BEMIDJI, Minn. (Oct. 12, 2009; updated Oct. 13) — The Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation is sponsoring several events in October, including a Northern Minnesota Safety Council presentation on safety in confined spaces and an Academy of Lifelong Learning presentation on the life and times of famed Minnesota politician Coya Knutson.

Northern Minnesota Safety Council: “Planning For Safety In Confined Spaces”
Industrial hygienist and Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry MNSTAR Coordinator Dave Ferkul will discuss workplace safety issues for confined spaces. Topics will include an overview of entry requirements, common hazards and cited items, statistics, and case studies pertaining to confined spaces.

The MNSTAR program is designed to recognize and promote effective safety and health program management. In the MNSTAR program, management, labor and Minnesota OSHA establish cooperative relationships at workplaces that have implemented strong safety and health programs.

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009
Time: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Location: Center for Research and Innovation; 3801 Bemidji Ave. N.
Registration: $25, includes lunch
Course Web site (includes registration form): http://cri-bsu.org/calendar/cri-nmsc/20091021

Academy of Lifelong Learning: “Coya Knutson: U.S. Congresswoman, 1954-58.”
Gretchen Urnes Beito, a Minnesota regional historian and author of “Coya Come Home,” a biography of Coya Knutson, will explore the life of Coya Knutson, the first Minnesota woman elected to Congress. She will explore the circumstances surrounding Knutson’s 1951 election to the U.S. House of Representatives and her eventual 1958 defeat in a reelection bid following the publication of the famous “Coya Come Home” letter. Beito also will explore the qualities that attracted voters to Knutson and explore how motherhood and Knutson’s position as a wife in the 1950s affected her career.

The presentation is sponsored by First National Bank of Bemidji.

Date: Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009
Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
Location: Center for Research and Innovation; 3801 Bemidji Ave. N.
Admission: free

Individuals who wish to be added to the center’s mailing list or have questions regarding these events should contact the Bemidji State University Center for Research and Innovation at (218) 755-4900; toll free, (888) 738-3224; or via e-mail, cri@bemidjistate.edu.

ON THE WEB
• Center for Research and Innovation: http://www.cri-bsu.org