Monday, April 27, 2026

Heads up for pet parents: An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.*

Spotlighting local difference-makers: United Way of Bemidji Area is accepting Someone Special nominations through May 7, recognizing standout volunteers with support from Ken K. Thompson Jewelry and Paul Bunyan Broadcasting -- get all the details.

Local business milestone celebrated: Bemidji Area Chamber Ambassadors held a ribbon cutting for Houston Engineering, Inc., an employee-owned firm founded in 1968 providing civil engineering, surveying, environmental and technology services focused on infrastructure and water resources -- read the full story.

What drivers should expect: Closures and detours begin today on CSAH 22 as Beltrami County starts a multiphase rebuild through Oct. 15, beginning with the stretch between Irvine Avenue NW and Wildwood Road NE -- see what's planned and when.

The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*

Retirees are making moves: After gold's best year in nearly five decades, more folks than ever are moving part of their savings into precious metals. Not all of it... just enough to hedge against inflation. AHG put together a free guide that explains how it works -- grab your copy here.*

Closet time machine alert: Back 'n Time Antiques and Americana keeps the good stuff hush-hush: vintage clothing, jewelry, and accessories mingling with quirky treasures you never knew you needed. A casual browse often becomes a score... your future favorite jacket might be waiting on those racks.

Last-minute gift hero: When birthdays or thank-yous sneak up, Compass Rose Boutique has your back with Minnesota-based brands, cheeky cards, cozy self-care and Paul + Babe vibes that feel very Bemidji. Pop in, find something that actually suits your person, then take full credit for being ridiculously thoughtful.

Freshen up your space: Frizzell Furniture Gallery swaps wobbly for wonderful with sofas, dining sets, mattresses, and accents built to last. Get friendly design help and custom orders for pieces that fit your home and vibe, so your space feels cozy, pulled-together, and you, without the wobble.

The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →

Your homeowners insurance has a blind spot: It covers your house if a tree falls on it. It doesn’t cover your furnace when it quits in January, your AC when it dies in July, or your water heater when it starts leaking on a Tuesday. Those are all classified as "normal wear and tear," and they're 100% on you. American Home Shield can help fill that gap for ~$1/day (even if your appliances and systems are really old).*See what it covers →

Selling your house doesn't have to take months: If you need to sell quickly — because you're downsizing, relocating, or just ready to close this chapter — Liz helps seniors sell their houses fast. As-is. No repairs, no showings, no drawn-out back-and-forth. You pick the closing date. *See how it works →

Unknown-number calls aren't random: Scammers don't just pick numbers out of a hat. They pay data brokers a few bucks and get everything they need to harass you, trick you, rob you, or steal your identity outright. Incogni removes all of your personal info from these data broker sites and keeps an eye out to make sure it stays gone for good. *Get protected →

For women who've been feeling off for years: The fatigue, the weight creeping up, the mood swings, the sleep that won't hold. Turns out most of those "it's just aging" problems are actually caused by hormones, and proper HRT can get you back to feeling like yourself. The catch? You can't get it without a full hormone panel and a doctor who understands what those numbers mean. Most women never get either, but Hone Health gives you both. *See how it works →

🎗 Village of Hope Community Impact Night Fundraiser @ Pizza Ranch | Monday (4/27) at 5:00 PM – Craving feel-good pizza? Hit Pizza Ranch and the FunZone Arcade, where slices and skee-ball send dollars to Village of Hope, and Pizza Ranch matches donations up to 10 percent of the night’s sales, celebrating forty years of serving. Low effort, high impact, no lecture.

🤝 Community Impact Night @ Pizza Ranch & FunZone Arcade | Wednesday (4/29) at 5:00 PM – Grab the crew and hit Pizza Ranch and FunZone Arcade for Community Impact Night, where pizza and play finally count for something. They will match donations up to 10% of sales, half-priced play and Buffet Your Way, all for Family Advocacy Center of Northern Minnesota.

💖 100+ Women Who Care Spring Fundraiser @ SouthShore Hotel on Lake Bemidji | Thursday (4/30) at 5:00 PM – Give one lively hour at South Shore Hotel, formerly the Hampton, where $100 gets you a ballot and a shot at sending $10k+ to a local nonprofit. Four quick pitches, one winner, appetizers and cash bar, and if we crack $20k, two groups get love.

🧼 CPAP Cleaning Event @ Sanford Health Equip Bemidji Sleep Store | Friday (5/1) at 10:00 AM – Give your CPAP a well-earned spa day at Sanford Health Equip’s new Bemidji Sleep Store, where they’ll clean it for free while you poke around the place. Chat with licensed respiratory therapists, breathe easier, and snag 20% off select cash purchases during the event.

🛍 May Day Makers Market @ Helga Township | Friday (5/1) at 3:00 PM – Still hunting for a Mother's Day gift that is not wilted flowers or a panic candle? Hit the May Day Makers Market for finds from 14 local artists, including jewelry, artwork, greeting cards, beadwork, t-shirts, suncatchers, and other beautifully handmade temptations.

🏷 Annual Garage Sale @ First Lutheran Church | Saturday (5/2) at 7:00 AM – Feel like treasure hunting without leaving Bemidji? First Lutheran’s annual garage sale delivers furniture, clothes, kids’ gear, toys, home decor, kitchen finds, outdoor stuff, and that perfect “why not” purchase. No early birds, just good deals, and that satisfying “I scored” glow.

🧁 Plants, Books, and Bake Sale Fundraiser @ Rail River Folk School | Saturday (5/2) at 8:00 AM – Help Apple Blossom build Yurt #3 at a down-to-earth sale of seedlings, houseplants, seeds, gently used kids' books and how-tos, crafts, and outdoor gear in the River Room at Rail River Folk School. Grab sourdough, baked goods, and soup to go, then call it philanthropy.

This 3-bed, 3-bath twin home in Irvingboro Development offers access to a Lake Irving boat slip for members. Main-floor living features a primary suite with 3/4 bath, living room with gas fireplace, kitchen, dining, laundry, pantry, and a flexible second bedroom or office. The daylight lower level adds a family room, third bedroom with full bath, craft room, and storage.