Skipping this question on your ballot is still a vote
Leave one question blank on a Minnesota ballot, and the state counts it as a vote against. That rule could decide whether Pelican Rapids Public Schools receives a bigger share of a fund that dates back to statehood.
Student safety, cellphone rules, mental health, and inclusive education shaped the discussion among Staci Allmaras, Kristian Lindberg, and Candace Roesch at the Pelican Rapids School Board Forum. Their answers reflected broad agreement about students’ needs, with different approaches to meeting them. School Board candidate Eric Muckenhirn was not present.
Housing affordability, rental inspections, and immigration enforcement were among the key issues discussed during a Pelican Rapids candidate forum ahead of the 2026 election. Mayoral candidate Don Perrin and city council candidates Curt Markgraf and John Waller III discussed economic development, community divisions, and whether the city should continue flying Minnesota’s former state flag.
Otter Tail County commissioner candidates Wayne Johnson and Jeff Gontarek offered voters contrasting approaches to county government during a candidate forum, with Johnson defending investments intended to fuel economic growth and Gontarek calling for greater scrutiny of taxes and spending.
Terry Frost says his staff would probably have to call him back to the office to get him to sit down and do administrative work. Reed Reinbold says he has spent eight years doing much of that work as chief deputy of the Otter Tail County Sheriff's Office.
About the forums: The Press and the League of Women Voters of Detroit Lakes Area sponsored the October 17 Pelican Rapids school board and city forums. The Press covered, but did not sponsor, the county commissioner and sheriff forums. Neither organization supports or opposes political parties or candidates.
Community members gathered Saturday, Sept. 26, at the Pelican Rapids High School cafeteria for a listening session focused on the issues they want local leaders to hear.
Read Full Article →Read in PrintThe tragic death of a candidate for the Dunn Township board, just a few weeks before the Nov. 3 election, raised questions about how to proceed.
Read Full Article →Read in Print
How a candidate directs attention says a lot about how—and what—they truly serve
By Nicole WK
When I hear “commissioner,” my brain always goes to an early-’90s television show I barely remember. The real Commish, however, has fewer detectives and considerably more drainage, roadwork, and budget documents.
Find the information for your address and your ballot directly from the Minnesota Secretary of State.
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