Micah Friez

Bemidji State grads Dennis Weimann, Stacy Christenson guide Lakeland News to 25th anniversary on the air

By Micah Friez / July 14, 2023

Dennis Weimann and Stacy Christenson have served Bemidji and north-central Minnesota by covering the region at Lakeland News for a quarter century. As the telecast celebrated its 25th anniversary on Thursday, the longstanding duo held their heads high with the pride of knowing they’ve been there since the very beginning.

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Gordon Skaar – grandson of Gordy Skaar – cherishes family legacy, athletic support as tournament raises $44,000

By Micah Friez / June 21, 2023

The Gordy Skaar Memorial Golf Tournament had its 46th annual iteration on Friday, June 16, when over 100 golfers teed off in support of the Beavers at the Bemidji Town and Country Club. Together, they raised $44,000 for athletic scholarships.

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Longtime Zamboni driver Vance Balstad embraces busy retirement

By Micah Friez / June 19, 2023

Vance Balstad famously found his niche in hockey by serving as the university’s beloved ice maker for 45 years. He retired after the 2019 season and has since enjoyed other lifelong passions in retirement, but not before authoring a colorful career that could fill a Zamboni-sized book.

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Bemidji State internship set up Coley Rezabek for ‘dream job’ with Minnesota United

By Micah Friez / June 1, 2023

Coley Rezabek is in her second season kicking it as a videographer for Minnesota United, where she produces digital content for the club. Her expertise comes from similar experiences at Bemidji State.

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Mur Gilman, Donna Palivec tap into rewarding maple syrup avocation

By Micah Friez / April 26, 2023

Mur Gilman and Donna Palivec have a sweet gig: maple syruping. The two professors emeritae at Bemidji State University have discovered a rewarding passion in their springtime operation.

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Supporters raise event-record $200,000 for Bemidji State Athletics at Green & White

By Micah Friez / April 19, 2023

Support rolled in from near and far on April 15 at the Green & White Dinner and Auction – to the record-setting tune of more than $200,000 raised for BSU Athletics.

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Aaron Trunt pioneers path to MLB through biomechanics

By Micah Friez / April 13, 2023

Aaron Trunt isn’t the first Bemidji State University graduate to reach the professional baseball ranks. But he may very well be the first to do it like this.

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Past and present female athletes share effects of Title IX at speaker panel

By Micah Friez / February 2, 2023

In one form or another, Abbie Disbrow, Emma Terres-Sobieck and Kristen McRae have all faced unfair uphill battles. But Title IX has helped level the playing fields that they’ve long excelled on.

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Hoops set the stage for athletics boom at Bemidji State

By Micah Friez / December 15, 2021

F.P. Wirth may have taught history for a living, but he also created it on the hardwood.

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Bemidji State hoopers have authored a rich history in 100 years of play

By Micah Friez / December 15, 2021

One hundred years ago today, Bemidji State Teachers College explored a new venture for the very first time: fielding a basketball team.

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