BEMIDJI — Northern Minnesota cooperatives are providing opportunities for high schoolers to tour Washington D.C. in June.
Paul Bunyan Communications’ Youth Tour Essay Contest is open to 16- and 17-year-old high school students with a parent or guardian membership into the cooperative, with entries due Feb. 28.
Highlights of the Washington D.C. tour include meeting members of Congress, educational sessions with the Federal Communications Commission, as well as visiting some of the nation’s historic sites.
Eligible students can write an essay, no more than 500 words about why they want to attend the tour. Entries can be dropped off at the Paul Bunyan Communications office in Bemidji or Grand Rapids, or mailed to:
Paul Bunyan Communications Essay Contest
1831 Anne St. NW
Bemidji, MN 56601
Beltrami Electric Cooperative is also accepting applications for one eligible high school to attend a later Washington D.C. all-expenses paid trip with a consort of 1,400 other students from across the nation.
“Since 1964, America’s electric cooperatives have sent students to our nation’s capital to give future leaders in co-op communities a front-row seat to American government," said Angela Lyseng, the tour's coordinator, in a news release.
"Youth Tour participants are the bright light for our future and become leaders in their communities, and I look forward to another safe, successful and fun tour this year.”
Beltrami Electric will accept applications through Feb. 3.
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Events this week include a games and puzzle swap in Pine River and the Second Annual Cardboard Classic sledding event in Deer River.
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Wadena County Sheriff Michael Carr announced that he would not seek a sixth term at the end of 2026. Sgt. Bryan Savaloja intends to run for the top law enforcement job.
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Dasovich highlighted his team's accomplishments during his first term and expressed his wish to see that work continue.
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And: MDH will not follow CDC vaccination guidance changes; and Itasca, Beltrami sheriffs to seek 2nd terms, Wadena County sheriff to retire.