The hearing phase of the ongoing boundary trial between the city of Bemidji and Northern Township has officially wrapped up, with the full trial expected to conclude by December. However, a final decision in the case isn’t expected until sometime in 2026. The case is being overseen by Judge Jessica Palmer-Denig, who is responsible for issuing a final ruling within one year of Northern Township’s initial incorporation petition, filed in May. The City of Bemidji filed its own annexation petition exactly one week later, and both petitions are now being reviewed together under the same case.
This trial stems from a long-standing dispute over boundary lines and governance between the two neighboring communities. Northern Township has been seeking to officially incorporate as a city, while Bemidji has been pursuing annexation of the same area. The outcome of the trial will determine how the land is governed, who provides essential services, and how taxes are managed for residents living within the disputed zone.
Although the hearing portion is complete, the public still has an opportunity to weigh in before the case closes to public comment. Residents, community members, and anyone interested in the outcome can submit written comments to Judge Palmer-Denig until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 24. After that deadline, no new input will be accepted or reviewed as part of the case.
Those wishing to submit comments can do so either by mail or by email. Mailed letters should be addressed to the Office of Administrative Hearings, attention MBAU Administrator, at P.O. Box 64620, St. Paul, MN 55164-0620. Emails can be sent to mbauadministrator.oah@state.mn.us. Anyone submitting comments must include the official docket numbers for the case — OAH 71-0330-40846 and OAH 71-0330-40869 — to ensure their input is properly recorded and considered.
Judge Palmer-Denig clarified that all comments submitted will be shared with both parties involved in the trial — meaning both Bemidji and Northern Township will have access to the public feedback. She also noted that anonymous submissions are allowed and will be treated the same as signed letters. To remain anonymous, a person should avoid including a name or return address on their mailed letter. However, Judge Palmer-Denig cautioned that letters without a return address might not be delivered if the postal service requires one.
Once all proceedings and reviews are complete, Judge Palmer-Denig will draft and release a written ruling that will become a matter of public record. The decision will officially determine whether Northern Township can move forward with incorporation or whether Bemidji’s annexation petition will take precedence. This ruling is expected to have lasting implications for local governance, community identity, and future development in the Bemidji area.
While it may take more than a year before the final decision is issued, the case continues to draw significant public attention due to its potential impact on residents and regional planning. For now, community members still have a short window to make their voices heard before the case closes to public input later this month.
