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The Koochiching County Board of Commissioners held its regular meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, approving a formal resolution to reroute a snowmobile trail along Trunk Highway 11, renewing three mental health service agreements with Northland Counseling Center, and authorizing a new piece of highway equipment. The meeting ran from 9:30 a.m. to 10:07 a.m. in the County Board Room.
All five commissioners were in attendance: Sjoblom, Roche, McIntyre, Hell, and Erickson. No members were absent. Board Chair Roche presided. Also present were Nathan Heibel, Trent Nicholson, Joan Nelson, Derek Foss, Adam Coe, and Darcy Sullivan.
The board’s most formal action was adopting Resolution LUP3606-0023 (Motion 2026/01-41, moved by Sjoblom, seconded by Hell), authorizing a Limited Use Permit with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT). The resolution allows for the construction, maintenance, and operation of a snowmobile trail along Trunk Highway No. 11, rerouting the trail within the MNDOT right of way. Board Chair Roche and Highway Engineer Nicholson are authorized to sign the permit and any amendments on behalf of the county. The vote was unanimous.
Highway Engineer Trent Nicholson informed the board that MNDOT is holding a public meeting on February 10, 2026, at the Rainy River College Campus to present potential options and changes to the Highway 11/71 corridor. Residents with an interest in regional transportation planning are encouraged to attend.
Nicholson also reported that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) requires continued well monitoring at the Mizpah shop through 2026. A new septic system for the shop cannot be installed until those monitoring wells are capped.
Motion 2026/01-30 (moved by Sjoblom, seconded by Hell) approved the following claims, with all five commissioners voting yes:
Motion 2026/01-31 (moved by Sjoblom, seconded by Hell) approved payment of the county’s 2026 dues to 13 organizations, totaling approximately $41.8K. The full breakdown:
Motion 2026/01-40 (moved by McIntyre, seconded by Hell) authorized Highway Engineer Nicholson to purchase a sweeper attachment for the county’s front-end loader from McCoy in the amount of $35.4K. All five commissioners voted yes.
The board unanimously renewed three purchase-of-service agreements with Northland Counseling Center, covering a range of mental health services provided to county residents:
Motion 2026/01-32 (moved by McIntyre, seconded by Hell) approved the employment separation of Stephanie Hopwood, Public Health Nurse, effective January 12, 2026, and authorized the county to fill the vacancy. The vote was unanimous.
Motion 2026/01-38 (moved by McIntyre, seconded by Sjoblom) accepted a grant of $586.24 from the Minnesota Secretary of State and authorized the Auditor to sign the grant agreement. All commissioners voted yes.
Motion 2026/01-39 (moved by Sjoblom, seconded by Hell) approved the repurchase by the former owner of a tax-forfeited property described as the East 18 feet 3 inches of Lot 19 (also known as Apt 412), Block 19, Plat of International Falls. The motion carried unanimously.
No public comments were heard.
The next county board meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. — note the off-site location: the Littlefork Community Building, 220 Main Street, Littlefork, MN 56653. The MNDOT public meeting on the Highway 11/71 corridor is also scheduled for that same date at the Rainy River College Campus.
Koochiching County is the second largest county in the state by land area, encompassing approximately 3,154 square miles!
Koochiching County has a government structure dedicated to meeting the needs of its rural communities. The county covers a vast area of nearly 3,100 square miles, making it one of the largest counties in the state. Its government provides essential services to residents, from public safety to land management, while also ensuring that the county’s natural beauty and resources are preserved.
Koochiching County is known for its vast forests, pristine lakes, and Rainy River. The county seat is International Falls, the “Icebox of the Nation”. Despite the cold, the area is a favorite... Read more
