BEMIDJI — A former elementary school in Bemidji may soon be listed on the market after an initial proposal for purchase from the Red Lake Nation fell through.
Oshkimaajitahdah, a tribal entity managing 22 programs for the Red Lake Nation, submitted a bid to purchase the former school to expand its services in the Bemidji area, which the board accepted last November. The entity currently uses another former district building for its Bemidji office.
Since then, Red Lake withdrew its offer to purchase the school, and Central Elementary was again declared a surplus property in April.
While the minimum threshold price for the building set by the School Board is not public information, Superintendent Jeremy Olson told KAXE in a Friday, May 31, phone interview that the asking price would be public information once it is listed by a realtor.
Olson said he was open to engaging in conversations with anyone interested in developing the building near downtown Bemidji. The Board did set two provisions for the sale of the property: that it cannot be a school serving K-12 students, and that it can’t be used for the production, manufacturing or sale of cannabis.
Oshkimaajitahdah did not return a request for comment Friday.
-
Lorie ShaullThe office would be able to investigate any public or private entity that receives public dollars. It would also expand information-sharing between agencies and implement best anti-fraud practices. -
Plus: The new conservation officer in Walker gives his predictions and tips for anglers ahead of his first-ever fishing season opener in the role. -
Contributed/Lorie Shaull via FlickrJack Lien has been exploring the area lakes ahead of opener on May 9, 2026, both to familiarize himself with them and to "study ... where the fishermen are going to get their boats and where they might find success.” -
Contributed/Canva Pro graphicA family member confirmed all three victims are in stable condition after they suffered gunshot wounds in Bemidji's Itasca Loop neighborhood on May 7, 2026. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe Bureau of Criminal Apprehension found Deputy Michael Cowan did not discharge his weapon, according to the sheriff's office. The incident is now being called a "conflict case." -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEMPCA meteorologists are predicting an active air quality season for 2026, comparable to 2024. A strong El Niño cycle is expected to bring warmer and drier conditions. -
Contributed/Ellen Schmidt / MinnPost / CatchLightDiscussions around Tamarack echo themes playing out for a Twin Metals’ copper-nickel proposal near the Boundary Waters, which in April cleared a key federal hurdle in the U.S. Senate. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe Itasca County Board plans to decide on May 19, 2026, whether to fly the previous Minnesota state flag, possibly in addition to the present flag. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension identified Virginia Police Lt. Henry Trunk as the officer who fired his department-issued firearm. -
Heidi Holtan/KAXEThis week's Season Watch pod features a full John Latimer report, Little Falls Middle School and, in honor of our 50th year, a look back! Scott Hall talks with the late Harry Hutchins, forest ecology instructor and longtime host of KAXE's "A Talk on the Wild Side."
