GRAND RAPIDS — The 2026 candidates for school board in the Grand Rapids area and Deer River participated in a forum hosted by KAXE and ICTV on Sept. 30.
David Marty, Christopher Reilly, Darren Romans, Brian Vroman and Dan Wolf participated in the Grand Rapids forum, which was hosted by KAXE Reporter Megan Buffington.
Richard Fieldsend, Timothy M Frits, Carrie Johnson and Scott Ramsdell Jr. participated in the Deer River form, which was hosted by KAXE Reporter Emma Krab. Candidates Lloyd Kongsjord and Pam Thompson did not attend.
Candidates from both school districts were asked about a variety of issues, including district communication, new mental health requirements and operating referendums.
Grand Rapids candidates were additionally asked about inclusion and opportunities for Bigfork students and parents, as well as how to best improve the public's trust in the district.
Deer River candidates fielded additional questions about the district's failed vote to approve a four-day school week and how the school district could better support Native American students.
Videos of both forums are available at watchictv.org or by clicking below. Also read what the candidates had to say in our 2026 Election Guide.
-
Lorie Shaull/KAXELocal leaders say it's fine to still mail in your ballot, but no matter how you vote, they stress making a plan. -
Contributed/Courtesy Photo via Minnesota ReformerRepublican Ron Schutz owns more than $1.74 million of individual stocks, including in companies being sued by Minnesota. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEMinnesota’s local elected offices are legally nonpartisan. In this contributed essay, Majority in the Middle's Executive Director Shannon Watson looks at what that means for voters, candidates and local government. -
-
Contributed/Michelle Griffith / Minnesota ReformerThe cash infusion suggests at least some big-money Republicans see glimmers of hope here in MN, where Dems have been weighed down by embarrassing stories about social services fraud. -
Contributed/Lakeland PBSThe Bemidji Pioneer, Brainerd Dispatch and Park Rapids Enterprise are among the media partners participating in the Northern Minnesota candidate debate series. -
Contributed/Lorie Shaull via FlickrEarly voting options in Minnesota began on Sept. 18, 2026. Those who aren't yet registered can do so now, or even on Election Day. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEA misconduct complaint and investigation into Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk were not addressed at a Sept. 8, 2026, forum. His opponent, Deputy Aaron Ammerman, said the office is “fractured from within.” -
A question on the November ballot asks if the state should increase money flowing from a special fund dating back to Minnesota's statehood. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe fallout could affect consumers and businesses across the country, but Canada targeted many of its tariffs to inflict political pain just ahead of the U.S. midterm elections.
