Posted: 10/4/05
Peterson is countyís pick for sheriff
By Jane Palen
Managing Editor
The Houston County Board has decided to hire Darryl Peterson of Rochester as the next sheriff. He will assume the position on November 1.
The county board had decided to advertise for a replacement for Mike Lee, who announced earlier this year that he wanted to retire. His term as sheriff would have run through 2006.
Lee urged the commissioners to appoint Chief Deputy Ken Frank as his replacement, but they opted instead to advertise the position.
Peterson and Frank were the two finalists from the five that were interviewed for the position.
Second district commissioner Kevin Kelleher said that the board was following a precedent set when James Fabian was appointed Third District Judge. At that time, the board advertised for a replacement. Richard Jackson was hired and later was elected to the position.
Kelleher said that the decision was made based on the amount of supervisory experience, and the breadth of experience that Peterson has. He was with the Minnesota State Patrol from 1979 to 2004, serving the first 11 years of his career in Houston County. He attained the rank of Lieutenant in the State Patrol.
Frank began his law enforcement career with the sheriffís department in 1981, and became a deputy in 1985.
Third district commissioner Ann Thompson said that the county was fortunate to have good candidates from which to choose. There were five people interviewed for the position, and each had strong points, she said.
First district commissioner Larry Graf said he believes that Petersonís credentials are stronger than Frankís.
Commissioner Kelleher said his main concern is that all law enforcement officers in the county cooperate.
ìEveryone with a badge in this county is part of the team; not a team, the team.î
Commissioners noted that the public will make the final decision when the the 2006 election is held.
The salary for the position is up to $70,000 per year.
Peterson accepted the position later in the day.
Pruss resigns 4-H position
In other personnel news, county commissioners learned from Regional Extension Educator Holly Kanengieter that Rebecca Pruss will be leaving her position as 4-H coordinator for Houston County at the end of October. Kanengieter received the boardís approval to hire a new 4-H coordinator. The hiring will be through the University of Minnesota.
Kanengieter also introduced Brad Smith, an AmeriCorps Reads employee who will be working in the area of early childhood, infant screening, literacy and immunizations. He will work out of the extension office.
Land use plan extended
The board also agreed to request a two-year extension on the comprehensive land use plan from the Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources. Ralph Tuck of the Soil and Water Conservation District and Rick Frank, the countyís environmental services director, asked the county to pass a resolution for the extension. The county has until October of 2008 to complete the plan.
Frank and Tuck requested the extension so that the comprehensive water plan and comprehensive land-use plan could be done at the same time. Because the two plans are so closely related and overlap in many areas, they believe they can save time and money by developing the two plans side by side.
In related news, Glenn Kinneberg was appointed the contracting officer and Vernon Fruechte was appointed the acting contracting officer for the Bear Creek Watershed district.
County wants to explore park options
In other news, county commissioners agreed to explore other options before commiting to an agreement for the operation of Wildcat Park in Brownsville. The county operates the park and hires a manager, who at this time is Jerry Hensley. They will give notice to the park manager that they do not intend to renew the contract.
The land on which the park is located is leased by the county from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
In other news from the county, the board:
ï approved Greg Skauge as a maintenance specialist;
ï approved full-time status for Pam Wynn as a home health aid;
ï approved full-time status for Lois Egland in the public health department.
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