The new Leech Lake Area Chamber of Commerce President Mick Talbot was in to preview this Saturday's Ethnic Fest and discuss all the great things Walker has to offer. We also find out how Mick went from a DJ business in Grand Rapids to running the Chamber

With the new school year underway, we hear from Bemidji Schools Superintendent Jeremy Olson. He discusses the start of school, how workshops help get the year started right, what parts of the district's strategic plan are being implemented this year and what's coming up soon in the district.

Christa Drake & Shannon Bungart of Lake Bemidji State Park team up with Connie Cox of Itasca State Park to preview what's happening this autumn. Plus, we talk migration, hibernation, and the color change.

The Bemidji City Council Meeting is running on a Tuesday this month due to Labor Day yesterday and the Beltrami County Board always meets on Tuesdays so it's a double feature today. We start off with Bemidji City Councilor from Ward 4 Emilie Riviera to talk about what's coming up in Bemidji this fall and then District 3 County Commissioner Richard Anderson is in to preview today's meetings and what we can expect this fall from the Beltrami County Board.

We start off the day with Ethan Larson (and Coco) of the Paul Bunyan Dog Training Association. Ethan previews their annual upcoming show set for next weekend, which includes a new category this year: Nosework Trials. Then it's Lee Furuseth wrapping up summer at the Headwaters Science Center discussing their new prestigious honor and a big, bold plan for next year.

Reed Olson on the Nameless Coalition For The Homeless and Lance Egley, co-chair of the Northern Access Treatment program discuss the housing challenges in the area, whether it be affordable access or ownership. They talk about how the lack of housing hurts efforts to curb homelessness AND negatively impacts addiction recovery efforts.

Bemidji State University and Northwest Tech College classes are underway for 2024-25. President John Hoffman discusses the great enrollment gains this year, new grants and partnerships in the state, the continuing challenges to higher education and the way BSU & NTC are working together to make college affordable.

Beltrami & Clearwater County Veterans Service Officers Shane Gustafson and Logan LeClair discussed the many events and services offered by the organizations. They also talked about their ability to help get vets lined up with VA Health services and Public Affairs Officer Shawn Abbas of the Fargo VA Hospital & Bemidji Clinic discussed programs and services.

The 2nd Annual Northwoods Makers Market from Paul Bunyan Broadcasting and Betrami Electric is coming up in October. If you're a "maker" or crafter, we've still got room. Nell's got all the details on today's show.

Barry Karpinski and Brad Olson check in to preview tomorrow's annual St. Philip's Block Party. It's a free event from 3:30 to 7:30 and there's a ton of stuff going on.

Certified Peer Recovery Specialists Joe Beaudreau of Sanford Health and Jenny Vance of Face It Together discuss National Recovery Month (September) and the Recovery Walk which will be part of it. They also discuss what addiction is and what recovery is. A wide ranging topic on today's Chatpod...The Chatabout Podcast.

The Bemidji Community Theatre wraps up the 2023-24 season with the revue "Hats Off To Broadway", a collaboration with other great groups. Director Carla Norris-Rainbird is in with all the details.

With the start of another school year, it's time for Scouting America Open Houses. Michelle Bedford has the details of a few in our area and why scouting is such a great activity for kids.

Bemidji Schools Superintendent Jeremy Olson checked in to preview tonight's School Board meeting and the new meeting format that begins tonight with a 5pm work session, followed by a 6pm listening sesssion and 6:30 meeting. School goals and school levy prep are on the work session agenda. And in the regular meeting, they'll be talking bus transportation, re-hiring positions and approve the district goals. Plus, Jeremy discusses the upcoming School Board election.

Mayor Jorge Prince is back to talk all things Bemidji. The Housing Seminar is coming up Friday the 23rd, the HRDC is in the midst of a big housing survey, the Cannabis moratorium is official and a public hearing about the Highway 197 project (ie roundabouts on Paul Bunyan Drive Northwest) is set. And...it's already time to start preparing for the 2025 tax levy.

Beltrami County Solid Waste Director Brian Olson discusses an important public meeting coming up September 4th, particularly for those in the construction and demolition business, grants that will make organic recycling VERY easy and other important topics.

They are busy at Great River Rescue and Director Marina Lovell (along with Zeus...check our Facebook page to see him) stopped by to talk about the adoption, fostering and volunteer opportunities at the shelter. Plus Bemidji Brewing Pint Night tonight will be helping the cause too. We cover a lot of hairy topics on today's show. Sorry, couldn't resist.

Julie Vollen & Denae talk about the United Way's Annual Wine & Beer Tasting this Thursday and Denae talks "Stuff A Bus", Coats For The Community & the upcoming Lunch & Learn.

ON THE LATEST CHATPOD: Another spotlight on the Beltrami County Sheriff's Department. This time Sheriff Jason Riggs brings in Emergency Management Director and Public Information Officer Chris Muller to discuss how the county responds to emergency situations

Bemidji Planning Director Jamin Carlson is back to talk about what's going on in the world of planning and zoning. Only one item on tonight's agenda, but he updates us on projects that are underway, discusses the airport custom zoning plan, and the processes the city will go through now that cannabis is legal in the state of Minnesota.

We are spotlighting candidates in Bemidji and Beltrami County who will be running in the Primary Election August 13th. Today, we meet candidate for Ward 5 Bemidji City Council (and former Ward 1 Councilor) Michael Meehlhause.

We are spotlighting candidates in Bemidji and Beltrami County who will be running in the Primary Election August 13th. Today, we meet incumbent & candidate for Bemidji Mayor, Jorge Prince.

We are spotlighting candidates in Bemidji and Beltrami County who will be running in the Primary Election August 13th. Today, we meet candidate and incumbent for Ward 5 Bemidji City Council Lynn Eaton.

The Beltrami County Fair is into its first full day and Kev went to the Poultry Barn to hang out with the chickens (and ducks). He also talked with Vern, Char & Lori about everything going on at this year's fair. Plus, our own Deb stopped in to talk about the Chatabout giveaway box in the poultry barn. When your at the fair...be sure to register to win!

There's some great stuff happening at Lake Bemidji State Park (and Big Bog!) in the next couple of months. State Park Naturalist Christa Drake and Assistant Park Manager Shannon Bungart stop by to get us caught up.