BEMIDJI — Rural Minnesotans who experienced significant mail delivery delays during the two most recent holiday seasons might wonder what they’re in store for this year.
According to the United States Postal Service, its Delivering for America plan has led to improved operations.
One year after nearly 80,000 pieces of delayed mail were discovered at a surprise inspection at the Bemidji Post Office, local postal operations appear to be on time for this holiday season.
An audit released this spring said insufficient staffing and resources at the Bemidji Post Office made it ill-prepared for the sudden influx of packages from a "large shipper," which was made worse by communication and planning errors by USPS regional management.
This large shipper was identified by local postal workers as online retail giant Amazon.
The Office of the Inspector General, which conducted the three-day audit last December, said the audit with the Bemidji Post Office was resolved in July, with recommendations to improve communication between district and regional management.
This week, Sen. Tina Smith’s office said the senator remains “concerned” that postal service in the state is not where it needs to be and the Postal Service’s Delivering for America plan continues to hurt service, particularly in rural areas.
Smith, along with Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Pete Stauber, supported legislation during the last Congress to require the Postal Service to implement recommendations from the Inspector General.
That bill was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs but hasn’t seen action since.
In the case of Bemidji, USPS initially disagreed with some of the IG’s recommendations meant to decrease delivery time and improve staffing and training.
The Postal Service said in Minnesota, mail delivery is consistent and on-time, with an average 2.76-day delivery time.
In a recent news release, officials pointed to a revamped network of delivery centers that has allowed for the expansion of daily package processing capacity.
The Postal Service also said it has increased reliable ground transportation, installed new package sorting machines, and hired 7,500 seasonal employees.
Smith’s office said it will continue to monitor mail delivery and the treatment of USPS workers during the busy holiday season to make sure they are getting the support they need from management, including Postmaster Louis DeJoy.
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Plus: St. Louis County to choose between local labor or risking federal funds. -
Contributed/U.S. Forest ServiceThe office is one of 47 research and development facilities closing amid a major reorganization of the agency. The Superior and Chippewa offices and their staffing are not impacted. -
Contributed/Carlton County EMS via FacebookThe recognition of a Kettle River first responder's efforts illustrates the balancing act between passion for their mission and funding woes. -
Screenshot/St. Louis County via YouTubeThe federal government is behind schedule in approving the county's requirement of project labor agreements. County staff are asking for a temporary waiver to ensure they don't lose funds. -
Plus: Ruby's Pantry will cease operations in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa; Hermantown will accept public comment on a study for the proposed Google data center through April 30; and the Soudan Mine State Park will offer underground mine tours beginning Memorial Day weekend.
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Contributed/Ruby's Pantry - BemidjiRuby's Pantry, a faith-based nonprofit coordinating monthly pop-up food events with local churches, including 11 in Northern Minnesota, closed its operations as of March 31, 2026. -
Contributed/NWSHeavy and wet snow, freezing rain and mixed precipitation are possible. Highest snowfall rates of around one-quarter to a half-inch per hour are expected during the daytime April 2, 2026. -
Flooding in June 2024 closed the underground mine to tours for nearly two years, following another two-year closure in 2022 for restoration. -
Contributed/Minnesota Chippewa TribeCandidates who receive more than 50% of the vote in the primary win their elections; otherwise, the top two vote-getters face off in a general election June 9, 2026. -
Plus: Two local elementary schools meet their fates, with Bemidji's J.W. Smith set to remain open for at least a year, while Greenhaven in Hibbing will close.
