June 10, 2021 at 1:12 p.m.
Cass County Veterans press board to hire qualified Veterans Service Officer
Kathy Ramos, the county's former veterans service officer, resigned effective April 5.
While the veterans pressed the board Tuesday for the reasons for her resignation, Board Chair Dick Downham told them neither the board, nor any county official can disclose personal information about county personnel.
"You made a big mistake letting her go," Tom Hasser, a veteran said.
"This lady did more than anyone else for us combat vets," Don Stehr, another veteran said.
Scott Septrick, who described himself as retired from 21 years of active duty, pointed out the county no longer has a certified veterans service officer now.
He also said the county has not published in area newspapers the hours when satellite offices are open for veterans in towns around the county and has failed to post a sign outside the land department building at Backus identifying that building as the main veterans office since the office moved from the courthouse in Walker this spring.
Commissioner Jim Dowson said the satellite hours are posted on the county website, but he thinks the link to it could be made more user-friendly and easier to access.
Administrator Robert Yochum said he will see that the website link is improved and arrange for satellite hours to be made available to newspapers. He also said he would look into better signage at the land department building.
The county currently has an assistant veterans service officer, who is scheduled to complete training to become a certified officer this year, Yochum noted. Following Ramos's resignation, the county temporarily rehired a veterans services clerical person to assist in the office until the veterans services officer vacancy is filled.
Yochum noted the county is advertising for an assistant veterans service officer and a veterans service officer.
If applicants include a qualified certified veterans service officer, he said, it would be possible for the county to ultimately have two certified officers. If applicants are not already certified, there could be one certified officer and one assistant as in the past, he said.
Second publication rights after Brainerd Dispatch.[[In-content Ad]]
Comments:
You must login to comment.