Menahga City Council Opts to Fly Old Minnesota State Flag

Council cites 'cancel culture' concerns in decision to display 1983 flag design

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:57am

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The Menahga City Council in Minnesota has voted 4-0 to fly the state's previous flag design from 1983, rather than the current official state flag adopted in 2024. Council members cited concerns over 'cancel culture' and a desire to honor the state's heritage as reasons for the decision.

Why it matters

The move by Menahga's city council is part of a broader debate in Minnesota over the redesign of the state flag, with some local governments opting to continue using the older version. The decision highlights ongoing political tensions around issues of cultural representation and historical preservation.

The details

At a recent city council meeting, Menahga council member Durwin Tomperi said 'the current flag isn't indicative of what our ancestors and former Minnesotans put in to get this state to where it's at.' The council cited a Minnesota statute that allows local governments to fly flags other than the official state design. Menahga's mayor, Jody Bjornson, also expressed uncertainty about the meaning of the new flag's eight-pointed North Star symbol.

  • The new Minnesota state flag was adopted on May 11, 2024.
  • On March 30, 2026, the Menahga City Council voted 4-0 to fly the 1983 state flag design.

The players

Durwin Tomperi

A Menahga City Council member who cited concerns over 'cancel culture' and a desire to honor the state's heritage as reasons for flying the 1983 state flag.

Jody Bjornson

The mayor of Menahga, who expressed uncertainty about the meaning of the new state flag's eight-pointed North Star symbol.

Brett Gagonpalick

The Menahga City Clerk-Treasurer, who confirmed that the city could legally fly the 1983 state flag design.

Keith Waaraniemi

A Menahga City Council member who agreed with Tomperi's comments about honoring the state's heritage.

Andrew Prekker

The designer of the new Minnesota state flag adopted in 2024.

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What they’re saying

“'Based on the political situation in Minnesota, I think there's an underlying current – and I'm speaking strictly for myself here – of cancel culture. I think, we as a council, need to take a stand.'”

— Durwin Tomperi, Menahga City Council member

“'It's my belief the current flag isn't indicative of what our ancestors and former Minnesotans put in to get this state to where it's at.'”

— Durwin Tomperi, Menahga City Council member

“'Well put.'”

— Keith Waaraniemi, Menahga City Council member

“'What's an eight-point star? I've never seen one.'”

— Jody Bjornson, Menahga Mayor

What’s next

The Menahga City Council's decision to fly the 1983 state flag design is likely to face scrutiny and potential legal challenges, as Minnesota law designates the 2024 flag as the official state flag. The broader debate over the flag redesign may continue to play out in other local governments across the state.

The takeaway

Menahga's decision to defy the state's official flag design reflects a growing political divide in Minnesota over issues of cultural representation and historical preservation. The move highlights the ongoing tensions between those who see the new flag as a progressive step forward and those who view it as an attempt at 'cancel culture' that disregards the state's heritage.