County hears emergency management update; approves $6,498 radio purchase for water-rescue team

Emergency Management Director Brett Lambrecht updated the Richland County Board of Commissioners on a string of recent incidents and security upgrades Dec. 17 and the board approved a radio purchase needed to maintain interoperable communications.

Lambrecht recounted several recent responses: a Dec. 16 fire at St. Phillips Catholic Church in Hankinson that required mutual aid from multiple volunteer departments and the county sheriff's office; a Dec. 16 house fire in Wahpeton; a Kidder Dam exposure where a woman was rescued after prolonged exposure to the elements; and a Dec. 13 Walcott camper explosion. Lambrecht commended the responding agencies for saving the church and said "extensive cleanup will be needed due to smoke and water damage." He also reported three confirmed avian influenza cases in North Dakota and said he would continue monitoring animal-health developments.

Lambrecht described recent Homeland Security grant-funded security upgrades: encrypted cameras and courthouse visiting-door technology installed under the 2023 program and additional cameras, recorders and door-fob systems deployed to county highway shops and tower buildings under 2024 funding.

Sheriff Ruhl told commissioners the water-rescue radios currently in use will be obsolete in February 2025 and the department must buy three mobile and three portable radios this year to qualify for reimbursement. Commissioner Nathan Berseth moved and Commissioner Terry Goerger seconded approval of the radio purchase at $6,498; the vote was unanimous. Ruhl also reported the Wahpeton Fire Department donated a truck to the county's Water Rescue Team.

The board additionally approved portfolio assignments for 2025 and a temporary Deputy Auditor salary adjustment to B25 Step 3 effective Jan. 1, with re-evaluation in three months.