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Hey Bemidji, hope your week’s off to a good start!
In today’s wallet-friendly edition: Gold’s big run, a fat bike rally, and a wine bottle succulent garden + lots of fun things to do for free.
Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Bemidji protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.
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📰 In the news
New leadership, shared vision: Jason Caron, MD, has taken the helm as president and CEO of Sanford Health in Bemidji, stressing rural care thrives when the hospital and community support each other — read the full story.
Celebrating youth contributions: The Bemidji Lions Club is offering two $1,000 community service scholarships to area graduating seniors, judged on service, academics, and a 250-word essay. Applications are due March 31 — see how and when to apply.
Handmade designs take focus: The Headwaters Quilt Guild meets today at A Stitch in Time in Bemidji, with Carol Mertens showcasing bags, including the Zippy Bag by Sallie. Meeting may be canceled if necessary — get all the details.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Highlights this week:
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🏆 Gold and silver are heating up
Together with our sponsor American Hartford Gold
Gold just posted its strongest run in decades… and the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility.
While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning.
If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, AHG has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now.
It’s free and worth reading before the next move.
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🫶 We got your back
Pasta night upgrade: Craving more than jarred sauce? At Tutto Bene, fresh pastas (pappardelle bolognese, snow crab ravioli, gnocchi with pesto) meet locally inspired flavors and a cozy vibe that makes midweek dinners feel special. Handmade comfort, right here in Bemidji.
Find your vintage fix: Up Thrift Shop keeps the treasure hunt close to home, with pre-loved outfits, shoes, and accessories, plus a curated vintage edit for that perfect throwback. They lean into TikTok trends, so you can score fun finds without leaving Bemidji… or blowing your budget.
Cold-ish upgrade, no chamber: If Bemidji’s cryo void leaves you guessing, Vivaz Medical Spa delivers CoolSculpting plus thoughtful skin and body treatments from a friendly local team. Think easy, science-y results, minus the ice bath drama. Smarter chill vibes, tailored to you, right here.
Thinning hair? It only gets worse: A few months ago, I noticed my ponytail getting thinner. I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, etc.) but mostly just hoped it would fix itself… until I learned that active follicles can permanently go dormant if you don’t do something about it. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn more about my favorite online options here.
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📆 Free events worth checking out
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🍁 Lunch & Learn: Sugar Bush @ LLTC Drum Room | Thursday (3/5) at 12:00 PM – Trade your usual lunch routine for sap talk at the LLTC Drum Room, where Daniel DeVault shares a winter story, sugar bush history, and its importance to Ojibwe people. Learn to tap trees. Free food, real knowledge, zero small talk.
🚲 9th Annual Fat Bike Rally @ Lake Bemidji State Park | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Think snow is just for shoveling? Lake Bemidji State Park’s annual fat bike rally is a timed ride for all levels, with 3.8-inch tires and helmets required. It’s free to race or spectate, but you’ll need a park permit, and donations back local bike teams.
🎨 Creative Cafe: Acrylic Painting Class @ Historic Carnegie Library | Saturday (3/7) at 1:00 PM – Saturday at the Historic Carnegie Library means putting down the to-do list and picking up a paintbrush. Annette Meyer is leading a free acrylic class, and yes, your stick figures are welcome. Low-key, creative, and perfectly Bemidji, with library charm, laughs, and zero cover.
🎉 Closing Reception: Aanikoobijiganag – “Generations” @ Watermark Art Center | Saturday (3/7) at 2:00 PM – Whether you’ve been following Shaun Chosa for years or you’re just art-curious, this closing reception is your last look at Aanikoobijiganag, a three-generation Ojibwe group show where distinct styles share roots. It’s free, at Watermark, and pleasantly light on pretense, heavy on heart.
🥾 Walk on the Wild Side @ Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve | Saturday (3/14) at 11:00 AM – Second Saturdays at Neilson Spearhead mean swapping errands for a free wander with the Audubon folks, spotting birds, tracks, and the patience you forgot you had. Bring curiosity, comfy shoes, and those neglected binoculars. No birding PhD required, though they’re recruiting volunteer guides.
🖼 Reception: “Cyrus Swann: Artist” @ Bemidji State University | Friday (3/27) at 3:00 PM – Cyrus Swann takes over Talley Gallery with precision-packed ceramics, wood, metal, and more, a bold sweep of his career. Swing by the reception on March 27, 3 to 6 pm, for light refreshments, free entry in the Bridgeman Building, no student ID required.
🎶 Bemidji Choir Spring Tour: Home Concert @ First Lutheran Church | Sunday (3/29) at 7:00 PM – Bemidji Choir hosts its home concert at First Lutheran, teaming up with the high school a cappella choir and BSU’s Dr. Cory Renbarger for good stuff, from Britten to Gesualdo. Expect goosebump acoustics, hometown talent, and a free will offering if the spirit moves you.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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📻 Bemidji report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 41°F – Low: 23°F – Precip: 0%
Patchy fog before 11am. Partly sunny. High near 41, with temperatures falling to around 35 in the afternoon. West wind 2 to 6 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 23. Southwest wind 2 to 6 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 50°F – Low: 27°F – Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. South southwest wind 6 to 10 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 27. Southeast wind 2 to 6 mph.
Someone Googled you this week 👀
It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.
Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.
Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.
This house is wild
This rare Big Lake hideaway spans over 10 acres with 300 feet of sandy, gradual-slope shoreline and towering pines just east of Bemidji. The solidly built 2-bed, 1-plus-bath home anchors the setting with classic cabin vibes, while the expansive sand beach and wooded grounds offer privacy, open-water views, and room to play.
Take a peek inside →
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