KAXE contacted every candidate twice using contact information submitted to the Secretary of State's Office to invite them to participate in our Election Guide.
Candidate responses have not been edited and are published as submitted.
As necessary, our news team added contextual information clearly marked with an "editor's note" and in italics, though responses have not been uniformly fact-checked. With our small team of three, we are unable to proactively fact check every statement made by candidates. But we will make every effort to make note of inaccuracies if they come to our attention.
Please contact our news team at news@kaxe.org with questions or comments or to report any errors.
KAXE's Election Guide only includes candidates in contested races. Visit our full list of who's running for office in Northern Minnesota to see who else is on the ballot.
Mayor
Michael Bibich
Incumbent: No
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Tony Yunk
Incumbent: No
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
City Council (Elect Two)
Lauren Meyer
Incumbent: No
Age on Election Day: 35
Where are you currently employed, and what is your role?
I sell rocks and gems through my small business.
Please share any prior experience that you believe qualifies you for office.
I've been a full time Volunteer for Bovey for the past 2 years.
Please describe the roles and responsibilities of the office you are running for.
My roles and responsibilities will be keeping this town on track with its comprehensive plan to restore the town.
Why are you running for office?
I feel there needs to be some younger voices on the council
What are your priorities, if elected? Please describe specific policy goals.
Bring some more businesses to this town.
Across the region, renters and owners are struggling to afford housing. If elected, what would you do to address the issues of availability and affordability for your constituents?
We have 2 new apartment complexes being built as this is read. Housing is not an issue in Bovey.
What effective policies will you support that will prepare your city now, next year and in the future to improve resiliency against climate change?
Bovey hasn't had many concerns about climate change. We are a small town.
High taxation is a concern for many Northern Minnesotans. Please share any specific opinions you hold related to taxation, and how you plan to ensure tax dollars are used efficiently and effectively.
This is not an issue that has come up in Bovey.
How do you plan to improve transparency and trust in government?
By showing the progress being made in town. We have a 3 phase community area going in. A new park was built last year. We have a hockey rink and a dog park going in this year. I believe that if we can show the progress being made it will strengthen the communities trust in the council.
Bill Richardson
Incumbent: No
This candidate declined KAXE’s invitations to participate in the Election Guide.
Neal Robyn
Incumbent: No
KAXE did not receive a response from this candidate.
Still have questions for the candidates? Contact information for all those who've filed to run for office can be found at candidates.sos.state.mn.us.
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The Beltrami County Board is considering what to do with its current jail in downtown Bemidji as progress continues on a new facility in the city’s Industrial Park.
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Master drummers Fode Camara and Helen Bond joined the KAXE Morning Show to discuss their upcoming workshop and community drum circle jam on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025.
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Rayne Heck and Phineas Cole Holmes join the "KAXE Morning Show" to discuss Bemidji Pride events from Aug. 21-23, 2025.