BEMIDJI

National Weather Service says microburst was to blame for storm damage in Bemidji and Beltrami County

BELTRAMI CO, Minn. (KVRR/FOX9)  National Weather Service confirms the Bemidji area was hit by a microburst with winds that reached up to 120 miles per hour last Saturday. The survey summary states a severe thunderstorm created “a 10-mile-wide swath of destructive straight-line winds”. It hit downtown Bemidji and through the southern and eastern areas of Lake Bemidji. Homes and vehicles…

Seven illegal aliens apprehended last week in Bemidji, MN

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (KVRR) — Information Agents with U.S. Border Patrol has apprehended seven illegal aliens in Bemidji, Minnesota. U.S. Border Patrol Grand Forks Sector says INF agents made the arrests last Monday. They say the criminal histories of the subjects include multiple DUIs, felony battery, and fleeing. Nationalities included Mexico, Guatemala, and Ecuador. All of the individuals are in…

Power outage update in North Dakota and Minnesota

Minnkota Power (Facebook)FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Thousands of people remain without power but numerous crews are cutting into those numbers. Otter Tail Power Company says around 2,500 customers are still without power in the northwest part of Jamestown. Crews will continue to isolate damaged areas and restore power when possible. Restoration in the Sheldon area is expected Monday evening. They…

Otter Tail Power Company gives Sunday afternoon update on restoring power to numerous cities

6/22 | 2:00 p.m. Update: Bemidji area: We have 55 lineworkers in Bemidji. Crews energized a few thousand customers this morning and they keep making safe and efficient progress. Additional materials and equipment needed for continued restoration will arrive throughout the day. Crews will be working hard toward full restoration over the next few days. Fergus Falls area: Restoration from…

Stabbing in Bemidji Under Investigation

Police say the victim, a woman, was stabbed around 11:00 P.M. on May 30th.

BEMIDJI, MN – On May 30th, 2025, at approximately 11:00 P.M. Bemidji police officers and Beltrami County Deputies responded to an address on East Avenue for a report of an individual who had just been stabbed inside the residence. Officers soon discovered the suspect in that stabbing had fled on foot. They established a search perimeter and sent a Code…

JOANN Fabrics Closing 500 Stores Including in Grand Forks and Bemidji

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR/CNN/AP) — JOANN Fabrics is closing 500 stores across the country including in Grand Forks, Bemidji, Hibbing and Brookings in our region. That will leave only 300 stores open nationwide. The company says the move is necessary as it navigates the bankruptcy process. JOANN filed last month — for the second time in a year. The retailer blames…

Bemidji house heavily damaged in early morning fire; No injuries

(Photo: Bemidji Fire Department)BEMIDJI, MINN. (KVRR-KFGO) – A fire early Tuesday morning caused heavy damage to a house in Bemidji. The fire was reported shortly after 4 on the 1200 block of Bemidji Avenue Northwest. Firefighters arrived to find a two-story home with fire and smoke from the second story. Additional firefighters were called in to fight the blaze. Fire…

Two Charged in Red Lake Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy

ST. PAUL (KVRR) — Two people from Bemidji are indicted for selling fentanyl in and around Red Lake Indian Reservation and throughout Minnesota. 28-year-old Derek Paddy and 20-year-old Robyn Lussier had over 40 grams of fentanyl on them when arrested last November. They made their initial appearances in U.S. District Court last Friday. They are both charged with one count…

Moorhead family seeking change in Minnesota laws after drowning tragedy

MOORHEAD, Minn.  (KVRR) – A family in Moorhead have been grieving since the death of their 13-year-old daughter, and they are using that pain to ask for changes in Minnesota law by marching at the capitol this week. The Rich family are asking for laws regarding water safety, like life vests being required for minors under the age of 18…