I first started at the Bemidji (Minn.) Pioneer as an intern in the summer of 1996. That would begin six years as a news reporter, sports reporter and copy editor for a small, six-day-per-week daily newspaper in northern Minnesota. I wrote a large range of stories from multiple beats, to features to sports, my favorite being the coverage of the Red Lake Reservation High School basketball team named the Warriors. Here is a collection of my stories from my time at the Pioneer.Jan
Jan. 29, 1997
By Devlyn Brooks
Staff Writer
The Bemidji School Board approved the purchase of seven school buses -- six 71-passenger buses and a special education bus -- at a total cost of about $360,000 at its meeting Monday.
Originally, the district had sought bids on seven passenger buses, but due to a freeze on transportation funding and the concern that the district may be considering capital projects for the Transportation Department soon, Business Services Director Bryan Westerman had recommended to the board the purchase of only six.
The buses will cost $334,708, but excise taxes and the installation of radios will add $25,000 to the cost. The initial estimate for eight buses was $400,000.
The Hoglund Bus Co., will provide five Thomas bus bodies at about $82,000, and North Central will provide one Bluebird make for about $21,500. The six International chassis will be provided by Alex Diesel for about $182,000, and the completed special education bus will be contracted with Northstar for about $49,000.
In other action:
Elected James Smalley as chairman of the board, Diane Corcoran as vice chairwoman, Nancy Eubanks as clerk and Westerman as treasurer.
Heard an update concerning the recently received County Family Service Collaboration Grant from Community Education Coordinator Bob Wagner, who announced that a coordinator had been hired.
Approved the payment of current bills and special checks.
Heard the second reading of a resolution concerning a Tax Sheltered Annuities Program for district employees.
Approved salary lane advancements for several district teachers.
Approved an out-of-state trip to be taken by the Bemidji High School Band to St. Louis, Mo.
Approved the submission of several grants.
Approved financing for two performance contracts.
Accepted several staff resignations, certified staff appointments and donations to the district.
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