TJ Rhodes, Kalona News Journalist Profile

Articles

Severe thunderstorms, 100 mph winds tear through Bemidji overnight

1 week ago | bemidjipioneer.com | TJ Rhodes |Madelyn Haasken

BEMIDJI – Severe thunderstorms and damaging winds tore through the Bemidji area late last night and into this morning, resulting in significant damage and leaving thousands without power. Not one Bemidji neighborhood was unaffected by the storm, with numerous houses, businesses and properties facing damage as a result of fallen trees and debris. Downtown Bemidji buildings saw significant damage. Many lost a sign, like Dairy Queen. Some featured trees blocking an entrance, like Books N More.
Beltrami County Board hears 5-year plans, facilities update

1 week ago | bemidjipioneer.com | TJ Rhodes

BEMIDJI — Both a five-year community health improvement plan and a five-year transportation improvement plan have been drafted and were examined by the Beltrami County Board of Commissioners during a work session on Tuesday. Each plan will be approved at a later date and will provide a comprehensive guide toward improving county health, both for residents and roads, for the next five years.
1,000 join Indivisible Bemidji's peaceful 'No Kings' demonstration

1 week ago | bemidjipioneer.com | TJ Rhodes

BEMIDJI — On Saturday morning, Minnesota officials asked residents not to attend "No Kings" rallies, which were slated to take place in multiple cities across Minnesota and over 2,000 cities across the nation. This request followed the breaking news of two Minnesota legislators who were targeted and shot at their homes earlier in the day. Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, tragically died as a result of their injuries. Minnesota Sen.
Bemidji's Heritage Preservation Commission honors 4 century-old buildings

2 weeks ago | bemidjipioneer.com | TJ Rhodes

BEMIDJI — It's no secret that downtown Bemidji is home to many historic buildings. On Wednesday, Bemidji's Heritage Preservation Commission launched a long-seeded plan to honor century-old buildings and preserve history, with Bemidji HPC Chair Linda Lemmer leading a ceremony to honor four downtown buildings. The ceremony began with a short presentation detailing the history of 201 Third Street NW, currently home to the Northwest Minnesota Foundation building.
Indivisible Bemidji supports Lakeland PBS with 'Save Public Broadcasting' rally

2 weeks ago | bemidjipioneer.com | TJ Rhodes

BEMIDJI โ President Donald Trump made his intention to defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds PBS and NPR, clear when he signed the executive order on May 1. To demonstrate solidarity with Lakeland PBS โ the area's PBS station โ and displeasure with the Trump Administration decision, Indivisible Bemidji hosted its third peaceful rally in as many months, titled "Save Public Broadcasting," on June 10.
Shaynowishkung's life and legacy honored during statue's 10th anniversary ceremony

2 weeks ago | bemidjipioneer.com | TJ Rhodes

BEMIDJI — Shaynowishkung, commonly known as Chief Bemidji, was a charismatic 19th-century Anishinaabe leader who bridged the gap between two colliding cultures — settlers and Native Americans. Born sometime in the 1830s, Shaynowishkung was a leader by the time colonizers began traveling north. These colonizers nicknamed Shaynowishkung "Chief Bemidji" when they mistook the lake's name, Bemijigamaag, as his own.
Bemidji City Council passes resolution to apply for housing infrastructure grant

2 weeks ago | bemidjipioneer.com | TJ Rhodes

BEMIDJI — The Bemidji City Council approved a resolution during a Monday special council meeting that allows the application of a housing infrastructure grant. If awarded, a significant housing project that immediately brings 39 mixed-income units to Bemidji would follow, with additional phases set for the future.
Threats to MEP funding could reshape Minnesota's rural manufacturing landscape

2 weeks ago | bemidjipioneer.com | TJ Rhodes

Minnesota's rural manufacturing landscape could take a hit heading into 2026. The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology, both overseen by the Trump Administration, announced that it would not renew 10 expiring Manufacturing Extension Partnership program contracts on April 1. Manufacturers nationwide criticized the decision.
Allocation of opioid settlement dollars determined by the Beltrami County Board

3 weeks ago | bemidjipioneer.com | TJ Rhodes

BEMIDJI — A recommendation to distribute opioid settlement funds to five local organizations was approved by the Beltrami County Commissioners on Tuesday. The opioid settlement is state funding that is distributed around the state to aid local organizations in combating the opioid epidemic through reimbursements. Local organizations applied by showcasing projects that could utilize the funding, along with a dollar request.
Photos of the month: Reeling in May Memories

4 weeks ago | bemidjipioneer.com | Annalise Braught |Madelyn Haasken |TJ Rhodes |Leo Pomerenke

BEMIDJI — As Bemidjians settled into the spring season, many of the area's traditional activities and events got underway. From heading out to the lake before the sunrise for the fishing opener to hitting home runs on a sunny afternoon, spending time outdoors was a central theme of May.