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Here’s why Minnesota is getting a new state flag and seal
The DFL-controlled legislature authorized the State Emblems Redesign Commission to choose new official state symbols by Jan. 1.
ST PAUL, Minn. — After months of debate, dozens of meetings, and thousands of submissions, Minnesota’s new state flag and state seal designs have been chosen: a flag featuring two shades of blue and a star, and a seal depicting the Minnesota state bird, the common loon.
But why is Minnesota getting a new flag at all?
The current flag, adopted in 1957 with slight changes from one adopted in 1893, features the official state seal on a blue field. However, many Native American groups have said the seal’s imagery is offensive, depicting an Indigenous person riding off into the sunset as a white settler plows a field with a rifle nearby.
Flag scholars, known as vexillologists, say there’s an additional problem with the current Minnesota state flag: it’s just too complicated.
The North American Vexillological Association says flags should be simple but meaningful, with just a few colors, easily recognizable from a distance, and without seals or lettering. The association ranked Minnesota’s seal-on-blue flag in 67th place out of 72 U.S. and Canadian state and provincial flags.
Previous state law required the state seal to appear on the flag, until the DFL-controlled Minnesota Legislature created the State Emblems Redesign Commission in the last session to reconsider the state’s official symbols. The commission was tasked with replacing both the seal and the flag—which is no longer required to feature the seal.
The commission faced a specific set of rules in the new design, as posted on its website:
The Commission shall develop and adopt a new design for the official state seal and a new design for the official state flag. The designs must accurately and respectfully reflect Minnesota’s shared history, resources, and diverse cultural communities. Symbols, emblems, or likenesses that represent only a single community or person, regardless of whether real or stylized, may not be included in a design. The Commission may solicit and secure the voluntary service and aid of vexillologists and other persons who have either technical or artistic skill in flag construction and design, or the design of official seals, to assist in the work. The Commission must also solicit public feedback and suggestions to inform its work. The Commission shall certify its adopted designs in a report to the legislature and governor no later than January 1, 2024. The Commission’s report must describe the symbols and other meanings incorporated in the design.
Minnesota isn’t the only state to consider a new look for its flag in recent years: The Utah Legislature recently approved a simplified flag design that keeps a beehive, a symbol of the Mormon pioneers who settled the state. Mississippi voters chose a new state flag in 2020 to replace a Confederate-themed flag that was widely condemned as racist.
The Minnesota Legislature will ultimately decide if the commission’s new flag and seal designs are worthy of the Land of 10,000 Lakes; but if lawmakers choose to move forward with the final designs, they’ll become official when Minnesota celebrates its statehood day on May 11.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Tonya Yarmakov, 23, was reported missing from Savanna State Park on Sept. 4.
NORTHFIELD, Minn. — On Friday night, a Minnesota college held a vigil for a woman reported missing more than two weeks ago.
St. Olaf College in Northfield hosted a candlelight vigil for 23-year-old Tonya Yarmakov, who was last seen on Sept. 4 while camping with her family in Savanna State Park near McGregor, Minnesota.
The Aikin County Sheriff’s Office said family members allegedly told authorities they left Yarmakov alone on a dock as they went fishing, and around noon, saw her get up and run away.
She is 5 feet tall and has dark brown hair. The sheriff said she was last seen wearing a rainbow tie-dyed t-shirt, gym shorts, black shoes and black headphones.
Yarmakov has autism and Type 1 diabetes, causing greater concern for her welfare, authorities said.
Officials said they’ve used drones, dogs and planes to search for the missing woman.
If you have information about Yarmakov’s current whereabouts, the Aitkin County Sheriff’s Office urges you to contact them at 218-927-7435 or call 911.
Saturday’s event includes helpful resources for caregivers and anyone impacted by dementia.
MINNEAPOLIS — Thousands of people are pouring into downtown Minneapolis Saturday morning for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Twin Cities.
KARE 11’s Karla Hult is emceeing the walk – one of the largest walks in the country, with 7,000 to 10,000 people attending – along with Gabi Del Moral of Telemundo Minnesota.
“Those of us who know Alzheimer’s or another dementia, also know this disease can feel so overwhelming and isolating,” said Hult, whose dad finished his Alzheimer’s marathon in 2019.
“It’s why I’ve always cherished the Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” Hult said. “There’s just nothing like connecting with a stadium full of people who understand how it feels to live with this cruel disease. Together, we find incomparable empathy and support. Together, we find new strength to fight. And together, we find the joy that still exists during the journey.”
The event includes helpful resources for caregivers and anyone impacted by dementia.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, money raised from the event provides local support groups, classes and resources at no cost to Minnesota families. The Alzheimer’s Association is also a significant champion and supporter of critical dementia research, including research projects currently happening in Minnesota.
This year the goal is to raise $1.5M through the event.
More than six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide unpaid care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Minnesota alone, there are 101,000 people living with Alzheimer’s and 164,000 unpaid caregivers support them.
Two men died in the hospital and three others suffered injuries after gunfire rang out downtown.
MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis police are investigating after five people were shot, two fatally, in downtown Minneapolis.
Officers were called to the area around 5th Street and Hennepin Avenue just before 2 a.m. Saturday for a report that several small groups fighting had escalated into gunfire.
Police report five people were shot. Two men, aged 20 and 21, were taken to the hospital where they later died, according to officials. Three women, two aged 16 and 17 and another woman, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Police said one person was taken into custody and will be booked for “Probable Cause Riot.”
A handgun was recovered from the scene, police said.
KARE 11 will update this story as more information is made available.
