Sanford Health Lead Dietician Alicia Van Den Heuvel talks about kicking off a new year with new habits. She talks about healthy eating, how poor diets lead to a number of chronic conditions and what you can do independently and in consultation with medical professionals to make progress in 2024.

Bemidji has a new City Manager. Rich Spiczka has been on the job for about a month and we find out his thoughts about Bemidji, his priorities and how he found his way to Bemidji and municipal administration. We also discuss the city's challenges and why Rich wanted to be in Bemidji.

Beltrami County Sheriff Jason Riggs joined Kev to talk about the construction process for the new jail and when it will be ready. He also discussed crime stats in Beltrami County and 911 calls.

The first meeting of the year for the Bemidji School Board will mean the organization of this year's board. We talk about the process of picking board chair, committee assignments and other organizational issues. Plus an update on the referendum renewal listening seassions, employee group contract agreements and a preview of how Minnesota's new READ Act will affect the district.

Mayor Jorge Prince was in to preview Monday's City Council meeting. He discussed ASM's proposal on the Sanford Center shortfall, the organization of the new Bemidji Planning & Zoning Commission, what a city is, what a city government's role is and transparency. It's a great conversation.

Tom Cain, Jr discusses his grandfather's stories and how they have been preserved at the Minnesota Historical Society. He also dicusses some programs he's been involved in at the Beltrami County History Center and at Red Lake regarding the history of Native Music, and shares one of his grandfather's stories.

Vocalmotive is off to a GREAT start, taking the title at the Onalaska competition last weekend. This weekend is the Annual Vocalmotive Dinner Show and their new director Gunnar Aas is in to talk about coming home to Bemidji and stepping into the legendary shoes of Chris Fettig. Plus all the details on the show and how you can get tickets.

Bemidji Police Officer Rachel Kniss discusses the return of the K-9 program to Bemidji. She talks about the need for the K-9 program, the training she and her new partner will through, the costs and equipment needed and how you can help them raise money to make it happen.

Richard Anderson previews the latest Beltrami County Board Meeting. He discusses Public Health, the latest on the jail project, other key agenda items and the key issues he sees for 2024.

Brian discusses everything he and the Beltrami County Waste Department do, how he got into the solid waste business and all the changes technology has wrought for solid waste disposal.

Jeannie Thompson, Director of Sanford Health's Woods Edge Senior Living Campus, discusses the campus and the various levels of care that are available in the three facilities. She also discusses financial helps, the flexibility of the campus and how it's convenient as needs change over the years.

Just in time for Valentine's Day, a new fundraiser for the Northwoods Battered Women's Shelter: The "Give From The Heart" Fundraising Dinner at The Tavern. Executive Director Chris Latzke has all the details and gets us updated on the new shelter project.

To celebrate Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, Kev checked in with Beltrami County Sheriff Jason Riggs, Bemidji Police Captain Dave Lazella & State Patrol Lieutenant Brad Norland to discuss each department's role in law enforcement and public safety, how they work together and why they feel called into law enforcement.

The Bemidji Symphony Orchestra is having a unique fundraiser. The Blood Mary Battle. Eight Bemidji area restaurants will bring their best to the Rail River Folk School to determine who has the BEST Bloody Mary. Tickets are on sale now. Listen for details!

Jeremy Olson recaps the school year thus far, previews the public meetings regarding the extension of the referendum, discusses the budget challenges going forward and talks about the MANY good things happening in School District 31.

Bemidji High School Sports teams have been playing home games all over Bemidji. But a vision is in place to create a true home field advantage with additions and improvements to fields and stadiums on the Bemidji High School campus. Andra Vaughn joined Kev to share the vision.

eCubed is returning to The Headwaters Science Center February 17th. Due to its proximity to Valentine's Day, the theme is The Science Of Love: Chemistry & Attraction. Lee has the details plus updates us on the construction and they even have great gifts for the Holidays.

It's been an EVENTFUL week in Bemidji city government. ASM Global, who manages Sanford Center, began the week with a bad report on Sanford's revenue in 2023. Then on Wednesday, a heated discussion and vote on a proposed housing site in Irvingboro...and, oh yes, they passed the 2024 levy. Mayor Jorge Prince made a special trip in to talk about all of it.

Sunday and Tuesday were eventful days on Upper Red Lake...and fortunately everyone got out of there in fine shape. Sheriff Jason Riggs has the details, plus talks about next steps in the jail project, what he plans on for 2024, and staying safe during holiday travel. We also salute those who will be working while we are reveling.

A paper and packaging blizzard is forecast for the next two weeks in Beltrami County. Solid Waste Director Brian Olson discusses what to do with the extra wrap, boxes and packages. Plus all that food waste! He also has the holiday hours as well as talks batteries and light bulbs. There are special things you need to do with those LED bulbs...and the Christmas Light strings that went bad.

Beltrami County Commissioner Richard Anderson is in to preview today's final Beltrami County Board meeting of 2023. We discuss key issues headed into 2024 including the jail construction, child care issues and how things look for the county headed into the new year.

The final Board meeting of the year means the Truth in Taxation Hearing and approval of the 2024 Levy. Plus the school calendar for the next two years, and other year end topics.

The Mayor discusses all the key things coming up in the final meeting of the year: 2024 Final Tax Levy, ASM Global & Sanford Center's 2022 adjusted numbers, changes in planning and zoning due to the dissolution of the JPB the city's resolution of support for USPS employees. But first up we meet Bemidji's new City Manager.

Kayla Winkler of Sanford Health is back to discuss Sanford's Community Health Needs Assessment that is underway. Sanford uses the information to better tailor its services and outreach to serve the needs of area residents. She discusses what it has meant in the past and how you can be part of it so your voice is heard.

Joint Planning Board Director Jamin Carlson previews the final JPB meeting tonight in City Council Chambers. There are some key topics to be discussed including a new planned housing development and the official dissolution of the JPB. He also talks about what comes next for Bemidji and Northern Township in 2024.