March 10, 2026
NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that a hearing has been set for March 27, 2026 at 9:03 a.m. in the meeting room at Polk County Environmental Services, 320 Ingersoll Ave, Crookston, Minnesota, to consider the of application Levi Nelson, PO Box 221, Clearbrook, MN 56634 for a Variance to reduce the setback from the OHWL of Cross Lake from 150 ft to 110 ft for the construction of a cabin on a parcel of land described as: That part of Government Lot Seven (7), Section Twenty-one (21), Township One Hundred Forty-eight (148) North of Range Thirty-nine (39), West of the Fifth Principal Meridian, Polk County, Minnesota, described as follows: Commencing at the Southwest corner of said Section 21; thence North 03 degrees 17 minutes 26 seconds West, assumed bearing, along the West line of said Section 21, a distance of 1319.47 feet, more or less, to the Southwest corner of said Government Lot 7, also being the point of beginning; thence continuing North 03 degrees 17 minutes 26 seconds West, along the West line of said Section 21, a distance of 13.00 feet, more or less, to the centerline of Township Road 702, also being the point of beginning; thence North 01 degree 01 minutes 03 seconds East, along the centerline of Township Road 702, a distance of 470.00 feet; thence North 89 degrees 24 minutes 30 seconds East 541 feet, more or less, to the West shoreline of Cross Lake; thence South along the shoreline of Cross Lake, a distance of 489 feet, more or less, to the South line of said Government Lot 7; thence South 89 degrees 24 minutes 30 seconds West 525 feet, more or less, to the point of beginning, parcel #57.00146.03. All property owners within 500 feet of the proposed Variance are invited to appear at said hearing.
Dated: March 03, 2026
Jacob J. Snyder
Planning & Zoning Administrator
3/10, 2026
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NOTICE OF CLEANING BID
The Mahnomen School Board is accepting bids for cleaning services for the Mahnomen Alternative Learning Center (ALC) Building. Services will begin June 1, 2026 and end May 31, 2027. Floor plans and specifications may be requested by contacting Supt. Andrea Simon at the school 218-935-2211.
Bids must be submitted in a sealed envelope clearly marked “ALC Cleaning Bid”. Bids must be received by 3:00 on March 20, 2026.
Submit bids via mail to:
Dr. Andrea Simon, Superintendent
Mahnomen Public Schools
P.O. Box 319
Mahnomen, MN 56557
3/03-3/10, 2026
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Notice of Annual Meeting
East Polk Heritage Center
March 16, 2026
6:00 PM
Heritage Center Larson House
Members and Potential Members are invited to attend
3/10, 2026
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Notice of Intent to Amend Polk County Land Use/Zoning Ordinance
Pursuant to MN Statute §375.51 and §394.26, notice of intention to adopt amendments to the Polk County Zoning Ordinance is hereby given. Polk County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing for input on the following date: March 27, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. in the Polk County Environmental Services Building conference room at 320 Ingersoll Ave, Crookston, MN 56716.
Language to be amended is listed below:
• 22.1500 – typo should read 22.5000 not 22.6000 which isn’t an ordinance standard.
• Section 3 definitions to change hardship to practical difficulty, as sec 5 states.
• Section 3 definition add “Change of Use”: A change of use occurs when the purpose in a structure changes in a way that requires compliance with other zoning ordinance regulations. It generally involves modifying a space so that its new function requires higher performance criteria than its original purpose. An example would be an existing accessory structure which is converted into a dwelling. Minor structural improvements that do not increase the structures square footage or change the use of the structure are not a change of use but could be a structural alteration depending on the scope of work.
• Section 13.4000 ACCESSORY USES: Within the agricultural district no permit shall be required for the placement of a single-story accessory structure that is less than 100 200 square feet in size as long as the following conditions are met:
a. The structure constitutes a minimal investment.
b. The structure meets all applicable setbacks within the Agricultural District.
c. The structure needs to conform to the standards in 13.4200.
d. The structure must not be constructed on a permanent foundation. Structures must be 1-story
and slab-on grade construction is not considered a foundation.
• 13.7020 An accessory structure not used in conjunction with a home occupation that does not comply with 13.4240 13.4210, or where the use of the accessory structure is in conjunction with a home occupation but does not meet one or more criteria listed in 12.3048, 13.4300 – 13.4310, may be allowed provided that:
a. The applicant complies with those criteria listed in 13.4300 – 13.4310, or has satisfactorily addressed any of those requirements for which they are unable to comply; and
b. There is a demonstrated need to use the accessory structure as a part of the home occupation.
c. If the use of the accessory structure is for storage of equipment or materials to be used off site, the use of the accessory structure shall not require a Conditional Use Permit, provided the use is in conformance with 13.4300.
NEW SECTIONS: 12.4116-12.4119: & 12.5060-Referenced Below
• 12.4116 Topographic Alterations/Grading and Filling on DNR protected wetlands shown on the Protected Waters Inventory Map for Polk County and shall be subject to the following criteria:
• 12.4117 Topographic alterations are not allowed on bluffs.
• 12.4118 Grading and filling and excavations necessary for the construction of structures, sewage treatment systems, and driveways under validly issued construction permits for these facilities do not require the issuance of a separate grading and filling permit. However, the grading and filling standards in this section must be incorporated into the issuance of permits for construction of structures, sewage treatment systems, and driveways.
• 12.4119 Notwithstanding items 12.4118 above, a grading and filling, land alteration permit will be required for:
a. The movement of more than ten (10) cubic yards of material on steep slopes or within shore or bluff impact zones; and the shore impact zone of a DNR protected wetland shall be from the Ordinary High Water Level (OHWL) extending upland 50 feet.
b. The following considerations and conditions must be adhered to during the issuance of construction permits, grading and filling permits, conditional use permits, variances and subdivision approvals:
c. Grading or filling in any type 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 wetland must be evaluated to determine how extensively the proposed activity would affect the following functional qualities of the wetland:
1. Sediment and pollutant trapping and retention;
2. Storage of surface runoff to prevent or reduce flood damage;
3. Fish and wildlife habitat;
4. Recreational use;
5. Shoreline or bank stabilization; and
6. Noteworthiness, including special qualities such as historic significance, critical habitat
for endangered plants and animals, or others.
d. Alterations must be designed and conducted in a manner that ensures only the smallest amount of bare ground is exposed for the shortest time possible;
e. Mulches or similar materials must be used, where necessary, for temporary bare soil coverage, and a permanent vegetation cover must be established as soon as possible;
f. Methods to minimize soil erosion and to trap sediments before they reach any surface water feature must be used;
g. Altered areas must be stabilized to acceptable erosion control standards consistent with the field office technical guides of the local soil and water conservation districts and the United States Soil Conservation Service;
h. Fill or excavated material must not be placed in a manner that creates an unstable slope;
i. Fill or excavated material must not be placed in bluff impact zones, or on steep slopes;
j. Any alterations below the ordinary high water level of public water wetlands must first be authorized by the Commissioner of Natural Resources under Minnesota Statutes, Section 103G.245;
k. Alterations of topography must only be allowed if they are accessory to permitted or conditional uses and do not adversely affect adjacent or nearby properties; and
l. Placement of natural rock riprap, including associated grading of the shoreline and placement of a filter blanket, is permitted if the finished slope does not exceed three feet horizontal to one foot vertical, the landward extent of the riprap is within ten feet of the ordinary high water level, and the height of the riprap above the ordinary high water level does not exceed three feet.
• 12.5000 FENCES
12.5060 Fences erected in the 100 year floodplain must meet the standards listed below:
a. Be adequately anchored. This is to avoid fences from becoming dislodged.
b. Be constructed with flood-resistant materials (i.e., treated wood, steel, aluminum,
concrete, brick, etc.).
c. Not be detrimental to adjoining uses. They cannot direct flows in a way that neighboring
structures and parcels are impacted.
d. Not adversely affect the flood carrying capacity of the channel and adjoining floodplain
of any tributary watercourse or drainageways.
e. Floodplain Fences in FEMA mapped floodways must demonstrate “No Rise” – they
must have an analysis showing they don’t cause any increase in the flood elevation.
f. Fences in A Zones or Zone AE without a mapped floodway (No determined Base Flood
Elevation) must demonstrate they meet “Allowable Rise” – they must have an analysis
showing the construction of the fence will not cause more than 0.5 feet increase in the flood
elevation AND there is no increase impacting any existing insurable structure. Fences in FEMA
mapped flood fringe are not required to do the No Rise or Allowable Rise analysis.
Copies of the referenced draft ordinance amendments may be viewed during regular business hours M-F 8am-5pm at Polk County Environmental Services Building, 320 Ingersoll Ave, Crookston, MN 56716, or on the Polk County Website: https://www.polkcountymn.gov/
To submit written comments, ask questions, or to request more information please contact Jacob Snyder at Polk County Environmental Services at (218) 281-5700 or (800) 482-6804.
3/10, 2026
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City of Fosston Street Improvement Project
BIDS CLOSE: April 2, 2026 at 10:00 AM CDT
Polk County, Minnesota
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS-
NOTICE is hereby given that SEALED ELECTRONIC BIDS will be received at until 10:00 AM on Thursday, April 2, 2026 , by Sam Melbye, Polk County Director of Property Records at Crookston, MN, on behalf of the Fosston City Council for the construction of the City Project listed below. Sealed electronic bids will be OPENED and READ publicly at 10:00 AM, by the Board of County Commissioners at the Polk County Highway Department in Crookston, MN. Bids received after 10:00 AM will not be considered. Bids must be submitted electronically through BidVAULT.
STATE PROJECT NO. S.P. 060-090-008
MINNESOTA PROJECT NO. CRP 6026 (237)
LOCATION: City of Fosston – North of TH 2 starting at the intersection of Stephens Blvd & 2nd St NW and ending at the intersection of Inderlee Ave & 2nd ST NE.
TYPE OF WORK: Sidewalk Improvements, ADA, Aggregate Base, Bituminous, & Concrete
LENGTH: 0.422 miles
Major Items:
EXCAVATION – COMMON 384 CU YD
TYPE 12.5 WEAR COURSE MIXTURE 88 TON
4” CONCRETE WALK 6,604 SQ FT
6” CONCTETE WALK 3,506 SQ FT
CONCRETE CURB & GUTTER 773 LIN FT
TRAFFIC CONTROL
TURF ESTABLISHMENT
Minimum wage rates to be paid by the Contractors have been predetermined and are subject to the Work Hours Act of 1962, P.L. 87-581 and implementing regulations.
READ CAREFULLY THE WAGE SCALES AND DIVISION A OF THE SPECIAL PROVISIONS AS THEY AFFECT THIS/THESE PROJECT/PROJECTS
The Minnesota Department of Transportation hereby notifies all bidders:
in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Act), as amended and Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Subtitle A Part 21, Non-discrimination in Federally-assisted programs of the Department of Transportation, it will affirmatively assure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded maximum opportunity to participate and/or to submit bids in response to this invitation, and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, disability, age, religion, sex or national origin in consideration for an award;
in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, and Title 23, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 230 Subpart A-Equal Employment Opportunity on Federal and Federal-Aid Construction Contracts (including supportive services), it will affirmatively assure increased participation of minority groups and disadvantaged persons and women in all phases of the highway construction industry, and that on any project constructed pursuant to this advertisement equal employment opportunity will be provided to all persons without regard to their race, color, disability, age, religion, sex or national origin;
in accordance with the Minnesota Human Rights Act, Minnesota Statute 363A.08 Unfair discriminatory Practices, it will affirmatively assure that on any project constructed pursuant to this advertisement equal employment opportunity will be offered to all persons without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, disability, sexual orientation, or age;
in accordance with the Minnesota Human Rights Act, Minnesota Statute 363A.36 Certificates of Compliance for Public Contracts, and 363A.37 Rules for Certificates of Compliance, it will assure that appropriate parties to any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement possess valid Certificates of Compliance.
If you have employed more than 40 full-time employees in any state, on any single working day during previous 12 months, you must have a compliance certificate issued by Minnesota Department of Human Rights to bid on any job in this advertisement. Please contact the Department of Human Rights immediately if you need assistance in obtaining a certificate.
The following notice from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights applies to all contractors:
“It is hereby agreed between the parties that Minnesota Statute, section 363A.36 and Minnesota Rules, parts 5000.3400 to 5000.3600 are incorporated into any contract between these parties based on this specification or any modification of it. A copy of Minnesota Statute 363A.36 and Minnesota Rules, parts 5000.3400 to 5000.3600 is available upon request from the contracting agency.”
“It is hereby agreed between the parties that this agency will require affirmative action requirements be met by contractors in relation to Minnesota Statute 363A.36 and Minnesota Rules 5000.3600. Failure by a contractor to implement an affirmative action plan or make a good faith effort shall result in revocation of its certificate or revocation of the contract (Minnesota Statute 363A.36, Subd. 2 and 3).”
To obtain plans and proposal and to submit an electronic bid (including electronic bid form) go to the Polk County egram website: https://egram.co.polk.mn.us
All bidders will be required to submit an electronic bid and provide payment of $100.00 to the Polk County Highway Department.
Proposals, plans, and specifications are available at Fosston City Hall Office, 220 1st Street East, Fosston, MN 56542.
Electronic bids must be accompanied by a certified check or corporate surety bond in favor of the Treasurer of Polk County for at least 5% of the total amount bid.
Project questions should be directed toward Keith Kinnen at 218-444-8004.
Bid opening can be viewed live through Zoom. The Zoom Link is available to all Plan Holders in the messages, in RTVIsion One Office, or by contacting the Polk County Highway Department.
The right is reserved to reject any or all bids and to waive any informalities or technicalities therein.
Richard C. Sanders
Polk County
County Engineer
3/03-3/17, 2026
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March 24, 2026
Specifications for Bidders of Contract Cleaning Services
(Letter of Instructions)
Enclosed are several items detailing the provision of contract cleaning services during the 2026-2027 school year for the Mahnomen Elementary and High School Building. All bidders must bid to these specifications or detail where their bid differs from the specifications. Questions regarding details should be addressed to Dr. Andrea Simon, Superintendent, at 935-2211.
Bidding Guidelines
a. Bidders must bid the services in total.
b. The bid should include services for the entire nine-month school year plus the three summer months. The dollar amount bid may be a monthly and/or yearly total.
c. The bid should detail a payment schedule. Terms of the agreement will be worked out between the bidder and the District prior to the beginning of the school year.
d. The School District may reject any or all bids.
e. The School District will select the best bid based on ability to complete work, references, proven workmanship, and total bid amount.
f. The School District may seek clarification of bids prior to acceptance. Bidders should provide references of prior work experience.
g. The bidder is expected to hire all necessary employees and pay all related expenses. Training, supervision, and safety procedures (including “Right to Know”) are the responsibility of the bidder. The bidder’s employees are expected to attend an annual “Right to Know” training session. All employees are required to submit to a criminal background check as per state law.
h. The School District reserves the right of refusal of site access of any contracted employee.
i. The bidder will comply with all Right-to-Know laws, State and Federal laws, and provide evidence of insurance.
j. The bidder should submit a synopsis of “new employee training schedule” to the School District and describe the training procedures to be used.
k. The bidder will supply all the cleaning equipment necessary. The District has some cleaning equipment available, which the bidder may use.
l. Cleaning chemicals which will be supplied by the bidder must be pre-approved with the School District. If non-approved chemicals are found to be unsatisfactory, the School District may replace them at contractor expense. All paper product supplies will be supplied by the School District.
m. The bidder must supply insurance, which would cover damages to buildings by contracted employees or cleaning equipment belonging to contractors.
n. Documents providing guidelines as the scope of the work required are available in the District Office:
A.1 Elementary and High school floor plan.
B.1 Description of Elementary and High School Spaces
C. Cleaning Expectations & Minimum Frequency of Cleaning
D. Summer Cleaning Requirements
o. The Bidder will meet all frequency/cleanliness standards prescribed by the School District. If the cleanliness standards are not met by the bidder, the School District reserves the right to cancel the contract and/or deduct a portion of the contract bid. School board members will conduct quarterly inspections throughout the academic year to ensure that all cleaning standards and protocols are being effectively implemented and maintained across school facilities. These inspections will involve a thorough examination of classrooms, restrooms, cafeterias, and common areas to assess cleanliness, hygiene, and overall adherence to established sanitation guidelines. Following each inspection, reports will be generated to document compliance levels, recommend improvements, and outline action plans for any areas requiring attention.
p. Bids must be received in the Superintendent’s office by 3:00 p.m. March 20, 2026.
q. Submit bid to:
Dr. Andrea Simon, Superintendent
310 West Madison Ave.
P.O. Box 319
Mahnomen, MN 56557
(Bids should be clearly marked “Contract Cleaning Bid” on the outside of the envelope.)
r. Contractor shall designate a site supervisor. He/she shall conduct weekly written quality control inspections of the contracted buildings and file each with the district. Contracted cleaners are mandated to report directly to the superintendent to account for their assigned duties and responsibilities. However, if the superintendent designates another individual who has been authorized to oversee the cleaners activities, then the cleaners must follow instructions to report to that specific person instead. Cleaners should be aware of the proper reporting channels and adhere strictly to these guidelines to maintain compliance with the established operational procedures.
s. The contractor must allow flexibility in employee work schedules to accommodate changes in school events.
t. The contract may be terminated by either party by giving 30 days written notice.
3/03-3/10, 2026
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STATE OF MINNESOTA
COUNTY OF POLK
NINTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
DISTRICT COURT
PROBATE DIVISION
Estate of Wayne D. Benbo,
Decedent
Court File No. 60-PR-26-214
NOTICE AND ORDER OF HEARING ON PETITION FOR PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
It is Ordered and Notice is given that on April 8, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., a hearing will be held in this Court at 816 Marin Ave., Crookston, Minnesota, via zoom: https://zoomgov.com/join meeting ID: 160 215 5943 password: 269774, for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the Will of the Decedent dated, November 20, 2025, (“Will”), and for the appointment of Ryan Benbo, whose address is 5510 Farmstead Ct. S, Fargo, ND, 58104 as Personal Representative of the Estate of the Decedent in an unsupervised administration. Any objections to the petition must be filed with the Court prior to or raised at the hearing. If proper and if no objections are filed or raised, the Personal Representative will be appointed with full power to administer the Estate including the power to collect all assets, to pay all legal debts, claims, taxes and expenses, to sell real and personal property, and to do all necessary acts for the Estate.
Notice is also given that all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the Personal Representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred.
BY THE COURT
Seamus Duffy/cw
Judge of District Court
Dated: 2/19/2026
(COURT SEAL)
Kathy Narlock/cw
Court Administrator
Dated: 2/19/2026
Attorney for Petitioner
Ashley M. Boomgaarden
Boomgaarden Law, P.C.
119 Main Ave. N
Bagley, MN, 56621
Attorney License No: 0403504
Telephone: (218) 368-3749
Email: [email protected]
3/10-3/17, 2026
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NOTICE OF MEETING
OF STOCKHOLDERS OF FOSSTON TRI-COOP
Fosston, Minnesota
Notice is hereby given that the Annual meeting of stockholders of Fosston Tri-Coop will be held at Ventures Bar & Grill in Fosston, Minnesota on Thursday, March 26th. Meeting will start at 5:00 p.m. with a meal to follow.
The business meeting will include the presentation of the annual report and election of two directors, who will serve a term of three years.
Curtis Bartz
Secretary-Treasurer
3/10-3/24, 2026
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Notice to the residents of Island Lake Township:
Notice is hereby given that a township elections will be held in Island Lake Township in Mahnomen County, State of Minnesota, on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026, in the backroom of the Ruffed Grouse Roadhouse.
Offices to be elected are:
One (1) Supervisor for a 3-year term and One (1) Clerk for a 2-year term.
Election hours are from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
Regular monthly meeting will be held at 7:00 with the Annual Meeting following Elections at 8:15 pm.
In case of inclement weather, Elections and Annual Meeting will be held the following Tuesday.
Any questions call Clerk Tracy Ware 701-261-6198
2/03-3/10, 2026
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Notice of Annual Meeting and Election of Officers
Notice is hereby given to the qualified voters of Queen Township, County of Polk, State of Minnesota that the Annual Election of Town Officers and Annual Town Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. In case of inclement weather, the meeting and election may be postponed until the third Tuesday in March (March 17).
The Election Poll hours will be as follows: absentee voting hours on March 7 from 10:00 A.M to 12:00 P.M. and in person voting on March 10 from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., at which time the voters will elect; one Clerk and one Supervisor.
The Board of Canvass will meet on March 10, 2026 at 8:00 P.M to certify the official election results.
The Annual Meeting will commence at 8:15 P.M. to conduct all necessary business prescribed by law.
The Annual Election and Meeting will be held at the following location:
Queen Townhall
36481 400th Ave SE
Fosston, MN 56542
Absentee voting will be held at the following location:
Randy Rue residence
36838 390th Ave SE
Fosston, MN 56542
3/03-3/10, 2026