2+ week, 5+ hour ago (222+ words) Our newsroom sometimes reports stories under the byline "Pioneer Staff Report." This byline is used when reporters rewrite basic news briefs that originate from official sources, such as an email or press release that requires little or no reporting. Other times, this byline is used when a news story includes numerous authors or when the story is formed by aggregating previously reported news from various sources. If outside sources are used, it is noted within the story. For questions about a staff report, call (218) 333-9796 or email [email protected]. Bemidji Sons of Norway to host Nov. 23 meeting at Calvary Lutheran The Bemidji Sons of Norway will hold its monthly meeting at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23, at Calvary Lutheran Church, 2508 Washington Ave. SE. BEMIDJI " The Bemidji Sons of Norway will hold its monthly meeting at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23, at Calvary Lutheran Church, 2508 Washington Ave....

2+ week, 1+ day ago (831+ words) Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love food and football, so it shouldn't be a big surprise. But that is not the primary reason I love Thanksgiving. I love Thanksgiving because it forces us to reflect on what we are thankful for in our lives. The tradition in my November article is to share what " and who " I am grateful for. This year is no different. It has been another year of blessings " even if some have been hidden. Let me share a couple with you. Over the past few months, I have been reflecting on those who laid our foundation " not only for me personally, but for our Greater Bemidji organization and our community as well. It is so humbling to realize there are those in our past who sacrificed in order for us to receive the blessings we…...

1+ week, 4+ day ago (686+ words) BEMIDJI " After Bemidji's only year-round overnight shelter closed earlier this year as it underwent renovations, members of the unhoused population were forced to seek shelter elsewhere. Though it's far past the originally anticipated opening date in September, People's Church's Pastor Birgitte Simpson believes the shelter will be open by the end of this week. "That's our realistic hope is that by the end of the week, we should be able to get into our building for overnight, which we're so excited about," she shared. "So, as happens with construction, surprises come along the way. It's looking really good that we will be in by the end of (this) week." The closure impacted Bemidji's unhoused population, who have spent more time than usual at the Bemidji Public Library during the summer, according to Sherilyn Warren, the library's director. According to Bemidji…...

2+ week, 1+ day ago (448+ words) The other morning I hopped into my Ford F150 to start the day. When the onboard computer systems were a go, and the radio fired up, my SiriusXM was tuned to a station that I never, ever listen to. Some pop music channel I'd never heard of. Then on came a rap/reggae tune that my brother who passed in April absolutely loved! But, I'll skip the song title to spare judgment of his musical tastes! Maybe not such a great story to anyone else, but the thing is " it was the morning of his birthday! So, sometime between when I shut off my truck the night before, and when I got back in 12 hours later, the satellite radio service was tuned to a station I never listen to so that I would hear a song my brother loved " on the…...

3+ week, 1+ day ago (392+ words) I think that one of the most challenging aspects of living a life of faith is the realization that everything in this earthly life we know is so " ethereal. Circumstances can change in the time that it takes for an eyelash to drop to the ground, and that is a very disconcerting thought for most of us. This precariousness is jarring and reminds us that truly we walk through this life trusting in things unseen. (Hebrews 11:1) I was reminded this week by a devotion I read that all we are certain of in this world is only temporary, and that our fortunes can literally change with the dawning of a new day. The rub, of course, is that those changes can either bring us great joy " or tremendous sorrow. I think it is exactly this uncertainty that vexes so many…...

1+ day, 19+ hour ago (451+ words) I think what most of us get wrong about gratitude is we believe the source of our gratitude emanates from things, both tangible and intangible, that we possess. Right? So many of us take stock of our lives and think, "Well, I have a beautiful house; my family is healthy; we have plenty of food; and I even have productive, fulfilling work. I am blessed!" The reality, though, is the source of true gratitude comes from recognition of the one inexplicably beautiful life we are given. In my humble experience, those very few who are unequivocally intertwined with the true source of being in this universe " call it God, if you will, like I do " their gratitude comes from the knowledge they have only today to live, to breath, to care for others, to honor this gift. Admit it: Many…...