---

   CASS LAKE — The Cass County Board and the Leech Lake Tribal Council met for their annual joint meeting Thursday, Jan. 15 at Cedar Lakes Event Center in Cass Lake, with department heads from both the county and Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe (LLBO) providing status updates and outlining goals for the coming year.

   County Administrator Josh Stevenson noted the Memorandum of Understanding between Cass County and the LLBO has been in place for over a decade, providing a framework for cooperation among departments. Stevenson stated the agreement continues to work well and supports ongoing collaboration.

   An update on Judiciary and Legal services included a report from Korey Wahwassuck, retired Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and District Judge, on the history of Wellness Court. She showcased how the joint powers agreement between LLBO and Cass County for Wellness Court has served as a model for counties and tribal nations across the country. Leadership thanked her for recognizing the history and unique joint jurisdiction relationship between LLBO and Cass County that has been used as a model for others. Staff reported most court hearings continue to be attended remotely via Zoom, a new approach to certain driving-after-cancellation cases, and reported that the Corrections Advisory Board, which includes LLBO representation, continues to function effectively. Expanded cooperation on tribal child protection cases was highlighted, along with the reduction or elimination of wellness court fees, helping to remove participation barriers for community members.

   Looking ahead to 2026, goals include completing the probation transition to a Community Corrections Act delivery system to supervise felony probation and supervised release, exploring diversion program opportunities as required under Minnesota Statute 401.065, modernizing the Cass County Law Library, and increasing participation in the Cass County–LLBO Wellness Court which is celebrating a 20th anniversary.

   Environment and land management updates included continued semi-annual staff meetings and joint participation in ordinance enforcement within reservation boundaries. A joint electronics collection event was held in partnership with the LLBO, Cass County, and the state. The entities also partnered on an invasive knotweed control project in Bena and coordinated wetland application reviews through a technical evaluation panel, with LLBO participation. Leadership expressed a desire and need to provide seven days a week access during the summer months to the Cass Lake transfer station to make it easier for people to responsibly dispose of household garbage and waste.

   Roads and trails updates noted the completion of construction projects on County State Aid Highways 10, 21, 206, and 207, as well as County Road 142. Cass County also worked with the LLBO Environmental Lands Department on the Section 401 Clean Water Act process, continued development of a noxious weed control program within reservation boundaries on county highways, and collaborated on federal grant submissions, including a scenic byways grant.

   Goals for 2026 include collaboration on construction projects such as the County State Aid Highway 53 bridge over the Boy River, continued coordination to identify trail needs within the reservation, aligning five-year road improvement programs, and partnering on outside funding opportunities for mutually beneficial projects. It was also reported that the new Cass County ATV ordinance is intended to get machines out of the ditch, protect soils, and reduce maintenance costs.   

   Law enforcement updates included progress on the E911 house number replacement project, with ongoing work in several areas. Meetings between Cass County and Leech Lake Tribal Police Department patrol, records, and dispatch staff continue, with officials reporting strong working relationships. Collaborative narcotics investigations were also noted as ongoing and effective, along with continued discussions on cooperative law enforcement agreements and the impacts of new legislation.

   In 2026, departments plan to continue E911 house number replacement efforts in the Cass Lake and Onigum areas, expand joint training opportunities across patrol, dispatch, records, and investigations, and complete a cooperative memorandum of understanding to replace the existing law enforcement agreement. It was reported that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents need to be informed that tribal ID’s are a valid form of identification for tribal community members.  Leadership clarified that people from outside of our area don’t understand that tribal members should be considered dual citizens with access to different forms of identification and license plates.

   Human Services and Public Health updates included discussions with Mike Smith Jr. and his mother, who emphasized the importance of ceremonies involving sage, tobacco, and cultural traditions as advocacy tools for children and families. Staff participation in homelessness initiatives, the 2025 National Indian Child Welfare Association conference, regional adult mental health initiatives, Minnesota Children’s Cabinet meetings, and Leech Lake-sponsored community events was also noted.

   Collaboration on opioid crisis prevention and support initiatives continues. Looking ahead to 2026, temporary suspension of in-person services at the Cass Lake office was discussed as staffing vacancies are filled and new employees are trained. Additional goals include collaboration on an Overdose Fatality Review Team Development Implementation Grant, establishing working relationships with new tribal leadership and staff, Indian Child Welfare Act case compliance, and continuing cultural training for county staff with local tribal leaders. The importance of cultural and civics training for staff from all departments that work with the public was also discussed.

   General and legislative updates included absentee voting held at the LLBO Government Center and continued collaboration on legislative priorities to better understand impacts on shared communities. Officials also reported ongoing success with opioid settlement-funded projects, workforce housing initiatives, and area ambulance service collaboration.

For 2026, goals include continued collaboration on legislative priorities, workforce housing, and opioid settlement-funded projects, building stronger staff relationships, and honoring a request from Leech Lake to continue a one-day voting location at Cedar Lakes. Officials noted that 105 voters participated at the site in 2024. Leadership asked staff to address concerns from community members regarding the Ah-Gwah-Ching work force housing project site. This included working to tell the history of what the former site was used for, recognizing the number of people who passed while being treated for tuberculosis, and making sure people and vehicles can continue to move safely through the area. The boards also agreed to continue holding joint meetings each January and July.

   Final comments from Tribal Council members and County Commissioners emphasized appreciation for the continued cooperation and shared commitment to serving the communities of Cass County and the Leech Lake Reservation.

---