MARSHALL COUNTY SERVED IN CULVERT LAWSUIT

    Before Tuesday’s Marshall County Commission meeting, Sheriff Sam Swanson formally served the commissioners with legal papers related to a recent lawsuit. The county is being sued by a landowner seeking to have existing culverts in the road that runs along their property replaced with larger ones—a matter that was first raised in 2022 but saw no action taken at that time. The Journal reached out to the State’s Attorney for comment, but a response was not received by press time. 
    In regular meeting business, Highway Superintendent Dustin Hofland informed the board that work is underway on the Roy Lake Road project. The project is managed by the state. Hofland noted that the state agreed to asphalt repairs and striping between the east and west entrances to Roy Lake State Park. The funding agreement splits the cost at 75% state and 25% county. It was noted that Sandy Dinger, the Highway Department secretary has resigned with her last day as June 12.
    A public hearing was held on the proposed vacation of right-of-way for the old Hillhead Road. The commission approved the request.
    Director of Equalization Katrina Johnson updated commissioners on Ordinance #20, originally passed in 1998. The ordinance, which set minimum acreage for ag property classification, is now outdated due to changes in state law. State’s Attorney Victor Rapkoch will begin drafting a revised ordinance that aligns with current county and state standards.
    The commission denied a welfare claim from Avera Health totaling $32,000, citing the absence of an application for assistance by the patient.
    In courthouse project updates, the board accepted a $164,920 bid from Lien Transportation for asphalt work. Commissioners also voted to assign $3 million from the unassigned General Fund for courthouse-related purposes.
    In other business, the hiring of Kiera Bennett as a 911 dispatcher was approved. The next commission meeting is scheduled for June 17.
    The commission also reviewed and approved building permits, including those submitted by Joe and Anna Meissner (variance granted), Brent and Jacalyn Wolfe, Wayne and Joanne Schlekewy, and Coleen and Ron Monson, all for projects located in Lake Township.