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Voters elect LaCroix, Broten in Clearwater County races

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KAXE

Voters across Clearwater County cast ballots for the next Clearwater County Sheriff and Auditor-Treasurer.

BAGLEY — Announced retirements prompted two elections where no incumbent ran in Clearwater County.

Clearwater County Sheriff Darrin Halverson announced he would not seek another term early in 2026.

Bagley Police Chief Adam Gunderson and Clearwater County Sheriff's deputy Clarence LaCroix were the top two vote-getters in the August primary for the seat.

LaCroix topped Gunderson in the election Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Clearwater County Auditor-Treasurer Allen Paulson also announced his retirement.

His second in command, Niki Broten, defeated Taylor Engelstad for the position.

Broten, 46, is currently the chief deputy auditor-treasurer with 25 years of experience in the office. Engelstad, 33, is the current deputy assessor for Clearwater County with previous experience in the auditor-treasurer and recorder offices in Pennington County.

LaCroix and Broten will begin their four-year terms in January.

Larissa Donovan has been in the Bemidji area's local news scene since 2016, joining the KAXE newsroom in 2023 after several years as the News Director for the stations of Paul Bunyan Broadcasting.
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