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%

  

  DNR extends deer feeding ban to 2 more Northern MN counties

  The intent of the ban is to reduce the risk of chronic wasting disease spread, following detections of CWD in wild deer in new areas of the state last year.

  

  Proposal would toughen cancellation policy for BWCAW quota permits

  Late cancellations and no‑shows continue to climb, according to the U.S. Forest Service. In 2025, nearly 40% of January reservations were never used.

  

  Authentic rural connections aim of concert tour with MN stop

  Rural-centric organizations leading a music festival tour want more inclusivity and spaces for community bonding.

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%

2nd attempted cannabis biz approved for Second Harvest's LaPrairie warehouse

The business would grow, manufacture and sell cannabis out of the building off Highway 2, though there are still moving parts as far as the sale of the warehouse.

Report for MN summer 2026 intern joins KAXE News Team

University of Minnesota student Erin Bowman will be covering Northern Minnesota news with KAXE through Aug. 7, 2026.

Escapee gets prison time for burglary, assault, violating no-contact order

Michael Hart escaped from a correctional facility and was later mistakenly released from jail. He was in custody for these charges when he escaped in 2025.

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%

Catching up with Bemidji musician Caige ahead of Beltrami Block Party

Bemidji musician Caige Jambor stopped by KBXE for a live session and interview ahead of playing the Beltrami Block Party on June 27, 2026.

Beyond the Voice: Dennis Elj

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Federal judge quashes subpoenas against Walz, Frey in DOJ criminal investigation

Schiltz said the incursion of 3,000 federal agents and the Trump administration’s statements show the subpoenas were issued for harassing political opponents and coercing them into action.

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%

Crashes claim Northland lives; Judge quashes subpoenas in immigration probe

Plus: Changes are in the wings to the BWCAW permit cancellation policy; and the DNR is expanding a deer feeding and attractant ban in two Northern MN counties.

Hermantown accepting more public comment on proposed data center

Hermantown and Google jointly agreed to the updated study with current information allowing for greater specificity, the city reported.

Pedestrian dies after being struck by vehicle near Bemidji

The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office reported Floyd Cloud was hit June 21, 2026, on Division Street Northwest, west of Bemidji in Grant Valley Township.

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%

Election judge gets jail time for allowing unregistered voters to vote

Timothy Scouton, 65, of Badoura Township in Hubbard County, pleaded guilty to accepting ballots from 11 unregistered voters in the 2024 general election.

53-year-old Baxter man dies after motorcycle collides with pickup truck

Dennis N. Hyatt was traveling north on a Harley-Davidson Cruiser at 4:49 a.m. June 18, 2026, on Highway 371, making a left turn on Pine Beach Road north of Baxter.

The power of friendship at the end of the world

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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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North Star Student: Win-E-Mac's Paige Breitbach is 'easy to cheer for'

The three-sport athlete and recent graduate made an impact through her positive attitude, hard work and leadership — whether her team was winning or losing.

Tracking 2026 women gubernatorial candidates; Authentic rural connections aim of concert tour

Plus: MnDOT begins projects near Park Rapids, Cotton and Cromwell on Monday.

Nevis man sentenced for allowing unregistered voters to vote; Rep. Stauber visits Hibbing

Plus: Annual financial disclosure reports show Reps. Michelle Fischbach and Pete Stauber's assets, broadly.

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%

A bashful Blanding's turtle eludes Belwin's careful watch

Charlie Mitchell is charmed by Blanding's turtles, delights in dragonflies, and learns about bees and wasps. Send us a voice memo through SpeakPipe!

Stauber visits Hibbing to celebrate funds for major water modernization project

A bipartisan appropriations bill included $10 million in federal funding toward Northland infrastructure projects, $1 million of which will fund Hib-WATER.

KAXE News earns 5 Page One Awards from MN Society of Professional Journalists

The Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists highlights the best work from around the state. KAXE News reporting and photography won five awards at the 2026 Page One Awards ceremony.

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%

North Star Student: Win-E-Mac's Paige Breitbach is 'easy to cheer for'

The three-sport athlete and recent graduate made an impact through her positive attitude, hard work and leadership — whether her team was winning or losing.

Events Up North June 22-28: Beltrami Block Party in Bemidji, Paul Bunyan Days in Akeley

Events this week include a powwow in S. Lake, a gallery hop in Hibbing and a youth literacy event in Baxter.

When it comes to personal wealth, Minnesota’s members of Congress are not equal

Annual financial disclosure reports show that party affiliation in Minnesota is no predictor of wealth as both Democrats and GOPers report their assets and liabilities.

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%

After a ‘hectic’ 2 weeks of drugs and violence, Gilbert eyes landlord accountability

The string of incidents was an uncommon run for the Iron Range city, which features a handful of locally owned shops and an active bar scene at night.

Minnesota Northwoods Writers Conference's Evening Reading Series is back

The conference presents its Evening Reading Series on June 23-26, 2026, at Hagg-Sauer Hall on Bemidji State University campus. Readings are free and begin at 7 p.m.

The Setlist: Where to hear live music June 20-21, 2026

KAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features Simon Cropp, Between Howls, Creekbed Carter Hogan, Bruce Archer, Aaron Tank, LaPlant Road and Landon Pahl.

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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Gilbert seeks solutions for crime spike; MN farmers lobby for Farm Bill provisions

Plus: Hermantown opens another public comment period related to the proposed Google data center; and the sixth annual Juneteenth celebration is set for Friday in Virginia.

Young fawns hide in the undergrowth at Long Lake Conservation Center

During the week of June 16, 2026, we enjoy reports of sundews, damselflies, and Common Nighthawks. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.

Winds reveal the brown-red underside of roadside balsam poplar leaves

During the Phenology Report for the week of June 16, 2026 Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on monarch butterflies, balsam poplars, and the reappearance of a Bald Eagle nestling.

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%

Bright Spot: Bemidji Special Olympians are USA Games bound

Two Bemidjians are headed to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games to compete in bowling. Help send them off Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Lucky Dogs.

Area Voices: Artist John Fleischer looks for the ‘surprise’ in art for inspiration

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Bright Spot: Kid librarians shine at Virginia Public Library

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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%

Beyond the Voice: Gina the Knife

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Feds charge 15 anti-ICE activists; ICE activity reported in Park Rapids

Plus: Minnesota nonprofit offers $25K reward for information on Wadena disappearance; and Bemidji Mayor Jorge Prince accepts award for disaster leadership.

Bemidji mayor accepts disaster leadership award for derecho response

Bemidji Mayor Jorge Prince accepted the Tommy Longo Disaster Leadership Award from LeadersLink during the Bemidji City Council meeting on June 15, 2026.

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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Reward up to $25K offered for information on Wadena cold case

Carla Beth Anderson, a 23-year-old woman, was last seen nearly 40 years ago at her Wadena apartment. Despite hundreds of leads and interviews, no arrests have been made in her disappearance.

Feds charge 15 anti-ICE activists

The charges come months after Immigration and Customs Enforcement's "Operation Metro Surge," when thousands of federal agents were stationed in the Twin Cities.

Motorcycle crash kills Saginaw man; Blackduck votes to disband its PD

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