Preservation work has begun on this mural, pictured prior to its removal from the Government Center last year. Once the preservation work has been finished, the mural will be on display at the Otter Tail County Historical Society. (Times file photo)

by April Scheinoha
Reporter

The Minnesota Department of Corrections Field Service Office will remain at the Pennington County Justice Center. At its meeting Tuesday, Oct. 24, the Pennington County Board approved continuing to lease space to the probation office.

As part of the five-year agreement, the State of Minnesota will pay $30,542.88 for the first year. That rate will increase 4% for each year of the contract, which spans from Nov. 1, 2023, through Oct. 31, 2028.

Commissioners approved leasing a John Deere motor grader from RDO Equipment for six years. In the event interest rates spike, the county will pay $71,875.65 annually for the lease. If the interest rates remain the same, the county will pay $69,447.02. The lease spans from Nov. 1, 2023, through Oct. 31, 2028. Delivery is expected in April once the motor grader has been completed at the factory.

County Board approved an IT technician position. The position will be paid $22.52 per hour to $28.88 per hour.

Commissioner Bruce Lawrence said county leaders have talked about creating this new position for two years. “It’s something that we felt that’s been needed,” he said.

Commissioners accepted the retirement of Dale Wiskow, buildings and grounds supervisor, effective Dec. 31. Wiskow has been employed in that position for more than six years. In a related, separate motion, commissioners approved advertising the position.

County Coordinator Kevin Erickson provided an update on the mural formerly located on the third floor of the Government Center. The canvas mural, which depicts scenes from American Indian life, was removed as part of the remodeling project transforming the vacant third floor into offices for the Pennington County Human Services Department.

Preservationists removed the mural at no cost to the county. The mural has since been taken to the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The Midwest Art Conservation Center has raised over $20,000 to restore the mural, which sustained water damage due to a leaky roof. The center hopes to have the mural restored by mid-2024. The mural will then be displayed at the Otter Tail County Historical Society.

The late Charles Beck created the mural. Beck lived in Fergus Falls.

The next County Board meeting is scheduled Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 10 a.m. at the Justice Center.