Bemidji declares 'Take Back the Night,' awards outdoor dining license

1880777+bemidji-city-hall.jpg — Bemidji City Hall.

By TJ Rhodes

April 22, 2025 at 11:13 AM

BEMIDJI 鈥� Roughly 42% of Minnesota women and girls have experienced some form of sexual assault. Native Americans are even more likely to fit into this category.

To help spread awareness, the Bemidji City Council declared April Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Friday, April 25, "Take Back the Night."

"To solve this problem, we must work together to support survivors, educate our community about sexual violence prevention and speak out against harmful attitudes and actions," said Bemidji Mayor Jorge Prince as he read the proclamation. "I urge all citizens to take action to work toward the elimination of all forms of sexual violence and to create a safer environment for all."

An annual Take Back the Night event will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 25, at Bemidji State University鈥檚 Lower Lakeside Student Union dining area. This event will coincide with the city's effort to raise awareness.

Council action

The council approved a slew of motions during Monday's meeting. One awarded Bar 209 a temporary outdoor dining liquor license. This is a yearly motion that allows Bar 209 to fashion an outdoor dining area along Minnesota Avenue from May 15 to Sept. 15.

A letter addressed to the council noted a worry about downtown parking, specifically around the Bemidji Senior Center. District 4 Councilor Emelie Rivera was the sole dissenting vote, citing this concern.

A Park Avenue NW reconstruction project bid was approved by the council. The project, introduced in January, will cost $1,532,648, roughly $400,000 less than the city anticipated. The winning bid was awarded to Reierson Construction, Inc.

The council approved a motion to designate "no parking" on certain streets for an upcoming street project. No parking will be designated at Hannah Avenue NW from 30th Street NW to 34th Street NW; Norton Avenue NW from 12th Street NW to 15th Street NW; and 14th Street NW from Norton Avenue NW to Delton Avenue NW. Construction will begin May 12 and is expected to be completed in September.

042325.N.BP.CITYCOUNCIL.jpg — A city rendering highlights where street closures will occur when the street project begins sometime in May.

The council also appointed Sandra Henson to the Public Arts Commission during the meeting.

The council will next meet for a work session at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 28, at City Hall. All meetings can be viewed on the

By TJ Rhodes

TJ Rhodes is a reporter for the Bemidji Pioneer with a focus on local government, outdoor and human interest stories. You can contact him at (218) 333-9798 or tjrhodes@bemidjipioneer.com.