Minnesota
Another Minnesota city moves toward displaying old state flag
Elk River leaders are moving to keep Minnesota’s retired state flag flying in the city after residents backed the idea in a survey.
The Elk River City Council voted 5-0 on Monday night to draft a resolution to display the old flag instead of the new design adopted two years ago.
The move came after more than 1,000 residents responded to an online survey posted by the city. In that survey, the city says almost 75% supported displaying the old flag.
A final council vote is expected at its next meeting on the 20th.
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Other cities across the state have taken similar steps to fly the retired flag, including Champlin and Zumbrota.
The flag design turned into a political dispute when planning for a new design first began. Two years later, debates continue, with some believing the old flag celebrated the displacement of Native Americans and others embracing it due to its history.
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