Adult Mental Health Local Advisory Council
News | Published on May 27, 2025 at 2:29pm EDT | Author: henningmaster
0By Tom Hintgen
Otter Tail County Correspondent
County Social Services Supervisor Megan Adams, along with Adult Mental Health Local Advisory Council (LAC) members Fonda Knudsen and Beth Rader reviewed their mission statement to county board members on May 6.
Part of the mission is to advocate for services for Otter Tail County residents with mental illness and mental health needs. They also highlighted recent outreach efforts.
The LAC also presented two new member requests for appointments to the Otter Tail County Adult Mental Health Local Advisory Council. County board members approved the appointments of Lawana Beebout and Somjai Miller.
County Probation comprehensive plan
Otter Tail County Probation Director Michael Schommer provided an overview of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan for probation to county commissioners.
A brief history was shared along with Schommer highlighting positive data trends in Otter Tail County. There are reductions in criminal activity and in violations along with decreased recidivism rates.
Schommer also touched on staffing needs and noted that few Department of Corrections staff transitioned to county employment during the transition to the new delivery system. The department is actively working on filling those vacancies. Schommer expressed appreciation for the entire Probation Department.
EMS issues addressed
County Board chairman Wayne Johnson of Pelican Rapids, on May 6, led a discussion about whether Otter Tail County could provide direct funding for EMS providers under statutory authority. Further consideration will be needed to determine the most effective way to address revenue shortfalls that EMS providers are experiencing
County commissioners, in previous months, have supported state legislation to create an ambulance operating deficit grant program for applicants to address revenue shortfalls. Supporting county government and the needs of ambulance providers has been State Sen. Jordan Rasmusson.
“We need to work collaboratively with EMS partners to strengthen the overall EMS system in west central Minnesota,” Rasmusson said. “Staffing shortages are among the EMS issues.”