---

WALKER - The Cass County Board voted Tuesday to name Probation Director Reno Wells to succeed retiring Health, Human and Veterans Services Director Ane Rogers, effective Jan. 1.

Rogers announced her retirement two weeks ago, effective Jan. 21, 2011.

Commissioners Jim Dowson and Jim Demgen met since then as the board's personnel committee to consider a process for replacing her.[[In-content Ad]]Administrator Robert Yochum reported Tuesday that committee decided when Rogers was appointed that a process to advertise for outside applicants failed to find anyone as qualified as existing staff and specifically as qualified as Rogers, who had not applied for the post.

Between now and Jan. 1, the personnel committee and county staff will evaluate whether the probation department might be combined with Health, Human and Veterans Services in 2011 or remain a separate department.

Whether or not the departments combine, Wells will become the new HHVS director. He will receive a 3 percent raise now as he begins transitioning into the new position and another 3 percent raise Jan. 1 when he assumes his appointment.

The board voted to proceed with drafting an agreement to propose to Leech Lake Tribal Council and the state district and tribal courts that could transfer operation and funding of wellness court from Minnesota Department of Corrections to the county and tribe.

State wellness court funding is expected to cease in 2011. Both court have reported wellness court, which provides intensive counseling to repeat drunk drivers, has been very successful, Yochum reported.

---