Latest news with #BemidjiState
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bemidji fire chief receives Northwest Technical College's inaugural IMPACT Award
May 2—BEMIDJI — When Bemidji Fire Chief Justin Sherwood started his career more than 20 years ago, he considered himself "just a guy who loved the fire service." Since then, his role has blossomed into much more. On Thursday, he returned to the institution that helped kickstart his career to receive Northwest Technical College's inaugural Innovation, Mastery, Progress, Achievement, Community and Technology (IMPACT) Award. "(This award) is presented to a truly remarkable leader in both industries and public service," NTC Executive Vice President Ketmani Kouanchao noted during the program. "(Sherwood) has dedicated his career to advancing fire service technology, transforming challenges into opportunities and inspiring the next generation of first responders and innovators ... His dedication to excellence, leadership and service embodies the very spirit of this award." Sherwood was named fire chief in 2021; at the time, he had 18 years of fire service under his belt. He holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Bemidji State, a fire service technology certificate from NTC, an associate of applied science degree in fire service technology from the College of Western Idaho and is pursuing a master's degree in public safety leadership and administration at Arizona State. He also earned a chief fire officer certification from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, is a graduate of the National Fire Academy's Managing Officer Program, and serves as the Region 2 northern representative for the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association. In addition to his accolades, Sherwood is a writer with work published in the Minnesota Fire Chief and Firehouse magazines. Much of his writing focuses on the importance of mental health practices and work-life balance, values that play a huge factor in Sherwood's role as a leader and mentor. "I love the way that Justin's story ties to what we try to do here at NTC of career expertise, the technical, the work that (he has) done and learned in those spaces," BSU and NTC President John Hoffman said, "but also the commitments to mental health and holistic health and life beyond the workplace." During his acceptance speech, Sherwood took a moment to note the stigma surrounding mental health in the fire service. "This job is incredibly hard and I guess I get emotional because we put a lot of time into it," he said. "...Here I am being vulnerable because fire chiefs aren't supposed to be criers, but I'm probably the most emotional fire chief in the country. But I own it." Sherwood recalled the day he was notified that he would receive the award, expressing feelings of gratitude and relief. Looking out into the audience filled with his family, friends and colleagues, he credited his support system for getting him where he is today. "Regardless of the impostor syndrome, it isn't about my individual accomplishments or ... the types of awards I'm getting, but it is truly about those who support me," he said. "So I want to say thanks to my mentors and supporters in this room, my colleagues from the city ... but most importantly, my family. "You guys have really supported me even in those seasons that were really hard. So your love, and, I have to note, extreme patience, is what got me here." In closing, Sherwood thanked NTC for choosing him as the first-ever recipient of the IMPACT award and noted the symbolism of the item, which he plans to display at his office in the fire hall. "(This award) will always serve as a strong reminder for me and a powerful motivation to continue leading with purpose, integrity, motivation and dedication, because all we can do is give our best effort," he said. "When I started this path, (I) wanted to help people, but ultimately be a dreamer and do my best and try to always use my position to advocate for those who couldn't."
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Bemidji fire chief receives Northwest Technical College's inaugural IMPACT Award
May 2—BEMIDJI — When Bemidji Fire Chief Justin Sherwood started his career more than 20 years ago, he considered himself "just a guy who loved the fire service." Since then, his role has blossomed into much more. On Thursday, he returned to the institution that helped kickstart his career to receive Northwest Technical College's inaugural Innovation, Mastery, Progress, Achievement, Community and Technology (IMPACT) Award. "(This award) is presented to a truly remarkable leader in both industries and public service," NTC Executive Vice President Ketmani Kouanchao noted during the program. "(Sherwood) has dedicated his career to advancing fire service technology, transforming challenges into opportunities and inspiring the next generation of first responders and innovators ... His dedication to excellence, leadership and service embodies the very spirit of this award." Sherwood was named fire chief in 2021; at the time, he had 18 years of fire service under his belt. He holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Bemidji State, a fire service technology certificate from NTC, an associate of applied science degree in fire service technology from the College of Western Idaho and is pursuing a master's degree in public safety leadership and administration at Arizona State. He also earned a chief fire officer certification from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, is a graduate of the National Fire Academy's Managing Officer Program, and serves as the Region 2 northern representative for the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association. In addition to his accolades, Sherwood is a writer with work published in the Minnesota Fire Chief and Firehouse magazines. Much of his writing focuses on the importance of mental health practices and work-life balance, values that play a huge factor in Sherwood's role as a leader and mentor. "I love the way that Justin's story ties to what we try to do here at NTC of career expertise, the technical, the work that (he has) done and learned in those spaces," BSU and NTC President John Hoffman said, "but also the commitments to mental health and holistic health and life beyond the workplace." During his acceptance speech, Sherwood took a moment to note the stigma surrounding mental health in the fire service. "This job is incredibly hard and I guess I get emotional because we put a lot of time into it," he said. "...Here I am being vulnerable because fire chiefs aren't supposed to be criers, but I'm probably the most emotional fire chief in the country. But I own it." Sherwood recalled the day he was notified that he would receive the award, expressing feelings of gratitude and relief. Looking out into the audience filled with his family, friends and colleagues, he credited his support system for getting him where he is today. "Regardless of the impostor syndrome, it isn't about my individual accomplishments or ... the types of awards I'm getting, but it is truly about those who support me," he said. "So I want to say thanks to my mentors and supporters in this room, my colleagues from the city ... but most importantly, my family. "You guys have really supported me even in those seasons that were really hard. So your love, and, I have to note, extreme patience, is what got me here." In closing, Sherwood thanked NTC for choosing him as the first-ever recipient of the IMPACT award and noted the symbolism of the item, which he plans to display at his office in the fire hall. "(This award) will always serve as a strong reminder for me and a powerful motivation to continue leading with purpose, integrity, motivation and dedication, because all we can do is give our best effort," he said. "When I started this path, (I) wanted to help people, but ultimately be a dreamer and do my best and try to always use my position to advocate for those who couldn't."
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
From the Archives: April 30 in the Pioneer
Apr. 30—April 30, 2015 — Nepalese students at Bemidji State are holding a fundraiser for their home country after it was hit by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that killed more than 5,200 people. Funds raised during the event will support either Oxfam America or the World Food Program USA, which are directly involved with the relief effort. April 30, 2000 — Nearly 1,000 people walked in Red Lake this week to raise awareness of child abuse. Attendees walked from Red Lake Elementary School to the Red Lake Community Center. Organized by Willa Beaulieu of Red Lake Health Comprehensive Service, the event also featured a program and community feast. April 30, 1975 — The Bemidji Police Department and Beltrami County Sheriff's Office are set to begin operations out of the nearly-completed joint Law Enforcement Center. The police department has been readying for the switch from their home of 78 years in city hall, which had become increasingly cramped. April 30, 1925 — Seventy-five boys and girls, the largest class in the history of Bemidji High School, are set to graduate in May. Six of the graduates are finishing their school work with a total average above 90%. Commencement activities will begin next week with the presentation of the senior class play.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Beavers finish 11th in rainy NSIC Championship
Apr. 28—SMITHVILLE, Mo. — The Bemidji State women's golf team improved its position after the opening round of the NSIC Women's Golf Championship and finished the tournament 11th on Sunday afternoon. The Beavers totaled a team score of 1073 (364-352-357), including a 12-stroke improvement from the first to the second round. Advertisement Sophomore Haylee Kammann led the Beavers and tied for 35th individually with a career three-round low of 249 (84-85-80) and tied her career-low round of 80 on the final day. Her score of 249 and 35th-place finish at the championship is the lowest by a Beaver since Mollie Albrecht shot 244 and finished 15th at the 2022-23 NSIC Championship. She was followed by her sister, Lauren, who tied for 47th and shot 266 (92-87-87) in her first collegiate three-round tournament. She was followed by fellow freshman Sara Sroga, who shot 274 (94-91-89) in her first three-round tournament as well. Also competing in her first three-round tournament was freshman Bailey Tilley, who shot 285 (94-89-102) and was just two strokes back of tying a career-low round on day two. Junior Isabella Depew rounded out the Beavers' five competitors and carded 311 (105-104-101) for her lowest three-round tournament of her career. Minnesota State won the tournament, shooting 921 (300-305-316) as a team with Emerson Garlie taking home top medalist honors with a score of 218 (72-73-73).
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Augustana Softball sweeps Beavers on Senior Day
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Augustana) – Augustana softball sandwiched its Senior Day celebrations between what would become back-to-back 8-2 and 4-2 victories over Bemidji State in doubleheader action at Bowden Field. The Vikings improve to 37-9 overall and 19-3 in conference action while the Beavers drop to 16-26 and 3-15. Between games one and two, the Vikings celebrated in four softball seniors. Hailey Houston, Lexi Lander, Liz Dierks and Grace Glanzer were all honored for their on and off-field contributions to the program throughout their careers. GAME ONE: No. 14 Augustana 8, Bemidji State 2Three total homeruns—with two bringing in multiple runs—and a rocketing showing at the plate from Desi Cuevas helped power the Vikings over their opponents to secure the 8-2 win. Glanzer downed the first three batters of the contest with three straight strikeouts to welcome Augustana to the plate. Andrea Cain made the most of her first at-bat, smash a homerun to center field to officially kick off scoring. The 1-0 lead held with help from Glanzer's continually strong pitching until the bottom of the third. Cuevas knocked a double to left center and eventually made it to third base after back-to-back fly outs. Ella Cooper stepped up to bat and rocketed a two-run homer over the left center fence to push the home team ahead at 3-0. Bemidji State hit back with two runs in the top of the fourth inning, but would get no further. Augustana loaded up the bases in response after a single, a hit by pitch and a fielder's choice. Cuevas then sent a shot through the right side that brought in two of those runners for the 5-3 advantage. Both the Vikings and Beavers were downed in order in the fifth inning but AU continued to fight in the sixth. Sidney Smart with hit by pitch and advanced to second base off a single from Cain. With two runners on base, Cuevas slammed a three-run homer to left field. The shot, following by three straight outs in the top of the seventh, helped secure the 8-2 victory. Cuevas led with a 3-for-4 showing alongside five RBI as Cain and Cooper each added in two hits and Norah Christiansen and Ashton Dorman each logged one apiece. Cooper tallied nine putouts while Smart registered the lone stolen base of the game. In the circle, Glanzer took the win to improve to 18-6 so far this season. She collected nine strikeouts through six innings of work and didn't allow an earned run. GAME TWO: No. 14 Augustana 4, Bemidji State 2The Vikings completed the sweep with only two innings of scoring in game two to fend off the Beaver fight and take home the 4-2 win. Bemidji State scored first with a run in the top of the first inning and ended up holding that lead until the bottom of the second. Cooper kicked off that half of action with a single through the right side before advancing to second off a groundout and scoring off a base hit up the middle from Stella Harber. With the game now tied, Smart slammed a two-run homer to left field to officially take the lead at 3-1. BSU loaded the bases in the top of the fourth but only scored one run to close in at 3-2. Until Dierks stepped up to bat in the fifth. In her first pitch of the at-bat, the senior from Sioux Falls, S.D. rocketed a soaring shot out of the park and over the left center fence to force a 4-2 score. It was Dierks' first career homerun and served as the perfect closer for the conference sweep on Senior Day. Five Vikings combined to tally the five team hits as Smart collected two RBI. Cain and Dierks each drew walks and Dierks also logged the lone stolen base. Lander took the win in the circle in her seven innings pitched. She totaled three strikeouts and allowed just one earned run as she improved to 16-3 this season. UP NEXTIn its final home weekend of the regular season, Augustana will host Concordia-St. Paul on Friday, April 18 and Winona State on Saturday, April 19 at Bowden Field. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
