By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

County commissioners have accepted a donation from Grove Lake Lutheran Church of rural Pelican Rapids in the amount of $396 for the Coordinated Response Program and a donation from North Immanuel Lutheran Church of rural Pelican Rapids in the amount of $100 for the Sheriff’s Office to assist those in emergency situations.

Both donations will be placed in the county’s Good Samaritan Fund.

HRA and CDA board composition

County Community Development Director Amy Baldwin gave a brief update to county commissioners in late December 2024 regarding the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) and Community Development Agency (CDA) board compositions. 

Baldwin noted that, per Minnesota statute, the Community Development Agency board requires two county commissioners to serve. With the retirement of Commissioner Lee Rogness, the CDA will be looking to fill Rogness’ term. 

Baldwin also noted upcoming openings in 2025 for both the CDA and HRA boards.

Rogness recognized

Retiring County Board member Lee Rogness was recognized by fellow commissioners during the final county board meeting in December 2024. They recognized Rogness for his “dedicated public service, leadership, vision, influence and innovation” for the residents of Otter Tail County.

The motion for the adoption was introduced by Commissioner Wayne Johnson of Pelican Rapids and seconded by Commissioner Dan Bucholz of Perham. The motion passed unanimously.

Rogness, who represented Fergus Falls on the county board, has been succeeded by Sean Sullivan who was elected in November 2024.