AITKIN — Current Aitkin County District 1 Commissioner J. Mark Wedel and retired law enforcement officer Timothy Catlin will continue in the race to represent the city of Aitkin on the County Board.
Wedel led Catlin by just six votes: 225 (36.76%) to 219 (35.78%). Aitkin City Councilor Christopher S. Dotzler trailed with 168 votes, or 27.45%.
Dotzler addressed his loss in a Facebook post Aug. 11.
"I would like to wish both of the candidates I ran against the best of luck. Having voted for both of them in pasted elections, I only hope they continue their efforts to serve our community in the best way possible. I will finish my term as a city council member and then who knows what is next," he wrote in the post.
Wedel said he is running to put his experience to work and maintain fiscal integrity and responsible spending for taxpayers.
Catlin has spent his life in Aitkin County and said he cares deeply about the people who call it home.
"Having lived here my whole life, I understand the challenges residents face — from rising costs to limited access to services — and I believe our county deserves strong, steady leadership that listens and responds," he said.
-
Plus: Beltrami County officials tour the under-construction jail facility slated to open in May 2027. -
Contributed/M StateThe closure announcement comes as the Minnesota State system announces plans to "right size" its operations over 50 campuses amid financial challenges. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEA public open house will be announced before the new Beltrami County Adult Corrections Center opens in May 2027. -
Complaint accuses Cass sheriff of sharing nude images; Nevis man sentenced for social services fraudFind more stories from KAXE News at kaxe.org/local-news.
-
Screenshot/Minnesota Department of Natural ResourcesThe agency announced its decision to require supplemental environmental review Oct. 8, 2026, for the copper-nickel project planned between Babbitt and Hoyt Lakes. -
Contributed/Sora Shimazaki via PexelsVincent Bellomo, 76, was sentenced in September 2026. He originally faced six felonies after investigators found he had large sums in his savings accounts while he was applying for benefits. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEDeputy Aaron Ammerman, who is running for Cass County sheriff, filed the complaint against Sheriff Bryan Welk in January. An investigation was closed with no apparent action. -
Contributed/Trina Swanson for CongressWhile Democrats running for the U.S. House have an advantage this year, Stauber has positioned himself well in the Iron Range district. -
Plus: MPCA’s draft Minntac permit at issue at information session.
-
Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe family of Dylon Oothoudt, the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and the Cass County Sheriff's Office hosted a press conference Oct. 7, 2026, as the homicide investigation continues.
