BEMIDJI — The nonprofit Kids Count on Us Bemidji is inviting the community to join elected leaders at a forum centered on affordability.
The event at Beltrami Electric Cooperative, slated for 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, will feature stories from community members who will share their experiences with the affordability of health care and child care.
Elected leaders such as State Rep. Bidal Duran, Bemidji Mayor Jorge Prince, Beltrami County Commissioner Joe Gould and Bemidji council member Gwenia Fiskevold-Gould are expected to attend.
State representative candidate Reed Olson, who is also the executive director for the Nameless Coalition for the Homeless, and Greater Bemidji Executive Director Dave Hengel are also expected.
Social safety net programs are also on the forum's agenda, as is an interactive information session from the United Way of Bemidji Area on ALICE (assets-limited, income-constrained, employed) data.
Attendees are asked to register in advance.
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Plus: High fish kills were reported this summer after prolonged heat and drought; and an iron reclamation project is underway at an abandoned Calumet mine. -
Emma Krab/KAXEResidents around Calumet received a peek behind the curtain Aug. 21, 2026, at the iron reclamation project set to transform the former Annex Hill Mine. -
Contributed/Daniel DewaldCisco and other cold water fish died by the thousands in the large, shallow lake as water temperatures soared to an average of 77 degrees in late July and early August 2026. -
Canva illustrationOne of the occupants of the pickup truck was in custody in Itasca County Jail on Aug. 24, 2026, on suspicion of criminal vehicular operation. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe campfire ban across the Superior National Forest was lifted Aug. 24, 2026, as cooler temperatures reduce wildfire risk. Parts of the Boundary Waters remain closed due to wildfires. -
Contributed/State Sen. Rob KupecSix Minnesota counties will receive state assistance to repair public infrastructure damaged by severe summer storms. -
A new state aid covers part of the operating levy for school districts that have lots of cabins. Some districts say they'll offset the levy if voters approve it, meaning more money for the school, while taxes stay the same or go down.
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Plus: Bemidji is closer to being the next home of a YMCA after a ceremonial groundbreaking; and local governments receive assistance to replace emerald ash borer-damaged trees.
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Lorie Shaull/KAXENeighbors converge for fair fun: showing or judging livestock, enjoying classic or new foods on offer, admiring prize-winning artwork or baked goods or simply gathering in community. -
Canva illustrationThe driver of the semitruck is in custody as of Aug. 21, 2026, and is facing two felony counts of criminal vehicular homicide.
