County Board Meeting May 20 2025

Douglas County Commissioners approved a request by the owners of Arrowwood Resort to build 11 additional rental cottages and change the ownership structure of the cottages on the property. The eventual 16 units will be owned by investors but will remain part of the resort’s commercial rental pool. Arrowwood Resort consists of 250 acres including a golf course. The proposed new rental units will be adjacent to the golf course.

Occasionally commissioners receive a request from a member of the public to appear before the board. A resident of Lake Ida, Doris Switzer, was granted time to further discuss the ability to spray for tent caterpillars. She explained the history of impact to the trees in her neighborhood and asked for assurance she and others could hire a company to spray if needed. Commissioners had previously denied a request for permission for aerial spraying in the county. This occurred at the March 4 meeting. Board Chair Jerry Rapp expressed concern then that such spraying affected more than tent caterpillars. He shared with Switzer that the window for effective spraying had closed this year but thanked her for coming to the meeting.

County Engineer and Public Works Director Tim Erickson asked for and received permission to apply for MNDOT transportation alternative funding to pay for a bike path from the railroad tracks on County State Aid Highway 46 in Alexandria east and then north to Woodland Elementary School.

Douglas County Extension staff shared their accomplishments and goals for 2025. The Extension Office is located on the upper level of the courthouse at 305 8^th Avenue W.  in Alexandria. The public is welcome to visit and get information on gardening and other horticultural and small farm issues as well as 4-H. Administrative and Program Specialist Kim Taveirne and Office Support Specialist Sarah Trousil are in the office to answer questions and direct folks to resources. 

Robin Trott is the educator on all things that grow. She writes articles for the newspapers, does radio interviews, in person sessions and webinars, and works with the county’s master gardeners. She shared the success of this year’s Let’s Get Growing event, her outreach on succulents including a recent event at the Alexandria Senior Center, and much more. She’ll also answer questions directly when she’s in the office.

Jackie Kokett and Jodi Hintzen are the 4-H Extension Educators. They told commissioners about their work with the 12 4-H clubs in the county as well as work with District 206, Osakis and Brandon/ Evansville public schools, Alexandria Christian Community School and the Douglas County Library. Kaleb and Greta Fuglseth, members of the Moe 4-H Club, appeared before the board to share their personal success stories. Kaleb created a food basket project that he said helped him gain confidence in leading a big effort on his own. He said he learned efforts like his can make a big difference and really cheer people up. Greta created a cake in a kit. Not only do the kits contain the basics for delicious cakes, they also include decorations and, when appropriate, a toy. She said she wanted to make a positive impact. And commissioners agreed she has.

They thanked all the extension workers, and their supervisor Cecilia Amadou, and shared their 4-H stories including Tim Kalina who said he was one of the first members of the Lake Mary Troopers.