temperature the day of class and bring a water bottle. Yoga mats will be available or you can bring your own.

Weather permitting, classes will be held outdoors. The cost is $15 per

class or $75 for the series.

Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society Members receive a discount.

Boreal Book Club will be held on the second to last Sunday of each month through October and will begin with a short hike followed by a discussion of the book of the month.

Books are selected with the goal of including Minnesota-specific topics, Indigenous voices, memoirs, humor and adventure, and information about the natural world that provokes awe and a closer connection to the earth, a release said.

The cost is $5 per month or $30 for the whole season.

For more information or to register, visit spearheadmhas.org/events.

John Egelhof to offer beginner bagpipe meetings

BEMIDJI — Bagpiper

John Egelhof will hold beginner bagpipe interest group meetings from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, at First Lutheran Church, 900 Bemidji Ave. N.

Attendees should be

interested in Celtic/Gaelic bagpipe music and learning this storied instrument, a release said. Participants must have a hand size sufficient to cover the holes on a practice instrument, called a practice chanter. Attendees must obtain a practice chanter and tutor book to begin learning. Limited tutoring will be available during the meeting.

Egelhof has been a member of the New Hampshire Law Enforcement Association Pipes and Drums, taught at the Headwaters School of Music and Arts and played with local bands. Meetings are free to attend and all are welcome, the release said. For more information, contact Egelhof at (218) 209-1560 or join the Bagpipes Around Bemidji Facebook group.

‘Way Grand: Square Dancing’ history program set

BEMIDJI — The Beltrami County History Center will hold its monthly Brown Bag History program at noon on Thursday, June 20, at the Beltrami County Historical Society, 130 Minnesota Ave. SW.

Renowned square dancer Carole Laitala and caller Roger Lueth from the First City Squares are June’s Brown Bag History presenters. They will discuss the history of square-dancing clubs in the area, including the founding of the First City Squares in 2002, special events across the state and country, and the social, health and fun aspects of square dancing.

“Square dancing, a lively and communal form of dance, has a storied history that spans continents and centuries,” a release said. “Originating from European folk dances, particularly those from England and France,

square dancing made its way to America with early settlers. In the 19th century, it became a staple of social gatherings in frontier communities, evolving into a uniquely American tradition.”

The tradition of the caller, a key element of modern square dancing, helps dancers navigate complex sequences of moves. This practice, along with the standardization efforts in the 20th century, particularly by figures like Lloyd Shaw, has kept square dancing vibrant and accessible, the release added.

Laitala and Lueth will demonstrate the evolution of square dancing from its traditional roots to its modern forms. Adding to the excitement, members of the First City Squares will perform a “teach dance” for audience members interested in learning the basics of square dancing. This interactive segment will give attendees a hands-on experience of this delightful dance form.

This program is free and open to the public; participants are welcome to bring lunch to enjoy during the program.

For more information about the Historical Society’s exhibits, programs, and volunteer and membership opportunities, visit beltramihistory.org. Contributed

First City Squares dancer Carole Laitala, second from left, and caller Roger Lueth, third from left, will present “Way Grand: Square Dancing, Traditional to Modern” at noon on Thursday, June 20, at the Beltrami County Historical Society,

Blackduck Senior Center to host coffee and cards this summer

BLACKDUCK — The Blackduck Senior Center will serve morning coffee and treats and offer card games this summer, at the senior center, 24 First St. SE.

Attendees can enjoy coffee and treats from 9 to 11 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The center will host card games at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Everyone is welcome, a release said. Bingo will begin again in September.

For more information contact (218) 835-7719.

Bagley Senior Center offers weekly programming

BAGLEY — The Bagley Senior Center is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday each week and offers a variety of programming for seniors and more.

Featuring a gift store, thrift shop and great coffee, the center, located at 26 Main Ave. N, is a great place to come and spend an afternoon and make new friends.

The Yarn Club meets at 10 a.m. on the first and third Tuesdays each month. The Whist Gang meets at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays each week, all are welcome to participate.

The center also offers Meals on Wheels for dinein and delivery.

For more information, call (218) 694-6873.

Community Table offers sit-down meals

BEMIDJI — Mt. Zion and United Methodist Churches of Bemidji offer sit-down Community Table meals on Mondays through Thursdays.

The doors open at 4:40 p.m. with meals being served from 5 to 6 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays at Mt. Zion and Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Methodist Church.

The meals are free and open to the public, everyone is welcome.

Comedian Charlie Berens returns to Bemidji Oct. 5

BEMIDJI — Comedian, New York Times best-selling author, Emmy-winning journalist, musician and creator of the Manitowoc Minute Charlie Berens is bringing his Midwest-focused sketch comedy back to Bemidji at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Sanford Center, 1111 Event Center Drive NE. Berens was last in Bemidji at the Sanford Center in November 2022, where he performed to a soldout crowd with his humor and uniquely hilarious Midwest comedy, a release said.

He began his career working for MTV News’ Choose or Lose. In 2012, Tribune Media tapped him to host the comedic news show Nightcap. In 2013, he won an Emmy for “The Cost of Water” while reporting for KDAF, a television station in Dallas, Texas. Berens has since been

featured on Comedy Central, Fox, Funny or Die, TBS and more. His comedic mashups, including “If Jack Dawson Was Really from Wisconsin,” have garnered more than 16 million views.

In 2017, the Wisconsin native began the viral Midwest comedic news series Manitowoc Minute. His fans flock daily to his Facebook page to view his content. He currently has over 2.6 million Facebook followers. After garnering millions of views, he’s toured the United States selling out venues within minutes.

In 2020, Berens paired up with Horseshoes and Hand Grenades alum Adam Greul to release the music/comedy album, “Unthawed.” The album, which is a mixture of bluegrass, country and Charlie’s comedy, hit number one on the Billboard Bluegrass chart and number six on the Bluegrass Comedy chart. His first book, “The Midwest Survival Guide,” was released in November 2021 and immediately became a New York

Times Best Seller, the release said.

Berens also hosts the Cripescast podcast where he interviews musicians, artists, comedians, creators and more to talk about their stories and connections to the Midwest. Guests have included Jeff Foxworthy, Nate Bargatze and Roy Wood, Jr.

“We are so excited to bring Charlie Berens back to the Sanford Center,” Bobby Anderson, general manager of the Sanford Center, said in the release. “Charlie has a way of connecting with his audiences in such an entertaining way. With his connection to the Midwest and ability to tie it into his humor in such a relatable way, we know Bemidji will love him just as much as they did in 2022.”

Tickets are available on ticketmaster.com.

Musket owned by Shaynowishkung on display at history center

BEMIDJI — A musket that once belonged to Shaynowishkung, called Chief Bemidji by early white settlers to the area, has been donated to the Beltrami County Historical Society and is now on display at the History Center.

The gun is of special historic significance, as it represents the relationship between Shaynowishkung’s family and the Carson family.

Shaynowishkung and his family had already settled on the south shore of Lake Bemidji when two brothers, Marion Ellsworth “Ell” Carson and George Earl Carson, opened a trading post in the mid-1880s on the south end of Lake Bemidji, east of the Mississippi River inlet.

Shaynowishkung greeted the brothers and a few years later, his youngest daughter Baygahmaushequay married Ell.

In 1891, the Carson brothers’ parents, George M. and Susannah Carson, their daughter Jessie, and youngest son Joseph Evan moved to the area.

Young Evan was in the trading post one day when Shaynowishkung entered and set his musket against the wall. Evan was fascinated by the long-barreled gun with its walnut stock and decorative carving of a serpent on its brass trigger guard.

The boy reached out to touch it, but Shaynowishkung intervened and told the boy not to touch the gun because it could discharge and he could be hurt.

In 1893, the Carsons and Shaynowishkung celebrated Christmas together at the trading post. All of the settlers in the little village were invited (about 12 people).

Shaynowishkung brought the gun to the party and presented it as a gift to

Evan, now deemed old enough and mature enough to handle the gun safely.

The gun has remained a treasured gift and its story, equally treasured by the Carson family.

Newell Carson, grandson of Evan, lives in Kalispell, Montana, and is an avid gun collector. He contacted the Beltrami County Historical Society several months ago about donating the gun to the museum.

Several decades ago, Newell’s grandfather had lent the gun to Dr. Charles Vandersluis, one of the founding members of the BCHS, to display in the museum.

The gun, a .75 caliber antique Indian trade musket, was manufactured by Isaac Hollis and Sons Manufacturing in England between 1850 and 1860. Such guns were often traded for fur in Canada and northern Minnesota, and it was common for these guns to be given as gifts to friends.

The musket was tagged with an accession number and, Newell says, it was put on display at the Bunyan House, an octagonal log structure on the lake side of Bemidji Avenue and Third Street.

When Evan’s son Ralph, Newell’s father, died in 1984, Newell decided to retrieve the gun, record its provenance, and then decide whether to keep it in the family or permanently donate it to the BCHS.

He checked into the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA, passed in 1990) to determine whether the Act would affect his decision, but since provenance had been established that the gun was manufactured in England and had been a gift to Evan Carson, the

Act did not apply.

Newell contacted the Beltrami County History Center about his intention to donate the musket and started planning the 1,200-mile pilgrimage from Kalispell to Bemidji to return the gun to a place where both Shaynowishkung’s and the Carsons’ descendants could see it on display.

When Newell and his wife Barbara arrived in Bemidji they met up with Newell’s cousin, Dr. Carson Gardner of Waubun.

On April 30 the two Carson descendants presented the musket and a ramrod, apparently carved from a stick, presumably by Shaynowishkung

Newell says the ramrod had come with the gun and that the musket has not been fired since his grandfather accepted the gift in 1893.

After 131 years of the Carson family owning the gift from Shaynowishkung, the 54-inch musket with a 38-inch barrel is now on display at the Beltrami County History

himself.

Center in the historic Great Northern Depot at 130 Minnesota Avenue in Bemidji.

“This is where it belongs,” Newell said.

“I’m glad it’s home.”

Madelyn Haasken / Bemidji Pioneer

Pictured from left: Emily Thabes, Newell Carson and Dr. Carson Gardner pose for a photo with Shaynowishkung’s musket on April 30 at the Beltrami County History Center.

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks grows an imaginary tail

Ilove observing comets. They’re full of surprises. You never quite know what to expect each time you point a pair of binoculars or a telescope at one. Change is constant. Whether those changes are intrinsic, brought on by solar heating, or caused by our shifting point of view as the Earth orbits the sun, these icy visitors always bring something new to the game.

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks returned to Earth’s vicinity last year after a 71-year absence. Last summer, when it

was still well beyond the orbit of Mars, the warming rays of the sun generated cracks in its surface that released billions of tons of trapped gas and dust from the comet’s interior. All that fresh, new material exposed to sunlight elevated

its brightness by more than 100 times. Overnight, 12P/ Pons-Brooks went from being completely invisible to obvious in amateur telescopes. Nor did the fun stop there. The gentle pressure of sunlight sculpted the expelled material into a unique shape that resembled a horseshoe crab — though some folks pictured the fictional starship Millennium Falcon or even devil horns in its dusty contours. Before long, the comet faded from view until reawakened by another outburst. And

then another, and another.

This fitful behavior continued into January of this year and made watching 12P one of the highlights of my observing career. By late January the comet settled down and grew a proper pair of appendages — a long, blue gas tail and short, fan-shaped dust tail. Most comets have at least two tails. Ultraviolet light from the sun energizes carbon monoxide released from vaporizing ice and makes it fluoresce a radiant Mediterranean blue. The

solar wind then drags the glowing gas away from the comet into a tail. Dust embedded in the ice and released through vaporization spreads out behind the comet along its orbital path and shines pale yellow (or sometimes pink) from reflected sunlight. Comet dust particles are about the same size as the ubiquitous dust particles that settle on top of our dressers and bookcases. Many of them spiral inward toward the sun and eventually burn up. But some become meteors.

Starting