Northern Township Officially GRANTED Full Incorporation! Click here to learn more and about the upcoming election process.
Northern Township
NORTHERN’S FIRST CITY ELECTION
City of Northern’s First Election: Unofficial Results — November 3, 2026
November 3, 2026 marks an important milestone for our community: the first election for the City of Northern’s mayor and city council.
Thank you to our voters, candidates, election judges, and staff for participating in this historic election.
All results below are unofficial and subject to canvassing.
Results updated: Tuesday, November 03, 2026, 11:14 pm
Reporting status: All results are in
Unofficial Election Results
Mayor (one seat)
Jess Frenzel— 1,525 votes
City Council (two-year term, two seats)
Gary Barnard — 1,181 votes
Michael Kelly — 1,235 votes
City Council (four-year term, two seats)
Drew Hildenbrand — 822 votes
Kenneth Glidden — 619 votes
Deena Monk-Kobow - 298 votes
Ken Glidden - 619 votes
Ryan Grow - 287 votes
Curt Blumhagen - 509 votes
Drew Hildenbrand - 822 votes
Brian Giauque - 349 votes
Voter Participation
Total ballots cast: 1,897
What Happens Next?
Canvassing is scheduled for the regularly scheduled Board meeting on Monday, November 9th. Official results will be posted after the canvass is completed.
The newly elected City Council is expected to be sworn into office on Monday, November 23, 2026, marking the official incorporation of the City of Northern.
Thank you for helping shape Northern’s future.
Northern Township is located directly north of the City of Bemidji in northern Minnesota. The township surrounds a large portion of beautiful Lake Bemidji and the 2021 population was estimated at 4,500 residents. A new town hall was built in 1990 at 445 Town Hall Road NW and is available for functions at a nominal rental fee.
The Evergreen Cemetery is located on Irvine Ave. northwest of the Northern Town Hall. A recent expansion offers many plots available for purchase.
Township residents are also provided services which include maintenance of 55 miles of roads, fire protection, animal control, a water district, and a sewer district.
The Northern Township Board consists of five 'at large' members, who are elected in even-numbered years with the general election in November. The Board meets regularly on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 6:00 p.m., with guests welcome. Office hours of the Northern Township Clerk and Township Administrator are generally Monday - Friday 9am - 4pm (call 751-4989).
Location:
445 Town Hall Rd NW
Bemidji, MN 56601
Main Office: 218-751-4989
Administrator: 218-444-1857
info@northerntownship.com
Looking for a Permit?
Access our new online permitting portal from here.
LATEST NEWS
Introducing the City of Northern’s New Logo
A New Chapter for Our Community As Northern Township prepares to transition into the City of Northern, we are excited to unveil our new official city logo! This new design reflects the natural beauty, character, and identity of our community. Featuring evergreen trees...
Wastewater Project Public Hearing Presentation – October 26, 2026
Northern Township held a public hearing on the proposed wastewater project on October 26, 2026. The presentation is available below for residents to review. The presentation covers the need for the project, its history, the updated treatment plant and site, estimated...
Community Forum for Upcoming Election
On October 27th at 7 pm at the 4-H Building at the County Fairgrounds, a community forum will be hosted for the candidates running for the four-year city council term this coming election. This will be a great chance for the community to learn more about each of these...
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