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Morrison County recognizes child-protection unit; Katie Cadell named annual employee of excellence; HHS staffer Cindy Vejent to retire
Summary
The county board recognized the child protection team for heavy workloads and recent increases in severe abuse cases, presented Katie Cadell with quarterly and annual awards, and accepted retirement tributes for Cindy Vejent.
Morrison County commissioners used part of their March 11 meeting to formally recognize the county’s child protection unit for its workload and recent case demands, present Katie Cadell with the county’s fourth-quarter and 2024 annual awards of excellence, and honor Cindy Vejent, a longtime Health and Human Services employee who will retire later this week.
The child protection recognition
County staff and commissioners described the child protection work as “difficult and generally underappreciated.” Katie told the board that the unit’s staffing includes “one childrens intake worker, three staff who do primarily child protection investigations, five staff who primarily do child protection case management, two staff that do adoptions and two case aids,” and that the last six months have seen an influx of severe abuse cases and more volatile resident contacts.
Commissioners praised the team’s commitment and low turnover. Commissioner Richard Blaine and others noted the group’s role supporting prosecutions and court interventions; Blaine said the team’s testimony and work “help put this man behind bars” in an example recounted during the recognition.
Katie Cadell’s award and department context
The board’s awards process recognizes quarterly winners who become candidates for the annual award. Staff who described Cadell’s leadership said she “goes above and beyond to support us individually and as a team,” and her nomination cited efforts to adapt practices to meet state Department of Human Services guidelines, reduce turnover and improve efficiency.
Retirement tribute for Cindy Vejent
The board also honored Cindy Vejent, who will retire at the end of the week after more than 20 years with the county. Commissioner remarks and a framed certificate signed by the commissioners noted Vejent’s role through departmental transitions and thanked her for years of service. The certificate on its face listed service dates (2004–02/2025) and the board presented a small plaque and statements of appreciation.
What was said (selected quotes)
- Katie Cadell: “The work of child protection is difficult and generally underappreciated.” - Commissioner Casper to the child protection team: “Thank you for what you do. A lot of it … goes unnoticed.” - On Cindy Vejent’s service: board members described her as a “cornerstone leader” who helped guide transitions in HHS and public health.
Context and next steps
Board members encouraged continued departmental support and said they hoped public recognition of teams like child protection would continue. No formal board action was required for the recognitions and retirement tribute beyond presentation of certificates.
