Budget Deficit Looms for East Grand Forks School District
Brenda Halvorson - Exponent Reporter
Like many other school districts in the state, the East Grand Forks Public School District is facing a budget deficit. Although a budget for the 2026-2027 school year was approved at the board’s March 23 meeting, a process for addressing the deficit was also discussed. The budget approved for fiscal year 2027 projects a deficit of $1,151,467, although budgets routinely go through revisions during a school year as situations change and new information is obtained. Superintendent Kevin Grover pointed out that the revenue projection used for the next year assumed a student count of 1,904, the current enrollment. Compensatory revenue, which is given based on the free and reduced meal count, is in the beginning stages of funding and may change as final awards are announced. At a previous meeting, Grover had also noted that one cause for the deficit was a change in the state formula for funding special education. Grover told the board that the administration has begun making changes to the budget. For instance, $150,000 in the technology budget for student devices is expected to remain, but $100,000 for staff devices will be postponed. A $200,000 expense for a school bus/SUV replacement will also be postponed a year. Grover cautioned that these steps will not be enough and he asked for direction from the board to recommend a target amount for reductions in staff, programs and other areas. Any reductions must be decided by the end of April to allow time for staff to be informed. “Everything is on the table,” Grover said. The board agreed to set a target of $800,000 in reductions. The finance committee will meet in the next couple of weeks to consider options. A preliminary general proposal will be presented to the board at the April 13 meeting. The final recommendation for reductions is expected to be presented at the April 27 meeting.
Karlstad American Legion Celebrates 107th Birthday
The Karlstad American Legion Auxiliary Unit 445 served a meal to Legionnaires that attended the March meeting to celebrate their 107th birthday of the American Legion organization since 1919. Sitting L-R is Commander Wayne Krantz and member Arnie Clark. Standing L-R is Finance/Membership Scott Binstock, Sargent at Arms Brad Johnson, Historian Kevin Walz, 2nd Vice Commander Dean Johnson and Chaplain Chad McDonald.
Lady Pioneers Bring Home Hardware
Samantha Alme
samantha.tribunepaper@gmail.com
In small towns, victories don’t belong to just a team—they belong to everyone. And this past week, the Northland Lady Pioneers gave their communities something special to rally around, finishing an incredible 3rd place at the NJCAA National Tournament in Brownwood, Texas. From the opening tip to the final buzzer of their tournament run, the Lady Pioneers played with grit, heart, and a determination that could be felt all the way back home. Northland opened strong with a 66–58 win over Dallas-Richland, setting the tone for what would become a memorable week. They followed it up with another impressive performance, defeating #3-ranked CCRI 64–52, proving they could go toe-to-toe with some of the best teams in the nation. In a tightly contested semifinal battle, the Pioneers came up just short against Anoka-Ramsey, falling 57–55 in a game that could have gone either way. But true to their character, they didn’t let the setback define them. Instead, they bounced back in a big way. In the third-place game, Northland left no doubt, dominating Fulton-Montgomery with an 86–60 victory to secure their spot on the national podium. It was a performance full of confidence, teamwork, and the kind of energy that has become a trademark of this group. Individual honors followed team success, as Kenzie Dahl and Josie Peterson were both named to the National Championship All-Tournament Team, recognizing their outstanding play throughout the week. The team also had the honor of earning the Sportsmanship Award as well. For those closer to home, the pride runs even deeper. Of the Lady Pioneers’ 10-player roster, three athletes—Jade Reese, Kenzie Dahl, and Sierra Westberg—hail from Greenbush-Middle River, shining a spotlight on the strength of local programs and the talent growing right here in our own backyard. Back home, the support was unwavering. Watch parties filled living rooms, phones buzzed with score updates, and the entire community leaned in—cheering, celebrating, and believing in this team every step of the way. That’s the beauty of small-town sports. It’s never just about the scoreboard. It’s about the early mornings in the gym, the long bus rides, the teammates who become family, and the communities that stand behind them no matter where the road leads. This week, that road led to the national stage—and the Lady Pioneers made the most of it. Congratulations to the Northland Lady Pioneers on a remarkable 3rd place finish. You’ve made your communities proud in every sense of the word.