Don Ryan, Crow Wing County attorney, told the county board on July 22 that he will retire and that his tenure "will end at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 12, 2025." The board accepted his resignation and voted to declare a vacancy in the office.

The board directed that the vacancy be filled by appointment rather than a special election. County Administrator (unnamed) told commissioners that state statute requires the board to appoint someone to complete the unexpired term and that the appointed county attorney would serve only until the term expires on the first Monday in January 2027.

Ryan announced his retirement in his own words: "The time has come for me to trim the sails, adjust my tack, and sail away into retirement." He told the board his last day will be Sept. 12, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.

After discussing options for filling the vacancy, the board voted to seek letters of interest and resumes from qualified internal candidates in the county attorney's office. The administrator outlined the planned timeline: a seven-day internal posting for letters of interest, review of submissions at the Aug. 4 personnel committee meeting, and an agenda item on Aug. 12 to appoint an interim county attorney to serve the remainder of the term. The administrator warned that an external hire would likely serve only the same 15-month period before the next election.

The board also received clarifying details from the administrator: appointees must be Crow Wing County residents and must hold a valid Minnesota law license to serve as county attorney. Commissioners moved and seconded the motions to accept the resignation, declare the vacancy and solicit internal letters of interest; the motions were approved by voice vote.

Discussion and decisions were distinct in the meeting: Ryan's announcement was a statement of intent; the board then formally accepted his resignation (formal action) and directed staff to solicit internal candidates (direction). No formal election or appointment occurred at the July 22 meeting; the earliest appointment date discussed was the Aug. 12 board meeting.

Ryan has served as county attorney for many years; the board recognized his long tenure and said it would provide additional thanks and recognition before his departure.