FYI Bemidji 2023

FYI Bemidji

2023

Your easy-to-use source of information about living in the Bemidji Area

Enjoy your ‘FYI Bemidji’

“For Your Information” is what this publication is all about. It includes everything from finding a restaurant to getting a license for your pet.

This is the 22nd year the Bemidji Pioneer has published “FYI Bemidji.” We have updated it s look and its content i n an effort to make it an even more valuable publication. We hope you find it to be a useful reference throughout the next year.

Our hope is that you will keep your copy of “FYI Bemidji” in a handy place and use it often.

Thanks to everyone who provided information and to the advertisers who made it possible to publish “FYI Bemidji.” Please let them know you appreciate it, too. A directory of advertisers can be found on Page 4

We appreciate your feedback. Call us at 333-9200 or send an email to news@ bemidjipioneer.com to let us know what you think about “FYI Bemidji.”

Todd Keute, Bemidji Pioneer Publisher/Advertising Director

FYIBemidji

Contributors:

Annalise Braught, Daltyn Lofstrom, Madelyn Haasken, Nicole Ronchetti, Maggi Fellerman, Chris Johnson, James Hanson, Lindsay Nygren, Todd Keute and Dennis Doeden.

Cover photo by Annalise Braught.

DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS

Art Center/Gallery

Watermark Art Center

505 Bemidji Ave. N 444-7570 watermarkartcenter.org

See ad on Page 27

Attorneys

Hazelton Law Group

110 Mag Seven Court SW Suite 100 444-4529 hazeltonlawgroup.com

See ad on Page 11

Automotive

Bemidji Chrysler Center

755 Paul Bunyan Dr. NW 751-8006 bemidjichrysler.com

See ad on Page 20

Detail Plus

211 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 444-7587 detailplusbemidji.com

See ad on Page 36

Exhaust Pros

219 Cars Ct. NW 759-1264

See ad on Page 5

Tires Plus

2525 Middle School Rd. NW 759-2000 tiresplusofbemidji.com

See ad on Page 35

Banks

American National Bank of Minnesota

1317 Paul Bunyan Dr. NW 558-5240 anbmn.com/

See ad on Page 2

First National Bank Bemidji

1600 Paul Bunyan Dr. NW 751-2430

429 Minnesota Ave. NW 333-4370

607 Washington Ave. S. (Lueken’s) 333-4396 fnbbemidji.com

See ad on Page 39

Security Bank USA

1025 Paul Bunyan Dr. NW 751-1510 securitybankusa.bank

See ad on Page 33

Bookkeeping/Tax Services

Kalvig & Associates

359 Main St. N. Blackduck (218) 835-4546 kalvigandassociates.com

See ad on Page 15

Norenberg & Associates

1900 Division St W #4 333-8956 norenbergtax.com

See ad on Page 33

Churches

Eckankar

The Path of Spiritual Freedom

ECK Light and Sound Services (218) 467-3302 eckankar-mn.org, TheSoundofSoul.org

See ad on Page 22

First Lutheran Church

900 Bemidji Ave. N 444-5302 flcbemidji.org

See ad on Page 22

New Salem Lutheran Church

7491 Island View Drive NE, Turtle River 586-2262

newsalemlutheran.org

See ad on Page 23

Community Development

Blackduck Community Development Corp.

Blackduck (218) 835-4803 blackduckmn.com/bdc

See ad on Page 10

Community Resources

Community Resource Connections

716 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 333-6838 crcinform.org

See ad on Page 38

Lutheran Social Services (218) 303-9925 lssmn.org/hosthomes

See ad on Page 7

Partners in Community Supports (651) 967-5060 picsmn.org

See ad on Page 6

Convenience Stores

Northdale Oil, Inc.

2202 Division St. NW 444-7500

8000 Irvine Ave. NW 444-8000 northdaleoil.com

See ad on Page 30

Credit Unions

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union 2800 Hannah Ave. NW 759-9849 affinityplus.org

See ad on Page 38

TruStar Federal Credit Union 2313 TruStar Ave. NW 444-5567 trustarfcu.com

See ad on Page 9

Dance Instruction

Suzy & Hondo School of Dance

1259 Tyler Ave. SE 766-4043 suzyandhondo.com

See ad on Page 26

Education

Bemidji State University 1500 Birchmont Dr. NE 755-2040 bemidjistate.edu

See ad on Page 20

Northwest Technical College 905 Grant Ave. SE 333-6600 ntcmn.edu

See ad on Page 20

Voyageurs Expeditionary School 3724 Bemidji Ave. N. 444-3130 voyageursschool.org

See ad on Page 18

Employment Services

Always There Staffing

2522 Hannah Ave. NW 444-6533 alwaystherestaffing.com

See ad on Page 14

Entertainment

Lake Itasca Family Music Festival

Lake Itasca Pioneer Farmers Grounds familybluegrass.com

See ad on Page 26

Lake Itasca Pioneer Farmers Show

Lake Itasca Pioneer Farmers Grounds

itascapioneerfarmers.com

See ad on Page 24

Fireplaces

Wilkening Fireplace Co. 9608 Highway 371 Walker (800) 367-7976

wilkeningfireplace.biz

See ad on Page 12

Fitness Centers

CrossFit Bemidji

772 Mag Seven Court SW 766-9088 crossfitbemidji.com

See ad on Page 30

Gift Shops

Morell’s Chippewa Trading Post 301 Bemidji Ave. N. 751-4321

See ad on Page 27

Health Care

Cornerstone Nursing

Locations in Fosston, Bagley and Kelliher (218) 694-6552 cornerstoneshc.com

See ad on Page 23

Heating and Air Conditioning

Higgins Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

1632 Bemidji Ave. N 751-2801

higginsheating.com

See ad on Page 8

Naylor Heating & Refrigeration 172 Spirit Ave. 444-4328 naylorhvac.com

See ad on Page 15

Insurance

Stonewell Insurance Agency, LLC

522 Beltrami Ave NW, Suite 107 751-0204 stonewellinsuranceagency.com

See ad on Page 31

Liquor Stores

Northern Liquor 3324 Bemidji Ave. N 751-3312 northernliquor.com

See ad on Page 28

Massage

Siam Massage & Wellness Spa 423 Beltrami Ave. NW 444-8888 siammassageandwellnessspa. business.site

See ad on Page 29

Paint & Supplies

Hirshfield’s 2140 Bardwell Dr. NW 751-4418 hirshfields.com

See ad on Page 32

Pet Supplies

Pets Plus

2014 Anne St. NW 444-4738 bemidjipetfoods.com

See ad on Page 25

Pet Zone 2514 Hannah Ave. NW 751-4471 petzonebemidji.com

See ad on Page 39

Pharmacies

Iverson Corner Drug 408 Minnesota Ave. NW 444-3000 iversoncornerdrug.com

See ad on Page 35

Power Companies

Otter Tail Power 320 4th St. NW (800) 257-4044 otpco.com

See ad on Page 37

Pregnancy Counseling

Northwoods Pregnancy Center 2300 Bemidji Ave. N. 444-3035 bemidjipregnancyoptions.com

See ad on Page 19

Promotional Products

Thunderbird Graphics 675 Mag Seven Court SW 751-6821 tbirdgraphics.com

See ad on Page 31

Real Estate

Bill Oakes Century 21 1085 Paul Bunyan Dr. NW 766-7932 billsellsbemidji.com

See ad on Page 5

Grimes Realty 2815 Bemidji Ave. N 751-3123 Grimesrealty.com

See ad on Page 12

Recreational Vehicles

Roth RV 4610 Scribner Road NW 444-3459 rothrv.com

See ad on Page 25

Recycling

Beltrami County Solid Waste Management 751 Industrial Park Dr. SE 333-8187 co.beltrami.mn.us

See ad on back cover

Restaurants Slim’s Bar & Grill 142 Anne St. NW 444-7546 slimsbarandgrill.com

See ad on Page 28

Wasabi Sushi Bar 419 Beltrami Ave. NW Suite 3 444-2022

wasabibemidji.com

See ad on Page 29

Skiing, Tubing and Events

Buena Vista Ski Area 19600 Irvine Ave. NW 243-2231 bvskiarea.com

See ad on Page 24

Symphony Orchestra

Bemidji Symphony Orchestra P.O. Box 3136 444-7914

bemidjisymphony.org

See ad on Page 26

Vintage Aircraft Restoration/ Aerospace Fabrication

AirCorps Aviation 1259 Exchange Ave. SE 444-4478 aircorpsaviation.com

See ad on Page 21

Well Drilling

Gracco Well Drilling 4461 Scribner Road NW 444-9244 graccowelldrilling.com

See ad on Page 8

Donating blood

Memorial Blood Centers

Memorial Blood Centers hosts blood drives in the Bemidji area. To schedule an appointment call 723-8080 or visit www. mbc.org.

Red Cross

The Red Cross Blood Service holds blood drives about twice a year at various locations. The Red Cross sends blood to wherever there is a shortage.

Vitalant

Vitalant, formerly United Blood Services, also hosts blood drives in the Bemidji area. You can make an appointment to give blood at www.bloodhero.com or by calling (877) 8274376.

Clothing assistance

St. Philip’s Clothing Depot

125 Eighth St. NW 444-3835

The St. Philip’s Clothing Depot gives and sells clothing and some household items at greatly reduced prices. The onelevel handicap-accessible depot has a free section and houses reduced-price goods, clothing, crafts and holiday items. Donations are welcome, but call ahead. The depot is open from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Call 444-3835 for more information.

Seventh-Day Adventist Clothing Center and Thrift Shop

810 15th St. NW 751-1985

The Seventh-Day Adventist Clothing Center and Thrift Shop has clothing and other household items for sale; some items are free. Hours are Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donations may be made at the center’s drop-off closet from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Clothing can be dropped off anytime in a blue box outside of the center.

United Way

716 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 444-8929 unitedwaybemidji.org

United Way of Bemidji Area (UWBA) is a community organization that works to fulfill people’s educational, health, income and basic needs. UWBA hosts a community-wide campaign each Fall, raising local funding to support their impact areas. Funds are allocated to local nonprofits UWBA terms as Partner Agencies. UWBA provides these agencies with funding, works with the agencies to solve collaborative issues, and provides the agencies with supportive services and programming. Throughout the year, UWBA runs community programming, including Backpack Buddies, Imagination

Library, Wheels to Work, Coats for Community, Thanksgiving Meals, Holiday Gifts for Kids, and VolunteerBemidji.org

Garbage collection

Waste Management offers commercial weekly professional garbage removal service. Call 751-2052 for more information.

Beltrami County residents may take their garbage and recyclables to the Waste Management of Bemidji transfer station, located in the Industrial Park at 751 Industrial Park Drive SE. Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and closed on Tuesday and Sunday. Call 751-1668 or 766-0563 for information.

Recycling bins are placed at the following locations: Ten Lakes Rural Site, 23170 Power Dam Rd NE; Fourtown Rural Site, 68030 Hwy 89 NW, Grygla; Pinewood Rural Site, 16909 Grange Rd NW, Pinewood; at Northdale Oil at 8000 Irvine Avenue just north of the Highway 71 underpass; behind Target on 23rd Street Northwest.

Recycling transfer stations are also around Beltrami County. For locations, visit the Beltrami county website and click on the solid waste tab, www.co.beltrami.mn.us.

Beltrami County Extension

7223 Fairgrounds Rd. NW Suite 7A (218) 444-5722 mnext-beltrami@umn.edu

Open 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday. www3.extension.umn.edu/local/beltrami

The University of Minnesota Extension is the major outreach arm of the U of M, a land grant institution with a mission to serve the public through applied research and education.

U of M Extension offices, in partnership with local government, are located in most of Minnesota’s 87 counties. Extension programs include 4-H clubs, youth after school programs, Master Gardener volunteers, nutrition education, homemakers clubs and Parents Forever.

Marriage licenses

Applications for marriage licenses can be filled out in the License Center, Beltrami County Administration Building, 701 Minnesota Ave. NW. License fee is $115 or $40 with 12 hours of premarital counseling; good for six months anywhere in Minnesota. Call 333-4148 for more information. Hours 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. For more information visit the website at: www.co.beltrami.mn.us/Departments/ License/Marriage.html

Bemidji Senior Center

216 Third St. NW 751-8836

The mission of the Bemidji Senior Center is to provide opportunities for older adults to develop and sustain their potential as individuals and citizens of the community. The purpose is to meet the needs of seniors for fellowship, learning, information and recreation, and to work cooperatively with other agencies in serving the needs of older adults.

The center hosts many educational presentations, holds several fundraisers and provides numerous volunteer opportunities throughout the year.

The center is a membership organization. Call the number above for details on becoming a member. It is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Passports

Passports are available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Beltrami County License Center in the Beltrami County Administration Building, 701 Minnesota Ave. NW, Suite 100. Individuals must fill out a passport application, which requires they produce a certified birth certificate or a previous passport, as well as a photo ID and two identical passport photos.

The agency also offers a passport photo service. The fee is $110 for adults 16 and older or $80 for those 15 and younger, plus an extra $25 execution fee the courthouse charges. Passports take about six weeks to process. For faster service, an additional $60 is charged. Passport cards are $30 for adults and $15 for minors. For details, call 218333-4148.

Emergency numbers

Emergencies: 911

Road Conditions: 800-542-0220 or 511

Minnesota Poison Control: 800-222-1222

Beltrami County Sheriff and non-emergencies: 333-9111

Voter registration

Fill out a voter registration card and return it in person or by mail to your county auditor or the secretary of state.

Voter registration forms are available at county courthouses, city halls and other public buildings, in many telephone books or in your state tax booklet (in even-numbered years) or download at: https://www.sos.state.mn.us/media/1587/voter-registrationapplication.pdf.

You may also register to vote when you apply for or renew your Minnesota driver’s license or state identification card. Voters can now register online at www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/ register-to-vote.

If you are unable to register in advance, you can still register on Election Day at your polling place. You will need proof of your identity and the address where you are living on Election Day.

Post Office

401 Irvine Ave. NW, 751-1059. Open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Vehicle/boat licenses

License plates for cars, pickups and other vehicles are available at the Beltrami County License in the Beltrami County

Administration Building, located at 701 Minnesota Ave. NW Suite 100, (218) 333-4148. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Booklets listing the various fees and operation regulations are available at the office. The fees for registering cars and trucks vary widely. Motorcycles and other vehicles also must be registered, as well as campers, trailers, ATVs, snowmobiles and boats.

To register a snowmobile you must be at least 18 years old. The registration is valid from July 1 through June 30. The three-year registration for trail use is $113.50 and non-trail use is $53.50. Registration is not required for a snowmobile registered in another state or country and used in Minnesota for a period of 30 days or less. They must have a snowmobile state trail sticker when operating in state and grant-in-aid trails, which costs $51 and is valid from November 1 - June 30 of each year.

To register an ATV/OHM/ORV you must be at least 18 years old. The basic ATV renewal registration is $66 for three years. Registration is not required for recreational motor vehicles registered in another state or country and used in Minnesota for a period of 30 days or less.

Watercraft registration fees vary according to the size of the boat and whether they are motorized or not. The license is good for three years. Watercrafts registered in another state and kept in Minnesota for a period of 90 consecutive days or fewer are exempt. Also exempt are boats used during duck hunting season, rice boats during wild ricing season and nonmotorized watercraft 10 feet in length or less.

Driver’s licenses

The Bemidji Driver’s License Exam Station, located at 111 Second St. NW, 308-2940, is open from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday through Friday for written drivers’ exams and from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. for general business.

Before obtaining a driver’s license, a person must pass a knowledge test, a vision check and a road test. A driver moving into Minnesota from out of state or Canada, or someone whose Minnesota license has expired for more than one year, but less than five years, will not be required to take the road test.

When applying for a license, people need identification with full name and date of birth. To take the road test, you must show ID, provide your own vehicle for the test and have correctly operating safety equipment.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver’s Manual is available online at dvs.dps.mn.org.

Renewals at the exam stations and County Administration Building, 701 Minnesota Ave. NW.

Bemidji Area Rural Child Care Innovation Program

Visit bemidjichildcare.org for parents seeking child care and an avenue for Bemidji child care providers to showcase and market their business philosophy for parents.

Bemidji Community Food Shelf

1260 Exchange Ave. SE 444-6580 bcfsmn.org

The Bemidji Community Food Shelf serves individuals and families living within Beltrami County and the Bemidji School District who are experiencing food insecurity. Monetary and food donations are welcome, as are volunteers from the community. The hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Dog and cat licensing

It is unlawful for any owner to own, keep, harbor or maintain any dog or cat, over four months of age, within the city, without having obtained a license from the city of Bemidji.

Pet licenses may be obtained at City Hall, 317 4th Street NW, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. You will need to bring the following items with you when registering your pet(s):

The pet owner is required to provide their name and address, phone number, the name, breed, color and sex of each dog or cat owned or kept and being licensed.

All dog and/or cat licenses shall be issued only upon presentation of a certificate issued by a veterinarian, licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the state of Minnesota, showing rabies immunization of the animal for at least the term of the license.

Licenses cost $10 for spayed or neutered dogs or cats and $25 for animals that are not spayed or neutered.

To better serve the citizens of the city of Bemidji and Beltrami County, there is an Animal Care section of the city of Bemidji website online at ci.bemidji.mn.us. Click on Lost & Found Pets.

Lost pets can be reported on the site as well by calling the Beltrami County Dispatcher at 333-9111.

The city of Bemidji Animal Control can be reached at 3339111. Caleb Hanson, Animal Control official for Bemidji, Northern, Frohn, Grant Valley, Ten Lakes, Port Hope townships and city of Tenstrike can be reached at 760-6651.

Other means of reporting lost or found animals are: City of Bemidji Pound at 333-9111; Animal Care Clinic, 444-2222; Great River Rescue, 751-7910; RP Broadcasting radio stations, 751-7910; Paul Bunyan Broadcasting, 444-1500 and Minnesota Public Radio, 751-8864. The Bemidji Pioneer will publish free of charge any found animals that you have. The Pioneer can be reached at 333-9200.

UTILITIES

City of Bemidji utilities

The purpose of the Bemidji Public Works Department is to maintain the city’s streets and water, sanitary and storm sewer infrastructure. The city also provides refuse removal service.

The director of public works and city engineer is Sam Anderson, 333-1851.

City services are billed monthly to the City Utilities Department on one bill. Residents should receive their bill on the first of each month. Payment is due by the 21st of the month. If the 21st falls on a Saturday, Sunday or a holiday, payment may be made to the city on the next work day without penalty being assessed.

A complete fee structure is available at the city’s website: ci.bemidji.mn.us

Payment can be made through automatic bank withdrawal, by mail and at the payment drop box on the Fourth Street Northwest side of City Hall. In-person payments can be made between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the front desk in City Hall by cash, check, MasterCard, Discover or Visa. Bills also can be paid online at the city’s website.

Utility providers

Otter Tail Power, 739-8877, supplies electricity to residents within the Bemidji city limits and around the perimeter of Lake Bemidji. Beltrami Electric Cooperative, 444-2540, provides service to a large area surrounding the city.

Established in 1940, Beltrami Electric Cooperative is a member-owned electric distribution cooperative located in

Bemidji. Beltrami Electric provides power to over 18,000 member-owners within a 3,000-square-mile service area that includes parts of Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Hubbard, Itasca and Koochiching counties.

Otter Tail has its corporate headquarters in Fergus Falls. The company was established in Minnesota in 1907 as an electric utility. Otter Tail provides electricity to about 133,000 people in 424 communities.

The area gas companies that supply propane are the Bemidji Co-op Association, 751-4260; Lakes Gas, 759-0141; and Northdale Oil, 444-6637.

Minnesota Energy Resources supplies natural gas. The company can be reached for 24-hour emergency service at 800-889-4970 or non-emergency customer service at 800889-9508.

The Bemidji Co-op Association also supplies fuel oil. Another fuel oil supplier in the area is Bemidji Oil & Propane, 444-5522.

Radio

MEDIA/WEATHER

Newspaper

Television

Cable

Paul

Weather information

PUBLIC SAFETY

Bemidji Police Department

Non-emergencies: 333-9111 Emergencies: 911

The Bemidji Police Department consists of 34 licensed officers led by Police Chief Mike Mastin. Officers respond to all public safety and traffic calls, and six detectives handle the more complicated or lengthy felony investigations. The department has 26 officers assigned to the patrol division, and two of these officers are assigned as school resource officers in the Bemidji area schools. A team of four support staff handles data entry, crime mapping, evidence intake, parking enforcement, animal control and many office support duties.

Officer squad cars are equipped with life-saving equipment such as defibrillators, first aid supplies and Naloxone. Officers also are equipped with body-worn cameras.

The police department belongs to a multi-jurisdictional SWAT team that responds to high-risk situations and search warrants.

The department has an officer assigned to the Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force as well as the Headwaters Safe Trails Task Force.

Bemidji Ambulance Service

1419 Anne St. NW 444-3328

Bemidji Ambulance Service is the largest privately-owned ambulance service in Minnesota, and has been family owned and operated since 1961.

It responds to more than 6,000 calls for service each year, and covers two counties and three municipalities. The service also offers interfacility transfers to the Fargo/Moorhead area, Duluth, the Twin Cities and Rochester. Bemidji Ambulance is a full-time Advanced Life Support service, staffing four duty crews 24/7, 365 days a year.

Bemidji Fire Department

Business: 751-8001 Emergencies: 911

The Bemidji Fire Department consists of seven full-time firefighters, Deputy Chief Mike Yavarow and Fire Chief Justin Sherwood, along with four paid on-call resident firefighters and 50 paid-on-call firefighters.

The Bemidji Rural Fire Association partners with the City of Bemidji to provide fire protection for the Bemidji area. The department covers city limits, 15 townships and the communities of Wilton and Turtle River. The total fire department service area covers 522 square miles that include approximately 45,000 people.

The fire department responds to more than 1,200 emergency calls each year.

Community members can schedule tours of the department by calling 751-8001. A mobile fire safety training house is available to communities and events for fire safety training during the spring and summer months.

The fire department has four stations. Station No. 1 is located at 318 Fifth St. NW, Station No. 2 is located at 312 Lake Ave. SE, Station No. 3 is located at 3810 Moberg Drive NW and Station No. 4 is located at 920 Winter Sumac Road NE.

Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office

Non-emergencies: 333-9111 Emergencies: 911

The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office is led by Sheriff Jason Riggs and is located in the Beltrami County Law Enforcement Center, 613 Minnesota Ave. NW.

The Sheriff’s Office works to enforce all federal, state and local laws, as well as being responsible for the provision of other services to the public through all divisions of the Sheriff’s Office: field patrol deputies, criminal investigators, civil process officers, 911 communications officers, bailiffs, corrections officers, records technicians, boat and water and snowmobile patrol officers, emergency management and administrative staff.

The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office staff includes a chief deputy, seven sergeants, one patrol captain, three investigators, 19 patrol deputies, two recreational enforcement deputies, four court dep uties, six bailiffs, 15 communications officers, seven records technicians, one emergency manager, and a jail staff of 38.

Deputies patrol more than 3,000 square miles in Beltrami County, including more than 1,500 miles of county, state and township roads, more than 1.5 million acres of land including over 600 lakes encompassing 362,887 acres of water and several miles of rivers.

The Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force is a cooperative effort on behalf of Beltrami County, the City of Bemidji, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Cass County, Hubbard County, the City of International Falls, Koochiching County, Leech Lake Nation, Mahnomen County, the Minnesota National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, the City of Park Rapids, and the White Earth Nation. There are 13 full-time agents and one National Guard analyst assigned to the task force which is supervised by commander Joe Kleszyk of the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office.

Building permits

City of Bemidji

Building Department, 315 Fifth St. NW, Suite 2 759-3573

Building permits are required whenever a structure is altered in a way that is regulated by the building code. Some examples are adding a room, building a garage or deck, finishing a basement, replacing windows or siding and remodeling involving the removal or replacement of Sheetrock or plaster. A mechanical permit is needed for furnace replacement. Examples of work that does not require a permit are painting, wallpapering, replacement of kitchen cabinets or vanities and the installation of carpeting or vinyl or wood floors.

Physical permit applications are available at the Building Department Office, an option for an online application will also be on the City of Bemidji website on the Building Department’s page.

The Greater Bemidji Area Joint Planning Board will review setbacks and zoning regulations. If plans do not meet the criteria, the property owner may submit an application requesting a hearing before the Greater Bemidji Area Joint Planning Commission, which meets on the fourth Thursday of the month. The Joint Planning Commission holds public hearings and makes recommendations to the Joint Planning Board, which meets on the second Wednesday of the month.

The Planning office and Building Department are both located at the same address.

Beltrami County

Environmental Services Department, 333-4158

Beltrami County does not have a countywide zoning ordinance, so land use permits are not required in the county except in shoreland areas. Several townships, however, do have zoning ordinances and developers should check local townships for such ordinances.

The county administers the Shoreland Management Ordinance, which restricts developments near bodies of water, and the Subdivision Controls Ordinance, which regulates the subdividing of land in the county.

The county enforces regulations pertaining to sewage treatment systems and issues permits for building and sewer in shoreland areas and investigates environmental health complaints.

The county is also responsible for coordinating the Mississippi Headwaters Board ordinances, which pertain to development within the river corridor.

The Beltrami County Planning Commission meets on the fourth Monday of the month.

GOVERNMENT

Health and Human Services

The Beltrami County Health and Human Services Department, the county’s largest budget item, is housed in the Beltrami County Community Services Center, second floor, 616 America Ave. NW, 333-4223. Priorities for the department are:

• Safety of clients/customers — This includes all services that are directly related to the health and safety of adults and children, including child protection services, vulnerable adult services, mental health and chemical dependency holds and treatment, and in-home services for the elderly.

• Basic needs — This includes services that provide food, clothing, shelter and medical care for individuals and families through assistance payments or child support, emergency shelter facilities and other related services.

• Preventive services for at-risk populations — This includes services for individuals who may be at risk of institutional care, out-of-home placement, or other more intensive services. Examples include family preservation services such as in-home counseling or parenting skills, mental health and chemical dependency treatment and training and habitation services, among others.

• Supportive services — This includes services that provide temporary or ongoing assistance to enhance, maintain or enable a person to receive other needed services or to achieve a goal in their service plan. This also includes things such as staff and provider training, and agency administration.

Beltrami Soil & Water Conservation District

County Administration Building

701 Minnesota Ave. NW, Suite 113 333-4158

Board members: Ruth Trask, Shane Bowe, Ray Hendrickson, Rachel Gray and Sam Christenson. Board meets at 8 a.m. on the third Thursday of the month. The district works primarily one on one with landowners to connect them with the financial and technical resources they need to put conservation practices on the land.

Farm Service Agency

3217 Bemidji Ave. N., Suite 1, 751-1942, ext. 2

Agency administers farm commodity and conservation programs and makes farm ownership and operating loans.

Social Security Office

2900 Hannah Ave. NW, (866) 258-6345

The local Social Security Office can handle all your questions in regard to status, benefits and Medicare.

The office is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday.

Airport Authority

The Bemidji Regional Airport is governed by a free-standing authority that includes two Beltrami County commissioners, two Bemidji city councilors and a chairman. Meets at 5 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month in the Airport Conference Room.

For more information, contact executive director Karen Weller at 444-2438

BELTRAMI COUNTY

City of Bemidji

The Bemidji City Council meets at 6 p.m. on the first and third Monday of each month at City Hall, 317 4th St. NW. The city council also meets for work sessions on the second and fourth Mondays of the month as needed.

The meetings are open to everyone, or residents can watch the proceedings live on Midcontinent and Paul Bunyan Television cable Channel 2. They can also be streamed at the city’s website.

The city council is set up with a ceremonial mayor and six council members, each of whom has an equal vote. Five of the city council members represent the city’s wards and one serves at large, as does the mayor. The city administration also includes a clerk, manager, attorney and finance director.

The City Hall number is 759-3560.

City commissions and boards

Charter Commission Meets annually at 6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday in June at City Hall, and as needed throughout the year. Parks and Trails Commission Meets at 4:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the city’s Public Works Facility.

Area townships

There are 1,780 organized townships in Minnesota. Townships are governed by a board of supervisors elected by the people for three-year terms, and administrative officers elected or appointed for two-year terms. The annual township meeting is held in each township on the second Tuesday in March.

Beltrami County

Minnesota Governor

Tim Walz, DFL

130 State Capitol St. Paul, MN 55155

651-201-3400, 800-657-3717

E-mail: tim.walz@state.mn.us

Website: http://mn.gov/governor/

Minnesota Senate

Steve Green, R-Fosston, 2 95 University Avenue W. Minnesota Senate Bldg., Room 2319 St. Paul, MN 55155 651-297-8063

sen.steve.green@senate.mn

Minnesota House

Matt Grossell, R-Clearbrook, 2A

227 State Office Building

100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155 (651) 296-4265

rep.matt.grossell@house.mn

Matt Bliss, R-Pennington, 2B

311 State office Building

100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. St. Paul, Minnesota 55155 (651) 296-5516

rep.matt.bliss@house.mn

U.S. Senate

Amy Klobuchar (DFL)

425 Dirksen Senate Office Building

Washington, DC 20510

(202) 224-3244

E-mail: Senator@klobuchar.senate.gov

Website: klobuchar.senate.gov

1200 Washington Ave. S. Room 250

Minneapolis, MN 55415

(612) 727-5220 888-224-9043

Tina Smith (DFL)

720 Hart Senate Office Bldg.

Washington, D.C. 20510

(202) 224-5641

Website: smith.senate.gov

60 Plato Blvd. E, Suite 220

St. Paul, MN 55107

(651) 221-1016

U.S. House

Pete Stauber (8th District, R)

126 Cannon House House Office Bldg.

Washington, DC 20515

(202) 225-6211

5094 Miller Trunk Highway, Suite 900

Hermantown, MN, 55811

(218) 481-6396

EDUCATION

Bemidji Area Schools

Independent School District 31, more commonly known as Bemidji Area Schools, covers approximately 825 square miles, serves roughly 4,600 students and employs 385 teachers, 220 paraprofessionals, 39 secretaries, 42 food service workers, 12 principals and 61 bus drivers.

The district has seven elementary schools, including Gene Dillon Elementary, a clearinghouse for fourth- and fifth-graders here. Beyond those, the district has Bemidji Middle School for grades 6-8 and Bemidji High School for grades 9-12. Lumberjack High School is a school within the high school that helps students who struggle in mainstream classes. The district also has First City School, which serves youth at the Northwestern Minnesota Juvenile Center, and has the Early Intervention Center, Alternative Education Center, and Bemidji Community Education.

The middle and high schools both have Project Lead the Way, a program that teaches pre-engineering to prepare students for success in high-technology fields, while the high school has a growing participation in the Minnesota Innovation Institute, or MI2, a program resulting from a multi-agency collaboration that aims to address manufacturing skills gaps in the region. The middle school also has Gifted-Talented Student Enrichment and the high school has College in the Classroom. Students in both schools also take part in Students First, a mentorship program.

District 31 Administration

Superintendent

Jeremy Olson ..........................................333-3100

ext. 31120

Director of Special Education

Alexis Wilde .............................................333-3100 ext. 31104

Director of Human Resources

Jordan Hickman .....................................333-3100 ext. 31113

Director of Business Services

Krisi Fenner

31125

Director of Curriculum/Admin. Services

Colleen Cardenuto ...............................333-3100

31103

Bemidji Community Education offers programming for all ages. Young children can attend classes through Early Childhood Family Education while elementary, middle and high school students can join Kids & Company, tutoring, youth services and youth sports. Adult enrichment ranges from fitness classes to general interest topics. Community Ed also has aquatics programming, which offers swimming lessons and also has open times for lap swimming and open swimming.

The Indian Education Program is designed to meet the identified educational and cultural needs of American Indian students attending Bemidji Area Schools. Its goal is to assist American Indian students to successfully complete high school and encourage them to seek post-secondary education and training.

Adult Basic Education

Bemidji Area Schools contracts for Adult Basic Education services. ABE is now offered through the Northwest Service Cooperative and its classroom is located within Northwest Technical College.

The core ABE offerings include basic skills enhancement and services for tutoring, obtaining a GED or an adult diploma, and learning English as a second language. A growing area of emphasis is workforce preparation.

Northwest Technical College, Room 220, 333-6670

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays

Bemidji State University

On the shore of Lake Bemidji, Bemidji State University offers outstanding academic programs in the arts, sciences and professions in a personalized, caring learning atmosphere that is focused on public service, the environment and the global community.

Consistently ranked in the Midwest’s top tier by “U.S News and World Report,” Bemidji State offers a broad range of professional degrees, including business, education, nursing and criminal justice, as well as such hard-to-find majors as aquatic biology, design technology and wilderness management. Many courses are available on campus and online, and BSU’s online program is one of the largest in greater Minnesota.

Small class sizes allow students to build rapport with faculty whose scholarship and practical knowledge lend realworld relevance to their teaching.

With more than 60 undergraduate and 10 graduate programs offered, students can pursue programs that fit their personal needs and interests. Students have numerous opportunities for first-hand experiences in service and global learning, from community-wide service projects to extended educational and cultural excursions abroad.

Numbers

Offices

Northwest Technical College

Northwest Technical College is a college of health care, business, automotive technology, early child education, and building trades. It integrates a rigorous curriculum and applied learning, both on campus and online and through workforce training partnerships.

For decades, students at the college have prepared for successful careers in northern Minnesota and beyond. Students choose their own combination of certificate, diploma and degree programs, with each credential building on the one before it for a seamless, stackable experience. With guidance from faculty and staff advisers, students plan an academic journey to meet their specific goals and adapt to their own unique lives and experiences.

Numbers to know

Colleges, Departments, Integrative Programs

Center for Sustainability Studies; Community and Criminal Justice Studies; Human Performance, Sport and Health; Nursing; Political Science; Psychology; Sociology and Communication Studies; Social Work

Oak Hills Christian College

Founded in 1946, Oak Hills Christian College is located on the shores of Lake Marquette, south of Bemidji. The college offers 26 academic programs which include bachelor degrees, associate degrees, two certificates and four online degrees. All academic programs are conducted within the context of a Christian college community. Oak Hills seeks to serve a broad section of qualified students who profess faith in Christ and who desire a Bible-centered education. To learn more, visit oakhills.edu.

Oak Hills Christian College is part of Oak Hills Fellowship which includes Camp Oak Hills, Center for Indian Ministries and Oak Hills Church Ministries.

People to know – Call 751-8670 for all

Martin Giese ................................................................. P resident

Jeff Wisdom College Dean

Leesa Drury ..................................................... V ice President for Institutional Advancement and Marketing

Brad Spaulding ....................................... D irector of Admissions

Jeremy Anderson Athletic Director

Scott Buchan C amp Oak Hills Director

Jim Hodgson .... D irector of Church and Community Relations oakhills.edu

Heartland Christian Academy

9914 Heartland Circle NW 751-1751 heartlandbemidji.org

Heartland Christian Academy offers a Christ-centered education from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Heartland offers personalized, personal attention to its students by keeping small class sizes. Enrollment was 61 in 2022-23 pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

Heartland Christian High School

1600 Oak Hills Road SW 751-1751 heartlandbemidji.org

Heartland Christian Academy offers a Christ-centered education for grades nine through twelve. Heartland offers personalized, personal attention to its students by keeping small class sizes, students in the high school program can dual enroll in online college courses. Enrollment was 1 in 2022-23.

TrekNorth Junior/Senior High

2400 Pine Ridge Ave. NW 444-1888 treknorth.org

TrekNorth Junior & Senior High School is a public charter school that serves around 250 students in grades 6-12. TrekNorth, which offers a college-readiness curriculum in a small class size setting, initially was founded in 2003.

TrekNorth also offers an outdoor adventure program and service-learning program to provide students with wilderness and service opportunities designed to promote leadership and integrity.

TrekNorth is its own public school district, No. 4106. Application details are available on the school’s website.

Schoolcraft Learning Community

8955 Deer School Road NW 444-2102 schoolcraft.org

Schoolcraft Learning Community is a public charter school serving around 200 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The school features small class sizes and utilizes the curricular model of expeditionary learning. Schoolcraft also includes high levels of technology integration and foreign language development that takes place all within a familylike atmosphere. Schoolcraft started in 2000 and has been recognized as a Reward School by the Minnesota Department of Education. Schoolcraft accepts registrations on its website.

Apple Blossom Village

303 Railroad St. SW 766-0640 appleblossomvillage.org

Apple Blossom Village is a small program currently providing kindergarten through third-grade options for homeschool students and operating a private kindergarten program. The program serves around 30 students enrolled for 3 or 4 days per week. Apple Blossom Village nurtures an inner enthusiasm for learning through Waldorf-inspired programs that embrace the whole child, whole family and whole community, according to its director. The school also offers summer day camps.

St. Philip’s School

702 Beltrami Ave. NW 444-4938 stphilipsbemidji.org

Established in 1926, St. Philip’s School, the only Catholic school in the area, serves students in preschool through eighth grade, academically and religiously.

Offering a values-based curriculum, St. Philip’s had 374 Catholic and non-Catholic students in 2022-23.

St. Mark Lutheran School

2220 Anne St. NW 444-3939 stmarksbemidji.org

St. Mark Lutheran School serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

The school is part of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod church. It offers a full curriculum, including religion courses and is guided by Pastor Ben Zamzow and Principal Nathan Bitter.

The congregation’s regular offerings support about 90 percent of the educational costs for member children. Nonmember parents pay tuition set each year by the Board of Education.

In 2022-23, 32 students were enrolled at St. Mark.

Voyageurs Expeditionary School

3724 Bemidji Ave. N. 444-3130 voyageursschool.org

Voyageurs Expeditionary School is a free public charter high school serving grades 6-12. VEHS opened in 2003 and currently serves approximately 100 students.

Applications are available online or from the school office.

Aurora Waasakone

Community of Learners

3604 Bemidji Ave. 444-3077 aurorawaasakone.org

Aurora Waasakone Community of Learners is a public charter school that focuses on place-based education, environmental education and interdisciplinary learning.

AWCL opened in 2019 and currently serves 131 students in grades K-8.

Kingdom Builders Christian School

414 Lincoln Ave. SE. 444-5227 kingdombuildersschool.org

Kingdom Builders Christian School opened in 2022 and offers Christ-centered academics and service opportunities to students in grades 4-12.

Grades 4-8 are housed at the former Lincoln Elementary School attached to Mt. Zion Church with grades 9-12 housed at the Valley View Building at Oak Hills Christian College. Enrollment was 24 in 2022-23.

Preschools

The Bemidji area has a variety of options for families seeking a preschool or early-childhood education option. From the Bemidji Area Schools Early Childhood Family Education programming to preschools offered through local churches, there are a range of choices.

Families can learn about child care options and details on licenses at parentaware.org. The Minnesota Department of Human Services leads Parent Aware in coordination with the Minnesota Office of Early Learning.

Bemidji Public Library

509 America Ave. NW 751-3963

krls.org/index.php/bemidji-home-page

The Bemidji Public Library is one of nine branches and a mobile library that composes the Kitchigami Regional Library System. Beyond the library’s collection, materials can also be requested from other regional branches that are delivered to the Bemidji branch several times a week. The library also offers public computers, wireless internet access, a meeting room for public use and comfortable seating for reading and study.

The library, through the KRLS, also lends to its members e-books. Learn more by contacting library personnel.

The Bemidji branch offers a full schedule of programs for people of all ages and interests, including storytime programs for pre-kindergarten children, reading and entertaining programs for school-age children, book discussions for adults, author visits and other informational programs. The monthly program schedule can be found at the library’s website.

The Friends of the Bemidji Public Library support the library through volunteer opportunities and membership. The Friends also operate the Friends Red Door Bookstore, which is housed in the library. It is open to the public and staffed by Friends volunteers.

Library hours

Mon.-Thu.: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fri.-Sat.: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed: Sunday

Visit Bemidji

300 Bemidji Ave. N 444-6081 visitbemidji.com

The mission of Visit Bemidji is to promote the Bemidji Area as a tourism, sports, recreation and convention center. The bureau supplies support and materials for local, state and regional groups bringing their tournaments and meetings to Bemidji.

Visit Bemidji is located in the Tourist Information Center next to the Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statues.

Greater Bemidji

102 First St. W Suite 101 444-5757 greaterbemidji.com

The mission of Greater Bemidji is to improve the quality of life for Beltrami County citizens by taking the initiative in identifying, encouraging and providing coordinated support to businesses that create quality jobs and improve the economic base of the community.

Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce

Bookstore hours

Tue.: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Wed.: 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Thu.: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Fri.: 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sat.: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

102 First St. W Suite 101 (Mayflower Building) 444-3541 bemidji.org

The mission of the Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce is to advocate for the business community by providing leadership, communication and acting as a referral resource. Governed by a board of directors, the Chamber is made up of a number of councils and committees that are guided by the program of work.

CHURCHES

Assembly of God

Crossroads Church

3354 Laurel Drive NW 444-8205 crossroadsnorth.org

First Assembly of God

1015 Fourth St. SE 751-2485 bemidjiag.org

Missionary Fellowship

1016 Causen Ave. SE 751-4400 assemblyofgodbemidji.com

Baptist

Bemidji Baptist Church

2130 Paul Bunyan Drive SE 751-9311 bemidjibaptist.com

Faith Baptist Church

2531 Roosevelt Rd. SE 751-4506

First Baptist Church

1555 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 444-6556 fbcbemidji.org

Northwoods Baptist

216 Beltrami Ave. NW 444-7142 northwoodsbaptist.org

Ridgewood Baptist (SBC)

2795 15th St. NW 444-4723

Catholic

St. Philip’s Parish

702 Beltrami Ave. NW 4 44-4262 stphilipsbemidji.org

Sacred Heart Church

135 Third St. NW Wilton 751-8446 sacredheartwilton.com

Episcopal St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal 1800 Irvine Ave. NW 444-7131 episcopalbemidji.org

Evangelical

Evangelical Covenant

5405 Hart Lane NW 751-3699 bemidjicovenant.com

Evangelical Free Church

115 Carr Lake Rd. SW 751-8834 efcbemidji.org

Lutheran

Aardahl Lutheran Church

2920 Van Buren Ave. SE 444-8865 aardahllutheran.com

Bethany Free Lutheran

1300 Beltrami Ave. NW 759-9188

Bethel Lutheran (NALC) 5232 Irvine Ave. NW 444-4746 bethelbemidji.org

Calvary Lutheran (ELCA) 2508 Washington Ave. SE 751-1893 calvarybemidji.org

First Lutheran (ELCA) 900 Bemidji Ave. N 444-5302 flcbemidji.org

Lutheran Campus Ministry

1221 Birchmont Drive NE 751-5326 lcmbemidji.org

Malvik Lutheran

27689 474th St. Laporte 751-7538

New Salem Lutheran

7491 Island View Drive NE 586-2262

newsalemlutheran.org

Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church

1214 Durand Drive NW Puposky

243-2358

People’s Church (ELCA)

824 America Ave. NW 444-8240

peopleschurch-elca.org

St. Mark’s Lutheran (Wis. Synod)

2220 Anne St. NW 444-3939

stmarksbemidji.org

Trinity Free Lutheran Church

12886 Highway 89 NW 751-7272

Trinity Lutheran (Missouri Synod)

123 29th St. NE 444-4441

trinitybemidji.com

Trinity Lutheran Debs

26685 Debs Road NW 243-2935

Methodist United Methodist

924 Beltrami Ave. NW 751-3503

bemidjiumc.com

Mormon

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

3033 Birchmont Drive NE (605) 877-2782

comeuntochrist.org

Presbyterian

First Presbyterian 501 Minnesota Ave. NW 444-5016 firstpresbji.com

Unitarian Headwaters Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

Headwaters Peace Center

1826 Mikrantip Rd. SW headwatersfellowship.weebly.com

Others

All Saints of North America

5232 Irvine Ave. NW 719-989-7612 ocobmn.org

Baha’i Faith

Interfaith spiritual gatherings find.bahai.us/community/minnesota/ bemidji

Bemidji Seventh-day Adventist 4400 Eckles Rd. NW 333-7322 bemidjisdachurch.com

Buddhism

Meets Thursdays at United Methodist Church, 902 Beltrami Ave. NW Calvary Chapel 500 Irvine Ave. NW 751-9192 calvarybemidji.com

Christian Science Society

1324 Beltrami Ave. NW 209-1682

Church of Christ Bemidji

692 Mag Seven Court SW 444-7895 bemidjichurch.com

Church of Christ Temple Lot

14748 Wilderness Drive NE 586-2743 churchofchrist-bemidji.org

Cornerstone Community 414 Lincoln Ave. SE 760-0993 (south entrance)

Eckankar

The Path of Spiritual Freedom 467-3302 Eckankar-mn.org

House of Prayer

1701 Birch Lane NE 368-7998 bemidjihop.com

Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses

1659 Adams Ave. NW 333-0841 www.jw.org

Lakewood Community Church

Wilton 444-7150

Mokahum Chapel

15784 Roosevelt Rd. SE 605-519-3122 mokahum.org

Mount Zion Church 414 Lincoln Ave. SE 751-8000 mtzionbemidji.org

Northern Bible Church

8612 Irvine Ave. N 444-2654 northernbible.com

Northern Light Friends (Quaker) 2048 Agate Lane NW 218-266-3608 fgcquaker.org

Real Life Christian Fellowship 5097 Scribner Road NW 444-7150 rlcf.net

United Pentecostal Church 616 Wood Ave. SE 333-0577

ATTRACTIONS

Beltrami County History Center

130 Minnesota Ave. SW 444-3376 beltramihistory.org

The Beltrami County Historical Society operates out of the Beltrami County History Center in the historic Great Northern Depot. It features multiple interactive exhibit galleries; a unique gift shop; and a research room and archives available to the public. Experience local history through our exhibits, events, programs and collections.

The center is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. It’s also open to groups and researchers by appointment. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for students and seniors, $3 per adult for groups of five adults or more, $1 for children ages 6-12, free for children 5 and younger and free for members.

Memberships start at $25 and include free admission to the museum, three hours of free assisted research, a 10 percent gift shop discount, voting privileges at BCHS meetings, the BCHS quarterly newsletter, and benefits at over 300 historic sites across the U.S. through the Time Travelers Network. Contact BCHS to join.

Headwaters Science Center

413 Beltrami Ave. NW 444-4472 hscbemidji.org

The Headwaters Science Center gives visitors a chance to see science at work in a hands-on environment. It features over 70 exhibits including live animals, interactive physics exhibits and a kinetic sculpture that all result in a better understanding and appreciation of scientific principles and concepts. The Science Store features unique toys, puppets, science kits, books, and more.

The Center is open year-round, only closed on New Year’s Day,

Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission to Headwaters Science Center is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors 65 and over and military members (with ID), $6 for children 2-11 and free for children younger than 2.

Headwaters Science Center memberships are $40 for an individual, $65 for a family, or $65 for a grandparent membership. Memberships offer admission to the exhibit floor, discounts in the Science Store and on programs. For an additional $20, memberships also provide reciprocal admission to over 350 other science centers and museums worldwide through the Association of Science and Technology Center “Passport Program.”

The Sanford Center

1111 Event Center Drive NE Box Office 441-4032 Main phone 441-4000 thesanfordcenter.com

Bemidji opened its multi-use event center in October 2010. The Sanford Center, with 185,000 square feet, has since hosted a variety of events, from large concerts to comedy and family shows.

Located on the south shore of Lake Bemidji, The Sanford Center is the home facility for the Bemidji State University hockey teams.

The facility seats 4,600 for hockey, including 25 private suites and 200-plus club-seating options. The Sanford Center can seat up to 6,000 for special events and concerts.

It boasts a 10,000-square-foot ballroom and has 4,000 additional square feet in lakeside meeting rooms. There are two concession stands, three lounges and one very large dynamic scoreboard.

The Sanford Center is named for Sanford Health, which pays the City of Bemidji $200,000 per year for naming rights.

Paul Bunyan Transit

Paul Bunyan Transit provides bus service to the city of Bemidji and Beltrami County. The transit system provides rides within a 10-mile radius of Bemidji City Hall.

Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Sundays.

Customers may reserve a ride by calling the office at 751-8765 from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. No calls are taken on Sundays. It is recommended to call 24 hours in advance to reserve a ride and time to be picked up. Same-day registrations will be accommodated as space allows.

The cost per ride is $1.50 for adults and 75 cents for children ages 3-9 who are accompanied by an adult. Children ages 2 and younger ride free with an adult. Exact fare is required, as drivers do not carry money to make change. Regular 10-punch passes cost $15 and $12.50 for seniors. Work Pass is $42.50. Rides for work only during the month the pass is purchased.

In addition, Paul Bunyan Transit operates a volunteer driver program to take people to clinics or doctor offices

in Fargo and the surrounding area. This service is coordinated with Beltrami County Social Services and the Veterans Service in Bemidji.

For bus service or details, call 751-8765 (Ext 1 then 2) or go to paulbunyantransit.com.

Bemidji Bus Line

Bemidji Bus Line provides deluxe motorcoach transportation for any size group or event. Whether it is a trip across town, across the state or the nation, Bemidji Bus Line provides clean, comfortable motorcoaches with service and safety as their No. 1 priority.

Bemidji Bus Line also provides school bus services for both school districts and charter tripss alike. For more information, visit bemidjibus.com or call 751-5311.

Bemidji Regional Airport

Bemidji R egional Airport, located north of U.S. Highway 2 just west of Bemidji, provides a commercial carrier, as well as a private fixed-base operation in Bemidji Aviation Services.

Car rental is available at the airport, as well as flying lessons, scenic flights, airplane maintenance and other services.

The airport’s Executive Director is Karen Weller. The airport is managed by the Bemidji Regional Airport Authority.

Delta Connection provides commercial passenger service with two flights daily direct to Minneapolis in the winter and three flights in the summer.

The planes are 50-passenger CRJ 200 jets.

Numbers to know

Bemidji Aviation Services .................. 751-1880

Delta Connection ...................................751-3726

Karen Weller, Executive Director ............................... 444-2438 bemidjiairport.org

First City Taxi service

First City Taxi serves the Bemidji area and operates from 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. seven days a week and by appointment. Appointments can be made for any time outside of regular business hours if arranged a day in advance. The company can be reached by calling 444-8294 (TAXI).

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Bemidji Chorale

James Bowyer 206-551-6147

bemidjichorale.org

The Bemidji Chorale is a community-based organization composed of people in a large variety of career fields. Singers span the years from young adults to retired persons. It is an auditioned choir, so knowledge of vocal health, languages and vocal literature is helpful. Note reading and a good ear are a requirement. The Chorale was started in 1979 by Lyle Jewell, who served as its first conductor. He and other area music educators felt it was important for the community and surrounding area to have an avenue in which to perform a variety of challenging literature, and to share with the community through public performances. The Bemidji Chorale is directed by James Bowyer and accompanied by Wayne Hoff. Rehearsals are every Monday night at BSU, from September to May. The Chorale performs a Christmas concert, a Mother’s Day concert and featured performances in other venues.

Paul Bunyan Playhouse

314 Beltrami Ave. NW 751-7270 thechieftheater.com

The Paul Bunyan Playhouse will celebrate its 72nd season in 2023. It is a non-equity professional summer stock theater. It also produces off-season events. It employs a wide range of talented actors from Bemidji, the Twin Cities and all over the country. The Playhouse’s home was in Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge for 40 years; in the early 1990s, it moved to the Chief Theater in downtown Bemidji. For information about tickets or the season schedule, call the theater box office at 751-7270 or check the website.

Headwaters Music & Arts

519 Minnesota Ave. NW 444-5606 hwschool.org

Headwaters Music & Arts is a nonprofit community school of the arts. It offers classes and workshops in a wide variety of visual and performing arts, such as writing, drawing, theater and dance. The school relies on tuition (though financial aid programs are available) as well as grants and community membership. In addition, the school is home to various exhibits, concerts and other arts events. For more information, call Tricia Andrews at 444-5606.

Bemidji Symphony Orchestra

444-7914 bemidjisymphony.org

The Bemidji Symphony Orchestra was established in 1938. Originally developed as an accompaniment ensemble for Bemidji State University oratorio presentations, the orchestra estab lished its own 501(c)3 non-profit designation in 1999. The orchestra, under the leadership of Conductor Beverly Everett, consists of volunteer community members with previous musical experience, university and high school students and university faculty. Concerts feature a wide variety of music ranging from Baroque concertos to modern film scores. University students may elect to enroll for course credit. For more information, visit the website.

The BSO performs six concerts each season and a Summer Pops concert.

Region 2 Arts Council

505 Bemidji Ave. N 751-5447

The board is dedicated to making the arts available to all citizens of Beltrami, Clearwater, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen and Hubbard counties. The development of the arts is featured through a series of grants, programs and services.

Rail River Folk School

303 Railroad St. SW 766-3837

The school, which opened in 2010, isn’t a school in the traditional sense. Its founders started it as a means to bring together artists, craftspeople, gardeners and others for classes and workshops. It offers classes and other partnerships with nonprofits throughout the community.

Concordia Language Villages

9500 Thorsonveien NE 586-8600 ConcordiaLanguageVillages.org

Live the Language at Concordia Language Villages – the premier language and culture immersion camps in North America. Its mission is to prepare young people for responsible citizenship in our global community. Adventure Day Camps for 6- to 11-year-olds take place at the Language Village’s site northeast of Bemidji. Ten villages comprise Concordia Language Villages.

Watermark Art Center

505 Bemidji Ave. N. 444-7570

watermarkartcenter.org

Boasting four galleries, an education studio and a gift gallery, Watermark provides space for rotating art exhibitions featuring solo and group shows by regional, national and international artists. Notably, the Miikanan Gallery exhibits a variety of traditional and contemporary artwork created by Indigenous artists. The BSU Harlow | Kleven Gallery exhibits work from Bemidji State’s prominent print

and ceramic collections containing more than 1,400 pieces combined. The Education Studio is a welcoming creative space where artistic ability is fostered under the guidance of artisans and art instructors. Projects are designed for students of various skill levels and ages. The gift gallery, “SHOP 505,” is filled with a variety of fine art and hand-crafted items created by regional artists. The center sponsors the monthly First Friday Art Walk and Watermark Art Festival — an annual summer art fair in downtown Bemidji. Watermark’s galleries are free and open to the public. Recent and current exhibits are available to view online.

Sculpture Walk

bemidjisculpture.com

Every May, members of the Bemidji Sculpture Walk Committee install sculptures chosen for display and sponsored by local businesses or private individuals in Bemidji.

The pieces are chosen from artists representing a wide geographic area who agree to allow their sculptures to be on display for a year on the streets of downtown, along the waterfront and on Paul Bunyan Drive. Every year at least one sculpture is purchased for permanent display. Maps showing the locations and names of the sponsors are available at the Tourist Information Center.

Bemidji Community Theater

316 Beltrami Ave. NW 333-8989 Vicki Stenerson, Board President BCT@BemidjiCommunityTheater.org bemidjicommunitytheater.org

BCT is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide theater education and to give the general public an opportunity to explore their interests in acting, directing, set construction, costume design and front of house activities such as program designs and box office manage-

ment. Productions include dinner theater, drama, musicals, children’s theater and comedy, with education in the form of on-line classes, BCT Jr. children’s theater camp and the knowledge gained by participation in BCT activities.

Bemidji Area Community Band

bemidjiareacommunityband@gmail. com bemidjiband.org

The Bemidji Area Community Band is open to anyone high school age or older. The band generally performs at 7 p.m. every other Sunday, beginning with Father’s Day in June, on the lawn outside of Bangsberg Fine and Performing Arts Complex. Rainy day concerts are held in Thompson Recital Hall inside Bangsberg.

Mask & Rose Women’s Theater

Cate Belleveau 760-2211 maskrose57@ gmail.com maskrose.com

A non-profit women’s theater collective primarily devoted to presenting multigenre works for and by women playwrights. Works are thought provoking and may contain adult material. They also produce children’s and musical theater, and an array of drama classes including playwriting.

A&W

515 Anne St. NW 444-2442

Applebee’s

1909 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 444-2038

Arby’s

2312 Trustar St. NW 755-1111

Bar 209

217 Minnesota Ave. NW 751-2442

Baskin-Robbins

100 Paul Bunyan Drive S 398-2282

Becida Bar & Grill

13718 County Rd. 9 Becida 854-7270

Bemidji Bowl

3455 Laurel Drive NW 751-2153

Bemidji Brewing

211 America Ave. NW 444-7011

Bemidji Town & Country Club -

North Shore Grille

2425 Birchmont Beach Rd. NE 751-4535

Big Apple Bagels

1710 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 444-7840

Big River Scoop

219 Bemidji Ave. N 444-3898

Brigid’s Pub

317 Beltrami Ave. NW 444-0567

Buffalo Wild Wings

225 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 444-9464

Burger King

2575 Hannah Ave. NW 444-2569

1000 Paul Bunyan Drive S 444-3321

Cantabria Coffee

211 Second St. NW 444-4220

Caribou Coffee

2219 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 761-9342

100 Paul Buyan Drive NW 210-1919

1171 Paul Bunyan Drive NW (Lueken’s North)

609 Washington Ave. S. (Lueken’s South)

Cenex C Store Hwy 2 and Hwy 71 South 751-1830

Cherry Berry

1008 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 444-8500

Chocolates Plus 315 Beltrami Ave. NW 759-1175

CK Dudley’s 6405 Bemidji Ave. N 444-5007

The Coffee District 501 Paul Bunyan Drive 444-5252

Corner Bar

602 Second St. SE 751-8872

Country Kitchen 728 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 444-8963

Countryside Restaurant

702 Highway 2 W 751-8248

Culver’s 2200 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 368-3131

Dairy Queen 700 Paul Bunyan Drive SE 444-2108

Dave’s Pizza 422 15th St. W 751-3225

Domino’s Pizza

701 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 759-3030

Dunkin’

100 Paul Bunyan Drive S. 398-2282

Eagles Aerie 351

1270 Neilson Ave. SE 751-9985

Erbert & Gerbert’s

1500 Bemidji Ave. N 444-9700

Fozzie’s Smokin Bar B Q

114 Third St. NW 444-0069

The Garden Grill & Pub

111 Central Ave. SE 751-9656

Giovanni’s Pizza

102 First St. NW Union Square 751-0798

Grace Lake Bar & Grill

51039 Wildflower Drive 751-1116

Green Mill Restaurant & Bar

1025 Paul Bunyan Drive S 444-1875

Hard Times Saloon

119 Third St. NW 497-0376

Hardee’s

205 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 751-8823

Harmony Natural Foods Co-op

302 Irvine Ave. NW 751-2009

Hatchet House

200 Paul Bunyan Drive S. 444-2404

Jake’s Pizza Turtle River

12486 71 Connection 586-2800

Jimmy John’s

1000 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 444-0086

Keg ‘n’ Cork

310 Beltrami Ave. NW 444-7600

Keith’s Pizza & Restaurant

110 Paul Bunyan Drive SE 444-7940

1425 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 444-7941

KFC

1210 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 741-2300

Lazy Jack’s

6735 Fairgrounds Rd. NW 333-3934

Little Caesars Pizza

1504 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 751-2885

Los Tapatios

1204 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 444-2315

Lucky Dogs

201 Beltrami Ave. NW 444-0288

Lueken’s Deli

1171 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 444-3663

609 Washington Ave. S 444-8419

Marketplace Foods Deli

2000 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 444-1400

McDonald’s

1245 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 751-2560

520 Paul Bunyan Drive SE 759-9117

Mi Rancho

677 Anne St. NW 444-8212

Minnesota Nice Cafe 315 Irvine Ave. NW 444-6656

New China

412 Beltrami Ave. NW 751-5340

NYC Pizza Co.

401 Central Ave. SE 208-3535

Papa Murphy’s

514 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 444-7025

Paul Bunyan Sub Shop

119 Second St. NW 444-2020

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery

1120 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 751-7850

Pizza Hut

509 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 751-1601

Pizza Ranch

1635 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 333-0600

Qdoba Mexican Grill

1000 Paul Bunyan Drive S 308-2772

Raphael’s Bakery & Restaurant 319 Minnesota Ave. NW 444-2867

Red Stu Breakfast Bar 217 Minnesota Ave. NW 497-0334

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory 1008 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 444-8500

Rother’s Just Desserts 419 Beltrami Ave. NW 444-3300

Ruttger’s Birchmont Lodge 7598 Bemidji Rd. NE 444-3463

Ruzy’s Bar & Grill

801 Washington Ave. S. 444-5222

Schummer’s Backwoods Bar & Grill 48220 Reserve Trail 751-1195

Simonson’s Market Cafe

1820 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 751-4045

Slim’s Bar & Grill

142 Anne St. NW 444-7546

Sparkling Waters 824 Paul Bunyan Drive 444-3214

Starbucks 1811 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 553-1273 2100 Paul Bunyan Drive NW (Target) 759-0820

Subway 1008 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 755-9878 120 Paul Bunyan Drive S 751-3823

Wal-Mart location 444-7785

Super Buffet 2450 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 333-0999

Table for 7 414 Beltrami Ave. NW 444-2586

Taco Bell 515 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 751-3498

Taco John’s 1285 Paul Bunyan Drive NW 751-5907

Tara Thai Bemidji 401 Beltrami Ave. NW 444-8222

The Tavern on South Shore 929 Lake Shore Drive 444-2310

Tutto Bene Italian Restaurant 300 Beltrami Ave. NW 751-1100

Wasabi of Bemidji 419 Beltrami Ave NW 444-2022

Wild Hare Bistro and Coffee Co. 523 Minnesota Ave. NW 444-5282

Wilton Bar 284 Spirit Ave. NW 751-3432

SPORTS & RECREATION

Audubon Society

Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society

444-8672 spearheadmhas.org

The Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society was formed in 1974. It now has about 400 members in the Bemidji area. They work together with 11 other Minnesota Audubon chapters to be a strong environmental voice. The group is unique in that it manages the Neilson Spearhead Center, 466 acres of coniferous forest and wetlands surrounding Spearhead Lake, nine miles southwest of Bemidji.

Baseball

Bemidji Youth League Baseball

444-2952 bemidjibaseball.org

Basketball

Bemidji Bombers

President Shannon Miller 329-2306 bemidjibasketball.com

Bemidji City Parks - 333-1850

Diamond Point Park

On Birchmont Drive Northeast adjacent to Bemidji State University campus

Paul Bunyan and Library Park

On Bemidji Avenue North at the Lake Bemidji waterfront

Cameron Park

On Birchmont Drive Northeast along the west shore of Lake Bemidji

Bemidji City Park

Located just off 23rd Street Northwest near the Bemidji Armory

Nymore Park

Located between Miles Avenue SE and Grant Avenue SE

North Country Park

On 30th Street NW near Ridgeway Avenue

Bowling

Bemidji Bowl

3455 Laurel Drive NW 751-2153 bemidjibowl.com

Bicycling

Lake Bemidji State Park makes a connection with the Paul Bunyan Trail. The trail continues from the south end of Bemidji through Guthrie and on to Walker and Brainerd. Bicycles are available for rent at the BSU Outdoor Program Center, 755-2999.

Campgrounds

Lake Bemidji State Park

3401 State Park Rd. NE 308-2300

Fox Lake Campground

2556 Island View Drive NE 586-2231

campatfoxlake.com

KOA Campground

510 Brightstar Rd. NW 444-7562

Royal Oaks RV Park 2874 Fenske Farm Lane SE, 751-8357 royaloaksrvpark.com

Canoeing

Headwaters Canoe Club Email: headwaterscanoeclub@gmail.com

Curling

Bemidji Curling Club 1230 23rd St. NW 751-1123 bemidjicurling.org

Disc golf

Bemidji Disc Golf Course City Park 1224 23rd St. NW 333-1850

Figure skating

Bemidji Figure Skating Club

Bemidji Community Arena, 3000 Division St. bemidjifigureskatingclub.com

Fitness Centers

Anytime Fitness

2526 Hannah Ave. 444-5529 anytimefitness.com/gyms/19/bemidjimn-56601

CrossFit Bemidji 722 Mag Seven Ct. SW. 766-9088 crossfitbemidji.com

Gillett Wellness Center

Bemidji State University. 755-4135

bemidjistate.edu/services/campusrecreation

Boss Lady Fitness

1710 Paul Bunyan Drive NW. 444-3897

bossladybemidji@gmail.com bossladybemidji.com

Snap Fitness 24-Hour Gym 3835 Supreme Ct. NW, Suite 1. 444-9163 snapfitness.com/bemidji

Football

Bemidji Youth Football 556-4453 info@bemidjiyouthfootball.com bemidjiyouthfootball.com

Golf Courses

Boardwalk Mini Golf 610 Lake Shore Drive NE 444-2202 bemidjiboardwalk.com

Bemidji Town & Country Club 2425 Birchmont Beach Road NE 751-9215 bemidjigolf.com

Maple Ridge Golf Course 24907 Beltrami Line Road 751-8401 mapleridgebemidji.com

Castle Highlands Golf Course 13848 Gull Lake Loop Road NE 586-2681 golfcastles.com

Greenwood Golf Course 1361 Swenson Road NE 751-3875 greenwoodgolfcourse.com

Gymnastics

Gym Bin 928 Washington Ave. South 444-3547 gymbinbemidji.com

Hockey

Bemidji Youth Hockey President Jenn Nelson 766-8252 bemidjiyouthhockey.org

Bemidji Hockey League

President Jeff Longie (480) 518-2018 bemidjihockey.org

Bemidji Senior Hockey

Craig Larson 556-9566

Lake Bemidji Boat Launches

Cameron Park

Concrete ramp with docks. West shore, off Birchmont Drive. About 25 parking spaces.

Nymore Beach

Concrete ramp with docks. South end of lake, off Paul Bunyan Drive South.

Northwoods access

Concrete ramp with dock. 20 parking spaces. Northwest corner of lake on Bemidji Avenue.

Lavinia access

Concrete ramp. Northeast side of lake. Three parking spaces with limited turnaround space.

Diamond Point Park

Operated by city. West side, off Birchmont Drive, adjacent to BSU. Concrete ramp and docks. Limited parking. Public beach.

Lake Bemidji State Park

Concrete ramp, sheltered docking area/ harbor to lake. Parking for about 20 units. Park permit required for entrance to facilities. Beltrami County Road 20, north end of lake.

Mystery and Escape Room

Minute 59

802 Paul Bunyan Drive South, Suite 17 444-2002

minute59@paulbunyan.net minute59mystery.com

Outdoor Rentals Program

Rental Center

Outdoor Program Center

At Diamond Point Park 755-2999 bemidjistate.edu/services/campus-recreation

Outdoor equipment rental and excursions.

Shooting Ranges/Clubs

Northland Regional Sports Park 8257 Hwy 89 North co.beltrami.mn.us/Departments/NRM/ Shooting%20Sports%20Park.html

Bemidji Trap and Skeet Club 8257 Hwy 89 North 444-4111 trap-skeet.com

btsc@paulbunyan.net

Bemidji Area Shooters Association

P.O. Box 1851 444-2272 bemidjishooters.org bjishooters@gmail.com

Bemidji Archery Club

Outdoor range: 1571 Quiet Pond Trail NW Indoor range: 7223 Fairgrounds Rd NW bemidjiarcheryclub@yahoo.com bemidjiarcheryclub.org

Skateboarding

Bemidji City Park

Next to the Curling Club off 23rd St. NW

Skating/Hockey Rinks

Nymore Park 5th Street and Wilson Ave. SE

Bemidji City Park

Next to the Curling Club off 23rd St. NW

Skiing

Buena Vista Ski Area

19600 Irvine Ave. NW 243-2231 or 800-777-7958 bvskiarea.com

general@bvskiarea.com

The ski area consists of 16 trails, with a vertical drop of 230 feet. Buena Vista has a chalet, four chair lifts, a rope tow and a tube lift. The longest run is the 2,000-foot Earle’s Happy Trail.

Minnesota Finlandia Community

P.O. Box 771

minfin@paulbunyan.net minnesotafinlandia.com

The Minnesota Finlandia hosts an annual international cross country ski race held at the trails at Buena Vista Ski Area.

Cross country skiing

bemidjicrosscountryski.org 308-7998 bemidjiskiclub@gmail.com

Look up Bemidji Area Cross Country Ski Club on Facebook for fresh winter grooming reports.

The area features eight trails for cross country skiing within a 15-mile radius of Bemidji and many of these trails are open to non-ski season hiking and mountain biking. Here is a list of trails:

Movil Maze

5 miles north of Bemidji off U.S. Highway 71 and County Road 305

Hobson Memorial Forest

Trailhead on Birchmont Beach Road 6 miles east of Bemidji Avenue

Montebello

Trailhead at 1115 23rd St. NW

Fern Lake

Trailhead off North Plantagenet Road

4 miles west of U.S. Highway 71

Bemidji High School

Trailhead behind school off Adams Avenue

Entrance on Birchmont Beach Road

2 miles east of Bemidji Avenue

Three Island County Park

12 miles north of Bemidji off U.S. Highway 71 and County Road 23

Buena Vista Ski Area

12 miles north on County Road 15

Snowmobiling

North Country Snowmobile Club 7550 Cardinal Road NW 755-9391

bemidjisnowmobiling.com

The Paul Bunyan Trail runs 100 miles between Bemidji and Brainerd, and the Blue Ox Trail runs 110 miles north from Bemidji to International Falls to Winnipeg and beyond. Combined, the Paul Bunyan/Blue Ox network is considered to be the longest rail conversion to recreation trail in America. The consistent high quality of Bemidji’s trails is due to the efforts of the North Country Snowmobile Club.

Soccer

Bemidji Youth Soccer Association

P.O. Box 265

Club Administrator Jeff Mitchell 766-8854

bemidjiyouthsoccer.org

Stonewell Insurance Agency, LLC, nor Patrick Lochwood is connected with the Federal Medicare Program.

Serving Bemidji and the surrounding communities since 1984 t-shirts, hoodies, jackets, team uniforms, ad specialties

Softball

Bemidji Area Softball Association

David White 760-6668 bemidjisoftball.org

Bemidji Girls Fastpitch

Bemidjigirlsfastpitch.com bgfsblaze@gmail.com

Square Dancing

First City Squares squaredancemn.com squaredancemn@aol.com

The First City Squares square dancing club holds dances at the United Methodist Church. There are no mandatory dress codes and the dances are alcohol and tobacco free.

Swimming

BASS Swim Club bassswimclub.com

444-1600 ext. 63402 scott_leindecker@isd31.net

Bemidji Community Ed Aquatics 333-3284 ext. 35313 aquatics@bemidjicommunityed.com

State Park

Lake Bemidji State Park 3401 State Park Road NE 308-2300

Park visitors must purchase a State Park Permit good for access to all state parks.

Basic park fees include the annual sticker ($35), additional vehicle permit ($26), special annual permit for people with disabilities ($12), day use sticker ($7) and camping fees ($24 regular season and $18 off-season). A group daily fee for 10 vehicles or more is $5 per vehicle. Must be arranged in advance.

Tae Kwon Do

Bemidji Total Martial Arts Academy 3481 Laurel Drive NW 308-4036 bemidji.totalma@gmail.com

Tennis

Bemidji Area Tennis Association

President Paul Swartwood 835-8122 bemidji.usta.com

The Bemidji Area Tennis Association aims “to promote and develop the growth of tennis in the Bemidji Area” by offering 10 and under tennis, CHAMPS, Cardio Tennis, Kids’ Summer Tennis, men’s and women’s doubles leagues, winter group tennis lessons, local tournaments, as well as private lessons by certified tennis professionals.

Bemidji Tennis bemidjitennis.com bemidjitennis@gmail.com

The mission of Bemidji Tennis is to fully support the players, parents, volunteers, and coaches who make the Bemidji

Lumberjacks tennis teams successful on and off the court. Bemidji Tennis is a non-profit organization whose proceeds support the Lumberjacks and a variety of offseason programs. Bemidji Tennis manages the Summer Youth program, Winter Tennis programs, High School Summer Tennis and Tennis Under the Lights, group and private lessons, match play, the Lumberjack Open tournament, and a variety of other programs and activities. Racquet stringing is also available for any community members.

Woodcarving

Bemidji Woodcarvers Club

Bob Larson 444-6269

The club meets from 9 a.m. to noon every Wednesday. One of the largest shows in the region is the Blackduck Woodcarvers Festival on the last Saturday in July in Blackduck.

All levels of carvers are welcome.

Wrestling

Bemidji Wrestling Club

President Jeff Brooks 556-5647

bemidjiwrestlingclub.com

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

Adult Day Services of Bemidji

April Collman, 751-1324

Alcoholics Anonymous/Al-Anon

444-2525

American Indian Resource Center

Chrissy Downwind, 755-2141

American Legion Auxiliary

444-3821

Beltrami County 4-H Council

Hannah Sieberg, 444-5722

Beltrami County American Cancer Society

444-2810

Beltrami County Council on Aging

751-8836

Beltrami County Historical Society

444-3376

Beltrami County Master Gardeners

444-7916

Beltrami Wellness Education for Long Life

751-9224

Bemidji Area Arts Endowment

759-2057

Bemidji Area Church Musicians

Kenneth Wold, 751-2554

Bemidji Area Community Band bemidjiareacommunityband@gmail.com

Northwest Minnesota Association of Realtors

751-2852

Bemidji Chorale

Pat Mason, 444-7226

Bemidji Community Education

333-3284

Bemidji Community Food Shelf Michael Olson, 444-6580

Bemidji Community Table (Soup Kitchen)

444-7909

Bemidji Community Theater

333-8989

Bemidji Downtown Alliance bemidjidtalliance@gmail.com

Bemidji Fire Department

751-8001

Bemidji (First City) Lions Club

Joy Barclay, jbarclay@paulbunyan.net

Bemidji Flying Club info@bemidjiflyingclub.org

Bemidji Lions Club lions@thebemidjilions.org

Bemidji Jaycees

444-4401

Bemidji Masonic Lodge

751-1172

Bemidji Public Library

751-3963

Bemidji Symphony Orchestra

444-7914

Bi-CAP

751-4631 or (800) 332-7161

Bike Bemidji

Muriel Gilman, 755-2740

Boys and Girls Club of Bemidji

444-4171

Community Resource Connections

333-0880

Ducks Unlimited

Dalton Rosin (317) 474-7994

Eagles Aerie #351

751-9985

Elks Lodge #1052

751-1052

Evergreen Youth and Family Services

Drop-in shelter: 751-8223 Shelter program: 751-4332

First City Square Dancers

Kathleen Kess, 444-4594

Friends of the Library

Sharon Geison, s haron.geisen@gmail.com

Gamblers Anonymous/Gam-Anon

855-222-5542

Girl Scouts-Land of Lakes and Pines

302-3189 or at jsvir-peters@girlscoutslp.org

Great River Rescue

Brandon Mustful, 751-7910

Habitat for Humanity

751-4649

Headwaters Music & Arts

Tricia Andrews, 444-5606

Headwaters Science Center

444-4472

Hope House

444-6748

Horizon Connection Support Group

Bonnie Jevning, 751-3118

Knights of Columbus Council 1544 Ron Arel, 243-2364

League of Women Voters

lwvbemidji@lwvmn.org

Lutheran Social Service

751-1305

Narcotics Anonymous

444-2525

Northwest Indian CDC

759-2022

Northwest Minnesota Legal Services

751-9201

Northwoods Battered Women’s Shelter

Business line: 444-1395

Crisis line: (800) 588-6229

Northwoods Caregivers

333-8264 info@northwoodscaregivers.org

Northwoods Pregnancy Care Center

444-3035

Northwestern Minnesota Juvenile Center

751-3196

Occupational Development Center

751-6001

Parkinson’s Support Group

760-8266

Paul Bunyan Amateur Radio Club

David Sauer, 751-3556

Paul Bunyan Vintage Auto Club

Mike Arnold, 759-9702

Planned Parenthood Bemidji Clinic

751-8683

Rotary Club (Noon)

Brad Olson 329-1452

Rural Minnesota CEP

Billie Jo Greene, (218) 444-0732

Sanford Behavioral Health

333-2035

Sanford Home Care & Hospice

333-5665

Seventh-Day Adventist Clothing Center

751-1985

Sexual Assault Program — Support Within Reach

444-9524

Special Olympics

bemidjispecialolympics@gmail.com

United Way of the Bemidji Area

Denae Alamano, 444-8929 director@unitedwaybemidji.org

VFW Auxiliary 1260

Margaret Booge, 751-3258

VFW Post 1260

Bruce Malterud, 854-7499

Village of Hope Homeless Shelter

Michelle Raiter, 751-0722

Watermark Art Center

444-7570

Weight Watchers

Sandy Underwood, 444-5556

Women’s Al-Anon

444-2525

Young Professionals Network

444-3541

Sanford Bemidji Medical Center

1300 Anne St. NW 751-5430

Sanford Bemidji Medical Center is part of Sanford Health of Northern Minnesota. It employs more than 1,500 staff members, 130 physicians and advanced practice providers, and leans on more than 500 volunteers.

The hospital provides services such as acute rehabilitation, cardiology, ICU, kidney dialysis; pediatrics, obstetrics, orthopedics, surgery and 24-hour emergency care.

The emergency department treats more than 30,000 patients a year and the level 2 nursery welcomes about 1,000 infants a year. In addition, Bemidji offers expanded services in areas of cancer, cardiology, orthopedics, sports medicine and women’s health.

Sanford Bemidji Main Clinic

1233 34th St. NW 333-5000

Specialties include audiology; ear, nose and throat; endocrinology; family medicine; infectious disease; internal medicine; neurology; nephrology, obstetrics and gynecology; pharmacy; rheumatology; radiology; surgery: general, bariatric and vascular; and urology. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays

Sanford Joe Lueken Cancer Center

1233 34th St. NW 333-5522 (JLCC)

Specialty: Hematology and Oncology

The Joe Lueken Cancer Center provides a patient-centered home for healing, compassion and hope. We are the region’s largest medical facility offering comprehensive cancer and blood disorder care all in one location. Patients have access to the most advanced treatments for every stage of cancer. Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

Edith Sanford Breast Center Bemidji

1233 34th St. NW 333-4624

The center provides everything you need for breast care in one convenient location.

Specialties: Cancer, Genetics, Palliative Care, Radiology, Women’s Services: 3D Mammography, Breast Cancer, Breast Health, Cancer Screenings, Cancer Survivorship, Genetic Counseling

Sanford Bemidji Clinic and Walk-in Clinic

1611 Anne St. NW 333-4700

Specialties include dermatology, family medicine, ophthalmology, optical shop, optometry; outreach providers; pediatrics and podiatry. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Walk-in Clinic is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.. A Sanford pharmacy also is available on site.

Sanford Bemidji 1705 Anne Street Clinic

1705 Anne St. NW 333-5000

Specialties at this location include Audiology, Behavioral Health, Occupational Medicine, Pain Management and Rheumatology

HEALTH CARE

Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Center

1300 Anne St. NW

Orthopedics & Sports Medicine 751-9746 – Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

Outpatient rehab 333-5899 – Hours are 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wound Care & Hyperbarics 333-4680

Located on the west side of Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, specialties include hyperbaric therapy, podiatry, orthopedics, outpatient rehab, including: cardiac rehab, children’s rehab, occupational therapy, physical therapy, pulmonary rehab; speech and language pathology, sports medicine and wound care. Hours 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays

Sanford Bemidji Home Care & Hospice

3201 Pine Ridge Avenue NW, Suite A 333-5665

Sanford Bemidji Home Care and Hospice offers a multidisciplinary team to help you stay in your home and receive excellent medical care. Hospice addresses the patient and their family’s physical, psychosocial, spiritual and bereavement needs.

Sanford Bemidji Heart and Vascular Center

1300 Anne St. NW 333-2460

Located within the Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, this center offers a range of cardiology services and screenings. Clinic hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Emergent cardiology services also are available 24/7.

Sanford Eye Center & Optical

506 Beltrami Ave. NW 751-2020 and 1611 Anne St. W. 3332020

Provides eye examinations, laser surgery and specialized care of cataracts and glaucoma. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.

Sanford Bemidji Sleep Center

3717 Pine Ridge Ave. NW 333-4527

Evaluation and treatment of patients with problems related to sleep and wakefulness.

Profile by Sanford

1217 Anne St. NW, Suite 1 209-4600

The Profile system utilizes meal-replacement products, nutritionally complete food and qualified health coaches to ensure a sustainable means to healthy weight loss.

Sanford HealthCare Accessories

1705 Anne St. NW, Suite #1 759-9391

HealthCare Accessories provides orthotic/prosthetic goods and services, respiratory services, including oxygen and nebulizer therapy, durable medical equipment, sleep aids, and wheelchair and mobility aids. It also provide accessibility aids for commercial and residential applications. These include elevators and lifts, personal transfer systems and other products. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays.

Sanford OccMed

705 Fifth St., NW 333-4735

Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.

Sanford OccMed offers convenient care across the region to benefit your business, with quality care to keep your employees healthy and on the job.

Sanford Bemidji Vivaz Medical Spa

2317 Bemidji Ave., N 209-3500

Hours Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Vivaz Medical Spa offers dermatology and cosmetic services to enhance skin’s appearance. Its team specializes in advanced skin care techniques to keep your skin looking as healthy as possible. Services include fillers, facials, laser hair removal and more.

Baker Park Housing

803 Dewey Ave. N 751-7249

HUD subsidized apartment living for seniors.

Sanford Bemidji Behavioral Health

1705 Anne St. NW 333-2035

Sanford Behavioral Health Headwaters ACT Bemidji

116 Third St. NW 333-2220

Sanford Bemidji Medication Assisted Therapy Clinic

1611 Anne St. NW 333-2105

WoodsEdge

1000 Anne St. NW 751-0220

Sanford Health WoodsEdge senior living campus offers services such as WoodsEdge’s senior and long-term care, Trillium memory care, Neilson Place nursing home and WindSong catered living. Primary hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Northern Dental Access Center

1405 Anne St. NW 444-9646

Serves low-income patients on Minnesota Health Care Plans such as Medical Assistance and MinnesotaCare, provides basic dental services to eligible children and families. Hours 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays.

Children’s/Youth Services

Youth Crisis Center 751-4332

Youth Services 751-8223

Youth Drop-In Center 751-8223

Evergreen Youth & Family Services is a private, nonprofit youth and family service provider offering a continuum of

services to keep youth safe, help them successfully transition to adulthood, and provide support to parents and caregivers at three sites in Bemidji. The Youth Shelter, 622 Mississippi Ave., provides temporary housing for youth ages 9-17. Onsite family counseling at the shelter is free for area children, youth and families. The Youth Services site, 610 Patriot Drive NW., provides transitional housing, family counseling, street outreach, and independent living skills to area youth and families. The Youth Drop-In Center, 610 Patriot Drive NW., serves youth and young adults ages 14-21 with free food, computer and internet access, and advice and support.

North Homes Children and Family Services

751-0282 northhomes.org

North Homes Children and Family Services offers a broad spectrum of community-based treatment and care options for children and families to best meet their needs. North Homes offers a service continuum that takes an individualized and holistic approach to treatment. Services range from the least restrictive community-based to secure, correctional programming.

True North Health Care

514 Beltrami Ave. NW #102 444-7172

Offers a community supported health care model. Integrative medicine approach, considering the whole person (body, mind, spirit), including all aspects of lifestyle. True North Health provides a home for small independent health related businesses to help people achieve their best possible health.

Core Health & Nutrition

1900 Division St. W. #4, 556-9089 corehealthbemidji.com

The studio at Core Health is designed to be a comfortable, welcoming space where you can relax and unwind. Offering personalized nutrition, health and wellness coaching, yoga, help with diet, weight loss and eating disorders, diabetes and food allergies.

Veterans Administration Clinic

1217 Anne St. NW 755-6360

The Bemidji VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic offers primary care services for veterans in the Bemidji area. Open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Where is Bemidji located?

• 90 miles south of Rainy River, Ontario

• 112 miles southwest of Fort Frances, Ontario on US Highway 71

• 113 miles east of Grand Forks on US Highway 2

• 143 miles west of Duluth on US Highway 2

• 211 miles northwest of Minneapolis

What does “Bemidji” mean?

• Bemidji is derived from the Ojibwe (Chippewa) phrase ‘Bay-me-ji-gamaug’ meaning “flowing through or across,” designating the course of the Mississippi River through Lake Bemidji.

How big is Lake Bemidji?

• Lake Bemidji has 14.8 miles of shoreline, covers 6,420 acres and is 76 feet at its deepest point.

How was Lake Bemidji formed?

• Local legend claims the lake is Paul Bunyan’s footprint; however geologists claim it was formed from glacial activity.

ABOUT BEMIDJI

The Mississippi River flows through the southern portion. The power dam downstream helps control the water level. Where is the headwaters of the Mississippi River?

• 31 miles southwest of Bemidji on US Highway 71. The headwaters is located in Itasca State Park. How tall is Paul Bunyan and how old is he?

• Paul is 18 feet tall. The statue was constructed in 1937. When does Lake Bemidji freeze over?

• The average date is December 10. The average date of iceout is April 26.

When do the leaves turn color?

• Average peak season for fall colors is the week of September 22.

What is the population of the city?

• 14,574 in 2020, according to factfinder.census.gov. But that number can be deceiving, because so many people live in nearby townships and still consider Bemidji home. According to the 2010 census, the populations of the six adjacent townships (Eckles, Northern, Turtle River, Grant Valley, Bemidji and Frohn) and the city of Wilton totaled 14,058. Add that to the city of Bemidji and you get 28,632. Bemidji is a regional hub. According to the most recent ESRI Community Profile, the population within a 15-mile radius of Bemidji was 42,594; within a 30-mile radius it was 66,370.

How does the Mississippi River flow “north” to Bemidji?

• The continental divide is located in the area. Water flows north to Hudson Bay and south to the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River flows north into Lake Bemidji, then east with the northernmost point of the river east of Lake Bemidji. It continues to the southeast to Grand Rapids, Minn., before it takes a more southerly direction.

Supplies for Every

BELTRAMI COUNTY RECYCLING

WHERE TO RECYCLE

Recycling Transfer Sites

Acceptable Items

Type 1 and 2 Plastic Containers

Glass Containers

Metal Containers

Fiber (Paper/Cardboard) Products

Not Acceptable

Scrap Metal

Other types of plastic

Cardboard with wax coating

All other items not listed as acceptable

Household Hazardous Waste

Bemidji Transfer Station

Acceptable Items

Mixed Municipal Solid Waste

Demolition and Construction Waste less than 1 yard

Recyclable Containers (Type 1 and 2)

Batteries

Appliances

Fluoresent Bulbs & Ballasts

Electronics

Tires

Household Hazardous Waste

Carpet/Furniture

Used Oil and Filters

Scrap Metal

Gasoline

Antifreeze

Not Acceptable

Commercial-Hazardous Waste

Commercial-Used Oil & Filters

Commercial-Gasoline

Commercial-Antifreeze

Remote Transfer Sites

Acceptable Items

Residential Household Garbage

Type 1 and 2 Plastic Containers

Glass Containers

Metal Containers

Fiber (Paper/Cardboard) Products

Not Acceptable

Scrap Metal

Demolition Debris

Appliances

Electronics

Non Burnable Waste

Household Hazardous Waste

Blackduck Transfer Station

Acceptable Items

Mixed Municipal Solid Waste

Demolition and Construction Waste less than 5 yards

Recyclable Containers (Type 1 and 2)

Batteries

Appliances

Fluoresent Bulbs & Ballasts

WHAT’S THE COST? COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS

Residential Solid Waste Fees on your Property Tax Statement provides the funding necessary to administer the Solid Waste Program. This fee covers access to our services, which includes processing and transporting all of your waste, except Demolition Debris, and By-Pass Material. Please refer to the County Fee Schedule located on Beltrami County’s website to see current fees.

Commercial (Business) OR Beltrami County

Non-Resident Waste:

• Volume Based Billing (Monthly/Quarterly)

Commercial Businesses will see two invoices:

• 1 from Beltrami County Solid Waste for disposal.

• 1 from Commercial Hauler (American Disposal, Waste Management, Jon’s Refuse) A Commercial Business can self-haul as long as you register with the County Solid Waste Department

Electronics

Tires

Household Hazardous Waste

Carpet/Furniture

Used Oil and Filters

Scrap Metal

Gasoline

Antifreeze

Not Acceptable

Commercial-Hazardous Waste

Commercial-Used Oil & Filters

Commercial-Gasoline

Commercial-Antifreeze