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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Lorie ShaullNorthMet, formerly owned by PolyMet and now controlled by NewRange Copper Nickel, is one of three proposed copper-nickel mines in Minnesota. A reworked project plan is now before the DNR. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEAircraft play an essential role in fighting wildfires. Seaplanes from the Ely seaplane base drop water, fire retardant and deliver firefighters — and canoes — to the blazes. -
Contributed/Grand Rapids City CouncilTax increment financing is meant to encourage economic development. Per Minnesota regulations, 20% of units in a TIF rental property must be reserved for low-income housing. -
Warm water temperatures across the state go along with an increasing number of fish mortality events, where a large number of fish die at once. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe delayed Forest Service grants would have supported prescribed burns and other fuel-reduction efforts on thousands of acres near the Echo Trail, which has borne the brunt of this year’s fires. -
Plus: Mine proposal formerly known as Polymet sees changes to plan; and Grand Rapids City Council approves a TIF district for a new 99-unit apartment building.
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Canva illustrationResponders used a winch line on a fire truck to pull the car from the water and found the woman later identified as Kaylee Smith inside. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe walk on July 25, 2026, spanned 13 miles from Big Sandy Lake in McGregor to Tamarack, with women taking turns carrying a bucket of water. -
Contributed/Crosslake Mayor Jackson Purfeerst Facebook pageThe building sustained significant damage near its front entry. U.S. Postal Service officials designated a temporary location for operations until further notice.
