Candidates Forum Draws a Full House in Isle!
A community ready to connect, ask questions, and help build a thriving future for Minnesota, the Mille Lacs Area, and Isle!
The Isle Area Chamber of Commerce was thrilled to welcome a full house for our 2026 Candidates Forum, held on October 6 at McQuoid’s Inn and Event Center!
It was an evening of community engagement, thoughtful questions, and meaningful conversations about the future of our communities. Residents gathered both in person and online to hear directly from candidates, learn about their priorities, and become more informed ahead of the upcoming election.
Events like this remind us just how important it is to come together, stay informed, and take an active role in shaping the places we call home.
Meet the Participating Candidates
We extend our sincere appreciation to the candidates who took the time to participate, share their perspectives, and connect with our community.
Isle Mayor Candidates
- Ernie Frie
- Ron Schroeder
Isle City Council Candidates
- Mike DeCoursey
- Ginger Houle
- Monica Keding
Minnesota State Senate – District 10
- Tara Killein (D)
Minnesota House of Representatives – District 10A
- Melissa Maertens (D)
Thank you to each candidate for participating in this important community conversation!
A Community Effort Worth Celebrating
An event like this wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of volunteers, community partners, and Chamber members who generously give their time and talents.
A special thank-you to:
- Linda Dahlen and Jen Ernest for moderating the forum and helping guide the evening’s conversations.
- McQuoid’s Inn and Event Center for generously hosting our community.
- Ronda Bjornson for welcoming guests and coordinating check-in.
- Daron Stenvold for managing the technology and livestream, making the forum accessible to those joining from home.
- Don Dahlen and Jayden Biros for assisting with event setup and preparation.
Your efforts helped create a welcoming and informative evening for everyone involved!
Thank You for Showing Up, Isle!
To everyone who attended in person, watched online, submitted questions, or helped spread the word — THANK YOU!
Seeing a room full of neighbors who care about the future of their community is something worth celebrating. Whether you’re passionate about local businesses, schools, infrastructure, economic growth, or simply making Isle and the surrounding Mille Lacs Area an even better place to live, your voice matters.
The Isle Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to provide opportunities that bring our community together, encourage civic engagement, and foster connections between residents and community leaders.
Stay informed. Stay involved. Make your voice heard.
Together, we can continue building a strong and thriving Isle and Mille Lacs Area!
Hosted by the Isle Area Chamber of Commerce as a nonpartisan opportunity for community members to hear directly from participating candidates.