Barnum

Six rural Northland teams competed in state softball tournament in Mankato on June 2-5, 2026. The Barnum girls were consolation runners-up.

Area athletes to watch at the 2026 meet include Aitkin junior Ashley Asmus, Ely sophomore Violet Udovich and West Marshall seniors Emily Marquis and Markelle Pederson.

Factoring in Virginia and Eveleth-Gilbert's histories, it's still the first appearance for the area since 2001. Brainerd, Sebeka, Red Lake Falls, Esko and Barnum will also compete.

Grand Rapids, Mahnomen/Waubun, Cromwell-Wright Area, Fertile-Beltrami, Moose Lake/Willow River, Barnum, Kittson County Central and Cook County will play in the 2025 tournament.

Louis Bonneville, Beth Dinger, Stephanie Ferrin, Mike Orn and Patrick S. Poirier are running for I.S.D. 91, Barnum, School Board.