Public Safety

Lake of the Woods County sheriff's deputies responded to the park July 31, 2026, on report of an abandoned vehicle. The registered owner's body was found three hours later.

Rain has helped limit fire activity, but heat remains trapped in leaf litter on the forest floor, and firefighters are still hard at work.

The Bemidji Fire Department responded to the 400 block of Wood Avenue on the report of a possible garage fire.

Michael Brown has undergone two surgeries and is recovering at Sanford Health Hospital in Fargo after a Bemidji Police Department squad struck him July 15, 2026.

Anyone who may have seen Rikki Skog, 37, on or after July 15, 2026, or with information that may assist investigators, is asked to contact the Itasca County Sheriff's Office.

The federal immigration activity on July 16, 2026, appeared to be focused in Bemidji's South Shore area.

For those already in poverty or who disproportionately find themselves ensnared in the criminal justice system, the costs of bail, representation, probation or parole, fines, commissary and communication add up .

Bruce Larson was reported missing July 9, 2026, in the Wabana area, north of Grand Rapids. He was found safe later that morning.

The storm caused damage to buildings, trees and power lines. Thousands experienced power outages due to the storm.

The location of the July 6, 2026, incident is an area commonly used as a swimming beach, and the woman was reportedly swimming at the time.