Gehring honored during 37th annual banquet

Waseca County held its thirty-seventh annual County Township Association Banquet at the American Legion on Wednesday, April 10. Andy Miller awarded Norman Gehring with a plaque recognizing  him for 54 years of service as the Wilton Township Clerk.

 

In attendance were a number of county commissioners and board members from Alton, Freedom, Iosco, New Richland, Janesville, Otisco, St. Mary’s and Woodville townships. Jason Forshee, fire chief in Waseca, reported there had been 304 fire calls in 2023 – about forty fewer than the previous year.

 

“Obviously, it’s been a busy start to this year with the big fires,” he added. “I have to give a shout out to the local farmers who helped haul water. We had so much help–from helicopters and airplanes to twelve fire departments.”

 

DeAnne Malterer, Waseca County Commissioner for district 2, was also invited to the podium. She told those in attendance how encouraging it was to attend the lobby days in St. Paul and meet the senators and representatives.

 

“I keep hearing from people who say they’re not going to go because it doesn’t do any good,” Malterer said, adding that she recognizes the division up in the Cities is frustrating, that there is a lobbyist who firmly stated that showing up matters. Malterer recalled the lobbyist saying, “All I have to do is walk into their office with one of their constituents. They sit up straighter and they are much more responsive. They want to hear what your views are. If you can’t go, email them, call them. They’re there to serve you.”

 

The night began with a social hour from six until seven, with Andy Miller welcoming all the township clerks and thanking others for attending. Among those who were present included Joan Mooney, Director of the Waseca County Historical Society and her board members: Gregg Johnson from Waseca, Dale Groskreutz from New Richland, Carol Raimann from New Richland, Linda Finley from Janesville, Dawn Halgren from New Richland, Marty Buum from Waseca, Dan Forrest from Waseca, and Brian Harguth from Waseca. She thanked all the townships for supporting the historical society.

 

“Whenever we’ve visited the township halls, you’ve got a real take on the American government and where it all starts,” added Mooney. “It’s a humbling experience and you have our utmost respect.”

 

For dessert, twelve pies were brought to the American Legion hall to signify the twelve different townships.

 

“Thank you to all the townships that showed up tonight,” Harguth said. “The townships are what make up the county.”