[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6180117,"mediaKeyId","5120507-9bb553f0349958a6884318fa5315ee0c","parentId",5120507,"title","MCIT updates Pine County commissioners on claims trends, reinsurance costs and cyber risk reductions","audioSeconds",734,"startMs",4816000,"endMs",5550000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5120507-9bb553f0349958a6884318fa5315ee0c&start=4816&end=5550","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5120507-9bb553f0349958a6884318fa5315ee0c/thumbnail_4816000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6180117/Pine-County/Minnesota/MCIT-updates-Pine-County-commissioners-on-claims-trends-reinsurance-costs-and-cyber-risk-reductions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6180117-cd9c553270e2604289822820febced5f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775391914&Signature=WrtYVTUIxqwZwCqti8iel22-lOanJgG~Wtf9wnAPrkOy~pnjg0BzE7TZ94FdmC9aiMI2~YAv44V9pHuqowSiaZWyyBtT5z5PeajrRNwaS6uLVYvOKKsXzERkcwtX2726NvD3-8b4OEOEXJXow~ji2eyjBNhn8aeXIQQ99osGMnxVwUT~Zw~ijw9p5MVjm2-e1vx4yZwUOlq6r2dT7XyIUfLltWNynuPkNHMLb~EadhQtq1dnMfDaAMMKtvNPwOBSGuduMREdKBB-e-850espt4RQLG~9uVVnSGrXCWMUOjxS~mOrlvdSlp83JGusTL-Yv~cB5TZOfMvU3f-Wqif54w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pine County, MN","date","2025-07-02T05:09:16Z","article","A risk management consultant from the Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust briefed Pine County commissioners on MCIT’s financial position, reinsurance pressures and recent trends in cyber and workers’ compensation claims.

Joe Siminski, risk management consultant, summarized MCIT’s position as a joint powers entity that seeks cost‑effective coverage tailored to governmental operations and said the trust has faced rising reinsurance costs driven largely by increasing total insured values and higher construction and replacement costs. Siminski noted MCIT adjusted its reinsurance retentions — for example, increasing a casualty retention and the workers’ compensation retention — to blunt large premium spikes and to stabilize member contribution increases.

On cyber risk, Siminski said total cyber claims rose in prior years but that ransomware claims spiked and have since declined as members improved protections: “The ransomware claims have really fallen off in that year,” he said, and credited member investments in email filtering, staff training and other defenses for improved results. The consultant also highlighted MCIT’s member services including loss‑control consultations, employee assistance program access, benchmark analytics for law enforcement and safety seminars.

Siminski urged counties to continue common risk‑management practices: review contract language and coverages before finalizing agreements, maintain safety committees and return‑to‑work programs, and support ongoing cybersecurity training for employees. He also noted MCIT issues dividends when actuarial conditions permit; in recent distributions, workers’ compensation performance helped support returns to members.

Commissioners asked about specific areas such as equipment breakdown coverage and the costs of property reinsurance; Siminski said MCIT had added some equipment‑breakdown enhancements and that members should inventory and review valuations to help control future cost pressures.

MCIT recommended continued engagement with loss‑control specialists and took questions on county performance metrics and training offerings; commissioners thanked MCIT staff for the briefing.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Pine County Board Meeting - July 1st, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A Minnesota Counties Intergovernmental Trust (MCIT) representative told Pine County commissioners that rising property values and reinsurance costs are pressuring member rates, while cyber incidents appear to have trended down following member mitigation steps; MCIT urged continued investment in safety programs and contract review.","taxTitle","Pine County, Minnesota","taxId",51038,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6180122,"Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services outlines youth, incumbent worker and employer programs to Pine County commissioners",1438,3335000,4773000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5120507-9bb553f0349958a6884318fa5315ee0c&start=3335&end=4773","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5120507-9bb553f0349958a6884318fa5315ee0c/thumbnail_3335000.jpg","/articles/6180122/Pine-County/Minnesota/Central-Minnesota-Jobs-and-Training-Services-outlines-youth-incumbent-worker-and-employer-programs-to-Pine-County-commissioners","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6180122-66fb3f71184a071999f08e5f302fc717/orig.mp4?Expires=1775391914&Signature=P85AZPJtjTMB4hF1COkK1kcOwXNLVGvCxoGmVo~jQbMlllrjb9tyfCp7IPr0We3owQIKF8a8A8lPIcaMNR4ajePzPcJxJOC40rp46J34OGWyna8oOQTx9zxoMZ60BzHFutvRUoNY2p7bqqe6shQQzVc0xpF~y~5uauU14HSX8yZeSH-qr170eKrCOka7tJL8rZcjdMVzXYUSz7zcL8h36kfLj6-syyAuKOB2xj91bTd5Uj7zt-mLUC1OnLACYiwxWHt6sdh5VqWPrHWfkouh~~9DNiIWxVRtyHK~sHA4Qhuu-l6jCn-A-sqMsvUGiM8oJ-RVceSmfWY6kwQryzOGDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services (CMJTS) presented the agency’s program portfolio to the Pine County Board, highlighting workforce services for job seekers, employer supports and new initiatives aimed at youth exposure to trades and at helping second‑chance and incumbent workers.

Dina Warness, executive director, described CMJTS as the regional workforce development board serving 11 counties, with business representation required on its board and multiple federal, state and local grants funding programming. “If you’re interested in work and you need some help getting there, we have a service or a program that will be able to assist you,” Warness said, summarizing adult, youth and public assistance services and noting the agency’s goal to diversify funding beyond state and federal sources.

Warness and program staff outlined employer services including hiring events, on‑the‑job training reimbursements (up to 50 percent of wages for a qualifying period), incumbent worker training (grants up to $25,000 per employer per year) and HR networking. CMJTS also described Operation Exploration youth camps — hands‑on exposure to trades, health care and other career pathways — and work with registered apprenticeships, including the agency’s effort to register an apprenticeship for career navigators to coach other employers through apprenticeship development.

Diana (last name pronounced Ristamicky in the packet), CMJTS youth program manager, and other staff noted targeted efforts such as re‑entry workshops at correctional facilities and partnerships with local training providers. “We serve job seekers from age 14 to 104,” Warness said, underlining the agency’s broad eligibility range.

CMJTS asked commissioners to act as ambassadors: to refer job seekers and employers to CMJTS services, support grant applications and, when possible, amplify the agency’s outreach. Commissioners thanked CMJTS for the presentation and for local program work that included recent reentry workshops and youth events. CMJTS staff offered to provide additional information and follow‑up materials to Pine County offices and to commissioners who want to convene local partners.","Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services (CMJTS) presented its services and local programs — including youth Operation Exploration camps, on‑the‑job training reimbursements, incumbent worker upskilling grants and re‑entry assistance — and asked commissioners to serve as ambassadors to expand reach across Pine County.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6180127,"Residents press Pine County over zoning setbacks and odor controls as first cannabis licenses arrive",371,187000,558000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5120507-9bb553f0349958a6884318fa5315ee0c&start=187&end=558","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5120507-9bb553f0349958a6884318fa5315ee0c/thumbnail_187000.jpg","/articles/6180127/Pine-County/Minnesota/Residents-press-Pine-County-over-zoning-setbacks-and-odor-controls-as-first-cannabis-licenses-arrive","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6180127-485a29e68536a34508b83b019e22319d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775391914&Signature=e7WaTZjz4XqWKXDCmEE0g4GukBcdFca9Ntec3lF5Mo7RkYR88kmQhmno9jnukqsAvv~IXGVGKA1vaN5qjU4UcP7DvPUngN98~4F1kIvR2qWAIxuxAwOftbI9MrjRw1TKlqc8xpk6K~ZJnXUcnSQDuGso~ES8eJiVCLqNIoWQZnCX3eh6fH11T-s753NCCHENZfBdqtPj2M2wzf1VA1f4ZVP~F-VeTparCE2W2MeMumGVZ7lewKjOzwxh9mrb7N9LloOmLMVZ1ODj7Bxo6h~YwG5EP6nLp572pXXZx8taclhnSX9ZD8ig5KmqD9bh4dde~zgDWfYtKl5J4o5AeieqyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents used the Pine County public forum to criticize recent zoning revisions and to press the board for consistent protections around setbacks and offensive odors, while other commenters welcomed the first local cannabis licenses issued in the county.

“...you guys made some nice revisions on 03/18/2025 to the planning and zoning... a solid waste disposal sites... you guys are requiring a 100 feet to the property line or a thousand feet between any residential dwelling,” Royalton Township resident Denise Weiss told commissioners. Weiss described what she said were inconsistent setback and nuisance‑control rules across uses such as composting, feedlots, commercial solar, wind towers and cannabis cultivation, and she questioned why the same protections did not apply uniformly.

“Now these are under the setbacks... the big one here that would probably apply for cannabis is composting... odor is an issue because you're requiring it to be a thousand feet from somebody else's location,” Weiss said, asking for minimums to protect residents and property values.

Other public commenters pushed the opposite message. “OCM actually issued the first cannabis license. And congratulations to everyone up here,” resident Trent Ganenberg said, congratulating the board and the jurisdictional permitting process and urging patience: “Regarding the smells, there's nothing present out there right now. So these are all fears based off of ignorance, candidly.” He said he expects new licensed operators to address concerns as businesses begin operations.

Commissioners and staff did not adopt any new zoning measures at the meeting during public forum. The record shows the county’s March zoning revisions and staff references to pages describing required control measures for odors, fumes, dust and lighting; residents at the hearing asked the board to apply consistent standards and to consider minimums that would reduce nuisance impacts from large agricultural or commercial operations, including commercial cannabis operations.

The exchange highlights a persistent divide in community views about cannabis operations and land‑use protections: some residents urged stronger, uniform setback and nuisance rules to protect rural property values and recreational uses, while other community members urged the board to allow licensed businesses to operate and said fears may be premature.

Staff did not propose immediate regulatory changes during the forum, but commissioners acknowledged the concerns and suggested staff and township officials continue local dialogue and reviews of zoning rules where needed.","At the board’s public forum, residents criticized recent 03/18/2025 zoning revisions and the county’s setback and odor language as inconsistent—while another commenter congratulated the county on issuing its first cannabis retail license and urged opponents to await business operation.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6180132,"County extends local option sales tax, updates five‑year plan and offers MnDOT feasibility support for Highway 23",3772,2200000,5972000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5120507-9bb553f0349958a6884318fa5315ee0c&start=2200&end=5972","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5120507-9bb553f0349958a6884318fa5315ee0c/thumbnail_2200000.jpg","/articles/6180132/Pine-County/Minnesota/County-extends-local-option-sales-tax-updates-fiveyear-plan-and-offers-MnDOT-feasibility-support-for-Highway-23","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6180132-2f99710934d03eb4a5a3f26b4f302c07/orig.mp4?Expires=1775391914&Signature=INtje0IUuF9PLu7qtpkEkikr52cU0IR2oG9tqm3qsNyOTlDE91GUBn~muxLTHaSwnX2p6sgsa-0XeQB4K4mFOGop~ZNbi8G6~84Y46nHtPduox19nZD1CjVWk4KNlcj24p2X7dFZvr7D6Df7pWs-iDG61e3l3bkm3oZXu8q-TsX1EBjIGdLNiGp2EYGNfa-VkNFk~21NRBt4TGXxaMYvj7TqvHoS2JIxGgtqPWC39fWW-eXHfWkMxFyO8pN~vyAnM6czL2kcKXUx3g9Do~Q-ChjXQk9mC9Mb9GRCTQgIUNa5SK0Kh~RsyYbURSkPJuH7~s~Z2aJFWhwJ2gUUSWOP-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pine County commissioners voted to continue the county’s local option sales tax for transportation and to amend the county’s five‑year Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) by adding three road projects, then authorized a letter of support to MnDOT asking for a feasibility study of Trunk Highway 23 between Foley and Interstate 35.

County staff told the board that collections from the county’s local option sales tax have exceeded initial projections. “We’re collecting about 1.7, 1,800,000 a year,” a county presenter said, and at current receipts the program could continue for about 10 years rather than the originally estimated 15. Staff emphasized they do not seek to change the tax rate or total collection amount now but want to add projects to the approved list and continue pursuing state and federal grants to supplement county funds.

The board added the following projects to the TIP for potential use of sales tax funds: County Road 124 (one mile northeast of Pine City), County Road 151 (a four‑mile north–south stretch west of Rutledge), and County Road 172 (a three‑mile east–west segment east of Hinkley to complete a 10‑ton loop from Trunk Highway 48). Assistant county engineer Aaron Gunderson reviewed the TIP, which programs roughly 127 miles of resurfacing and bridge work over five years and is organized to capture contractor economies of scale.

Commissioners stressed continued pursuit of outside funds to stretch county dollars. The board approved a resolution continuing the local option sales tax and later approved the five‑year TIP by motion.

Separately, the board unanimously authorized a letter of support for a MnDOT feasibility study of Trunk Highway 23 from Foley to I‑35 after commissioners and staff noted crash history and truck traffic on that corridor. Commissioners who spoke described the route as a regional freight and safety corridor and urged MnDOT to study options ranging from intersection improvements to larger corridor upgrades.

Board members also discussed how sales tax funds have been used to supplement bridge projects and noted that certain state aid bridges can receive 50% bridge‑bond funding while some local projects can be bonded at higher rates; county roads in the TIP are typically funded from local sales tax proceeds while county state‑aid routes are funded from state aid. Members approved the TIP and the sales tax continuation motion, and later approved the chair to sign the Highway 23 letter of support.

The actions keep county transportation planning flexible while continuing to prioritize paving and bridge work; staff said specific project lettings will depend on available matching grants, material costs and contractor availability.

Clarifying details recorded included the sales tax collection rate (~$1.7–1.8 million/year), the original authorized collection target (about $17.4 million over a prior estimate), the three projects added (CR 124, CR 151, CR 172), and the TIP’s approximate five‑year scope (about 127 miles of resurfacing plus bridges).","The Pine County Board continued its local option transportation sales tax, added three county road projects to the five‑year transportation improvement plan and authorized a letter supporting a MnDOT feasibility study for Trunk Highway 23 from Foley to I‑35.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":103,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6180135,"Pine County board reaffirms plan to classify 200-acre Wilma Township parcel as nonconservation and sell it",1449,751000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5120507-9bb553f0349958a6884318fa5315ee0c&start=751&end=2200","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5120507-9bb553f0349958a6884318fa5315ee0c/thumbnail_751000.jpg","/articles/6180135/Pine-County/Minnesota/Pine-County-board-reaffirms-plan-to-classify-200-acre-Wilma-Township-parcel-as-nonconservation-and-sell-it","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6180135-c9a89c42788861f0604452e994648b13/orig.mp4?Expires=1775391914&Signature=MP4uhsRTz7pi15I7VPsH5YKxWBPqjeQx9d-twx5OKwnPwQDMxURo5FvcpcTDv7wkT7dKxmw5zh9P~mYalV4~HjFeoTY9LynLRLZjKOGSS6V22prwypoNuz98lxaNdizlpxwY7FFhAU6udDkDtriClhmyBTVDwThV8PwjtXjOSkEVpMt0FRIotJ5fQC9J28zDc~JW6tgWstKVhfZwdVlEeVMk6oBIhnhzy3ReU1cpGS9F3oqbvLOPtfoEAU8sxz3xCWfBpAS3woRp8Y6kfzMf~ttP-2Zp9TH2UX9n5dqlqQfHK6Ddo5dLup7EzPqdVbT99DyGm-IJ2sB3mk9xywYE1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pine County Board of Commissioners on Friday held a public hearing and voted to reaffirm Resolution 2025-14, authorizing reclassification of a 200‑acre tax‑forfeit parcel in Wilma Township as nonconservation and the county’s intent to sell the property at public auction.

County Auditor‑Treasurer Kelly Schroeder explained the proposal and the tax‑forfeit management process. “We are here for a public hearing for some tax forfeit lands that the county was intending to reclassify as nonconservation,” Schroeder said, and she emphasized the board’s distinction between pre‑June 2016 forfeitures (managed under older statutes) and later forfeitures subject to state settlement and newer rules.

The reaffirmed action starts a sale process for a parcel that forfeited in 1938 and that county staff proposed splitting into three lots — about 40 acres, 100 acres and 60 acres — so each would have buildable spots and access. Schroeder said the county receives a payment in lieu of taxes of $2 per acre on forfeited land, with 10% of that (20¢ per acre) forwarded to the city or township and $1.80 retained by the county.

Wilma Township residents opposed the sale at the public hearing. “This goes back about 15 years or so on this land,” Mike McCallum, chairman of Wilmette Township, told the board. “Now this 200 acres is gonna be sold to 3 people. ... It’s gone. They can’t use it no more.” McCallum said the parcel contains traditional local uses such as blueberry patches and informal camping and warned of future conflicts between private owners and hunters.

Commissioners discussed options before the vote: reaffirm the March classification and proceed toward auction, or withdraw the parcel from the reclassification and sale listing. County staff noted that, even if sold, Wilma Township would still contain more than 1,286 acres dedicated as Memorial Forest and that converting the parcel to nonconservation followed the land committee’s recommendation.

A motion to reaffirm the resolution was made by Commissioner Ludwig and seconded by Commissioner Nelson; the board carried the motion by voice vote. The motion record shows a voice vote with ayes called and no recorded roll‑call in the public transcript.

The county described how it manages forfeited lands for multiple purposes — sustainable forestry, timber sales, recreation and selective sales or exchanges — and said sales commonly occur at public auction when the statutory repurchase period has elapsed or when resource value has been harvested. Schroeder said some small, nonconforming lots are instead offered by sealed bid to adjoining landowners to reduce cycles of forfeiture and resale.

What happens next: staff said the parcel would typically return to the board in August for final sale approval if the board keeps it on the listing. Residents were told the memorial forest designation is reversible only by board action and public comment.

Clarifying details discussed at the hearing included the parcel’s 1938 forfeiture date, its proposed 40/100/60‑acre subdivision to ensure buildable lots and Duncan Road as the western border. Schroeder clarified the county’s pilt payments and the statutory process for notifying cities or townships and holding a hearing when reclassifying lands.

Commissioners and staff encouraged Wilma Township officials to discuss local land‑use tools (such as township zoning) if their concern is fragmentation into small lots; McCallum said Wilma Township currently lacks township zoning.","After a public hearing, the Pine County Board reaffirmed a March resolution to reclassify a 200-acre tax-forfeited parcel in Wilma Township as nonconservation and proceed toward auction, prompting objections from township residents worried about loss of public land.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

MCIT updates Pine County commissioners on claims trends, reinsurance costs and cyber risk reductions

Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services outlines youth, incumbent worker and employer programs to Pine County commissioners

Residents press Pine County over zoning setbacks and odor controls as first cannabis licenses arrive

County extends local option sales tax, updates five‑year plan and offers MnDOT feasibility support for Highway 23

Pine County board reaffirms plan to classify 200-acre Wilma Township parcel as nonconservation and sell it