The first local special election of the year was Feb. 10, and two northwest Minnesota counties hosted special elections to fill vacancies on their county boards of commissioners.
Robert Durant will now represent Mahnomen County District 1, which is the city of Mahnomen’s district. He garnered 46 votes compared to his opponent, Brian Ose, with 40 votes. Julie Hanson earned all 19 of the special election’s write-in results.
Ross Pape was sworn in Tuesday, Feb. 17, after being successful in the Polk County special election for Commissioner District 5. The district includes wards in East Grand Forks and surrounding townships. Pape garnered 321 votes compared to his opponent, Brad Grunhovd, who received 79 votes.
Most special elections can only occur on specific dates, per state statute. For 2026 those dates are:
- Feb. 10
- April 14
- May 12
- Aug. 11
The next special elections in Northern Minnesota are April 14, when the Aitkin and Staples-Motley school districts will ask voters to approve building projects.
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Contributed/Hubbard County Sheriff's OfficeHubbard County Sheriff Cory Aukes announced Feb. 11, 2026, that he would seek the District 3 Commissioner seat instead of a fifth term as sheriff. -
Contributed/Lake County Sheriff's Office / Polk County Sheriff's OfficePolk County Sheriff Jim Tadman and Lake County Sheriff Nathan Stadler announced they wouldn't seek additional terms in 2026. -
Contributed/Jakob LittlewolfWhite Earth Nation artist Jakob Littlewolf works in the acrylic pouring style of painting. He joins “Area Voices” to share the joys of being an artist. -
Contributed/Chad KaddatzDuring the week of Feb. 17, 2026, we enjoy reports of Great Horned Owls calling and critters snacking on sugary maple sap. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
