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   TURTLE LAKE TOWNSHIP—University of Minnesota Extension Service recognized Spencer and Shelby Seifert and their family as the 2026 Cass County Farm Family of the Year during the Tuesday, July 21 Cass County Board meeting.

   The Farm Family of the Year program, established in 1979, is a partnership between the University of Minnesota Extension, the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, and the College of Veterinary Medicine. Each year, the Cass County Extension Committee selects a family that demonstrates excellence in agriculture, community involvement and continued growth of its farming operation.

   Extension representatives Tony Hansen and Mardi Harder said the committee recognizes the vital role local farms play in Cass County’s economy and future.

   The Seiferts, who farm near Longville, purchased their property in 2015 and built their operation from the ground up as first-generation farmers. They constructed their own fencing and farm structures while developing a grass-fed cow-calf operation focused on low-input, sustainable management practices.

   Family support has played a significant role in the farm’s success. Spencer’s father, Steve, and brother, Tyler, assist with fencing, haying and equipment maintenance. The farm’s previous owner, Gloria Larson, who turns 98 this year, continues to be one of the family’s biggest supporters and takes pride in seeing the land remain in active agricultural production.

   Spencer and Shelby, along with their children, Cora and Sutton, are active in their church and support local youth activities, including their children’s wrestling program.

Pictured above is the Cass County Farm Family of the Year, the Seifert family. (L-R): Cora, Spencer, Sutton and Shelby. Photo submitted.

   The Cass County Board then held a public hearing on the proposed revocation of three county roads to Turtle Lake Township as part of the county’s long-range transportation plan.

   Highway Engineer Darrick Anderson said the proposal stems from the county’s 2024 transportation plan, which recommends aligning road jurisdiction with each road’s primary function. Under federal guidelines, roads that primarily serve local residents are better suited to township ownership, while county roads should function as collector routes connecting communities.

   The three roads proposed for revocation, County Roads 124, 153 and 72, totaling about 8.1 miles, were identified as local roads because they primarily serve residents living along them. Anderson noted Turtle Lake Township already maintains much of County Road 124 through a long-standing agreement and also travels the other roads while maintaining adjacent township roads.

   Under state law, Cass County will continue maintaining the roads for two years after the transfer. Anderson said the county also negotiated a joint powers agreement that includes additional improvements, such as graveling, ditch work, culvert replacements and resurfacing County Road 153 when County Road 13 is reconstructed, currently planned for 2030.

   Turtle Lake Township Supervisor Reno Wells said he understands the statutory basis for the transfer but expressed concern about the long-term financial burden of maintaining the additional roads. Township resident Dennis King mentioned the transfer would increase their road system by roughly 30 percent and questioned whether township taxes would need to rise to cover future maintenance costs, particularly expensive pavement preservation work.

   Concerns were also raised about drainage issues along County Road 124, saying high water has historically flooded portions of the roadway during wet years. Anderson said county staff believes beaver activity has been the primary cause of recent flooding but agreed to continue working with the township if additional improvements are needed.

   Following the public hearing, commissioners approved the resolution revoking the roads to Turtle Lake Township and also approved the joint powers agreement outlining the county’s maintenance responsibilities and planned improvements. Both the county and township expressed confidence they could continue working together to address future concerns.

Following the Cass County Board’s approval of the transfer of three county roads to Turtle Lake Township, members of the Cass County Board of Commissioners and Turtle Lake Township Board of Supervisors gathered for a photo. Front (L-R): Commissioners Rick Haaland, Bob Kangas, Scott Bruns and Neal Gaalswyk. Back (L-R): Supervisor Reno Wells, Supervisor Tom Boege, Treasurer Renee McAllister, Clerk Lynette Emery and Supervisor Garr Pemberton. Photo submitted.

   In other business, the county board:

   • Adopted a resolution designating the portion of 44th Avenue SW and 4th Street SW that the county took over from Pine River Township in 2025 as County Road 113.

   • Adopted a resolution designating the portion of 45th Avenue NW and 16th Street NW that the county took over from Powers Township in 2025 as County Road 116.

   • Awarded engineering services contract to Erickson Engineering for the replacement of Bridge 11504 on County State Aid Highway 8 for the amount of $103,290.

   The next meetings are as follows: Commissioner’s board meeting 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4 at the board room in the courthouse annex in Walker, citizen budget committee of the board 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7 at the Land Department meeting room in Backus and commissioner’s board meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18 at Pike Bay Township, 15514 St. 371 NW, Cass Lake.

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