Townships collaborate at annual gathering

About 75 area leaders attended the thirty-sixth annual banquet and meeting of the Waseca County Township Association; the event was held the evening of Thursday, April 13, at the Waseca American Legion.  Entertainment for the evening was The Paul Stewart Show, a band which plays 50s and 60s rock and country western music around the state of Minnesota. 

The banquet was overall a “laid back” affair, with the primary goal of allowing township board members to meet each other and socialize. The meal was provided by the Pheasant Cafe; members of the Waseca County Township Board served.

Andy Miller acted as emcee for the evening's program, welcoming everyone to the banquet before Charles Schwab gave the invocation. After the hearty meal, several county officials spoke. Blair Nelson, chair of the Waseca County Board of Commissioners, took the podium briefly and introduced several attendees, including commissioners Brad Krause and Doug Christopherson, fire chief Jason Forshee, sheriff Jay Dulas, and county veterans services officer Christopher Hinton. “We feel we have a good working relationship with all of the townships,” Nelson said, inviting those present to bring their relevant concerns to himself and the rest of the board of county commissioners. Dulas spoke next regarding what he considers “hot topics” in public safety, urging listeners to ask questions and make reports when needed. Hinton used his time at the microphone to raise awareness for the need to add new types of coverage and support options for veterans and their surviving spouses; he encouraged area residents to reach out to him and Veterans' Services whenever they feel the need. Bernard Frederick briefly introduced special guests for the evening, including representatives from Tim's Trucking, a company he said has given significant service to Waseca County's townships. Last to speak was Sandy Hooker, the District 2 director. “It's good to see so many good township folks tonight,” Hooker said before urging attendees to talk to their cohorts about the event and encourage them to attend next year's banquet. She gave a brief report on upcoming training opportunities for township officers. Finally, she addressed rumors of discord within the township association. “The Association is strong,” she assured those gathered. “It's solvent, and it's going to weather this adversity we've been going through.”