TJ Rhodes, Kalona News Journalist Profile

Articles

History unveiled as Bemidji uncovers building foundation beneath parking lot

6 days ago | bemidjipioneer.com | TJ Rhodes

BEMIDJI — Earlier this week, the Bemidji Public Works department was notified of a potential sinkhole at parking lot 7 in downtown Bemidji, at the intersection of Minnesota Avenue and Fourth Street NW, adjacent to Raphael's Bakery and Brigid's Pub. Upon arrival, the department was thrown off guard by what it unearthed. The foundation of a building that previously stood in the lot's place lay intact underneath the lot.
Community Health Board highlights partnership, reviews programs and grants

6 days ago | bemidjipioneer.com | TJ Rhodes

BEMIDJI — The Beltrami County Community Health Board, comprised of the Beltrami County Commissioners, met for a quarterly meeting Tuesday afternoon to hear a comprehensive report of programs, services and grants from Community Health Services Administrator Amy Bowles. Bowles mentioned a slew of grants that were distributed to the CHB, which have supported programs and services provided to county residents.
Beltrami County Board hears department updates, shoreline ordinance revision

1 week ago | bemidjipioneer.com | TJ Rhodes

BEMIDJI — The Beltrami County Commissioners heard a multitude of updates during their Tuesday evening meeting. Chief among them was an update to Beltrami County's shoreline management ordinance, which is the subject of a revision. Beltrami County Soil & Water Conservation District Manager Brent Rud mentioned that the changes are to streamline the ordinance, as it has not been updated since 2006.
Minnesota dominates annual Rain Gauge Rally; rain monitoring volunteers still needed

1 week ago | bemidjipioneer.com | TJ Rhodes

BEMIDJI — Minnesota again dominated the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail & Snow Network volunteer drive held each March. This is Minnesota’s sixth straight win, anchoring the CoCoRaHS Cup for another year, a bragging right earned by eager volunteers. Keeping in line with the event’s name, the Rain Gauge Rally, Minnesotans rallied to add 378 new volunteers, 284 more than second-place Wisconsin at 94.
Ministry of Caring readies another spring retreat for renewal

2 weeks ago | bemidjipioneer.com | TJ Rhodes

BEMIDJI — Medical professionals spend much of their time caring for others, which can carry a certain level of burnout that usually goes unaddressed. The Bemidji-based Ministry of Caring offers an annual retreat each spring to help ease this issue with guidance toward "spiritual renewal." "Caring for someone is continuous, and that can be a wearing situation," said Ministry of Caring committee member Mary Eaton.
Bemidji declares 'Week of the Young Child,' approves 1st step of light pole project

2 weeks ago | bemidjipioneer.com | TJ Rhodes

BEMIDJI — The Bemidji City Council declared April 5 to April 11 the "Week of the Young Child" during Monday's meeting. Bemidji Early Childhood Collaborative board members attended the meeting to witness the proclamation, which was read by Mayor Jorge Prince.
Bemidji 'Hands Off!' protest draws more than 1,000 participants

2 weeks ago | bemidjipioneer.com | TJ Rhodes

BEMIDJI — President Donald Trump was photographed by the Associated Press at his Mar-a-Lago golf course Thursday and Friday, likely gearing up for a weekend full of leisure sporting. Meanwhile, more than 1,000 activists, including educators, parents, family and friends alike, lined Paul Bunyan Drive Saturday afternoon to participate in a "Hands Off!" event as part of a national day of action, mobilizing protests across the nation to address displeasure with the start of Trump's second term.
Beltrami County Board approves public defender contracts, hears Sanford Center update

2 weeks ago | bemidjipioneer.com | TJ Rhodes

BEMIDJI — The Beltrami County Commissioners discussed a myriad of topics during Tuesday’s board meeting, chief among them a 4-1 vote to hire two county public defenders, strengthening the department back to a staff of four. This signs the public defenders under contract until the end of 2025. From there, evaluations will determine if a new contract is signed. This boosts the department back to full capacity but does come with concern.
Photos of the month: A remarkable March

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Annalise Braught |Madelyn Haasken |TJ Rhodes

Mar. 29—BEMIDJI — As the Northland gave a sneak peek of the first hopeful signs of spring, Bemidjians took advantage of all the area had to offer. Downtown Bemidji served as a place of gathering as people participated in the World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade and gathered near Paul and Babe to honor the life of Arizona 14-year-old Emily Pike.
Northwest Minnesota MDHA chapter getting back on track

3 weeks ago | bemidjipioneer.com | Brad Dokken |TJ Rhodes

KITTSON COUNTY, Minn. – It’s been a bit of a process, but the North Red River Chapter of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association is working to regain the momentum it had before the COVID-19 pandemic, its chapter president says. The chapter restarted in 2024 after a hiatus because of COVID restrictions and is looking for ways to reach out and educate people about the MDHA and what local chapters can do for outdoors opportunities in their communities.