Latest News From Minnesota Daily News Dot Com

May 11, 2026

More information, and names of those involved, have been released in an officer involved shooting in Max, Minnesota in Itasca County last week. Deputies from the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office were called to a home on Davidson Road on May 4 to arrest 18-year-old Elias Harper due to an outstanding warrant. When deputies found Harper, he resisted arrest, leading to a struggle during which a deputy's firearm accidentally discharged, injuring Deputy Michael Cowan in the thigh. He was treated at Essentia Health and released the next day, expected to fully recover. Harper suffered minor injuries from the struggle and was later taken into custody. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is investigating the incident, classifying it as a conflict case, not an officer-involved shooting. Body camera footage from deputies is still being reviewed.

The Beltrami County GOP meeting is tonight, at 6:30 p.m. at the Paul Bunyan Mall. Coffee and treats will be served at 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome. For more information, visit beltramigop.net or call Doug Henry at 218-760-1624.

The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for parts of central and northeast Minnesota effective Saturday. This warning affected Aitkin, Carlton, Cass, Crow Wing, Pine, and St. Louis counties due to a high risk of fire spreading rapidly. Residents still should use caution when burning in these areas and should check that any recent fires are fully out. The DNR will not issue permits for large burning and advises against campfires. Caution is urged during activities that can create sparks or heat near vegetation. A fire over the weekend east of Lake Bemidji State Park and New Bass Road Northeast was contained by DNR Fire Crews on Saturday night. No evacuations were ordered because of that fire, which started in a blowdown area from last June's storm.

The United Way of Bemidji Area will hold its 2nd Annual Kids Fishing Tournament on June 14, from 8 AM to 12 PM. It is open to youth ages 0 to 15 and will take place on public lakes in Beltrami County with adult supervision. Participants will compete for the biggest fish in three categories: walleye, bass, and bluegill. Trophies and prize drawings will be awarded, and fun categories will feature bonus prizes. The registration fee is $50 per youth angler, with half supporting local organizations. All participants must register in advance and follow fishing regulations. An all-ages tournament will also occur on July 25-26, 2026.

Bemidji State University held its commencement ceremonies for the graduating class of 2026 on May 8 at the Sanford Center. The Sunderman College of Creativity, Enterprise & Place had its ceremony at 10 a.m., followed by the College of Sciences and Health at 1 p.m. Meadow Karp, a student speaker for the Sunderman College, emphasized the importance of reflecting on personal experiences and encouraged graduates to take up space, noting they earned their place there. Elise Monson, representing the College of Sciences and Health, spoke about the value of curiosity and taking on challenges, which help shape one's character. BSU President John L. Hoffman asked graduates to think about their legacy and the positive impact they can have. He highlighted a significant $8.1 million gift to the university's college and urged students to respect the land's legacy. The class included: 96 graduate degrees, 706 bachelor of science degrees, 97 bachelor of arts degrees, 41 bachelor of applied science degrees, 6 bachelor of music degrees, 5 bachelor of fine arts degrees, and 22 associate’s degrees.

May 8, 2026

At about 4:40pm yesterday afternoon, Bemidji Police Officers arrived at an apartment on Itasca Loop NW and found three adults who had been shot. They provided first aid and learned that the suspect is 16 years old. The victims were taken to Sanford hospital for serious injuries, and the hospital was locked down while police searched for the suspect. At 6:40pm, the suspect surrendered peacefully. Anyone with information about this case can report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers of Minnesota at CrimeStoppersMn.org, by calling 800-222-TIPS.

The director of Minnesota's Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office, Guadalupe Lopez, has been fired less than a year after starting the role. Lopez, from the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, was appointed in July 2025 and expressed challenges faced by Indigenous people in state systems, citing a lack of cultural understanding. Her dismissal came shortly after National Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Day. Previously, Lopez had over 25 years of experience dealing with domestic violence and related issues. The office, created in 2021, is now looking for its fourth director.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding anglers and boaters to follow state laws to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species as the walleye fishing season opens. Most people already practice the steps to clean, drain, and dispose of potential invasive species every time they leave a body of water. DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen appreciates the collaborations with various groups and emphasizes Minnesotans' collective responsibility for lake health. DNR Invasive Species Program Supervisor Kelly Pennington highlights that everyone must take prevention steps, regardless of the presence of officers or inspectors. All anglers and boaters must clean their watercraft, drain all water and leave drain plugs out, dispose of unwanted bait in the trash, never release animals or plants into waters, and dry equipment for 21 days before moving it to another body of water.

The Junior Hip Hop team from Park Rapids Just for Kix finished in fifth place at the JFK national competition on April 30 in Rochester. The team, consisting of seventh- to 12th-graders, was one of 22 teams in their category and qualified for the finals. Director Kaitlin Popanda praised their hard work and determination during their routine "Millionaire’s Club. " Although they did not advance to finals, they left feeling accomplished and proud. The competition featured 7,000 dancers and was an unforgettable experience for the team.

Bemidji State University and NTC, Bemidji's Technical College, are preparing for their annual Commencement ceremonies today at the Sanford Center in Bemidji. BSU will have two ceremonies: at 10 a.m. for Sunderman College graduates and at 1 p.m. for College of Sciences and Health graduates. NTC’s ceremony is at 4 p.m. Brent Larson will deliver the BSU commencement address, accepting the Distinguished Minnesotan Award on behalf of the late R. Allen Sunderman, who contributed significantly to BSU through an $8.1 million gift. The IMPACT Award at NTC will be given to Karla Eischens, recognizing her contributions to health and wellbeing in Northern Minnesota. Eischens has had a prominent career at Sanford Health, advancing in various roles and overseeing major projects, including the development of new health services. BSU typically has more than 1000 graduates, while NTC typically has over 200 graduates. Oak Hills Christian College will hold graduation tomorrow, while Red Lake Nation College will hold graduation on Thursday, May 14th. Leech Lake College on May 16th.

First City Lions will have a yard and bake sale tomorrow from 8am to 3pm at the Eckles Community Center. Proceeds will support local charities. Northern Minnesota's Women's Expo is tomorrow from 10am to 3pm at the Sanford Center. The Bemidji Eagles Club will hold a Donation Rummage Sale tomorrow at the Eagles Club from 9am to 3pm.

May 7, 2026

Nurses with the Minnesota Nurses Association and Sanford Bemidji will hold an informational picket on Friday at Paul Bunyan Park in Bemidji. They are advocating for a contract that ensures a stable workforce, values nurse retention, and maintains quality patient care. Retaining skilled nurses is essential for patient care in greater Minnesota. Jessica Mistic, an RN, highlights that nurses can earn more elsewhere, leading to costly turnover for hospitals. The picket is not a work stoppage.

Delta will stop in-flight drink and snack service in economy class for flights under 350 miles, starting May 19. This follows their recent announcement of increased checked baggage fees due to rising jet fuel costs linked to the Middle East conflict. Flights without economy class beverage service now include flights to and from Minneapolis and Bemidji, Brainerd, Duluth, Grand Forks, International Falls, Rochester, St. Cloud, Chicago, the UP, or anywhere in Iowa, or anywhere in Wisconsin.

Union Station Thrift recently made a donation of $2656 to the Bemidji Police Heroes and Helpers program. Heroes and Helpers supplies funds for children to shop with cops at the Holidays.

The Bagley Public Library is hosting co-authors Patty Wetterling and Joy Baker for a talk about their memoir, "Dear Jacob: A Mother's Journey of Hope," next Wednesday, May 13, at 2 p.m. The program will explore the disappearance of Jacob Wetterling and highlight a mother's love and community strength. Books will be for sale, with a signing after. The event is free, funded by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Chippewa National Forest fire crews will conduct prescribed burn fire operations on today, in the Third River South unit, weather permitting. The controlled burn will cover about 66 acres, located 12 miles ESE of Blackduck. These burns help manage vegetation and protect communities from wildfires. Expect smoke during burns.

This is National Correctional Officers and Employees Week, and is celebrated annually during the first full week of May to honor the, often unseen, 468,000+ professionals working in jails and prisons. Proclaimed by President Reagan in 1984, it recognizes the dangerous, complex work of ensuring safety, security, and rehabilitation.

Argenis Alejandro Alfonzo, a 21-year-old from Minneapolis, is charged with stealing a motor vehicle. On March 18, Park Rapids Police received a report about a stolen 2022 Ford F-150 belonging to Summit Fire Protection. Dayne Fox, who was working nearby, found his vehicle missing after briefly stepping inside the Law Enforcement Center. Surveillance footage identified Alfonzo as the suspect. The vehicle was later found with Alfonzo driving it, and he was arrested. He admitted he had just been released from jail and was in a car that wasn't his. The truck is worth an estimated $18,000, and Alfonzo has a prior charge for drug possession. An initial court appearance is set for June 29.

Beltrami County Emergency Management is hosting a free Severe Weather Spotter Training ('Skywarn') in Bemidji, taught by the National Weather Service Grand Forks Office. The class is open to the public with no prerequisites required. It will take place on Thursday, May 21, at 6 PM in the Beltrami County Boardroom, 701 Minnesota Ave NW, Bemidji, MN 56601. Participants will learn about severe weather reporting.

May 6, 2026

The Itasca County Sheriff has announced that the deputy involved in Monday's Officer Involved Shooting has been released from the hospital, and is expected to make a full recovery. They are not yet releasing the officer's name, or the name of the victim in the case, who was arrested on Monday afternoon. This incident remains under active investigation by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

Last Thursday at 11:38am, Hubbard County Deputy Lund observed Dareine McCormick driving a silver Infinity despite knowing McCormick's driving status was canceled. When Deputy Lund tried to stop him, McCormick fled, leading to a pursuit that reached speeds over 100 mph for 16 miles. The chase ended when McCormick lost control and crashed into trees while trying to turn onto Pine Lake Forest Road. He ran into the woods but was quickly caught by deputies. After his vehicle caught fire, deputies extinguished it and found suspected methamphetamine inside. McCormick appeared to be under the influence but refused to give a blood sample. He was taken to Hubbard County Jail and charged with 1st Degree DUI (refusal to test), 5th Controlled Substance, and Fleeing a Peace Officer, all felonies.

Work has begun on the Highway 197 project in Bemidji. In conjunction with that project, the City of Bemidji will conduct a three stage project this summer as well. Stage #1 is between Gillette Drive NW and Highway 71. Stage #2 is construction of a roundabout at Target and Tires Plus. Stage #3 is another roundabout at Simonson's and Burger King. Also this week, the Council approved another roundabout to be built next year in front of the main entrance to the Middle School. More information about the MNDot project and the City's Project are available at the MNDot website, and also the City of Bemidji's Facebook Page. You can also find more information on this project, and other City business, by watching an interview with Mayor Jorge Prince at Paskvan Podcast on YouTube.

Beltrami County would like you to look at the blue and white address sign at the end of your driveway. Whether a plow took it out or a mower, it is important to have the blue and white E-911 address visible for first responders. If your sign is in need of replacement, please visit the Beltrami County website, or the County's Facebook page to report it. The County will repair or replace it as needed.

Local Letter Carriers and the Bemidji United Way are partnering for this Saturday's Stamp Out Hunger event. You can leave bags of non-perishable food items at your mailbox on Saturday, and letter carriers will collect the donations and distribute the food to the Bemidji Food Shelf. Community members are asked to simply leave a sturdy bag containing non-perishable, non-expired canned or boxed items, such as baby food, peanut butter, soups, cereals, laundry soap, dish soap, deodorant, personal care items and such, next to their mailbox prior to the time of regular mail delivery on Saturday. Donated items should be in non-breakable containers, such as boxes and cans.

The Cass County Probation Department's annual report highlights significant improvements in juvenile offenses. According to the Walker Pilot Independent, these offenses have decreased each of the last four years, from 331 in 2022 to 148 in 2025. The recidivism rate also fell dramatically from 73 percent in 2018 to 15 percent last year. School resource officer Brandon Goehring was placed in the Walker-Hackensack-Akeley School to serve as a role model and mentor for students. His presence has contributed to a noticeable decrease in physical altercations and other issues.

May 5, 2026

The Minnesota House passed HF 3522, a bill by State Representative Bidal Duran, R-Bemidji, to allow the state to act quickly if a veterans home becomes unsafe or is temporarily closed by federal regulators. Currently, the commissioner of veterans affairs cannot permanently close a veterans home without legislative approval. HF 3522 permits temporary closure after an involuntary termination notice from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services while maintaining the need for legislative action for permanent closure. The bill ensures that all residents are safely relocated before a temporary closure, with notifications sent to the governor and legislative leaders. The Senate will now consider the bill.

Representative Bidal Duran, R-Bemidji, passed the A18 Amendment to House File 1082, the Public Safety Budget Bill, during a House floor debate. This amendment enhances protections against doxxing by restricting the online sharing of personal information about law enforcement officers, correctional officers, and their families. It establishes a process for requesting the removal of such information and increases penalties if its release causes serious harm or death. Duran, a former sheriff’s deputy, shared that he experienced doxxing after a dangerous incident in 2018. The bill, including the amendment, will be effective starting August 1, 2026.

The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call yesterday in Max, Minnesota, which led to an officer-involved shooting. An Itasca County deputy was injured and taken for medical care, but details about the injuries are not released. The suspect is in custody, and there is no threat to the public. Per standard protocol, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has been requested and will be conducting the investigation into the incident. The Itasca County Sheriff’s Office is cooperating with the BCA on that investigation.

The FedEx Ship Center at 1819 Division Street SW Bemidji will permanently close on June 27. You can still ship via FedEx by dropping off packages at Walgreens at the intersection of Paul Bunyan Drive and Irvine Avenue, and at most Dollar General Stores.

The Red Lake School ECFE will hold a Play and Learn event at the School tomorrow. Newborns to 5 year olds can play and explore in the Early Childhood classroom in order to get more accustomed to school. Parents can spend the time in an adult coffee bar at the school. With questions, call 218-679-3353 extension 1031.

Northern Minnesota's Women's Expo will take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sanford Center. The event will feature various vendors, interactive activities, and a pop-up thrift store. The entry fee is $5, with half of the proceeds going to the Village of Hope, which helps families experiencing homelessness.

Two people from Cass Lake were injured on Sunday after their vehicles crashed on Highway 2 in Cass County. The Minnesota State Patrol arrived at the scene at 1:06 p.m. A 2019 Honda Pilot, driven by 70-year-old Jane Frances Storlie, collided with a 2006 Chevrolet Equinox, which had pulled out in front of it. The Equinox's driver, 25-year-old Karina Lynn Dunn, was taken to Sanford Bemidji Medical Center, while Storlie self-transported for treatment. The road was dry during the incident.

Absentee Ballot Voting is now open for the upcoming Red Lake Nation Election. Any eligible Red Lake Nation voter may now cast your ballot in the Chiefs Room at the Red Lake Nation Government Center. Voting is open from 9am to 3pm seven days a week. With questions, call 218-679-1477.