Latest News From Minnesota Daily News Dot Com

For Election Results, Click Here

November 4, 2026

Yesterday was election day in Minnesota. In statewide races, Steve Green won the race for Minnesota Senate for District 2, beating Dan Rogers by nearly 3,600 votes. For Minnesota House for District 2A, Bidal Duran beat Reed Olson by just 241 votes. In Minnesota House 2B, Matt Bliss beat Emily Thabes by more than four thousand votes. In local county races, in Beltrami County, Craig Gaasvig won the race for District 1 by just 166 votes. In Cass County, Neal Gaalswyk wins the race for Commissioner for District 1 by just over 600 votes. District 4 goes to Scott Bruns by just over 70 votes. Bryan Welk wins the race for Sheriff by 1,500 votes. The special election for Cass County Commissioner for District 3 goes to Aaron Young by nearly 600 votes. Clearwater County Auditor goes to Niki Broten almost 500 votes, Clearwater County Sheriff goes to Clarence LaCroix by just under 200 votes. Hubbard County Commissioner for District 1 goes to David De La Hunt by 800 votes, District 3 to Cory Aukes by 200 votes, and Tony Petrie gets Hubbard County Sheriff by 1,250 votes.

Yesterday was election day in Minnesota. In local races, Audrey Thayer wins the Bemidji City Council at-large seat by about 280 votes, Josh Peterson wins for Ward 2 by 140 votes, Emelie Rivera wins for ward 4 by 90 votes. In Fosston, Mike Mulry and James Aageness win the council seats, in Gonvick, Dan Sundquist, and Shane Olson win Council seats. In Park Rapids, Liz Stone wins the mayor race by one hundred votes, while Walker was also un-opposed. Other races were un-opposed. In school races, Jenny Frenzel, Carol L. Johnson, and Colleen Bakken win seats tot he Bemidji School Board. Wendy Fultz, Elliott Stai, and Mercedes Jesness in Bagley, Scott Anderson, Dan Larson, and Randall Bodensteiner in Clearbrook Gonvick, Lloyd Kongsjord, Scott Ramsdell, and Pam Thompson in Deer River, Crystal Munter, Jacob Vossler, and Bo Buehler in Fosston, Frank Duresky, Chris Nistler, and Devin Rennemo in Kelliher, Andy Lindow, Aimee Ann Plumley, and Melissa Torkelson in Nevis, Robyn Hasbargen, Jamie Skoe, Scott Ray Mai in Northome, Sharon Kingbird, Dustin Thunder-Harris, Jennifer Schoenborn, and Tina Stately in Red Lake, and Shannon Pfeiffer, Benjamin Jacobson, and Bethany Stangel in Walker Hackensack Akeley Schools, while all other schools were un-opposed.

The Minnesota constitutional amendment passed resoundingly yesterday, giving more money to schools, passing by a nearly 70-30 vote. Local school levy votes were not as fortunate. The Fosston school question passed by 13 votes yesterday. Laporte school question failed by 19 votes. All three Nevis questions failed. Question one by 120 votes, question two by 400 votes, and question three by over 300 votes. Park Rapids school question failed by 235 votes, while Walker Hackensack Akeley schools question failed by 200 votes on question one, and 300 votes on question two.

The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office recently completed a methodical search of a property in Sugarbush Township as part of the continuing investigation into the disappearance of Kevin Ayotte. Kevin was three years old when he disappeared in September 1982. The search was prompted by new information received by investigators. The property search was conducted carefully to identify and preserve any potential evidence. Investigators continue to evaluate information and complete follow-up work associated with the case.

November 3, 2026

Minnesota voters heading to the polls today will decide on a statewide constitutional amendment regarding public school funding. The proposed measure asks voters whether to amend the state constitution to update how the multi-billion-dollar Permanent School Fund is invested and distributed to school districts across Minnesota. If approved by a simple majority of voters casting a ballot today, the payout formula would change to distribute 4.5% of the fund’s three-year average market value annually to public schools starting July 1, 2027. Supporters emphasize that the measure modernizes fund management to boost annual revenue for all public school districts, charter schools, and tribal schools without raising income, sales, or property taxes. Under Minnesota state election law, leaving the constitutional amendment question blank on the ballot counts as a "no" vote. Polls are open until 8pm tonight, and you can check for election results tonight at MinnesotaDailyNews.com. To find what's on your ballot, log on to the Secretary of States Website, and look for "What's On My Ballot".

As of last night, election officials have accepted 886,427 absentee and mail ballots for today's General Election, the highest number for a non-presidential election year. Out of these, 266,580 were returned by mail, and 619,847 were cast in-person. About 188,000 ballots have not yet been returned and must arrive by November 3 to be counted. Voters can drop off their absentee ballots at local election offices until 5 p.m. or until 8 p.m. in mail ballot precincts. Voters can track their ballots online and may vote in-person if concerned about delivery. Polling places are open until 8 p.m. on Election Day, and same-day registration is available. Eligibility includes being 18 or older, a U.S. citizen, resident of Minnesota for 20 days, not currently incarcerated for a felony, and not under a court order that revokes voting rights. Polls are open until 8pm tonight, and you can check for election results tonight at MinnesotaDailyNews.com. To find what's on your ballot, log on to the Secretary of States Website, and look for "What's On My Ballot".

In 2023, Governor Walz launched the American Indian Scholars program, providing first-dollar tuition and fee waivers for students from federally recognized tribes or Canadian First Nations attending Minnesota colleges. This initiative responds to over a decade of advocacy by Tribal leaders for financial aid support for American Indian students. The program has improved enrollment, with 382 American Indian students at Bemidji State University this year, marking a 43 percent increase. BSU and Northwest Technical College reported significant financial assistance through AIS, achieving over $6.9 million in waivers during the 2024-25 academic year. Additionally, the Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program complements AIS, aiding students financially as they transition from two-year Tribal Colleges to four-year institutions. Office of Higher Education Commissioner Olson met with Bemidji State, Tribal College Staff and Students to Learn About Impact of State Investments for American Indian Students Students shared how AIS and MISP have made college more accessible, allowing them to focus on their education rather than finances.

November 2, 2026

Two district judges have ordered Beltrami County officials to identify children in out-of-home placements on the Red Lake Nation reservation after the federal government took control of the tribe’s child welfare agency, known as Ombi. This federal takeover occurred on September 10 due to concerns over Ombi's lack of cooperation with investigations and threats to child safety following the deaths of at least seven children since 2021. Beltrami County still places children in Red Lake through Ombi-licensed foster homes and wanted to ensure the safety of these children. The judges instructed social workers to confirm the status of all affected children by October 30. More info in a story in the Star Tribune this weekend.

Dr. Shalee Hodgson, a 1991 graduate of Fosston High School, received the Outstanding ATE Evaluation Award from EvaluATE, recognized for her excellent work in assessing federally funded education programs. Her evaluation significantly impacts how colleges measure student success in fields like manufacturing and technology.

Around 100 supporters gathered at Paul Bunyan Park in Bemidji yesterday morning for a Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party bus tour promoting voter participation ahead of the midterm elections. Former Bemidji Mayor Rita Albrecht energized the crowd, emphasizing the importance of voting. When the bus arrived, Minnesota DFL Party Chair Richard Carlbom welcomed attendees and highlighted the need for strong voter turnout to defeat Donald Trump in Minnesota. He noted that 848,000 Minnesotans had already voted, which is a record for midterm elections, and encouraged those who have not yet voted to visit iwillvote.com for information. Local candidates, like Emily Thabes and Dan Rogers, spoke about their campaigns, emphasizing community and the impact of voting on issues like childcare and healthcare. Zack Filipovich, the Minnesota Auditor candidate, discussed local government accountability and criticized his opponent for avoiding debates. Carlbom also mentioned a constitutional amendment on the ballot for school funding, urging voters to support it.

Michael Jason Throne, 53, led Beltrami County deputies on a high-speed chase while driving a 2005 Ford Escape last Friday, hitting a crosswalk sign and tossing items from his vehicle. He faces charges for fleeing a peace officer, driving impaired, and driving after losing his license. Deputies were looking for Throne due to a felony warrant when they spotted him. After stopping briefly, he sped off, ultimately being arrested at a dead end, after a nearly ten mile chase, that hit speeds over 90 miles per hour.

Gregory H. Schmidt, 55, from Marble, has been charged with failing to register as a predatory offender, a felony. He must register due to a prior criminal sexual conduct conviction in Hubbard County, and must inform authorities of any address changes five days before moving.

The Akeley train depot will be demolished after Kristin Fake stated it can't be saved. She had proposed a detailed restoration plan but chose to stop the plan. The city council approved a $7,060 bid from T&C Construction for the demolition, funded by the Parks fund.

October 30, 2026

Statewide Republican Candidates gathered at Raphael's Bakery in Bemidji yesterday as part of a Minnesota Republican Party bus tour aimed at boosting voter turnout before Tuesday's election. The tour featured GOP Minnesota Governor candidate Lisa Demuth, her Lt. Governor running mate Ryan Wilson, and Minnesota Secretary of State candidate Tad Jude, as well as local representatives Bidal Duran and Matt Bliss. The candidates took questions from the audience, addressing public safety, with Demuth highlighting her support from law enforcement and her commitment to restoring common sense in governance. She also discussed plans for state agencies, including potential firings to counteract corruption. Demuth advocated for better school funding and acknowledged the challenges facing local school districts, encouraging decision-making that supports educational success. She concluded with a call for everyone to vote and emphasized the ongoing statewide campaign tour, which continues into Monday. The DFL Party will also hold a rally on Sunday at Paul Bunyan Park beginning at 9am.

The Park Rapids City Council unanimously voted 5-0 this week to reject a design proposal by Kimley-Horn for improvements to the U.S. Hwy. 71 corridor. This proposal included features like bump-out curbs, dedicated left-turn lanes, a roundabout at 5th Street, pedestrian refuge medians, and left-turn barriers. Council member Liz Stone described the proposal as excessive for the town's needs and expressed a desire for a new plan to address traffic issues without the roundabouts. Mayor Pat Mikesh noted concerns about emergency response times due to the proposed barriers. Council members agreed on the necessity to slow traffic but preferred different solutions. The council also approved applying for a Local Road Improvement Program grant from the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The Minnesota Department of Health yesterday reported that the number of measles cases in Minnesota for 2026 has reached a total of 80 cases, the most the state has seen in a single year since 1990. Health officials are stressing that now is the time for people to check their vaccination status.

A man from Red Lake, Darwin Lussier Jr., has been sentenced to over five years in prison for sexually abusing a minor. He received a 63-month prison term and will be under supervised release for 15 years. Lussier, 37, pleaded guilty to the charges on March 24. The abuse occurred from December 2018 to December 2019, during which the minor was between 12 and 13 years old and was in Lussier's care. U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen emphasized that the sentence holds Lussier accountable for his actions and highlights the priority of protecting children from predators. The investigation was conducted by the FBI with support from other law enforcement partners.

The 37th annual Treat Street is tomorrow at the Sanford Center in Bemidji. It runs from noon to 3pm, and is free, but tickets are required. Log on to http://PaskvanEvents.com to find ticket locations. Treats For Tots will be held on the Leech Lake Reservation tomorrow from 4pm to 7pm at Cedar Lakes Casino in Cass Lake. Red Lake Nation held their Halloween events in the last week.

October 29, 2026

Beltrami County Attorney David L. Hanson announced that a jury found Thomas Humiston guilty of six counts of criminal sexual conduct this past Monday. The trial lasted six days, and the jury deliberated for about two hours. The investigation began in 2024 after a child victim tested positive for a sexually transmitted disease, revealing widespread abuse by Humiston in multiple states. A multi-jurisdictional investigation involved the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office, Alpine County in California, Douglas County in Nevada, and the FBI. The criminal complaint was filed in January 2025, and Humiston was arrested in Nevada and extradited to Beltrami County. Following over a year of legal proceedings, the trial concluded in October 2026. After the jury’s unanimous verdict, Judge Brand set a sentencing hearing for December 29, 2026. County Attorney Hanson expressed support for the victims and thanked all law enforcement and office staff involved in the case.

The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians Enrollment Department is reminding band members that an important deadline is approaching for the 2026 Trust Fund Distribution. Members must update their current mailing address with the Enrollment Department by tomorrow, at 3:00 PM.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is accepting comments on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for a proposed scram mining project at the former Hill Annex Mine in Itasca County until November 30. Calumet Reclamation Company plans to use scram mining to process old stockpiles and tailings containing hematite. This project will involve demolishing certain historic properties owned by the DNR, which necessitates the EAW. The project aims to process about 1,000 long tons of material per hour, leading to a total of 62 million long tons mined. The processed concentrate will be shipped by rail to a pig iron production facility in Minot, North Dakota. The EAW can be found online, and hard copies are available at specific libraries or by calling the project manager. The EAW can be viewed at the Marble Public Library. A 30-day public review and comment period is open until 4:30 p.m. Monday, November 30.

Election Day is next Tuesday. You can vote early, now through Election Day. You can also see what will be on your ballot by visiting the Minnesota Secretary of State's website.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs, along with the Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office, announced nearly $11.1 million in federal funding for eight projects under the Partnerships for Academic-Industry Career Training Initiative. This funding includes $2.3 million for a project that focus on hands-on training and credentialing programs for jobs in oil, natural gas, coal, and geothermal energy. Leech Lake Tribal College will start a geospatial technologies certificate program to prepare students for careers in Geographic Information Systems and drone piloting.

Many deer hunters eagerly await the firearms opener each year. More than 400,000 hunters are expected to participate when the season opens on Saturday, November 7. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recommends that hunters review updated hunting rules and buy licenses early. A new electronic licensing system is in place now. The northwest region has seen healthy deer populations, leading to less restrictive bag limits, allowing more antlerless deer to be harvested.