During the Feb. 2 Todd County board meeting, Veterans Service Officer Peter Berscheit reported to the Todd County Commissioners on a meeting of the commanders of veteran’s organizations held in Browerville, on Jan. 28.

The session was called to discuss the designation of a Veteran’s Scenic Highway in Todd County. Berscheit told the commissioners the group voted to support a scenic highway traveling through the county. Much of the route the veterans approved would be on County Road 11.

Berscheit said the veteran’s groups did support the inclusion of a spur from the main scenic route that would travel to Long Prairie’s Veteran’s Memorial Park. Berscheit said the group was opposed to including a spur that would travel west from the main route to Lake Osakis.

Berscheit said all veterans’ groups in the county were invited but Grey Eagle, Staples and Swanville did not send representatives. He said he did not invite Sauk Centre veteran’s organizations because Sauk Centre is not in Todd County. Commissioner Neumann pointed out that a number of his constituents, who have Sauk Centre addresses, were not represented at the meeting as a result.

Recorders report

There were more babies born in Todd County and fewer deaths in 2009. Births in Todd County increased by 30 percent in 2009, according to a report made by Todd County Recorder Cheryl Perish to the County Board.

In 2008 there were 312 births. In 2009 there were 406 births, or an additional ninety-four. Deaths were down in 2009 by 27 percent, according to Perish’s numbers. In 2008 there were 188 deaths but in 2009 there were only 138.

Perish said she hadn’t paid much attention to the numbers. An assistant in her office said the increase in births may have been because the new Staples hospital is in Todd County. It previously had been in Wadena County.

Marriages declined by more than 12 percent in 2009. Perish said that foreclosures increased by 10 percent, from 80 to 88.

Motor pool policy

The commissioners adapted a policy that encourages car pooling by county employees who attend the same meeting or training. The new policy will not reimburse county employees who use private vehicles when a county vehicle is available.

Employee retirement

Ken Rausch was awarded a plaque of thanks for his 36-1/2 years of service to the Todd County Highway Department. County Engineer Loren Fellbaum said that since Rausch began working for the department 175 miles of county road have been reconstructed and 114 bridges have been replaced, among other things. Fellbaum thanked Rausch for the key role he had played in making that happen. Long Prairie Leader reporter Geri Weigle thanked Rausch for the assistance he has provided the media over the years.

County administrator

County Administrator Burkett said that he has set up an internal committee to consider merging the social services and public health departments and the veteran’s service office.

Burkett discussed various legislative concerns with the commissioners. The commissioners seemed most concerned about proposed new rules for rural septic systems. Commissioner Ruda said that under the new rules all the septic systems in Todd County would probably have to be replaced before the homes using them could be sold. The commissioners expressed their opposition to the rules and urged Burkett to communicate with the state legislature.