Latest News From Minnesota Daily News Dot Com

November 9, 2026

This past weekend marked the opening of the firearms deer hunting season in Minnesota, with hundreds of thousands of hunters expected to participate. The DNR celebrated this tradition with the Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener event in Grand Rapids. How did the opener go? The weather was generally good, and they are plenty of deer moving. Hunters should see success this season, which runs for two more weekends.

A woman from Bemidji named Kacy Janelle Smith, charged with helping an offender avoid arrest, drove to Red Lake Nation after a shooting incident at a Beltrami County trailer park in May. Smith was 18 at the time and has no prior convictions. The shooting was reported on May 15, with a victim found outside a home with a gunshot wound and struggling to breathe. Witnesses described a blue Honda sedan connected to the incident. Smith and the suspected shooter, who is also 18, were found in the Honda later that day. Smith admitted that the shooter pulled out a gun and shot the victim while she was driving. She reportedly knew law enforcement was searching for them and drove away to evade capture. The charges were filed in late October.

November 6, 2026

The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance to be alert and observant for any evidence or information related to two missing persons as hunters return to their property. Russell Coyle was 68 years old at the time he was reported missing. His last known location was at his residence north of Kelliher, MN on April 24, 2025. He is described as a white male, blue eyes, 5’7” tall and approximately 200 pounds. His exact clothing is unknown, but he frequently wore checkered/flannel shirts and blue jeans. Corey Bryant was 31 years old at the time he was reported missing. His last known location was in Bemidji on December 19, 2025. Corey is described as a white male with blue eyes, 5-feet-11 and approximately 200 pounds. Investigative efforts for these missing persons are ongoing. Ground searches have been conducted and several leads have been followed up on with no signs of either subject. Anyone with information on the location of Coyle or Bryant are asked to contact the Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office at 218-333-9111 option 2.

Hunters in Minnesota are preparing for the opening of the regular firearms deer hunting season this weekend. This season includes updates to the Electronic Licensing System, allowing hunters to buy licenses and validate their harvests digitally through the Minnesota DNR mobile app. Although physical tags for harvested deer are no longer needed, hunters must validate their licenses immediately before moving the deer. There are also important regulation changes. The statewide shotgun zone has been removed, but counties can impose local weapon-type rules. The Department of Natural Resources has started a four-year plan to monitor Chronic Wasting Disease, requiring mandatory testing in certain areas during the opening weekend. New rules let hunters within CWD management zones transport un-quartered deer to specific landfills or meat processors. Conservation officers stress the importance of safety, urging hunters to wear blaze orange or pink, identify targets carefully, and use a full-body harness in tree stands. Full regulation details are available on the Minnesota DNR website.

A 35-year-old woman from Park Rapids, named Rhonda Lewis, suffered life-threatening injuries in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 29 in Otter Tail County on Wednesday morning. The accident occurred at 10:54 a.m. when Lewis, driving a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado, collided with a 2005 Toyota Tundra driven by 21-year-old Owen Ecker. Lewis was taken to Astera Hospital and was wearing her seat belt. Ecker and his passenger, 19-year-old Noah Ecker, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and also wore seat belts. Wet road conditions were noted, and alcohol is not considered a factor. Emergency services responded to the scene.

A 38-year-old woman was shot from a vehicle in Cass Lake early Wednesday, and the suspect is still unknown. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office received reports of gunfire at 5:25 a.m. on Balsam Avenue Northwest. The woman was injured by a gunshot and received on-site treatment before being taken to Bemidji Sanford for further care. Authorities, including the sheriff’s office and the Leech Lake Tribal Police Department, are investigating the incident, but no details about the vehicle or suspect have been released.

November 5, 2026

Residents of Northern Township have elected their first city councilors after the recent midterm election, marking the township's transition into an official city. Jess Frenzel, the current chairman, won the mayoral position unopposed with 1,525 votes. For the two two-year council seats, Michael Kelly received 1,235 votes, and Gary Barnard received 1,181 votes. In the competitive race for two four-year council seats, Drew Hildenbrand led with 822 votes, followed by Kenneth Glidden with 619 votes. Curt Blumhagen with 509 votes, Brian Giauque with 349 votes, Deena Monk-Kobow with 298 votes, and Ryan Grow with 287 votes. Canvassing is planned for November 9, and the official swearing-in ceremony is set for November 23 at Town Hall.

3M has agreed to pay $7.35 billion over nine years to settle more than 100,000 personal injury claims related to its PFAS-based fire-fighting foam. This is the second significant settlement involving the chemicals, including one with the City of Bemidji.

The United Way of Bemidji Area has announced that pre-registration applications are now open for the annual Holiday Gifts for Kids program. Designed to ensure local children experience a joyful holiday season, the program allows registered parents and legal guardians to "shop" for a gift for their child on distribution day, along with receiving a family board game. The initiative serves eligible families with children ages 16 and under residing in the area. Families looking to participate are required to pre-register online through the United Way website. When registering, applicants must provide identification, proof of local residency, and household member verification. Community members looking to support the effort can also donate new toys or make monetary contributions. For more information or to access the application, visit http://UnitedWayBemidji.org or call their office directly at 218-444-8929. Applications can also be picked up at First National Bank, Northern Dental Access, the Public Health WIC Office, and the Boys and Girls Club.

The Leech Lake Band is conducting a State Consumer Tax Study Questionnaire for band members living within the boundaries of the Leech Lake Reservation. The questionnaire gathers data on how state taxes on everyday consumable items and services directly impact household budgets and local families. Responses will provide the RBC and economic planners with the data needed to advocate for fair taxation, exercise sovereign rights, and protect the community's financial well-being. Band members with questions can reach out by email to Sally Fineday at sally.fineday@llojibwe.net.

With the Minnesota firearms deer opener on Saturday, hunters are reminded that safety is key for a successful hunt. The Department of Natural Resources advises hunters to ensure firearms are working properly, practice safe handling, and inspect tree-stand equipment for wear. It is important to wear required blaze clothing and share hunting plans. Tree stand accidents are common, so caution is essential. Also, with the new licensing system with the DNR, get your license early.

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.