Minnesotans elect county sheriffs, officers

Voters elected dozens of new county officers Tuesday in west-central Minnesota.

In Becker County, sheriff's deputy Tim Gordon, 57 percent, beat incumbent Warren Rethwisch, 43 percent, to become sheriff.

Carolyn Engebretson beat Lester Ristinen in the District 1 commission race, 56 percent to 44 percent.

Harry Salminen, 47 percent, defeated Vern Seal, 40 percent, in District 2.

Dave Seaberg, 57 percent, beat Thomas Holweger, 42 percent in District 3.

Bob Bristlin defeated John Murray in the District 4 race, 68 percent to 31 percent. Roger Winter was elected in District 5. He ran unopposed.

Keith Brekken, 55 percent, beat Pat Sauer, 44 percent, in the county auditor's race.

Ryan Tangen, treasurer, Darlene Maneval, recorder, and Joe Evans, attorney, were elected. All three candidates were unopposed.

In Otter Tail County, voters picked Brian Schlueter to replace Sheriff Gary Nelson, who plans to retire.

A sergeant in the Otter Tail sheriff's office, Schlueter edged New York Mills Police Chief Brian Nelson, 55 percent to 44 percent.

Also in Otter Tail County, Malcolm Lee, 53 percent, beat Mary Ryan, 47 percent, in the District 2 commission race.

Roger Froemming was elected in the District 4 race. He ran unopposed.

Wayne Stein, auditor, Steve Andrews, treasurer, Wendy Metcalf, recorder, and David Hauser, attorney, were elected. They ran unopposed.

Candidates vying for seats in other area counties were:

- Norman County: Tom Opheim, 51 percent, defeated Susan Rantala Nelson, 48 percent, for county attorney.

Lee Ann Konkin, 71 percent, beat Darin Ramey, 29 percent, in District 4. Warren Olson was elected in District 2. He ran unopposed.

Richard Munter, Myron Thronson and Kari Aanenson were unopposed for auditor, sheriff and recorder. All three were elected.

- Hubbard County: Swede Nelson, 53 percent, defeated Patricia Alberg, 47 percent, in the District 1 race.

Dick Devine, 67 percent, beat Florence Hedeen, 33 percent, in District 2.

Floyd Frank, 61 percent, edged Sally Shearer, 39 percent, in District 3, while Cal Johannsen, 63 percent, beat Larry Burgoon, 36 percent, in District 5. Lyle Robinson was elected commissioner in District 4. He was unopposed.

Gary Mills, sheriff, and Gregory Larson, county attorney, ran unopposed and were elected.

- Wilkin County: Stephanie Miranowski beat Roger Johnson in District 2, 65 percent to 35 percent.

Neal Folstad, 66 percent, defeated Kenneth Petersen, 33 percent, in District 4.

Timothy Fox, 61 percent, beat Tracey Lindberg, 39 percent, for county attorney.

Wayne Benezek, auditor, Rose Ann Hulne, treasurer, Renae Niemi, recorder, and Tom Matejka, sheriff, were elected. They ran unopposed.

- Polk County: Mark Le Texier, 58 percent, beat Doug Qualley, 42 percent, in the race for sheriff.

Warren Strandell defeated Monte Ruch in District 2, 73 percent to 27 percent.

Jerry Jacobson, District 1, Bill Montague, District 3, Warren Affeldt, District 4, and Eugene Mattson, District 5, were elected. They ran unopposed.

Gregory Widseth, 58 percent, beat Wayne Swanson, 42 percent, in the county attorney's race.

- Wadena County: Mike Carr, 55 percent, edged Bob Swenson, 45 percent, to become county sheriff.

Char West, 65 percent, beat Jo Dooley, 35 percent, in the race for auditor.

Charlie Oakes, 25 percent, lost to Lane Waldahl, 75 percent, in the District 1 race.

Bill Stearns defeated Sharla Fillhouer in District 3, 60 percent to 40 percent.

Mary Harrison, 60 percent, beat Paul Nolte, 40 percent, in District 4, while Dave Mattila was elected in District 5. He ran unopposed.

Judy Aagard, recorder, and Jon Edin, attorney, were unopposed and elected.

- Mahnomen County: Brad Athmann defeated Doug Krier in the sheriff's race, 53 percent to 47 percent.

Jerry Dahl was elected county commissioner in District 2. He ran unopposed.

John Peterick, 60 percent, defeated David Snetsinger, 40 percent, in District 3.

Karen Ahmann, 71 percent, beat Ronald Hendrickson, 29 percent, in District 4.

Charlie Pazdernik, 54 percent, edged Gerald Paul, 45 percent, in District 5.

The following unopposed candidates were elected: Frank Thompson, county auditor; Brenda Lundon, treasurer; and Susan Bendickson, recorder.

Julie Bruggeman, 76 percent, defeated Eric Boe, 24 percent, in the county attorney's race.

Readers can reach Forum reporter Cole Short at (701) 241-5557