Recap of SWCD Program presented on April 30, 2025

Watch the Program by clicking on this link

As this is a non election year for LWVPRA, we are shining a light on the often-under-appreciated races found on the back of your ballot.! While the front typically has the high-profile contests, the reverse side includes crucial elections for judges, township officials, and your Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Supervisors.

To help us understand the importance of these local conservation leaders, this afternoon’s panel will provide valuable insights into the SWCD and its impact on the residents of Hubbard County.
Our panel will speak for about 15 minutes each and then we will have time for audience questions.

Our speakers:
Heidi Anderson-Thomas was elected in 2021 to represent District 3 on the Hubbard County SWCD Board.  She has served as the Board Chair since 2023."

Megan FitzGerald, is the Community Engagement and Grant Reporting Coordinator for Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD)  Hubbard County.  She has a background in both social and environmental sciences.”

Tarah Young is U of M  Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resource Systems person for Hubbard County.   She recently completed her M.S. in Applied Plant Science at the University of Minnesota. She grew up on a small Hereford cattle farm in Buffalo, MN, and works on topics such as gardening, soil health, crop and livestock production, woodland management, and shorelands.
ß

Make Your Mark on Conservation: Don't Overlook Your Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisors

 

This off-election year, the League of Women Voters Park Rapids Area (LWVPRA) is shining a light on the often-under-appreciated races found on the back of your ballot. Remember the last general election? That 8.5 by 11-inch ballot was packed with choices on both sides! While the front typically showcases high-profile contests, the reverse side includes crucial elections for judges, township officials, and your Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) Supervisors.

Many voters wonder if they need to vote in every single race. The answer is no – you can skip any race and your ballot will still be counted. However, these "down-ballot" races, especially the election of SWCD Supervisors, play a vital role in our community and deserve your informed vote.

To help you understand the importance of these local conservation leaders, LWVPRA is hosting a series of public programs focusing on the "back of the ballot." Our first event will feature the Hubbard County Soil and Water Conservation District.

Join Us to Learn About Your SWCD:

• Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 
• Time: 4:00 PM 
• Location: Northwoods Bank Community Room

This informative session will provide valuable insights into the SWCD and its impact on the residents of Hubbard County. You'll learn about:

• The Background of the SWCD: Discover its history and mission. 
• Essential Services: Understand the crucial services the SWCD provides to our community. 
• Funding Sources: Learn how the SWCD is funded. 
• Why Elected? Gain insight into why these important supervisors are elected by you, the voters, rather than being appointed. 

We are pleased to announce our confirmed speakers:

• Heidi Anderson-Thomas: Chair of the Hubbard County SWCD Board of Directors  
• Megan FitzGerald: Community Engagement & Grant Reporting Coordinator for the Hubbard County SWCD

Don't miss this opportunity to become a more informed voter and understand how these locally elected officials directly impact the conservation and sustainability of our natural resources.

For any questions about LWVPRA activities, upcoming events, or how to become a member, please contact us via email at lwvparkrapids@lwvmn.org. Stay up-to-date on our initiatives by following this website: 

As a bonus the SWCD will collect water samples for Nitrate Testing 

Follow these directions for bringing your water sample for testing.
    Hubbard County SWCD offers a Free Nitrate Testing Clinic the first Friday of every month at their office at 603 Central Ave. No. #100. Bring a half cup of tap water in a clean DISPOSABLE container after running your tap for 5 minutes. Samples should be taken on the morning of testing. You can print a form from the Home Page and complete it before dropping it off, or complete a form provided at the front desk. If you prefer not to wait, staff can email results after testing. Call 218-732-0121 Ext. 4 or email info@hubbardswcd.org if you have any questions. Please note: This is not a certified lab test.

 

 

Can a President Do That ?

 This was a very informative program: Click on the link below to view the video recording.

Understanding Executive Power and State Protections

 
Recorded Tuesday, February 25
Many of us are wondering: Can the President do that? What actions can the President take without Congress? Can executive orders override the U.S. Constitution? And most importantly, how do Minnesota’s state and local laws protect our civil rights, voting rights, and environment from federal overreach?

University of Minnesota Law School Professor Alan Rozenshtein will break down how our federalist system balances power and how we can use state and local authority to safeguard an inclusive democracy.  Michelle Witte, Executive Director, League of Women Voters of Minnesota, will moderate our discussion and also share specific ideas for action that we can all take to support our democratic institutions and protect vulnerable populations in our local communities.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how we can navigate and defend our rights in an evolving political landscape!


https://youtu.be/gpFII_F2stk?si=Q8Ki-mu6FVDoYqu-

 

Polling Places in Hubbard County: with lists of township candidates

This information is from the Park Rapids Enterprise, Wednesday Oct 30th. (to read the whole article) We are fortunate to have a local newspaper to gather information on the most local of our elections.  

If you have questions about election procedures, call or email:

Kay Rave
Hubbard County Auditor
218-732-3196
Email

You can also email LWV Park Rapids Area at lwvparkrapids@lwvmn.org.

• Akeley City:  Akeley City Hall, 25 Broadway St. E.
• Laporte City: This is a mail ballot precinct: Hubbard County Auditor’s Office, 301 Court Ave., Park Rapids.
• Nevis City: Nevis City Administration Building, 102 Main St. W.
• Park Rapids City P-1 and P-2: Park Rapids City Council chambers, 212 2nd St. W.

Township election candidates and polling locations are as follows:

• Akeley Township P-1 and P-2: Allen Poncelet and Loren Kramer are running unopposed for two supervisor seats, and Charlotte Negen seeks reelection as treasurer. These are mail ballot precincts: Hubbard County Auditor’s Office, 301 Court Ave., Park Rapids.
• Arago Township: Kristie Edelman and Eric Ramlo are running in a special election for supervisor. Lance Barnum seeks reelection to a second open seat. Arago Town Hall, 10244 County 41, Park Rapids.
• Badoura Township: Theora Goodrich seeks reelection as supervisor. Raymond Peterson seeks reelection as supervisor, with Mark Keller as a challenger. Polls are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Badoura Town Hall, 28915 150th St., Akeley. 
• Clay Township: Andy Kietzman is running for supervisor, and Brandi Ward for treasurer. This is a mail ballot precinct: Hubbard County Auditor’s Office, 301 Court Ave., Park Rapids.
• Clover Township: LaDonne Edelman is running for supervisor, and Andrea Moore for treasurer. Polls are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Clover Town Hall, 10404 310th St., Park Rapids.
• Crow Wing Lake Township: Crow Wing Lake Town Hall, 13013 Blackberry Dr., Nevis.
• Farden Township: Tim Humphrey seeks a supervisor seat, and Laurel Schummer is running for clerk. Farden Town Hall, 49702 315th Ave., Cass Lake.
• Fern Township: Fern Town Hall, 47977 129th Ave., Becida.
• Guthrie Township: Bryan Delaney and Russell Nickerson are running in a contested race for supervisor, while Ryan Johnson is unopposed for another seat. Guthrie Community Center, 44255 Rail Rd., Laporte.
• Hart Lake Township: Hart Lake Town Hall, 43953 County 45, Laporte.
• Helga Township: Earl Dagestad Jr. and Harrison Hicks are running unopposed for two supervisor seats. Helga Township Community Center, 25895 County 9, Bemidji.
• Hendrickson Township: Donald Tomlinson and Dale Buness are running unopposed for two supervisor seats. No candidates filed for a third seat. This is a mail ballot precinct: Hubbard County Auditor’s Office, 301 Court Ave., Park Rapids.
• Henrietta Township: Perry Melbo, Duane Goeden and Tina Melott seek reelection to three supervisor seats. Henrietta Town Hall, 19401 State Hwy. 226, Park Rapids. 
• Hubbard Township: James Kujawa and Kimberly Thompson seek reelection to two supervisor seats. Hubbard Community Center, 12141 County 6, Park Rapids.
• Lake Alice Township: Lance Edelman and Wesley Edelman seek reelection to two supervisor seats. Kelly Foy seeks reelection as treasurer. Becky Miller is running unopposed for clerk. This is a mail ballot precinct: Hubbard County Auditor’s Office, 301 Court Ave., Park Rapids. 
• Lake Emma Township: Brian Long and Tony Platz seek reelection as supervisors. Nanette Iles seeks reelection as clerk, and Krystina Rice as treasurer. Lake Emma Town Hall, 18264 Half Moon Rd., Park Rapids.
• Lake George Township: Burton Manz and Henry Kahlstorf seek reelection to two supervisor seats. Wendy Bittman seeks reelection as treasurer. Lake George Town Hall, 37137 U.S. Hwy. 71, Lake George.
• Lake Hattie Township: Polls are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Lake Hattie Town Hall, 42229 County 3, Laporte.
• Lakeport Township P-1 and P-2: Joshua Eisenbarth is running unopposed for  supervisor. Lakeport Town Hall, 160 County 39 SW, Laporte.
• Mantrap Township: Kimberly Olson seeks reelection as supervisor. No candidates filed for the position of clerk. Mantrap Town Hall, 23494 240th St., Nevis.
• Nevis Township: Tom Walz seeks reelection as supervisor, and Pat Hrubes as clerk. Nevis City Administration Building, 102 Main St. W., Nevis.
• Rockwood Township: Paul Brewinski and Charles Cole seek reelection to two supervisor seats. Kari Strowbridge seeks reelection as treasurer. Polls are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Rockwood Town Hall, 16962 County 9, Bemidji.
• Schoolcraft Township: Michael Studanski seeks reelection as supervisor, with James Card as a challenger. Melissa Schmidtke seeks reelection as treasurer. This is a mail ballot precinct: Hubbard County Auditor’s Office, 301 Court Ave., Park Rapids.
• Steamboat River Township P-1 and P-2: Paul Koring and Russell Schoeck seek reelection to two supervisor seats and Tom Knight as clerk. This is a mail ballot precinct: Hubbard County Auditor’s Office, 301 Court Ave., Park Rapids.
• Straight River Township: Straight River Town Hall, 11971 129th Ave., Menahga. 
• Thorpe Township: No candidates filed for a supervisor position. Janet Dixon seeks reelection as clerk-treasurer. This is a mail ballot precinct: Hubbard County Auditor’s Office, 301 Court Ave., Park Rapids.
• Todd Township P-1 and P-2: Robert Meier seeks reelection as supervisor and Pat Cadreau as clerk. Law Enforcement Center (lower level), 203 Court Ave., Park Rapids.
• White Oak Township: Michaeld Bates seeks reelection as supervisor and Marlys Lehn as treasurer. This is a mail ballot precinct: Hubbard County Auditor’s Office, 301 Court Ave., Park Rapids.

Video Link for the Menahga School Board Candidate Fourm (2024)

On Monday October 14th, 2024 the League of Women Voters Park Rapids Area hosted a candidate forum for the Menahga School Board. There are 4 candidates running and voters need to vote for three: 

Candidates for School Board are:
Julia Kicker
Cherie Peterson
Helen Lehto
Sara Makela

https://youtu.be/LYwPtAgCEIc 

 

Thank you to our co-sponsors
Park Rapids Enterprise
Review Messenger

Thank you to Menahga Public Schools for
the use of the library and the helping in
setting up.

And to all our volunteers
from the LWV Park Rapids

Announcing Candidate Forums in Menahga, MN

The League of Women Voters Park Rapids Area will hold a Candidate Forum for all candidates for the Menahga District 821 School Board and Menahga City Council & Mayor on October 14th beginning at 6:00 pm. It will be held at Menahga High School Library, 216 Aspen Ave SE, Menahga, MN.  We will start with the school board at 6 pm and hold the city council/ mayor starting at 7:15 pm

The purpose of the Candidate Forum is to give Menahga voters an opportunity to hear their candidates discuss the issues of importance to them in this election. The candidates that have filed for and have been invited to the forum are:

• Mayor:  Jody Bjornson,  Tim Ellingson
• City Council: James Kraskey, Durwin Tomperi, Keith Waaraniemi, (vote for 2)
• School Board: Julia Kicker, Cherie Peterson, Helen Lehto, Sara Makela
  (vote for 3)

The event is free and open to the public. The candidates will answer written questions from the public during this moderated event.

Voters have two opportunities to submit questions to the candidates. Written questions will be accepted throughout the forum. Also voters are encouraged to submit questions via email by Saturday October 12th to LWV Park Rapids Area email: lwvparkrapids@lwvmn.org.

By League of Women Voter policy, the identity of the person asking the question is confidential. Any questions submitted via email will remain confidential with all identifying information removed before the event. The email option for submitting questions creates an opportunity for voters to ask questions in a more private manner because it guarantees anonymity. All questions are screened by a neutral committee to ensure that questions are applicable to all candidates, are forward looking, not personal in nature, and are addressed to subjects relevant to this forum.

League of Women Voter Candidate Forums follow the nonpartisan, unbiased and impartial format established by the League of Women Voters Minnesota. LuAnn Hurd-Lof and Carolynne White, both LWVPRA members, will moderate the forum. The League does not support or oppose political parties or candidates for public office.

Specific rules governing the Candidate Forum were given to each candidate along with information on how to prepare for the Forum.  We will be audio and video recording this Forum and making it available to voters on YouTube.
If you have any questions about this forum, please email lwvparkrapids@lwvmn.org 

Nevis City Council Candidate Forum Video Link

On October 2nd, League of Women Voters Park Rapids Area held a forum for the Nevis City Council. The four candidates who have filed for 2 positions on the City Council are:

• Jamie Caughey, (participating)
  
• Teresa Leshovsky,(participating)
  
• Mark Koebnick (unable to attend)
  
• Mary Carrier.(unable to attend)
  

Sue Gray is running unopposed for mayor and makes a statement at the end of this video.   

You can view the full video from this link:   https://youtu.be/hjs-QxN6Zeo 

If you have any questions about the race or voting, please contact lwvparkrapids@lwvmn.org

If you have questions about positions the candidates expressed, please contact them directly.