GRAND RAPIDS — The current and former Minnesota state flags are now flying in Itasca County.
The Itasca County Board decided last month to fly both flags after three weeks of consideration.
County Administrator Brett Skyles initially told the Board the county would need to order two new flag poles. But the flags ended up being displayed above Northeast Fifth Street and what was the sheriff’s office entrance, on the backside of the county offices.
Skyles said it was his decision to fly the flags there. The poles were previously used as part of a memorial that has since been moved to the city’s main intersection, near Old Central School.
He said the county did not spend "a penny" on the flags.
The former state flag remains on display in the back corner of the county boardroom.
“[The] board never discussed that flag, so it’s just staying where it is," Skyles said.
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The formal move on June 8, 2026, follows discussion on the perpetual vacancies and rising costs of operating a rural police force. -
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