2 Northern MN school districts, 1 city pass ballot measures in primary

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.