Happy weekend, Bemidji! In today’s happening-today edition: Tree replanting efforts, Special Olympics bowlers, and summer concert series + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
Today’s sponsor, GoldCo, 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.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Community restores a lost canopy: A year after the derecho, Bemidji is replanting. BSU’s Replant Our Roots project added 80 memorial trees, with about 4,000 more planted so far, while wildfire danger remains low -- learn more about the replanting efforts.
A lifelong athletic milestone: Bemidji sisters Katie Fellows and Lisa Kiewatt will compete in bowling at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Blaine, with Mayor Jorge Prince and their hometown cheering them on -- cheer on the bowlers.
A look back and ahead: Beltrami County Historical Society will host a free "Developing History" program and meeting at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 21, highlighting five years of work and previewing a new permanent exhibit -- see what's on display.
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The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor 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, GoldCo 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.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Swing with a view: Whether you’re chasing a low score or just escaping chores, Bemidji Town and Country Club delivers classic 18-hole fun framed by Lake Bemidji and tall pines. Grab a post-round bite at North Shore Grille and call it a solid Bemidji afternoon.
Quick paddle escape: When you need a low-key overnighter without leaving Bemidji life behind, Iron Bridge Canoe Campsite is a sweet canoe-in spot on the Mississippi River with big-sky sunsets and actual dry ground after those winding oxbows. Pack light, check river levels, and let the week exhale a little.
Steak by the lake: Whether you want a cozy booth by the fireplace, a balcony peek at Lake Bemidji, or the puppy-friendly patio, Sparkling Waters nails the special-occasion feel without needing an occasion. Think refined steaks, fresh seafood, and an easy excuse to treat yourself midweek.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🚴 2026 Loop the Lake Festival @ South Shore Park | Saturday (6/20) at 7:30 AM – Loop the Lake is Bemidji’s laid-back bike fest, basically a neighborhood cruise with better views and fewer errands. Registration gets you food, photo ops, and music, so pedal at your pace. No Lycra heroics, just neighbors, the Bemidji shoreline, and moral high ground at dessert.
🍓 Fruity Bowls @ myBemidji | Saturday (6/20) at 9:00 AM – Loop the Lake, then refuel at the Fruity Bowls food truck at myBemidji. Acai smoothie bowls that are gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and free of artificial dyes, so even your pickiest riding buddy can unclench. Vegan too, if you skip the honey.
👨 Family Workshop Day @ Rail River Folk School | Saturday (6/20) at 9:00 AM – Pack a lunch and water bottle, grab the kid, and head to the yurts at Apple Blossom for Midsummer making, games, sun tea, and storytelling. Snacks and lemonade included, spots capped at eight families, and yes, your take-home crafts count as souvenirs.
🧵 Fiber & Friends @ Fiddlesticks Fiber Arts | Saturday (6/20) at 9:00 AM – This casual stitch and chat at Fiddlesticks is free, friendly, and blessedly low pressure. Bring your half-finished sweater, trade tips with seasoned makers, and sip the shop’s coffee and treats on Thursday evenings or Saturday mornings, because therapy is pricey, and yarn is soothing.
👥 The Peoples Circle @ Peoples Church, ELCA | Saturday (6/20) at 3:00 PM – Pull up a chair and join a staff-led circle where neighbors, staff, and anyone passing by swap real talk on community care, wellness, and what actually helps. All are welcome, no small talk required. Think group chat, but with eye contact.
🧶 Crocheting with Sophia @ Paul Bunyan Mall | Sunday (6/21) at 1:00 PM – Need a Sunday ritual that beats scrolling and actually produces something warm? Crocheting with Sophia is a laid-back, all-levels drop-in for ten bucks, supplies on hand or bring your own, and zero pressure, just stitches, conversation, and the satisfying illusion of productivity.
🎵 Summer Concert Series @ Lake Bemidji State Park | Sunday (6/21) at 2:00 PM – Sunday lake breezes, pine shade, and live tunes beat mowing the lawn, every time. Lake Bemidji State Park's summer concert series rotates local singer-songwriters and duos, so pack a camp chair, swat a mosquito with dignity, and call it quality time. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Bemidji report Weather forecastToday — High: 70°F — Low: 46°F — Precip: 2% Mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Northwest wind 5 to 8 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 46. North wind 0 to 7 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 72°F — Low: 48°F — Precip: 0% Sunny, with a high near 72. North northeast wind 1 to 8 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 48. Northeast wind 1 to 8 mph. This house is wildBuilt in 2012, this newer Bemidji home brings 4 bedrooms and 3 baths to an easygoing two-story layout. Natural light fills the two living rooms and spacious kitchen, while the upper-level primary suite adds a smart touch of privacy. A heated 2-car attached garage and prime in-town location near retail and the university round out the appeal.
Take a peek inside → | | |