BEMIDJI — The United Way of Bemidji Area's annual Holiday Gifts for Kids program is underway.
Two distribution days are planned for families who pre-register to participate in the program. Parents and caregivers "shop" for a gift for their child and will also receive a board game.
"In 2024, over 1,300 children ages 0-17 experienced a joyful Christmas thanks to the generosity and kindness of others," stated the United Way on its webpage.
The first event is 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Sanford Event Center in Bemidji. This event is open to anyone living in Beltrami, Clearwater or Hubbard Counties, with registration due by Dec. 4.
Paper registration forms can be picked up at First National Bank locations in Bemidji, the Northern Dental Access Center, Beltrami County WIC office and the Boys and Girls Club of the Bemidji Area.
The second event is 3:30-6 p.m. Dec. 16 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Laporte. This event is open to anyone living in the Laporte area, with registration due by Dec. 9.
Paper registration forms for the Laporte event can be picked up at Trinity Lutheran Church or at Laporte Public School.
New, unwrapped gifts for local children from newborn to age 17 will be accepted at First National Bank of Bemidji locations, L&M Fleet, Menard's, Walgreens, Bemidji Ambulance, MJB Home Center, and the Tourist Information Center in Bemidji through Dec. 8.
Toy donations will also be accepted at Trinity Lutheran Church in Laporte.
-
Chris Walker/KAXEThe Hibbing Gas Manufacturing Plant was torn down in 1980, but the industrial processes of the past left contamination in the soil, groundwater and nearby surface water. -
Contributed/National Weather ServiceThe Level 3 of 5, or enhanced risk of severe weather, has shifted east to Wisconsin, but much of Northern Minnesota is still at a Level 2 for Wednesday, June 10, 2026. -
Plus: the Brainerd School Board votes to put a levy referendum on the ballot; and the DNR's new electronic licensing system launches. -
Map/DatawrapperThe Cass County, North Dakota, Coroner's Office reported that TeeJay Alvarez, 31, of Fosston, died June 9, 2026, as a result of injuries from a gunshot wound. -
Contributed/Ely Wolves Track and Field Facebook pageSophomore Violet Udovich of Ely took home two golds and a silver, setting records in the 200 and 400-meter. -
Graphic with Contributed Maps/National Weather ServiceThis means the potential for severe wind gusts of 75-80 mph or more, embedded tornadoes, hail up to the size of golf balls and locally heavy rainfall with flash flooding possible. -
Contributed/Aitkin County Sheriff's OfficeA neighbor on Gun Lake called 911 after hearing calls for help and seeing a person struggling. Other neighbors joined rescue efforts and brough Randy Benson to shore. -
Plus: Causes of BWCAW-area wildfires determined; Brainerd educators reach tentative agreement on overdue contract; and rural Northland athletes take home 87 medals in track and field.
-
Contributed/U.S. Forest Service - Superior National ForestA few wilderness campsites may be closed, but there are no other closures in the Boundary Waters. There is currently a campfire ban within the area because of dry conditions. -
Contributed/Aitkin Youth Baseball Facebook pageThe Gobblers won a close 1-0 game against the top-seeded Duluth-Marshall to advance, while Red Lake County looks to defend the title and Grand Rapids makes its 6th-straight appearance.
