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Cass County suspends in-person HHVS services at Cass Lake office amid staffing and IT gaps
Summary
Effective Jan. 12, 2026, the Cass County Health, Human & Veteran Services office in Cass Lake suspended in-person services because of staff retirements, reassignments and required training; the Board approved the temporary suspension until further notice and directed clients to drop-box and online options.
Brian Buhmann, director of Cass County Health, Human & Veteran Services (HHVS), informed the Board that in-person operations at the Cass Lake office were suspended effective Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. Buhmann said the suspension was driven by recent staff retirements and reassignments and the need for extended supervisor-led training for new hires, which he estimated at six to twelve months per employee. He added that mandatory Federal Medical Assistance (MA) and SNAP training courses—often scheduled 30–60 days in advance—contribute to the staffing timeline.
Buhmann also cited persistent technical difficulties with internet connectivity and phone service that prevent feasible temporary relocation of staff. Notices about the service suspension were posted on the county website and at the Cass Lake office; clients were directed to use a secure drop box for applications and supporting documents, which staff will continue to monitor. Commissioner Neal Gaalswyk moved to approve the temporary suspension until further notice; the motion passed unanimously.
