November 2020 Edition

News County Offices Closed The County Offices will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 in observance of Veterans Day. The County Offices will also be closed on Thursday, November 26, 2020 and Friday, November 27, 2020 in observance of Thanksgiving. The History of Veterans Day Read the history of Veterans Day on page 2. Upcoming 2021 Pre-Retirement Webinars Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) will host monthly Pre-Retirement Webinars via Zoom. Page 2. County Staff Teleworking Extended The current telework policy has been extended through December 31, 2020. Online Suggestion Box County staff are encouraged to anonymously submit their suggestions and comments to help improve the workplace. Visit the County Employees webpage for more information.

Events & Attractions Stay Safe MN State of Minnesota

I have been working at Mille Lacs County for a little over a month. I have liked the variety that my position has given me thus far. Working in multiple departments and meeting new people. I grew up in the Isanti area, attended school at St. Francis. After High School, I attended college at the University of Minnesota-Duluth for a couple years, followed by a couple more schools, then eventually finishing out my college education at Anoka-Ramsey Community College. I have been married to my husband, Scott for 19 years and we have 4 kids!! They are Gabriel (15), Jonathan (13), Alison (10) and Caleb (7). We built our home in the Princeton area 17 years ago. For the most part I have considered myself a stay home mom for the last 15 years, but have worked seasonally at a Tax firm the last 12 years. I don’t have too much free time having 4 active kids, but I do enjoy watching each of them in the sports that they play (Football, Baseball, Softball, Hockey, and Swimming). I also like camping in the summer, hiking, and bringing my kids on adventures. You can usually also find me in the kitchen baking something. My dream vacation would be somewhere warm. These cold winters can be way too long. I think that a Mountain or some kind of beautiful scenery would be amazing also. In all reality, I think a vacation sounds amazing, wherever it may be.

Employee Spotlight

Kristie Kaiser

Administrative Office Support Specialist

Administrative Services Office

County News

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.” In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…" Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. Additional historical information on Veterans Day may be found at www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp.

History of Veterans Day

Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS) will host monthly Pre-Retirement Webinars via Zoom at least prior to July, and they have been posted on our website. The 2021 Webinar schedule (through June) is available on the MSRS website.

Upcoming 2021 Pre-Retirement Webinars

Employee Updates

Image Courtesy of Laura Slaughter

Employees Moving

None at this time.

Employees Leaving

Aaron Evenson, promoted from Deputy Sheriff to Patrol Sergeant

Dillon Hayes, Environmental Resources Manager/Land Commissioner, leaving after 5 years of service.

Eric Bauman, Sr. Engineering Project Manager in PW, leaving after less than a year of employment.

Tammy Mann, Confidential Secretary/Records Tech in the SO, leaving after 4 years of employment.

Ryan Newland, Correctional Officer in the SO, left after a year of service.

Kayla Gieske Office Support

Specialist 4-H/Extension

Rachel Klemz Social Worker

CVS

Dylan Young Sr. Highway Maintenance

Worker PW

Kelly Kohlgraf Sr. Highway Maintenance

Worker PW