Election 2025: Northern Minnesota school board and referendum results

Last updated 2:45 a.m. Nov. 5.

Thirteen school districts across rural Northern Minnesota are seeking voter approval of referendums Tuesday, Nov. 4, and two have contested school board races.

The following results are unofficial and include only contested races.

Elections

Election 2025: Northern MN school referendums seek budget, building fixes

Aitkin, Badger, Clearbrook-Gonvick, Cook County, Crosby-Ironton, Deer River, Hibbing, Lake of the Woods, Roseau, Wadena-Deer Creek, Walker-Hackensack-Akeley, Warroad & Win-E-Mac are the districts with special elections.

School Districts

Aitkin

1/1 precincts reporting, 100%

Question 1: Shall the school board of Independent School District No. 1 (Aitkin Public Schools) be authorized to issue its general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $59,440,000 to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including the construction and equipping of a new PreK-6 elementary school and transportation center?

• Yes, 1,549, 46.91%
• No, 1,760 , 53.19%

Question 2: If School District Question 1 is approved, shall the school board of Independent School District No. 1 (Aitkin Public Schools) also be authorized to issue its general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $6,000,000 to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including the construction and equipping of a new community wellness and recreation center attached to the new elementary school?

• Yes, 1,419, 43.29%

• No, 1,859, 56.71%

  

  MN Legislature passes office of inspector general bill aimed at preventing fraud

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  Bemidji teen charged with shooting 3 family members; Virginia officer, man killed ID'd

  Plus: The new conservation officer in Walker gives his predictions and tips for anglers ahead of his first-ever fishing season opener in the role.

  

  New Walker DNR officer shares predictions, tips ahead of his 1st fishing opener

  Jack Lien has been exploring the area lakes ahead of opener on May 9, 2026, both to familiarize himself with them and to "study ... where the fishermen are going to get their boats and where they might find success.”

Badger

1/1 precincts reporting, 100%

Question 1: Shall the board of Independent School District No. 676 (Badger Public Schools) be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $5.340,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including, but not limited to, deferred capital maintenance, boiler and HVAC systems upgrades and improvements, new exterior windows and doors, and existing restrooms remodeling?

• Yes, 210, 63.83%
• No, 119, 36.17%

Question 2: The board of Independent School District No. 676 (Badger), Minnesota has proposed to increase the School District's general education revenue by $429 per pupil, subject to an annual increase at the rate of inflation. The proposed new referendum revenue authorization would be first levied in 2025 for taxes payable in 2026 and applicable for ten (10) years unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. Shall the new referendum revenue authorization proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 676 (Badger), Minnesota be approved?

• Yes, 179, 54.91%
• No, 147, 45.09%

Question 3: If School District Questions 1 and 2 above are approved, shall the board of Independent School District No. 676 (Badger Public School) be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $11,240,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, construction and equipping of classroom additions to the school site and facility; improvements to repurpose and remodel existing classroom spaces; construction and equipping of a new gymnasium facility including weight room, concessions, restrooms and locker rooms; construction and equipping of new career and technical education (CTE) spaces?

• Yes, 140, 43.34%
• No, 183, 56.66%

Bemidji Police ID 16-year-old as suspect in shooting that injured 3 adults

A family member confirmed all three victims are in stable condition after they suffered gunshot wounds in Bemidji's Itasca Loop neighborhood on May 7, 2026.

Itasca County IDs injured deputy, says gun fired in holster during struggle

The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension found Deputy Michael Cowan did not discharge his weapon, according to the sheriff's office. The incident is now being called a "conflict case."

PCA estimates 12-16 days of wildfire smoke this summer

MPCA meteorologists are predicting an active air quality season for 2026, comparable to 2024. A strong El Niño cycle is expected to bring warmer and drier conditions.

Clearbrook-Gonvick

1/1 precincts reporting, 100%

Question: Shall the school board of Independent School District No. 2311 (Clearbrook-Gonvick Public School) be authorized to issue its general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $34,930,000 to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including the construction of a secure entrance; the construction and equipping of classroom, special education and agriculture, industrial and trade technology (CTE) additions to the school site and facility; the construction of an elementary physical education space-gymnasium; the installation of a new roof and exterior doors; renovations and remodeling of the media center, commons areas and restrooms; upgrades to flooring and finishes; the acquisition and installation of furniture, fixtures and equipment; and upgrades and improvements to early childhood special education spaces and the early childhood playground?

• Yes, 405, 46.12%
• No, 473, 53.88%

While all eyes are on the Boundary Waters, a different mining project nears a regulatory yardstick

Discussions around Tamarack echo themes playing out for a Twin Metals’ copper-nickel proposal near the Boundary Waters, which in April cleared a key federal hurdle in the U.S. Senate.

Itasca County considers whether to fly old Minnesota state flag

The Itasca County Board plans to decide on May 19, 2026, whether to fly the previous Minnesota state flag, possibly in addition to the present flag.

BCA identifies man killed, officer who shot him in Virginia

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension identified Virginia Police Lt. Henry Trunk as the officer who fired his department-issued firearm.

Cook County

1/1 precincts reporting, 100%

Question: Shall the board of Independent School District No. 166 (Cook County Schools), Minnesota, be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $6,650,000 for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, districtwide performing arts improvements, outdoor learning space upgrades, and a multi-functional outdoor physical education space with a track and synthetic turf surface?

• Yes, 1,228, 52.68%
• No, 1,103, 47.32%

Eaglets and archives, oh my!

This week's Season Watch pod features a full John Latimer report, Little Falls Middle School and, in honor of our 50th year, a look back! Scott Hall talks with the late Harry Hutchins, forest ecology instructor and longtime host of KAXE's "A Talk on the Wild Side."

Weather service issues red flag warning Friday in 26 MN counties

A red flag warning means fires can spread quickly and grow out of control under the predicted weather conditions, including strong winds and low relative humidity.

DPS fires head of state MMIR office; Itasca County mulls flying old state flag

Plus: Lawmakers seek to renew funding to replace lead service lines; International Falls set a new daily low record in recent cold snap; and 30 Northland student artists will have their work featured in Wayzata.

Crosby-Ironton

4/4 precincts reporting, 100%

Question: The school board of Independent School District No. 182 (Crosby-Ironton Schools) has proposed to increase its general education revenue by $1,521 per pupil. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be applicable for ten years beginning with taxes payable in 2026, and increase each year by the rate of inflation beginning with taxes payable in 2027, unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. Shall the increase in the revenue proposed by the school board of Independent School District No. 182 be approved?

• Yes, 2,241, 68.45%
• No, 1,262, 31.55%

4 North Woods students to showcase art at Visual Arts State Festival

Over 30 Northlanders from more than 20 schools earned "Spotlight on the Arts" awards to have their work featured at the state festival May 9, 2026, at Wayzata High School.

Opening fishing kicks off tourism season in Northern Minnesota

The "KAXE Morning Show" featured fishing guide Jeff Sundin, Anne Dougherty of Wambolt Cabins in Nevis, and Visit Grand Rapids Director Megan Christenson on the tourism economy in Itasca County.

These are the party-endorsed candidates for MN Legislature, US House

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Deer River (elect one)

4/4 precincts reporting, 100%

• Richard Fieldsend, 420, 47.35%
• LuAnn Robinson (incumbent), 450, 50.73%
• Write-in, 17, 1.92%

Question 1: The school board of Independent School District No. 317 (Deer River Schools) has proposed a capital project levy authorization of 3.945% times the net tax capacity of the school district. The money raised from the capital project levy authorization will provide funds for school district technology, including technology systems related to safety and security, classroom and building technology, digital curriculum, support and maintenance of software, software licenses, computers, technology infrastructure and network improvements, device replacement, and to pay the costs of technology related personnel and training. The proposed capital project levy authorization will raise approximately $500,000 for taxes payable in 2026, the first year it is to be levied, and would be authorized for ten years. The estimated total costs of the projects to be funded over that time period is approximately $5,000,000. Shall the capital project levy proposed by the school board of Independent School District No. 317 be approved?

• Yes, 392, 37.16%
• No, 663, 62.84%

Question 2: The school board of Independent School District No. 317 (Deer River Schools) has also proposed to increase its general education revenue by $300 per pupil. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be applicable for ten years beginning with taxes payable in 2026, and increase each year by the rate of inflation beginning with taxes payable in 2027, unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. Shall the increase in the revenue proposed by the school board of Independent School District No. 317 be approved?

• Yes,389, 36.77%
• No, 669, 63.23%

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Events Up North May 12-17: Birding opportunities and group hikes

Events this week include plant sales in Bemidji, Hibbing Community Connect and a jazz festival in Brainerd.

Lawmakers hope funding for replacing lead pipes doesn't become pipe dream

Minnesota lawmakers set a goal to remove lead lines from the state by 2033, but time is running out in the legislative session to renew funding.

Man who allegedly shot Itasca deputy appears in court; 9 bills become law

Plus: Community members from Walker and Onigum gathered to commemorate Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Awareness Day.

Hibbing

1/1 precincts reporting, 100%

Question 1: The school board of Independent School District No. 701 (Hibbing Public Schools) has proposed to increase its general education revenue by $603.00 per pupil, subject to an annual increase at the rate of inflation. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would first be levied in 2025 for taxes payable in 2026 and would be applicable for ten (10) years unless otherwise revoked or reduced by law. Shall the increase in general education revenue proposed by the school board of Independent School District No. 701 (Hibbing Public Schools) be approved?

• Yes, 1,191, 34.60%
• No, 2,251, 65.40%

Question 2: The school board of Independent School District No. 701 (Hibbing Public Schools) has proposed a capital project levy authorization of 8.767% times the net tax capacity of the school district. The proposed capital project levy authorization will raise approximately $1,300,000 for taxes first levied in 2025, payable 2026, and would be authorized for ten (10) years. The estimated total cost of the projects to be funded over that time period is approximately $1,300,000. The proposed authorization will provide funds to finance the purchase and installation of software and technology equipment; costs related to the support and maintenance of technology; costs related to training staff in the use of technology; and the purchase and installation of classroom and curriculum technology. Shall the capital project levy proposed by the school board of Independent School District No. 701 (Hibbing Public Schools) be approved?

• Yes, 1,085, 31.55%
• No, 2,354, 68.45%

John Latimer delighted to spy two eaglets peeping over the nest's edge

During the Phenology Report for the week of May 5, 2026 Staff Phenologist John Latimer hoots and hollers about eaglets, finds spring wildflowers, and reports on aspens.

Little Falls students reach goal of spotting 100 bird species this year

During the week of May 5, 2026, we enjoy reports of migrating dragonflies, Broad-winged Hawks, and early May snow flurries. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

'We are all relatives': Onigum, Walker communities come together for MMIR

Native and non-Native community members came together for a special event on a national day of remembrance for missing and murdered Indigenous relatives.

Lake of the Woods

1/1 precincts reporting, 100%

Question: The school board of Independent School District No. 390 (Lake of the Woods) has proposed a project for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including roof repairs, exterior masonry; window replacements; flooring repair; the construction of site safety and traffic flow improvements to the school site and facility; the completion of various deferred maintenance and infrastructure projects at that facility; the acquisition, installation, replacement, support and maintenance of software, educational software, software licenses, computers, improved technology equipment, networks, infrastructure, the costs of technology related personnel and training; the purchase and replacement of school buses and school-related transportation vehicles; and the acquisition of curriculum, textbooks and materials. To provide funds for a portion of the project costs, the school board has proposed to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $5,000,000. To provide funds for the remaining portion of the project costs, the school board has proposed a capital project levy authorization in the amount of 4.969% times the net tax capacity of the school district. The proposed capital project levy will raise approximately $400,000 for taxes payable in 2026, the first year it is to be levied, and would be authorized for ten (10) years. The estimated total cost of the projects to be funded by the capital project levy authorization is approximately $4,000,000. The projects to be funded have received a positive review and comment from the Commissioner of Education. Shall the issuance of the general obligation school building bonds and the capital project levy authorization proposed by the school board of Independent School District No. 390 be approved?

• Yes, 397, 57.87%
• No, 289, 42.13%

Man accused of scuffling, shooting Itasca deputy appears in court

Elias Harper, 18, appeared in court May 6, 2026, after allegedly violating his probation, with the May 4 shooting listed among the violations.

Area Voices: Native-led short film ‘Ghost Lake’ tackles opioid impacts

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Lawmakers still looking for HCMC fix as session end nears

The DFL-backed Senate bill is part of a broader health and human services package that passed on a party-line vote. It also includes $115 million in aid for hospitals statewide.

Littlefork-Big Falls (elect one)

2/2 precincts reporting, 100%

• Delane Klemetsen, 130, 49.24%
• Chelsey Melander (incumbent), 134, 50.76%
• Write-in, 0, 0.00%

Elections

Littlefork-Big Falls School Board 2025 Election Guide

Delane Klemetsen and Chelsey Melander are running for I.S.D. 362, Littlefork-Big Falls, School Board.

Roseau

1/1 precincts reporting, 100%

Question: The board of Independent School District No. 682 (Roseau Public Schools), Minnesota has proposed to increase the School District's general education revenue by $1,000 per pupil, subject to an annual increase at the rate of inflation. The proposed new referendum revenue authorization would be first levied in 2025 for taxes payable in 2026 and applicable for ten (10) years unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. Shall the new referendum revenue authorization proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 682 (Roseau Public Schools), Minnesota be approved?

• Yes, 945, 55.72%
• No, 751, 44.28%

New memoir set in Duluth explores family stories, the solace of reading

Minnesota author Laurie Hertzel explores her family history in the new memoir "Ghosts of Fourth Street: My Family, a Death, and the Hills of Duluth."

The Setlist: Where to hear live music May 8-9, 2026

KAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features The John Jorgenson Bluegrass Band, Corpse Reviver, Eric Cyr and Corey Medina & Brothers.

Itasca deputy escorted home from hospital; Senate passes gun control legislation

Plus: Hermantown City Council tables a vote on agreements related to the controversial proposed Google data center.

Wadena-Deer Creek

1/1 precincts reporting, 100%

Question: The board of Independent School District No. 2155 (Wadena-Deer Creek), Minnesota has proposed to revoke the School District's existing voter approved referendum revenue authorization of $563.29 per pupil and to replace that authorization with a new authorization of $938.29 per pupil, increasing the School District's general education revenue by $375 per pupil. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be first levied in 2025 for taxes payable in 2026 and applicable for five (5) years unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. Shall the existing referendum revenue authorization be revoked and the new authorization proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 2155 (Wadena-Deer Creek), Minnesota be approved?

• Yes, 579, 30.25%
• No, 1,335, 69.75%

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BSU alumni and others plant 80 trees to 'Replant Roots' on campus

Bemidji State University Alumni and Foundation launched the "Replant our Roots" campaign after 200 trees were toppled in the June 2025 windstorm.

Itasca County deputy shot Monday now at home recovering

The deputy was shot in the thigh in Max and airlifted to a Duluth hospital. A convoy of law enforcement escorted him home Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

MN lawmakers debate social media changes designed to protect children

The bill would mandate verifiable parental consent when a minor creates an account and require the highest data privacy settings. It would also restrict targeted, paid ads and addictive interface features.

Walker-Hackensack-Akeley

3/3 precincts reporting, 100%

Question 1: Shall the board of Independent School District No. 113 (Walker-Hackensack-Akeley), Minnesota, be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount
not to exceed $15,900,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, safety and security upgrades, deferred capital maintenance projects, accessibility improvements, classroom updates and track and field improvements?

• Yes, 813, 69.02%
• No, 365, 30.98%

Question 2: If School District Question 1 above is approved, shall the board of Independent School District No. 113 (Walker-Hackensack-Akeley), Minnesota, be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $3,000,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, an additional parking lot and construction of a new bus maintenance shop?

• Yes, 765, 65.22%
• No, 408, 34.78%

Minnesota Senate approves gun control package, but it’s unlikely to pass House

The bill bans the future sale of so-called assault weapons and high capacity magazines and faces an uncertain future in the MN House, where Republicans and Democrats are deadlocked.

Republicans, Democrats at MN Capitol spar over property tax increases

Property taxes have risen steeply in the past few years. According to the MN Department of Revenue, tax levies for local governments have increased approximately 6.8% since 2025.

Beyond the Voice: Debra Rosholt

Get to know the volunteers behind the mic on KAXE. This week we find out more from "On The River" host and volunteer DJ, Debra Rosholt!

Warroad

1/1 precincts reporting, 100%

Question: The board of Independent School District No. 690 (Warroad), Minnesota has proposed a capital project levy authorization in the maximum amount of 2.90948% times the net tax capacity of the School District. The proposed capital project levy authorization will raise approximately $250,000 for taxes first levied in 2025, payable in 2026, and will be authorized for ten (10) years. The estimated total cost of the projects to be funded over that time period is approximately $2,500,000. The proposed authorization will provide funds to finance the purchase and installation of software and technology equipment; costs related to the support and maintenance of technology; costs related to training staff in the use of technology; and the purchase and installation of classroom and curriculum technology. Shall the capital project levy authorization to fund technology proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 690 (Warroad), Minnesota be approved?

• Yes, 232, 63.02%
• No, 412, 63.98%

Eligibility for burial in MN veterans cemeteries would change under House bill

In order to obtain veteran status now, a member of the armed forces must have 181 days of unbroken active service, and only they can be buried in state veterans cemeteries.

Pedestrian dies in Brainerd crash; Itasca County deputy shot Monday near Max

Plus: Former Bemidji teacher sentenced for child sex abuse material; Firefighters in region respond to grass fires; Eighth District Democrats endorse Trina Swanson; and Bemidji State alumni brave cool weather to replant the campus.

Itasca County deputy shot while responding to call near S. Lake

The deputy was shot May 4, 2026, on a call in Max, northwest of Deer River and east of S. Lake. The suspect is in custody, and the incident is under investigation.

Win-E-Mac

1/1 precincts reporting, 100%

Question: The school board of Independent School District No. 2609 (Win-E-Mac) has proposed to increase its general education revenue by $800 per pupil, subject to an annual increase at the rate of inflation. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would first be levied in 2025 for taxes payable in 2026 and would be applicable for ten (10) years unless otherwise revoked or reduced by law. Shall the increase in general education revenue proposed by the school board of Independent School District No. 2609 (Win-E-Mac) be approved?

• Yes, 273, 57.72%
• No, 200, 42.28%

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Fresh Picks: Raw blues return, posthumous 'Scratch' Perry, roots reggae

New music from The Black Keys, Kacey Musgraves, Mikaela Davis, Lee "Scratch" Perry & Mouse on Mars, White Fence, jeremy messersmith and Satya and a lookback at Burning Spear in '76.

Former Bemidji charter school teacher sentenced for child sex abuse material

Austin Claseman, 31, Bemidji, is a former charter school teacher and board member. He received a three-year sentence for distributing and possessing child sex abuse material.

KAXE at 50: John Barth and Kevin Anderson look back at the early days

As KAXE celebrates 50 years of community radio, Heidi Holtan talks with John Barth and Kevin Anderson about the early years.