AITKIN — Attorney Daniel Hawley will become the newest district court judge in Minnesota’s 9th Judicial District.
Gov. Tim Walz announced the appointment last week. Hawley will replace retiring Judge Erik J. Askegaard and will be chambered in Aitkin.
The 9th District encompasses a large swath of Northern Minnesota.
Hawley is a partner at Gammello-Pearson PLLC, where he practices in the areas of family law, criminal defense, civil litigation, real estate, corporate and business law, estate planning, and municipal law.
He has also served as vice president of the Aitkin/Crow Wing Bar Association and the 15th District Bar Association, president of the Crow Wing County Law Library Board of Trustees, and chair of the board of directors of Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity.
“Daniel Hawley is going to be a remarkable jurist,” Walz stated in a news release. “His distinguished career, marked by a breadth of experience across diverse areas of the law, will undoubtedly bring depth, balance, and fairness to the people of Aitkin County."
-
Secretary of State Steve Simon presented five St. Louis County election workers with Excellence in Election Awards on Nov. 20, 2025.
-
After receiving private grant funding for a new permanent exhibit, the Beltrami County Historical Society is seeking a diverse group of people to serve on an Exhibit Advisory Committee.
-
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension identified the man and deputies involved in a deadly exchange of gunfire in Onigum on Nov. 16, 2025.
-
North Star Manganese CEO Rick Sandri presented the findings Nov. 12, 2025, to the Emily City Council and an overflow crowd of people at Emily City Hall.
-
Plus: Secretary of State Steve Simon presented St. Louis County election workers with awards; and the Minnesota Department of Health presented two Northwest Minnesota practitioners with rural health awards.
-
Planning for natural disasters minimizes the impact of events that can cause vast economic loss and personal hardship, and plan updates make the county eligible for FEMA funding.
-
As a board member, Audrey Thayer will help guide efforts to inform state legislators on issues such as local government aid, economic development, transportation and environmental policy.
-
Dr. Joseph Corser, a medical director at Sanford Bemidji, and Nicole Kiesow, physician assistant from the Headwaters Health Clinic in Fosston, were recognized for their contributions to rural health.
-
The two teen boys, ages 13 and 14, were reportedly trying to ice fish Nov. 18, 2025, when their sled fell into the water on Straight Lake near Osage.
-
And: PotlatchDeltic lumber mills lose Forest Stewardship Council certification over Bemidji workplace harassment; and Nashwauk-Keewatin is hosting liquidation sales for its old schools.