Cannabis ordinance to be shared online

Contributed photo
Front row, L-R: Local ESGR Representative Ron Lindgren, Lois Robinson, MN ESGR Region 1 Chair, Commissioner Kurt Mortenson, ESGR State Chair Chad Sacket, Sergeant First Class Ryan Raftevold of the local Army National Guard, Commissioner Wayne Johnson and Veterans Service Officer Robb Emerson. Back row: Deputy Sheriff Reid Reinbold, County Commissioner Lee Rogness, Commissioner Bob Lahman, Commissioner Dan Bucholz, Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons.

By Robert Williams

Editor

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense office, has awarded Otter Tail County with the distinguished Seven Seals Award in recognition of its exceptional support for service members of the Guard and Reserve at the Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 8. 

This prestigious award acknowledges the county’s commitment to fostering a supportive work environment for military personnel and their families. This is the first Seven Seals Award presented in Minnesota this year.

The Seven Seals Award, named for the seven service branches with reserves, is given at the discretion of the ESGR State Chair to recognize significant individual or organizational achievements that promote the ESGR mission of supporting reserve service members. Otter Tail County’s policies and practices involving military personnel have emphasized flexibility and understanding when balancing the demands of military service and civilian employment.

ESGR State Chairman Chad Sacket presented the award to Otter Tail County saying, “We present this award to honor the leadership and service of Otter Tail County. Thank you for all you do, and from what I have seen and heard, this is well deserved.” 

The award read: Seven Seals Award presented to Otter Tail County Commissioners for meritorious leadership and initiative in support of the men and women who serve America in the National Guard and Reserve.

“We appreciate the award. The employees who serve are great employees, too. Empowering them to serve allows our employees to gain skills that they bring back to the county,” said Commissioner Wayne Johnson (District 2).

In March of 2024, Otter Tail County received the Patriot Award from ESGR, a testament to Otter Tail County’s leadership in its sustained efforts to support military personnel.

ESGR, founded in 1972, works tirelessly across all 50 states and U.S. territories to promote understanding between Guard or Reserve service members and their civilian employers. Through outreach, education, and recognition programs, ESGR helps resolve issues related to military commitments in the workplace and ensures that service members are supported in their dual roles.

Cannabis

A public hearing will be held Wednesday, Nov. 20 at the Government Services Center in Fergus falls to review the cannabis and lower-potency business ordinance.

According to County Administrator Nicole Hansen, the regulations in the ordinance will extend to all cities, townships and areas in Otter Tail County, regardless of any local ordinances in place.

The county is creating a web page to post the draft ordinance. The webpage will also provide information on how written feedback can be sent to the county prior to the public hearing.

Hansen also noted there will need to be discussion about businesses that would be impacted by the ordinance, particularly those that sell lower-potency hemp products and do not have a 21 and older restriction on entering their establishments.

All cannabis businesses will need to register with the county. 

DWI Court

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) court was established in 2008. Treatment Court Coordinator Tria Mann announced cooperative agreements with the state on both DWI court and Drug court.

Mann announced the DWI court numbers were down.

“The arrests are down…the higher level offenses are not as high,” she said. “We’re still seeing the third and fourth degree and were seeing more drug DWIs coming in.”

The court’s graduation rate is at 80 percent. Recidivism rate back to the first graduate is at 20 percent.

“Typically, 40 percent recidivism rate is in the general probation, so we’re half of that,” Mann said.

“I don’t think the economics on this is really great,” said Commissioner Robert Lahman. “But it isn’t about the economics in this case. It’s more about the individual which we can make a difference in their lives.

“The team is what makes it work,” said Mann.