Bemidji Pioneer

Bemidji State alumnus Nate Heim gives second life to trees lost in Bemidji storm

By Bemidji Pioneer / December 15, 2025

While it’s been estimated that approximately 9 million trees were lost in the June 21 storm that swept through Bemidji, thanks to Heim Log Homes, 122 of those trees are living on.

Brendan Harms, Tommy Muck return from European pro careers to Galen Nagle Memorial Golf Tournament

By Bemidji Pioneer / July 23, 2025

For former Bemidji State men’s hockey players Brendan Harms and Tommy Muck, returning to the Galen Nagle Memorial Golf Tournament comes with sharing experiences playing overseas.

Randy Bowen, Dave Thomas relish in communal support at 48th Gordy Skaar gathering

By Bemidji Pioneer / June 30, 2025

Randy Bowen and Dave Thomas have played each of the last 15 Gordy Skaar Memorial Golf Tournaments in the same group. In 2025, the tradition was no different.

Brandi Ochoa to follow in father’s footsteps, graduate from Bemidji State

By Bemidji Pioneer / May 8, 2025

At 18 months old, Brandi (Scheifert) Ochoa waited patiently for her dad, Marlin, to come out of class at Bemidji State University. Fast forward nearly 50 years, and she’s soon becoming a BSU alum herself.

Bemidji State pep band provides homecoming opportunity for 2022 grad Tristen Heller

By Bemidji Pioneer / February 16, 2025

Since the start of the spring 2025 semester, the pep band has provided a homecoming opportunity for 2022 graduate Tristen Heller, who has raised the baton formerly held by adjunct faculty member Ryan Webber for six years.

R.H. ‘Bob’ Peters, the guardian of Bemidji State hockey, has his bust unveiled

By Bemidji Pioneer / September 13, 2024

Last night, Bemidji State University honored legendary hockey coach R.H. ‘Bob’ Peters with the unveiling of a bronze bust in the main lobby of the Sanford Center.

The year Bemidji became ‘Normal’: State selects city for teacher training school over Cass Lake, Thief River Falls in 1913

By Bemidji Pioneer / January 16, 2024

The campaign to bring a normal school to Bemidji had been a long one, and much work needed to be done before the school could open its doors to train teachers.

A school within a school: Lab School gave real-world experience to students for decades

By Bemidji Pioneer / January 16, 2024

Parents considered it the premier place for their children to attend, and many former students continue to look back fondly on their experience. The story goes that one new dad applied for his son’s admittance on the same day the child was born.

From the archives: “EXTRA!! Bemidji Wins the Sixth Normal School by Unanimous Vote”

By Bemidji Pioneer / December 28, 2023

A. P. Ritchie was present when the message was received and immediately went out on the streets shouting out the good news to the people. The fire whistle was set to blowing in order to bring the glad tidings to the people throughout the city.

Uncovering the origins of St. Urho’s Day and the role a Bemidji State professor played in bringing it to life

By Bemidji Pioneer / March 15, 2023

Even those who embrace St. Urho’s Day might not be aware of the significant part that a Bemidji State psychology professor played in its origin. The man was Sulo Havumaki.