The Pierce County Commission approved the hiring of Mary Richard for the administration position at Heart of America Correctional and Treatment Center (HACTC) at their Aug. 7 meeting.

Commissioner Dave Migler said they had two strong candidates to interview, and it was a difficult decision, but the committee recommended the hiring of Mary Richard at the salary of $57,000, with the possibility of a raise in 6 months if she is doing her job well. Richards has worked at the HACTC for 6 years and meets all of the requirements necessary for the job.

Elaine Little recently resigned to retire and spend more time with her grandchildren. She is moving to Bismarck.

The commissioners were also introduced to the new deputy clerk of court, Karin Fritel, who was hired by the clerk of court Colleen Stutrud.

The other new face at the courthouse is that of the new county agent, Yolanda Goodman. She will be hiring a part-time secretary to assist her. One of her goals is to get the 4-H program back on track in Pierce County. She has already met a couple of 4-H leaders and plans to work closely with them. She began her new job on August 1. She reviewed her work and training schedule with the commissioners for the next two months and presented a preliminary budget for her department to the commissioners.

Later in the meeting, the commissioners had an opportunity to thank Michelle Lind, and pass along some positive comments on this year’s 4-H exhibits at the fair. Lind agreed to help the county out in the 4-H program this summer, as there was no county agent. Lind recently moved to Bismarck, but came back to report to the commissioners.

Cathy Jelsing and members of the Historical Society board were present at the Aug. 7 meeting to make a request. First, Jelsing gave a report on the activities at the museum, fundraising efforts and grants. The board made a request for up to a .75 mill levy for use by the Historical Society for the museum. The historical board has hired a consultant to help with long-range planning for the museum, but a shortage of funds does not allow them enough money to take proper care of the artifacts. Jelsing told the board that over 40 of North Dakota’s counties have levied part of a mill to help their historical society with funding.

After some discussion, Duane Johnston moved to allow a part of a mill to help the historical society with funding, and it was a unanimous vote in favor.

The commissioners worked on their preliminary budget throughout the meeting.