Wintry mix spreads across Minnesota

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Elk River, about 30 miles northwest of Minneapolis, is the latest Minnesota city to decide to continue flying the former state flag.

The Elk River City Council voted unanimously Monday night to draft a resolution to display the retired Minnesota state flag on all city properties. A final vote is expected on April 20.

The issue has fired up the community. More than a dozen people spoke at the Elk River City Council meeting Monday night before the vote, with opinions mixed on whether the city should keep flying the former flag or the official design adopted in 2024.

More than 1,000 people submitted their opinion online after the city council asked for input. Nearly 75 percent of respondents voiced support for the old flag.

“I don’t believe we’ve ever gotten 1,100 emails on any topic in the whole time I’ve been here for 32 years,” Mayor John Dietz said. “I think the citizens of Elk River have spoken.”

The new flag’s dark blue is meant to represent the sky with an eight-pointed star of the north evoking Minnesota’s motto. The light blue represents Minnesota’s abundant waters.

It replaces a flag that had drawn criticism for its complexity and depiction of Indigenous peoples.

A number of people spoke about disliking the flag’s redesign and feeling that it should have been put to a statewide vote. Others said they wanted to keep the old flag because it reflects the state’s history and heritage.

“The new flag has nothing to do with Minnesota and does not represent any of our values. I’m actually appalled at this flag,” said resident Linda Schultz. “It is time to stand up and get back what is rightfully ours.”

Others spoke in favor of the city flying the official state flag, noting it was designed through a lengthy process that included public input. They chided the city council for creating divisiveness.

Resident Andy Price said flying the old flag sends a message – intended or not – that Elk River is “resistant to positive change.”

“I don’t believe that reflects who we are,” Price said. “Elk River's own vision statement calls us a welcoming community. A welcoming community welcomes all of its residents. Flying the officially adopted state flag is one simple, visible way for us to live that value.”

Other Minnesota cities that have opted to keep flying the old Minnesota state flag include Champlin, Zumbrota, North Branch, Detroit Lakes, Pine Island, Wadena, Crosslake and Babbit.

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More than 1,000 people submitted their opinion online after the city council asked for input. About 75 percent of respondents voiced support for the old flag.

A blue flag waves above the Capitol building

Elk River votes to keep flying retired Minnesota state flag

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