Prince Announces Re-election Bid; Stamp Out Hunger Event Saturday; Fewer Air Quality Alerts Predicted For This Summer; Walleye Opener Tomorrow
(BEMIDJI) Jorge Prince has officially annouced his intention to seek reelection as Mayor of Bemidji. Prince cites several accomplishments of the Bemidji City Council during his term as mayor, including navigating past the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding our Water Treatment plant to eliminate harmful PFAS chemicals, launching the city’s first solar projects, driving property development, securing millions of dollars in outside funding for the city, and helping to establish the new veterans home, and more. You will be able to find the text of Mayor Prince’s official announcement on BemidjiNow.com.
(Bemidji) The release of the Inspector General’s report regarding delays from the Bemidji U.S. Postal facilities, which reportedly peaked during the holiday season when Amazon packages started arriving for processing in Bemidji in greater than expected quantities on 8 days notice, has prompted an urgent call for solutions. The report exposed vulnerabilities in the system complicating an under-staffing issue. Minnesota Senator Tina Smith talked with Paul Bunyan Broadcasting and BemidjiNow.com as a follow-up to an earlier conversation on the subject, and emphasized the importance on following through with recommendations:
Though the USPS reportedly disagreed with some of the specific claims in the report, the organization has indicated a desire to follow the Inspector General’s recommendations.
Here is the full audio of Senator Smith’s comments, including information on new aviation requirements:
BEMIDJI —The National Association of Letter Carriers and the Bemidji Area United Way are inviting all community members and area businesses are to participate in the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on Saturday.. The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive will benefit the Bemidji Community Food Shelf. Community members are asked to leave a sturdy bag containing nonperishable, non-expired canned or boxed items, such as baby food, peanut butter, soups, cereals, laundry soap, dish soap, deodorant, personal care items and such, next to their mailbox prior to the time of regular mail delivery on Saturday, Donated items should be packaged in non-breakable containers. Bemidji letter carriers will collect the donations and deliver them to the Bemidji Community Food Shelf. In addition to the one-day food collection by the Post Office, collection boxes are available to accept your donations at the downtown Post Office lobby today or tomorrow.
>>MPCA Predicts Better Summer Air Quality, Fewer Alerts Than Last Year
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is predicting better air quality around the state this summer. Agency officials offered that prediction yesterday, saying this year will be better than last year because there should be less smoke from Canadian wildfires. The state averages five to seven air quality alerts a year, and the MPCA expects to issue more than seven alerts this summer. But that would be an improvement on last year, when 21 alerts were issued across 52 days. Sixteen of those alerts were due to wildfire smoke.. (24/7 News Source)
>>Straw Purchase Gun Measure Passes MN Senate
(St. Paul, MN) — A bill that would increase the punishment for someone who purchases guns for other people has passed the Minnesota Senate. The measure would strengthen the state law banning straw purchases, the practice of buying a gun for someone who is not legally allowed to own a weapon. The measure passed in a 34-33 vote, with Republicans objecting to parts of the bill not specifically related to straw purchases. The bill now goes to a conference committee to iron out differences between the versions passed by the House and Senate.. (24/7 News Source)
>>Drought Level Falls Again In Minnesota
(St. Paul, MN) — The level of drought in Minnesota has fallen again this week. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor map shows more than 60-percent of the state is drought-free, up from 41-percent last week. Parts of northern and southeastern Minnesota are still abnormally dry or in moderate drought. This week’s readings show the level of drought in the state is almost exactly the same as it was one year ago.
>>MN Joins Other States In Settling With Wireless Carriers
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota has joined all 50 states in a settlement with a host of wireless carriers over what is being called deceptive and misleading advertisement practices. State Attorney General Keith Ellison announced today that Minnesota has settled its investigation into AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile USA, Verizon Wireless, Cricket Wireless and others. He says they “spread deceptive and misleading advertisements that tricked consumers into believing that they were obtaining better deals than the company was actually offering.” The carriers agreed to pay more than ten-million dollars in civil penalties as a part of the settlement.
>>DNR Says Fishing Outlook Good Ahead Of Tomorrow’s Opening Day
(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota anglers are getting ready to kick off the fishing season this weekend. Minnesotans can begin taking walleyes and northernsf rom the state’s lakes, streams and rivers tomorrow. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says fish populations have not been affected by last winter’s warmer temperatures and that fishing should be strong around the state. The agency says more than a million anglers could be out trying their luck this weekend.. (24/7 News Source)
>>Northern Lights In Minnesota Could Be Very Active On Friday Due To Severe Storm
(Minneapolis, MN) — Minnesotans may be treated to a dazzling display of the Northern Lights on Friday night as a major geomagnetic storm is forecasted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. With a G4 severe geomagnetic storm expected, the aurora may be visible across much of the country’s northern half, including Minnesota and Wisconsin. Clear skies are predicted, providing ideal conditions for viewing the celestial phenomenon. According to the National Weather Service, this rare event, fueled by multiple coronal mass ejections from the sun, marks one of the strongest solar storms in a decade.. (24/7 News Source)
