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   WALKER—Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk recognized Nancy Zamago and Kristina Pierce with a Lifesaving Award for their heroic actions during the regular board meeting on Tuesday, May 5. Sheriff Welk shared that during a medical emergency on March 3, 2026, at the Remer Cenex gas station an individual suddenly collapsed and lost a pulse while at the pumps. Zamago and Pierce, who were nearby in separate vehicles, immediately realized the seriousness of the situation and rushed to help. Without hesitation, they assessed the victim, called 911, and began CPR until emergency responders arrived and continued lifesaving efforts.

   Sheriff Welk said the women’s quick thinking, courage, and willingness to act under pressure made the difference between tragedy and survival. Their response was praised as an example of the compassion, commitment, and community spirit the Cass County Sheriff’s Office and first responders hope to inspire in others.

   On behalf of the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, area ambulance personnel, and the citizens of Cass County, Zamago and Pierce were formally presented with the Lifesaving Award for their exemplary efforts. The individual whose life was saved, Willie Strickland, was also present during the recognition ceremony.

Pictured Left to Right: Chief of Remer Ambulance – Diane Ammerman, Sheriff Bryan Welk, Life Saving Award Recipient - Nancy Zamago, Kayla Harris with Remer Ambulance, Willie Strickland (Life was Saved by the actions of others), Life Saving Award Recipient - Kristina Pierce, Lyndsey Hausken with Remer Ambulance, and Victoria Nelson with Remer Ambulance. Photo Submitted.

   The commissioner’s then held two public hearings during the meeting. The first public hearing was in regards to the approval of an Off-Sale Intoxicating Liquor License for Credence Holdings Corporation, doing business as Godrey’s in Backus. County Administrator Josh Stevenson stated there was no comments received prior to the meeting and only one person spoke up during the meeting with a comment there is currently no open liquor store in Backus.  Commissioner Neal Gaalswyk motioned to approve the request, with Commissioner Rick Haaland seconding the motion and all voting aye.

   The second public hearing was held in regards to proposed updates to the land ordinance, which has been under review for more than a year and includes revisions to accessory dwelling unit standards, land-use definitions, and permitting requirements. Staff outlined changes that would allow up to 700 square feet of living space within larger accessory structures and explained that comments had been received from builders, developers, townships, and agency partners during the public review process.

   During the hearing, a lakeshore property owner raised concerns about accessibility standards for mobility paths and asked the county to provide clearer guidance related to Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for disabled landowners accessing lakeshore property. County Planner Scott Wold said the department would continue reviewing the language and work with agency partners on possible clarifications.

   Commissioners also discussed proposed revisions involving wildlife ponds, gravel extraction, and regulations governing the conversion of agricultural and forest land to other uses. Wold said several of the changes were intended to reduce unnecessary permitting requirements and make the ordinance more flexible and easier for landowners to understand.

   Following the discussion and public hearing, the county board approved sending the ordinance back to the planning commission for additional revisions and further review before it returns to the board for final consideration.

   In other business, the county board:

   • Heard from County Engineer with an introduction to the new County Surveyor Loren Brownell. 

   • Heard an election update and notice of offices to be voted on at the State General Election from Elections Administrator Pam Smith.

   • Approved Commissioner Rick Haaland to serve on the 2026 County Canvassing Board, authorize an invitation to the chair of Sylvan Township to serve on the board, and set canvassing board meeting dates for Aug. 13 and Nov. 9, 2026, at 1 p.m. in the Commissioner’s Board Room at the Cass County Courthouse.

   • Established a public hearing for the adoption of the 2026 Cass County Capital Improvement Plan during the regular board meeting June 2.

   • Approved 2025 fourth quarter budget amendments for the Self Insurance Fund.

   • Approved other 2025 fourth quarter budget amendments. 

   The next meetings are as follows: commissioner’s board meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 19 at May Township, 5834 112th St. SW, Pillager; annual planning work session, 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 27 at the Land Department in Backus; commissioner’s board meeting, 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 2 at the boardroom in the courthouse annex in Walker and AMC District 2 meeting 8 a.m. Wednesday, June 3 at Beltrami County Board Room, 701 Minnesota Ave NW, Ste 102, Bemidji.

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