Local Government

There was standing room only for much of the Nevis City Council's monthly meeting on Feb. 9, 2026, as the Council considered continuing its support for a local skate park.

An administrative law judge ruled in favor of the township's petition to become a city while denying Bemidji's counterpetition to redraw its boundary around Lake Bemidji.

The Bemidji Planning Commission, a largely citizen body, passed off the interim use permit to the board without recommendations after months of discussion. It passed Feb. 9, 2026, on a 5-1 vote.

The funds will support a redevelopment of the Ely railroad depot and the creation of senior housing in Hermantown.

The Nisswa City Council advised its attorney in December 2025 to draft a resolution censuring Mayor Jennifer Carnahan, which passed unanimously on Jan. 20, 2026.

The hurricane-strength windstorm swept through Bemidji and surrounding areas on June 21, 2025, knocking out power for thousands and damaging hundreds of homes and businesses.

The appointment comes in the wake of two high-profile resignations in the Hibbing School District, which is looking to make around $2 million in budget cuts.

Elevated lead levels are not citywide and vary based on individual service lines and plumbing materials. The event is 6 p.m. at the Memorial Building.

Teams from Slovakia, Latvia and Czechia were featured in exhibition games at Bemidji's Sanford Center Dec. 19-22, 2025, ahead of the World Jr. Men's Hockey Tournament.

City cuts increase from nearly 30% as it weighs cutting public works position and awaits a potential $191,000 land sale.