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   WALKER— Cass County Engineer Darrick Anderson provided commissioners with an update on the county’s 2026 road construction and bridge replacement projects during the board’s meeting Tuesday, Nov. 3. Most projects are complete, including improvements to County State Aid Highways 11, 36 and 45, County Roads 167 and 161, along with several bridge and culvert replacements throughout the county. The most extensive discussion centered on the County Road 161 bridge near Thunder Lake, where unexpected soil conditions halted a replacement project and left the future of the crossing uncertain.

   The original plan called for replacing the existing steel bridge with two 12-by-8-foot precast concrete box culverts. However, after removal of the bridge and during construction, crews encountered unexpectedly deep peat and unstable soil conditions. A 25 foot sheet pile was driven into the ground without reaching a firm bottom, making the planned installation unworkable.

Pictured Left to Right – Chairman Bob Kangas recognizes Beth Nelson, Adult & Family Case Manager I, for one year of service with Cass County. Photo by Josh Stevenson.

   Anderson said the contractor was directed to stop work, restore the site and leave it open for water flow while the county evaluates alternatives. Two options are being considered: leaving the crossing closed and directing traffic around the area using existing roads, or pursuing construction of a new bridge. Anderson estimated a replacement bridge could cost approximately $500,000, and the county could face approximately $125,000 in additional costs associated with the original project, including work already completed and restocking fees for the box culverts that had been ordered.

   The situation prompted strong concerns from residents and township representatives, who questioned why additional soil testing was not completed before the existing bridge was removed and why the crossing was considered unsafe.

   Shem Daugherty, a Thunder Lake Township resident and board member, questioned whether the bridge could have remained in service with reduced weight restrictions. He also expressed concern about the loss of access for ATV and snowmobile riders, increased travel for township road maintenance and difficulties for residents trying to reach nearby lakes and recreational areas. Daugherty said the crossing was an important reason some residents chose to live in the area.

   Anderson explained that the bridge had one of the lowest structural ratings in the county. Inspections identified deteriorating steel cross members, rust and failing abutments. He said the bridge had reached a condition that qualified it for replacement. Anderson acknowledged, however, that the unexpected soil conditions were not apparent during preliminary investigations.

   Dave Stefan of Remer, a 35-year fire department veteran and Thunder Lake Township board member, strongly opposed leaving the crossing closed. He said the road serves as an important emergency detour when Highway 6 is closed because of serious accidents. Emergency responders have used the route numerous times over the years, including situations involving serious crashes and medical emergencies. Stefan urged the county to make replacing the bridge a priority and questioned the decision to remove it before the soil conditions were fully understood.

   Stefan also raised concerns about boat and trailer access to nearby lakes, noting that the former crossing provided a convenient route and turnaround area. It was also questioned whether additional state or federal funding could be pursued to help pay for a replacement.

   Anderson said state bridge replacement funding is not guaranteed and is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The state considers factors such as the condition of the structure and the availability of alternate routes when determining whether a replacement qualifies for funding.

   Commissioners emphasized that no decision has been made regarding the future of the County Road 161 crossing and no decision or motions was expected at Tuesday’s meeting. The discussion did, however, highlight the need for additional public input. A public input meeting followed by a formal public hearing was suggested to gather more information and hear from affected residents.

   County Administrator Josh Stevenson mentioned sending postcards to property owners along the affected routes and providing opportunities for residents to participate through Zoom. Stevenson also suggested preparing a frequently asked questions document so residents have access to consistent information about the engineering challenges, costs and potential alternatives.

   Commissioners supported gathering additional public input, with an initial meeting potentially scheduled during the winter. The board took no action on the future of the bridge.

   Cass County Land Commissioner Mark Grossman presented commissioners with a proposal for the county’s 2026 tax-forfeited land sale, which includes 15 parcels, nine of which are tax-forfeited properties. The county will again use the Public Surplus online auction platform to reach a broader pool of potential buyers. Under state requirements, newly forfeited properties must be offered for sale within six months of the applicable forfeiture date.

   The county plans to hold a three-day online auction beginning Jan. 18, 2027. Municipalities and townships associated with properties forfeited during 2026 have been notified. The sale will also include some parcels, including waterfront properties in certain townships, that have been available over the counter for several years but will now be offered through the online platform.

   Parcels that do not sell at auction may be made available afterward through the county’s over-the-counter sales process, where eligible buyers can purchase available properties on a first-come, first-served basis at the appraised value plus applicable fees.

   In other business, the county board:

   • Recognized Brenton Kleinstick, Deputy Sheriff and Beth Nelson, Adult and Family Case Manager I for one year of service with Cass County.

   • Established the Truth in Taxation Public Hearing and review of the 2027 Budget and Cass County Fee Schedule to be held Dec. 1 beginning at 6 p.m.

   • Approved the NextRequest proposal for $12,288 and the DocAccess proposal for $6,026. NextRequest is a public records request management system that will allow the public to submit requests for government records electronically. DocAccess is a document accessibility platform that scans, converts and monitors PDF documents on websites to support ADA and Section 508 compliance efforts for users with disabilities.

   • Approved Opioid Settlement funding for the Cass County Detention Center’s Medication for Opioid Use Disorder Program, including $17,500 for medical provider contracts and $37,800 for nursing salaries and benefits. The board also allocated $2,652 for Deterra drug deactivation bags and $6,000 for Take It To The Box, with 20% of costs reimbursed to Environmental Services. Commissioners approved $14,295 for Lighthouse Beginnings’ jail recovery, re-entry and peer support program, denied funding for Quantico Hardware, LLC, and received notice that Blue Water Retreat, LLC, declined its previously awarded Round 2 funds. 

   The next meetings are as follows: commissioner’s board meeting, 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17 at the Land Department meeting room in Backus and commissioner’s board meeting, 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1 followed by a public hearing for the Cass County Fee Schedule, Budget and Property Tax Levy beginning at 6 p.m. and the Walker Ambulance Serivce District Board Public Hearing for the Budget and Property Tax Levy beginning at 7 p.m. all in the board room in the courthouse annex in Walker.

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