INTERNATIONAL FALLS — Two Northern Minnesota school districts and a city passed ballot questions in the Aug. 13 primary election.
A Sunday liquor license question passed by just three votes in Newfolden. The City Council can now issue licenses for retail liquor sales on Sundays.
International Falls School District voters passed two ballot questions. The first question was approved by 57% of voters, allowing the district to issue $13.95 million in bonds for school facility improvements, including a new career and technical education classroom, a new main office at the elementary school and upgrading pre-kindergarten classrooms to include physical therapy and special education spaces.
The second ballot question asked voters to approve $5 million in bonds to upgrade the football stadium and add locker rooms and storage space to the Bronco Ice Arena. It passed by 55 votes, with 51% of voters saying yes.
The Greenbush-Middle River School District passed an operating referendum, increasing the district’s levy by $925 per student for 10 years starting in 2025. The measure easily passed, with 63% of voters approving it.
Greenbush-based newspaper The Tribune reported the levy would increase revenue by $200,265. The district faces a $106,000 budget deficit, lowered from $534,000 following budget cuts.
Greenbush-Middle River will have three operating levies once the newest goes into effect, as an existing $506.05 per pupil levy was renewed for six years in 2021 and an additional six-year, $700 per pupil levy was passed during the same election.
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Plus: the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will host public hearings on Otter Tail Power Co.'s proposed electric rate increase; and the Brainerd Area League of Women Voters will host a Crow Wing County election official. -
Contributed/Rock Ridge Softball via FacebookFactoring in Virginia and Eveleth-Gilbert's histories, it's still the first appearance for the area since 2001. Brainerd, Sebeka, Red Lake Falls, Esko and Barnum will also compete. -
Contributed/Otter Tail PowerOtter Tail Power is proposing an 18% rate increase for customers as the utility invests in infrastructure, grid resiliency and the transition to renewable energy sources. -
Events this week include the First Friday Art Walk in Grand Rapids and programs at Lake Bemidji State Park. -
Co-hosts Charlie Mitchell and Heidi Holtan gaze at rare tanagers, try to remember frog calls, and learn about turtle nests.Send us a voice memo through Speak Pipe! -
Lorie Shaull/Special to KAXEIndividual grants will range from $1,500 to $150,000. Eligible applicants include farmers and livestock producers and organizations that train or support farmers. -
Contributed/Nicole Neri / Minnesota ReformerKlobuchar makes her pitch to progressive base; Flanagan will get the nod for Senate; GOP endorsement battle up in the air -
Plus: Rep. Angie Craig abandons Democratic endorsement; MN cannabis office listening tour to stop in Bemidji and Duluth; state grants can help farmers buy electric equipment.
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Lorie Shaull/KAXEPrivate woodland owners impacted by the June 2025 windstorm can apply for the Emergency Forest Restoration Program for up to 75% reimbursement through June 5, 2026. -
Contributed/Govinda Budrow | Brainerd Schools AIPACThe drum ceremony planned for Brainerd High School's commencement will continue after all, despite previous communication that the district was pulling its support.
