TJ Rhodes, Kalona News Journalist Profile

Articles

Photos of the month: Reeling in May Memories

6 days 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.
Bemidji reopens 2 downtown parking lots following annual alley paving project

1 week ago | bemidjipioneer.com | TJ Rhodes

BEMIDJI — The Bemidji Public Works Department uncovered a mystery when the leftovers of a basement were discovered beneath city 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. Many things led to the discovery. The city planned to reconstruct the lot in conjunction with its annual alley paving project, with hopes of reopening it quickly.
Process to consolidate Bemidji recycling sites approved by the Beltrami County Board

2 weeks ago | bemidjipioneer.com | TJ Rhodes

BEMIDJI — Beltrami County currently operates two recycling sites in Bemidji and 12 across the county. Now, a third site situated at Fern Street has been approved. Eventually, the Fern Street site will operate as the sole Bemidji drop-off location and the two existing sites will close, consolidating services. The Bemidji City Council and the Beltrami County Commissioners agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding, allowing Beltrami County to further the project.
Condemnation resolution for CSAH 20 project approved by Beltrami County Board

2 weeks ago | bemidjipioneer.com | TJ Rhodes

BEMIDJI — A myriad of topics, including an update to the County State Aid Highway 20 Road Construction project, were discussed during the Tuesday Beltrami County Board meeting. The CSAH 20 project, taking place on a stretch of Birchmont Beach Road between CSAH 21 and County Road 414, has been in the works for roughly seven years and is expected to begin next year.
Raphael's Bakery Cafe honored during 20th annual Awards of Excellence

2 weeks ago | bemidjipioneer.com | TJ Rhodes

BEMIDJI — Raphael and Patricia Sweeney opened a bakery in 1973. Their son, Ray, worked under their wing as a 14-year-old boy, quickly developing a passion for baking. Ray eventually met and married Brenda, and together the pair gained experience in Minneapolis before returning to Blackduck, prepared to open a new Bemidji bakery. In 1989, the couple purchased the former Naylor Electric building and opened Raphael's Bakery Cafe.
Resolution to file petition to annex approved by the Bemidji City Council

2 weeks ago | bemidjipioneer.com | TJ Rhodes

BEMIDJI — On Monday, the Bemidji City Council passed a resolution to file a petition with the Minnesota Office of Administrative Hearings to annex a portion of Northern Township following a closed session. Bemidji's decision follows a string of events, the most recent of which saw the Northern Township board approve a motion to file its petition to incorporate with the state during a May 12 meeting.
Bemidji liquor store sales totaled $8.4 million, 2023 report shows

3 weeks ago | bemidjipioneer.com | TJ Rhodes

BEMIDJI — The two Bemidji liquor stores earned high marks from Financial Director Donna Coe during a May 5 Bemidji City Council meeting. Here, Coe detailed Bemidji-specific highlights from the Office of the State Auditor's 2023 Municipal Liquor Store Report. A new municipal liquor store report is published each year, detailing city-owned liquor store profit margins. In 2023, 176 Minnesota cities operated 210 liquor stores with a combined net profit of $31.6 million.
Bemidji Rail Corridor project moves forward following PUD review

3 weeks ago | bemidjipioneer.com | TJ Rhodes

BEMIDJI — A project to bring a YMCA to the Bemidji Rail Corridor received a boost during Monday's City Planning Board meeting when a Planned Unit Development preliminary review was unanimously approved. Marco McLane Development, which is representing Greater Bemidji as the project's main driver, detailed the PUD. A PUD includes three stages of review. The preliminary review follows a concept review and precedes a final review.
Residents provide input on incorporation during Northern Township event

4 weeks ago | bemidjipioneer.com | TJ Rhodes

BEMIDJI — On Wednesday, Northern Township hosted its second town hall in the last month and a crowd of roughly 300 filled the Beltrami County 4-H building with curiosity about the proposed wastewater treatment facility, the incorporation process and neighboring Bemidji's involvement. Northern Township Attorney Mike Couri and Administrator Chris Lahn presented before welcoming attendees to a microphone for a public comment period.
Economic pressure prompts early FY26 budget process for Beltrami County

4 weeks ago | bemidjipioneer.com | TJ Rhodes

BEMIDJI — Beltrami County staff deemed it necessary to begin working on the upcoming fiscal year budget sooner than usual because of unprecedented economic pressure. Beltrami County Administrator Tom Barry provided a financial overview during Tuesday's County Board of Commissioners meeting to detail this pressure, which includes cut and altered funding streams, unfunded mandates, tariffs, inflation and uncontrollable increases to utilities and insurances.