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.

We hear from Beltrami County Commissioner Craig Gaasvig prior to today's meeting. He discusses the latest on the jail project, the upcoming re-districting, legislative goals for 2024 and the 2024 Budget Meeting.

Director of Parks & Rec Marcia Larson and Recreation Supervisor Jamie Anderson join Kev to talk about what's happening at Bemidji Parks. They have a lot of winter fun planned once it gets cold enough. We talk skating, trails and ugly sweaters. Plus a preview of what's coming in 2024.

The 35th Radiothon To End Child Abuse has come to an end and we want to say THANK YOU for your support of children! Denae Alamano updates us on the funds raised (so far) and discusses the importance of the cause. Plus, hear from child abuse survivor Jill Beardsley. She joined us on the Radiothon yesterday.

ISD #31 Schools Superintendent Jeremy Olson is in to update us on what's happening in Bemidji Schools. One thing is the impending end of the current referendum. He talks about what that means for the district and kids, and previews the upcoming public meetings to discuss the potential extension of the referendum. In addition, updates on other key items and a pretty special honor for Lincoln Elementary.

The Truth In Taxation Hearing for the 2024 Tax Levy is tonight and Councilor Josh Peterson has the details. In addition, there could be more roundabouts on the way, Visit Bemidji has its annual report and the new City Manager starts tomorrow.

The Holiday Campaign is underway at the Boys & Girls Club Of The Bemidji Area. Andrea Kent is in to discuss how your donations mean MORE through December 31st. We also talk about the importance of the club, the great work it's doing, the upcoming Gala and how your kids can get involved.

Lee Furuseth updates us on the HSC. There's some new construction, and e-Cubed planning is underway. And yes, they have cool Christmas presents, too.

Ruth Sherman, The Executive Director of Community Resource Connections talks about Child Abuse Prevention and how CRC (and many other agencies she works with) helps in the fight against Child Abuse. We also preview many of the Radiothon events underway or coming up and the importance of using CRC to help you when you need a hand.

There are new laws on the books affecting ice anglers and landfills. Brian and Jared have all the details.

Denae has been busy with United Way and Radiothon activities. She updates us on the Holiday Gifts For Kids and how you can get gifts for your kids or donate gifts. In addition, we update the Radiothon To End Child Abuse doings and discuss the needs of the Backpack Buddies Program.

The Bemidji School Board meets tonight so we hear from ISD 31 Superintendent Jeremy Olson & Board Member Justin Hoover. They preview tonight's agenda including implementation of the strategic plan, the possible purchase of Central School and negotiations with the various bargaining units. Plus, Justin discusses his first year on the Board and what has most (pleasantly) surprised him.

Captain Christmas aka Josh Peterson is in to previewe the First City Of Lights Night We Light Celebration and we get the goods on what's going on in the city of Bemidji with Mayor Jorge Prince...and we ask about sonic booms.