Special Election scheduled for School District 676 in Badger
Samantha Alme
samantha.tribunepaper@gmail.com
On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, residents of the Badger Community School District will vote on a three-question referendum designed to repair aging facilities, prevent potential budget reductions, and expand educational spaces. According to district officials, the proposal is intended to address critical infrastructure needs and maintain programs amid declining state funding. When adjusted for inflation, state aid to the district has decreased by nearly 19% since 2005. Despite the approval of an operating levy in 2024, Badger continues to face financial challenges related to long-term funding shortfalls. Facility Conditions District leaders say many of the school’s building systems date back to the 1950s and are nearing the end of their lifespan. Leaking heating pipes cost the district tens of thousands of dollars each year, and the existing boiler and HVAC systems are considered outdated. Officials also note that fire safety systems need modernization and that restrooms are not currently compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Additional issues include poor roof drainage that leads to icy areas during winter, limited classroom space that restricts small-group instruction, and outdated gym and shop areas that no longer support current programs. Badger also ranks near the bottom among Minnesota districts in available learning space per student. Details of the Three Questions • Question 1 proposes $5.34 million in bonds for essential repairs and updates. Planned projects include replacing the HVAC system, upgrading bathrooms for accessibility, installing new windows and doors, expanding kitchen cooler and freezer capacity, and renovating locker rooms. • Question 2 asks voters to approve an operating levy of $100,000 per year for ten years. The funds would help maintain day-to-day operations, preserve staff positions, and support classroom programs. • Question 3 requests $11.24 million for new and renovated spaces, such as a multi-purpose gym, larger shop areas for welding and woodworking, new special education classrooms, a student commons, and a weight room. The proposal would also convert the existing media center into special education space and turn the current gym into a new media and music area. This question would only take effect if both Questions 1 and 2 are approved. Financial Impact Questions 1 and 3 would be financed through bonds. Agricultural property owners could receive a 70% Ag2School tax credit, except for the homestead and one surrounding acre. Question 2, as an operating levy, would apply only to residential property, while most agricultural and seasonal recreational properties would be exempt. Residents can calculate their estimated tax impact using the online tool available at [www.betterforbadger.org], which is based on Roseau County’s preliminary 2026 property valuations. Voting Information Absentee ballots will be available at the Badger School Office on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or by mail upon request. On Election Day, district residents can vote in person at the Badger Community Center, 111 North Main Street, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Badger School Board voted in December to use a single polling location to reduce election-related costs. District officials emphasize that the referendum represents a cost-conscious plan developed with guidance from educational construction and finance professionals to ensure the district’s long-term stability.
Spooks, smiles and sweet treats at the 53rd Annual Greenbush middle river halloween party
The Greenbush-Middle River School gymnasium was bursting with excitement Sunday afternoon as little ghosts, goblins, superheroes, and princesses took over for the 53rd Annual Halloween Party. Laughter echoed through the halls as families gathered for an afternoon filled with games, prizes, and plenty of sweet treats. Thanks to the incredible generosity of local businesses and community members, this time-honored tradition continues to be one of the most anticipated events of the season. Children darted from booth to booth, testing their luck at carnival-style games, showing off their creative costumes, and cheering on friends during the big costume contest. And what a celebration it was—organizers went through a jaw-dropping 14,000 pieces of candy, 250 balloons, 300 bags of cotton candy, and 50 door prizes, all in less than two hours! According to sign-in sheets, 447 guests attended this year’s event, filling the gym with energy and smiles from start to finish. A special round of applause goes to the Reese family, Lions Club, and all other amazing volunteers for their dedication and hard work behind the scenes. Their efforts—along with the support of countless volunteers—help keep the Halloween magic alive year after year. The Halloween Party isn’t just about candy and costumes—it’s a celebration of community spirit, creativity, and the joy of coming together to make memories that last long after the spooky season ends.
Parents Charged After Shooting Death
Roseau County officials have charged Danielle Elizabeth Stewart, 39, and Theodore Charles Stewart, 41, both of Roosevelt, with Negligent Storage of Firearms – Loaded – That a Child Can Access. The Gross Misdemeanor Charge carries a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail and/or a $3,000 fine. According to court documents filed on September 30, 2025, the Stewarts “did negligently store or leave loaded firearms in a location where a person knows or reasonably should know that a child is likely to gain access unless reasonable action is taken to secure the firearms against access by a child.” The charges stem from an incident on September 4, 2025, when first responders were dispatched to a home in Roosevelt for a report of an eight-year-old who had been shot in the neck. The child later died from the injury. According to the court documents, when officers arrived, Mr. Stewart was present with his four other minor children. Mrs. Stewart went in the ambulance with the injured child. At the scene, officers spoke to a 10-year-old who indicated that he and his brother took a .22 rifle and set it on his parents’ bed. It fired and hit his brother. His father had left for work and his mother was outside walking at the time of the accident. Officers cleared the home of firearms, according to the Statement of Probable Cause. They located 14 rifles and pistols in the bedroom, many of which were loaded with bullets. They removed another 13 guns from the closet in an adjoining bedroom and another seven from the hallway, living room, and coat closet near the front door. All but one firearm was unsecured and in areas of the home easily accessible to the children, the statement said. Danielle and Theodore Stewart are scheduled to make their first appearance in Roseau County Court before Judge Tamara Yon on November 3, 2025, at 1 p.m. On October 21, 2025, the court approved an order for a public defender. Steven Huglen of Thief River Falls is on record as being the attorney for Danielle Stewart. Scott Collins of Thief River Falls is representing Theodore Stewart, according to court documents. Roseau County Attorney Kristy Kjos is the Prosecuting Attorney.