BEMIDJI — The Northwest Minnesota Foundation is embarking on a significant new chapter with the launch of its new strategic framework: People & Connections.
"At its heart, People & Connections reflects what matters most: strengthening relationships, investing in neighbors, and working side by side to build stronger communities," a foundation news release stated.
Foundation leaders emphasized the importance of strategic planning, saying it gives structure and clarity to move from big ideas to real impact.
"It helps us stay focused, make thoughtful choices, and align our efforts around what matters most. By aligning around shared priorities, the framework provides a clear roadmap for turning big ideas into real impact," the release stated.
The foundation invites volunteers, partners, local leaders and community members to come learn more about the new framework at one of five Lunch and Learn events planned throughout the region.
Lunch and Learns will be noon-1 p.m. All events are free, but registration is required.
- Monday, Oct. 13: Northwest Service Cooperative, 114 1st St. W., Thief River Falls
- Tuesday, Oct. 21: Roseau City Center, 121 Center St. E., Roseau
- Thursday, Oct. 23: Bernie's, 121 Demers Ave., East Grand Forks
- Monday, Nov. 3: Shooting Star Casino, 777 S Casino Road, Mahnomen
- Tuesday, Nov. 4: Northwest Minnesota Foundation, 201 Third St. NW, Bemidji
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Ekaterina Bolovtsova via PexelsCharles Justus, 43, is accused of entering a trailer and stabbing a man he believed was having an affair with his wife, Danielle Westphal, 51. Both face numerous felonies. -
Andrew Dziengel/KAXEThe stated goal of the series is to help landowners create healthy, resilient forests, even after severe weather events. -
Contributed/CLCThe college will host an open house 1–3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, where guests can connect with faculty and staff, tour labs and classrooms, and learn more about programs. -
Plus: Attorney General Keith Ellison will be in Bemidji Tuesday, Oct. 7, for a community forum; Bemidji State University Alumni & Foundation is launching a fundraising campaign to replant the campus after the June 2025 wind storm; and the Cuyuna Regional Medical Center announces changes to its healthcare delivery services in the Brainerd Lakes area. -
Contributed/Bemidji State UniversityMark Baez is an associate professor of clinical psychology, and the screening tool he developed to assess Native suicide risk in a culturally sensitive way is about to start its pilot study. -
Chelsey Perkins/KAXEMinnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says his office prevailed in federal court in this case against a retailer accused of enabling straw purchases of firearms. -
The Brainerd lakes area health care provider also added a full-time neurologist, has invested in oncology, and will transition hospice and home care services to a new provider. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEBemidji State University Alumni & Foundation is launching a new initiative to replant some of the hundreds of trees damaged on campus in the June 21, 2025, wind storm. -
Contributed/Aitkin County Sheriff's OfficeThe Aitkin County Sheriff's Office stated the plane went down a half-mile from the McGregor Airport due to an apparent power failure on Oct. 5, 2025. -
Mark Baez is an associate professor of clinical psychology at Bemidji State. A member of the Tap Pilam Coahuiltecan tribe and of Pawnee and Mohawk descent, he is about to begin a pilot study for a new suicide screening tool uniquely developed to identify risk and protective factors for Indigenous people.
