Pine City Pioneer public notices Jan 26, 2026

Minutes of Organizational and Regular Meeting

Tuesday, January 3, 2023, 10:00 a.m.

Board Room, Courthouse, Pine City, Minnesota

County Administrator David Minke called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. 

Present at the commencement of the meeting were Commissioners Steve Hallan, Josh Mohr, Terry Lovgren and Matt Ludwig.  Also present were County Administrator David Minke and County Attorney Reese Frederickson.  

Commissioner J.J. Waldhalm joined the meeting at 10:05 a.m. via interactive technology due to an out-of-town commitment, pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13D.02.  Commissioner Waldhalm was seen and heard at the meeting via electronic means, at a location open and accessible to the public, and participated from 904 Calle Cruz Roja, Barrio Obrerro, Arecibo PR.

The public was invited to join the meeting remotely by phone, Zoom, or watch via live stream on YouTube.

The Pledge of Allegiance was said.

County Administrator Minke called for nominations for County Board Chair.

Commissioner Mohr nominated Commissioner Hallan as County Board Chair. With no further nominations, a unanimous white ballot was cast to elect Commissioner Hallan as Chair.  Motion carried 4-0.  

Commissioner Ludwig nominated Commissioner Lovgren as Vice Chair of the County Board. With no further nominations, a unanimous white ballot was cast to elect Commissioner Lovgren as Vice-Chair.  Motion carried 4-0.  

Chair Hallan called for public comment.  There was no public comment.

Motion by Commissioner Ludwig to adopt the amended Agenda.  Second by Commissioner Mohr.  Motion carried 4-0.  

Commissioner Waldhalm electronically joined the meeting at 10:05 a.m.

2023 Committee Assignments and Other Appointments

Motion by Commissioner Lovgren to approve the appointment of commissioners to those boards and committees requiring county board approval. Second by Commissioner Ludwig.  A Roll Call vote was called by Chair Hallan.  Motion carried 5-0.

2023 Pine County Board of Commissioner Regular Meeting Schedule

• The first meeting of the month begins at 10:00 a.m. and is held at the Pine County Courthouse, Pine City.

• The second meeting of the month begins at 10:00 a.m. and is held at the North Pine Government Center, 1602 Hwy 23 No., Sandstone.

January 3 and 17         

February 7 and 21  

March 7 and 21   

April 4 and 18  

May 2 and 16 

June 6 and 20  

July 5 and 18 (July 4 is the Independence Day Holiday.  Wednesday, July 5 is the next business day.)

August 1 and 15 

September 5 and 19   

October 3 and 17 

November 7 and 21   

December 7 and 19 (The December 7 date is due to the Association of Minnesota Counties Annual Conference scheduled for December 4-6, 2023.)  

Board of Equalization, June 12, 2023 at 6:00 p.m., Pine County Courthouse, Boardroom, Pine City.

Truth in Taxation, December 7, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., Pine County Courthouse, Boardroom, Pine City.  

County Board Committee Meetings

Facilities - 1st Wednesday of even numbered months (February, April, June, August, October, December) – 9 a.m.

HHS - As needed (typically 3-4 times per year)

Personnel - Monday the week prior to the third Tuesday of the month -- 9:00 a.m. 

Technology - -4th Tuesday of odd numbered months (January, March, May, July, September, November) – 9:00 a.m.

Committee meetings may be held in person or via interactive technology.

All meetings subject to change.  Contact the County Administrator’s Office for further information.

Motion by Commissioner Ludwig to set the 2023 County Board regular meetings, Board of Equalization, and Truth in Taxation meeting as indicated above.  Second by Commissioner Lovgren.  A Roll Call vote was called by Chair Hallan.  Motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Commissioner Mohr to approve the Minutes of the December 20, 2022 county board meeting and Summary for publication.  Second by Commissioner Lovgren.  A Roll Call vote was called by Chair Hallan.  Motion carried 5-0.

Minutes of Boards, Reports and Correspondence

Pine County Land Surveyor Monthly Report – December, 2022

Pine County Zoning Board Minutes – November 17, 2022

Unapproved December 28, 2022 Pine County Housing & Redevelopment Authority – Economic Development Authority Minutes 

Motion by Commissioner Lovgren to acknowledge the Minutes of Boards, Reports and Correspondence.  Second by Commissioner Ludwig.  A Roll Call vote was called by Chair Hallan. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Commissioner Lovgren to approve the Consent Agenda.  Second by Commissioner Mohr.  A Roll Call vote was called by Chair Hallan.  Motion carried 5-0.

Approve the following applications:

A. Temporary Wine/Beer License Application

i. Erica Roy-Nyline for an event at Ospry Wilds Environmental Center, 54165 Audubon Dr, Sandstone for an event on January 28, 2023

B. Abatement Application

i. Minnesota DNR, PID 13.0330.000, Finlayson Township. 

Approve Commissioner Mohr expense claim form.

Accept the following donations:

A. Anonymous $150 donation designated for veteran outreach

B. $23,000 donation / December 16, 2022 for 1st quarter 2023 from Grand Casino Hinckley for Sheriff’s Office general operations 

Approve the following contracts: 

A. Microsoft 365 Contract

Three-year Microsoft 365 contract and authorize payment in the total amount of  $356,774.40 ($118,924.80 per year for a three-year period).

B. 2023 Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services Contract

Central Minnesota Jobs & Training Services to provide jobs and training services to eligible Pine County clients.  Funds expended will not exceed $285,865.

Acknowledge the depositories used by Pine County:  

A. Frandsen Bank & Trust 

B. Stearns Bank  

C. Minnesota Association of Governments Investing for Counties (MAGIC) account.  

D. Ehlers & Associates 

Approve internal transfer of Sara Drexl to the Child Support Office Support Specialist position, effective January 4, 2023.  No change in grade or pay.

Approve the hiring of Children’s Mental Health Social Worker Deanna Williams, effective January 9, 2023, $27.53 per hour, grade 10, step 2.

Approve the attendance at the AMC Legislative Conference for County Administrator David Minke and any commissioner who desires to attend. Registration: $350 per attendee, Lodging $175 per night plus tax, Meals: $34 per day. 

Motion by Commissioner Lovgren to designate the Pine City Pioneer as the official newspaper and award the bid for the publication of county notices required by law, to the Pine City Pioneer at the rate of $9.00 per inch.  Second by Commissioner Mohr.  A Roll Call vote was called by Chair Hallan. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Commissioner Mohr to appoint Traci LeBrun, and reappoint Chad Dipman, to the Extension Committee, each for a three-year term, January 3, 2023 – December 31, 2025.  Second by Commissioner Lovgren.  A Roll Call vote was called by Chair Hallan. Motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Commissioner Ludwig to approve Resolution 2023-01 supporting the Community Supervision Work Group and requesting the Legislature to pass a new funding formula and significant appropriation. Second by Commissioner Lovgren.  A Roll Call vote was called by Chair Hallan.  Motion carried 5-0.

Pine County Regional Railroad Authority Annual Meeting

At 10:30 a.m. Chair Hallan recessed the County Board meeting and opened the Regional Railroad Authority annual meeting.

Motion by Commissioner Ludwig to approve the following Regional Railroad Authority officer appointments:  Chair:  Commissioner Steve Hallan; Vice-Chair: Commissioner Terry Lovgren; Secretary: Administrator David Minke (non-voting); and Treasurer:  Auditor/Treasurer Kelly Schroeder (non-voting).   Second by Commissioner Lovgren.  A Roll Call Vote was called by Chair Hallan.  Motion carried 5-0.

With there being no further business, the Regional Railroad Authority meeting was adjourned at 10:34 a.m. and the County Board meeting was reconvened.

With no further business, Chair Hallan adjourned the meeting at 10:38 a.m.  The next regular meeting of the county board is scheduled for January 17, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the North Pine Government Center, 1602 Hwy. 23 No., Sandstone, Minnesota.

Stephen M. Hallan, Chair

Board of Commissioners 

David J. Minke, Administrator

Clerk to County Board of Commissioners

The full text of the board’s Minutes are available at the County Administrator’s Office and the county’s website (www.co.pine.mn.us).  Copies may also be requested from the administrator’s office.

Published in the Pine City Pioneer and North Pine County News Jan. 26, 2023

POKEGAMA TOWNSHIP SNOW & ICE REMOVAL POLICY

It is the policy of the Township for the following SNOW & ICE REMOVAL WITHIN POKEGAMA TOWNSHIP

Winter conditions bring concern about access to work, school & business.  The goal of the Township is to have all roads passable and as soon as possible in the event of winter storms.

The Township does not assure a completely bare road.  Users of the road system are reminded to exercise caution and drive safely according to road conditions.

PROCEDURES

 A.  The Township will dispatch the snowplow and truck when snow has accumulated to a four (4) inch depth as determined by the Road Supervisor.  If accumulation is less      than a four (4) inch depth, roads will be plowed at the discretion of the Road Supervisor. The snowplow and truck will not be sent out in situations that may be hazardous due to restricted visibility.

B.  Generally the clearing of roads will consist in three phases;

a.  Making the roads passable

b.  Widening

c.  Cleaning up

C.  Depending on the situation, more than one of the above phases may be accomplished at a time, except in life threatening situations.

D.  The Township will utilize such salt or other chemicals or materials, at the discretion of the Road Supervisor, only at such places as upon hills, at intersections, or upon high speed or arterial roadways where vehicle traction is particularly critical.

E.  The Township will only place salt or chemicals upon roadways, if in the opinion of the Road Supervisor, removal of ice reduction of hazardous conditions by blading,  plowing, grading or natural elements cannot be accomplished within a reasonable time.

GENERAL INFORMATION

A.  Township residents are reminded it is unlawful to plow snow from a driveway onto or across public roads.  Accidents and damages cause by snow piles placed in the roadway may result in liability to the property owners.

B. Township residents are reminded that it is unlawful to plow snow from driveways onto or across public roads. Piles of snow left on or near the road can freeze into a solid mass creating a hazardous situation for both vehicles and snowplows. Accidents and damages caused by snow piles left in or on the side of the roadway may result in liability to the property owner. Snow piles left on the side of the roadway increase the chances of drifting snow onto the road. Vehicles left or parked in the  Township Road right-of-way’s will be towed at the owner’s expense. Residents are reminded to remove all obstructions from the Township Road right-of-way’s that includes boulders and any landscaping materials.

C.  The Township vehicles will not attempt to remove stuck vehicles from Township ditches, snow banks or any other impediment unless it is a life threatening situation and they have first called 911.

D. When directed by the Supervisors or Sheriff’s Department, the Township will make every effort to plow for emergencies.

E.  The Township will provide these services for snow control, keeping in mind safety, cost and personnel, using Township employees, equipment and limited private contractors at the discretion of the Road Supervisor.

MAILBOX INFORMATION

A.  In the event of a mailbox and /or mailbox support being damaged by a Township vehicle during the snow removal process, the following will apply:

a.  If after an onsite inspection by the Township’s Road Supervisor, it is determined that the mailbox structure was damaged by the snow discharge from the Township’s snowplow or truck, it shall be the responsibility of the mailbox owner to repair the damage to the mailbox.

b.  If after an onsite inspection by the Township’s Road Supervisor, the damage is determined to be a direct hit by the Township’s snowplow or truck, including the snowplow wing, it will be the responsibility of the Township to repair or replace the damaged structure and mailbox.

***THE  MAILBOX MUST HAVE COMPLIED WITH “UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE” STANDARDS.  

Published in the Pine City Pioneer Jan. 26, 2023

Royalton Township

Notice of Annual Meeting, Election of Officers, Absentee Voting,

Public Accuracy Test, & Board of Canvass

Notice is hereby given to the qualified voters of Royalton Township, County of Pine, State of MN, that the Annual Election of Town Officers and Annual Town Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Royalton Town Hall. The Election Poll hours are from 12:00 pm (noon) to 8:00 p.m., at which time the voters will elect:

One Supervisor – 3-year term

One Treasurer – 2-year term

The Royalton Township Annual Meeting will commence at 8:15 p.m., March 14, 2023, to conduct all necessary business prescribed by law.

In case of inclement weather, the election and meeting may be postponed until the third Tuesday in March; if bad weather forces cancellation of the alternate date, the board will determine and publish a third date.

The Board of Canvass will meet immediately following the Annual Meeting.

The Clerk’s Office at the Town Hall will be open for absentee voting for the Annual Township Election on Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. (noon), on Monday, March 13, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., or by appointment with the Clerk beginning February 10, 2023 (tel. 320-396-2982).

Public accuracy test of the OmniBallot assistive voting equipment will be conducted on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., at Royalton Town Hall, 6052 Royalton Road; Braham MN

/s/ Duane P. Swanson, 

Royalton Township Clerk

Published in the Pine City Pioneer Jan. 26, 2023

NOTICE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY

The following Pine County Tax-Forfeited Properties contains personal property formerly owned by: 

Nancy Dodd: parcel 29.0198.000; Henry Sundin: 38.5040.000; Dwaine Sanders: 06.0338.004   

For arrangements to claim property call Pine County Land Department at (320) 216-4225.

Unclaimed property will be sold or disposed of after March 31, 2023. 

Published in the Pine City Pioneer and North Pine County News Jan. 26, 2023

Pokegama Board of Supervisors

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Pokegama Town Board of Supervisors will be meeting on February 9, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. for their Annual Board of Audit Meeting. The Regular Board Meeting will immediately begin after the Annual Board of Audit Meeting. These meeting will take place at Pokegama Town Hall located at 18336 Town Hall Road, Pine City, Minnesota. These meetings are open meetings and the public is welcome.

Published in the Pine City Pioneer Jan. 26, 2023

PROBATE

STATE OF MINNESOTA

COUNTY OF PINE

TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

DISTRICT COURT

PROBATE DIVISION

Court File No. 58-PR-22-99

Estate of

Michelle Marie Fallahi, 

aka Michelle M. Fallahi,

Decedent

NOTICE OF INFORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is given that an application for informal probate of the Decedent’s Will, dated July 19, 2021, (“Will”), has been filed with the Registrar.  The application has been granted. 

Notice is also given that the Registrar has informally appointed Connie Trom, whose address is 457 4th Street SW, Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, 55917, as personal representative of the Estate of the Decedent.  Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative or may object to the appointment of the personal representative.  Unless objections are filed with the Court (pursuant to Minnesota Statutes section 524.3-607) and the Court otherwise orders, the personal representative has full power to administer the Estate, including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate. 

Any objections to the probate of the Will or appointment of the Personal Representative must be filed with this Court and will be heard by the Court after the filing of an appropriate petition and proper notice of hearing. 

Notice is also given that (subject to Minnesota Statutes section 524.3-801) all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred.

Dated: January 10, 2023

Pamela Kreier

Registrar

Amy Willert

Court Administrator

Attorney for Personal Representative

Alyssa K. Jerde

Wagner Oehler, Ltd.

1801 Greenview Dr SW; Suite 102

Rochester, MN, 55902

Attorney License No: 0398877

Telephone: (507) 288-5567

FAX: (507) 288-5589

Email: alyssa@wagnerlegalmn.com

Published in the Pine City Pioneer Jan. 19, 26, 2023

STATE OF MINNESOTA

COUNTY OF PINE

TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT

DISTRICT COURT

PROBATE DIVISION

Court File No. 58-PR-23-1

Estate of

Kirk Elroy Peterson aka Kirk E. Peterson,

Decedent

NOTICE OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS (INTESTATE PROCEEDING)

Notice is given that an application for informal appointment of Personal Representative has been filed with the Registrar in an ancillary proceeding. No Will has been presented for probate. The application has been granted.

Notice is also given that the Registrar has informally appointed Quinn Peterson, whose address is 24798 Port Gamble Road NE, Poulsbo, WA, 98370 and Mark Peterson, whose address is 27072 Ohio Avenue NE, Kingston, WA, 98346 as Ancillary Personal Representatives of the Estate of the Decedent. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as Personal Representative or may object to the appointment of the Personal Representatives. Unless objections are filed with the Court (pursuant to Minnesota Statutes section 524.3-607) and the Court otherwise orders, the Personal Representatives has the power to administer the Estate in Minnesota including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate.

Notice is also given that (subject to Minnesota Statutes section 524.3-801) all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the Personal Representative or to the Court Administrator within four months after the date of this Notice or the claims will be barred.

Dated: January 12, 2023

Pamela Kreier

Registrar

Amy Willert

Court Administrator

Attorney for Ancillary Personal Representative

Chelsie Troth

Troth Law, LLC

210 Main Street S.

Pine City, MN, 55063

Attorney License No: 0395709

Telephone: (320) 629-2727

FAX: (320) 629-0009

Email: chelsie@trothlaw.com

Published in the Pine City Pioneer Jan. 19, 26, 2023

STATE OF MINNESOTA

COUNTY OF PINE

TENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT

PROBATE DIVISION

Court File No.: 58-PR-23-5

In Re: Estate of

RICHARD DONALD MATEY, a/k/a RICHARD D. MATEY, a/k/a RICHARD MATEY, a/k/a DICK MATEY,

Decedent.

NOTICE OF AND ORDER FOR HEARING ON PETITION FOR FORMAL PROBATE OF WILL AND APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE 

It is Ordered and Notice is given that on Mach 14, 2023 at 9:30 a.m., a hearing will be held in this Court at the Pine County Court House, 635 Northridge Drive NW, PIne City, Minnesota, on a petition for the formal probate of an instrument purporting to be the Decedent’s Will dated the 25th day of October, 2006, and for the appointment of Irma J. Matey, whose address is 810 11 Street SW, Pine City, MN 55063 as personal representative of the Decedent’s estate in an unsupervised administration.

Any objections to the petition must be raised at the hearing or filed with the Court prior to the hearing. If the petition is proper and no objections are filed or raised, the personal representative will be appointed with the full power to administer the Decedent’s estate, including the power to collect all assets; pay all legal debts, claims, taxes, and expenses; sell real and personal property; and do all necessary acts for the Decedent’s estate.

BY THE COURT

Dated:January 17, 2023

Heather Wynn

Judge of District Court

Amy Willert

Court Administrator

STEVENS LAW, P.L.L.C.

Scott E. Stevens

MN# 270945

7760 France Avenue South, Suite 1160

Bloomington, MN 55435

Telephone: 952-886-7418

Facsimile: 952-886-7501

E-mail: scott@stevenslawpllc.com

ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER 58-PR-23-5

State of Minnesota

District Court

Pine County

10th Judicial District

Court File Number: 58-PR-23-5

Case Type: Formal Unsupervised

Notice of Remote Zoom Hearing

FILE COPY

In re the Estate of RICHARD DONALD MATEY, a/k/a Richard D. Matey, a/k/a Richard Matey, a/k/a Dick Matey, Deceased

You are notified this matter is set for a remote hearing. This hearing will not be in person at the courthouse.

Hearing Information

March 14, 2023

Probate Hearing

9:30 a.m.

The hearing will be held via Zoom and appearance shall be by video unless otherwise directed with Judicial Officer Patrick W. Flanagan, Pine County District Court.

The Minnesota Judicial Branch uses strict security controls for all remote technology when conducting remote hearings.

You must:

• Notify the court if your address, email, or phone number changes.

• Be fully prepared for the remote hearing. If you have exhibits you want the court to see, you must give them to the court before the hearing. Visit https://www.mncourts.gov/Remote-Hearings.aspx for more information and options for joining remote hearings, including how to submit exhibits.

• Contact the court at 320-591-1500 if you do not have access to the internet, or are unable to connect by video.

• If you need an interpreter, contact the court before the hearing date to ask for one.

To join by internet:

1. Type https://zoomgov.com/join in your browser’s address bar.

2. Enter the Meeting ID and Meeting Passcode (if asked):

Meeting ID: 161 840 1650

Passcode: 931950

3. Update your name by clicking on your profile picture. If you are representing a party, add your role to your name, for example, John Smith, Attorney for Defendant.

4. Click the Join Audio icon in the lower left-hand corner of your screen.

5. Click Share Video.

Para obtener más información y conocer las opciones para participar en audiencias remotas, incluido cómo enviar pruebas, visite www.mncourts.gov/Remote-Hearings.

Booqo www.mncourts.gov/Remote-Hearings oo ka eego faahfaahin iyo siyaabaha aad uga qeybgeli karto dacwad-dhageysi ah fogaan-arag, iyo sida aad u soo gudbineyso wixii caddeymo ah.

Dated: January 17, 2023

Amy Willert

Pine County Court Administrator

635 Northridge Drive NW, Suite 320

Pine City Minnesota 55063

320-591-1500

Published in the Pine City Pioneer Jan. 26, Feb. 2, 2023

State of Minnesota District Court

Pine County 10th Judicial District

Court File Number: 58-PR-23-2

Case Type: Informal Probate

In re the Estate of Brad J Freiberg, Deceased

Notice of Informal Appointment of Personal Representative and Notice to Creditors (Without a Will)

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS AND CREDITORS:

Notice is hereby given that an application for informal appointment of personal representative has been filed with the Probate Registrar. No will has been presented for probate. The application has been granted.

Notice is also given that the Probate Registrar has informally appointed the following:

Name/Address

Mark R Freiberg 

9478 Wedgewood Drive

Woodbury MN 55125

as Personal Representative of the Estate of the Decedent. Any heir, devisee or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as Personal Representative, or may object to the appointment of the Personal Representative. Unless objections are filed pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-607, and the court otherwise orders, the Personal Representative has full power to administer the Estate, including, after 30 days from the date of issuance of letters, the power to sell, encumber, lease or distribute real estate.

Notice is also given that, subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801, all creditors having claims against the Estate are required to present the claims to the Personal Representative or to the Court Administrator within four (4) months after the date of this Notice, or the claims will be barred.

Dated 1/12/2023

Pamela Kreier

Probate Registrar

Amy Willert

Court Administrator

Published in the Pine City Pioneer Jan. 26, Feb. 2, 2023