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The Koochiching County Board of Commissioners held its February regular meeting in Littlefork — a departure from the usual courthouse setting — approving a resolution to enroll part-time sheriff’s deputies in the state’s Police and Fire retirement plan and advancing lease negotiations with the City of International Falls over the Law Enforcement Center.
The meeting took place on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at the Littlefork Community Building. All five commissioners were present: Sjoblom, Roche, McIntyre, Hell, and Erickson. No members were absent.
In one of the meeting’s most significant personnel actions, the board unanimously passed a resolution (motion 2026/02-08) enrolling part-time sheriff’s deputies in the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) Police and Fire Plan.
The resolution formally declares that part-time deputy positions meet all state requirements for hazardous-duty coverage under Minnesota Statutes Section 353.64 — including holding a Minnesota peace officer license, devoting more than 50% of duties to enforcing criminal law, carrying full arrest powers, and being assigned to the Koochiching County Sheriff’s Department. Coverage takes effect on the date of each employee’s initial Police and Fire wage deduction.
The board (motion 2026/02-10) approved a response letter to the City of International Falls addressing the city’s questions and counter-proposal on lease terms for the Law Enforcement Center. An amended draft lease reflecting the county’s counter-response was approved alongside the letter. The negotiation reflects ongoing coordination over the shared facility used by county and city law enforcement.
The board approved a full slate of January financial items:
HR Generalist Brian Johnson notified the board of temporary hires for 2026. Veterans Service Transport Drivers include Daniel Burgess, Gary Coran, Brian Jespesen, and Mark Lessard. Sheriff’s Office Transport Drivers include Dawn Piekarski, Owen Amundson, Kylynn Wallace, Casey Oveson, Bill Valentine, and Jeff Carlson.
The board also approved (motion 2026/02-07) the employment separation of Aaron Mackey, Transfer Station Lead, effective February 9, 2026, and authorized backfilling the position.
Motion 2026/02-09 amended a January resolution to correct the agreement number for the county’s State Airport Fund grant from the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The correct agreement number is 1058226.
The board authorized the Environmental Services Director to enter into two state agreements:
No public comments were heard.
Commissioner Roche reported that the ATV Joint Powers Board is working to extend the ATV trail from Kabetogama to County Road 3. The group is pushing to complete tree clearing before April — work is restricted from April through August due to bat habitat protections in effect during that period.
Commissioner Sjoblom thanked Littlefork community representatives for hosting the meeting and for their contribution to KTI in support of a fellowship position. He also announced that the county bookmobile has added a new stop at Pelland Junction alongside its existing route stops.
On a larger infrastructure note, Sjoblom reported that the Voyageurs National Park Clean Water Joint Powers Board continues to seek dedicated funding for the Ash River Trail Sanitary Sewer Project, now estimated at more than $20 million. He also noted that the East Koochiching Sanitary Sewer District is pursuing dedicated funding for its infiltration project in coordination with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).
The meeting adjourned at 9:55 a.m.
Koochiching County is the second largest county in the state by land area, encompassing approximately 3,154 square miles!
Koochiching County has a government structure dedicated to meeting the needs of its rural communities. The county covers a vast area of nearly 3,100 square miles, making it one of the largest counties in the state. Its government provides essential services to residents, from public safety to land management, while also ensuring that the county’s natural beauty and resources are preserved.
Koochiching County is known for its vast forests, pristine lakes, and Rainy River. The county seat is International Falls, the “Icebox of the Nation”. Despite the cold, the area is a favorite... Read more
