Wright County commissioners appointed Charles Webb as interim county surveyor during their Tuesday meeting, filling the position left vacant by the retirement of longtime County Surveyor Steve after 19 years of service.

Webb, who has worked with the county since May 2023 and previously owned his own surveying firm, will serve in the interim role for several months while the county conducts a recruitment process for a permanent replacement. County Administrator Mati recommended Webb for the position, noting his qualifications and professional licensing.

The board also recognized retiring prosecutor Mark Erikson, who will conclude nearly 29 years of service with Wright County on January 30. County Attorney Brian Loots praised Erikson's dedication to criminal sexual conduct cases and victim advocacy, noting Erikson handled the most challenging cases in the office and tried more than 100 felony jury trials during his career.

In other business, commissioners approved the Monticello Times as an alternate county newspaper to ensure compliance with state statutes requiring certain legal notices to be published in physical newspapers. The action addresses situations when the county's primary newspaper publishes online-only editions.

The board also authorized submission of an application for the Nationwide Monarch Butterfly Candidate Conservation Agreement, a proactive measure to preserve monarch habitat in preparation for the species' expected inclusion on the protected species list by the end of 2025.