Wright County Board of Commissioners recognized dozens of employees for years of service and outstanding achievements during their March 4 meeting, while also receiving updates on major county initiatives.

The board honored 32 employees for milestone service anniversaries ranging from five to 30 years, with the Sheriff's Office representing the majority of recipients. Matt Dechen from the county's natural resources department received the individual employee achievement award for his work securing over $2 million in grant funding and expertise in drainage law. The Court Services Department earned the group achievement award for implementing comprehensive best practices and reorganizing operations without additional staff.

Commissioners received an update on the Pelican Lake management project, a decades-long effort to restore the 3,800-acre shallow lake to historic water levels. Peter Bor from the Department of Natural Resources reported the lake has reached its target management level after years of drawdown and pumping operations that concluded in 2021. The project involved collaboration between multiple agencies and strategic land acquisitions totaling about 2,000 acres around the lake.

The board approved several administrative items, including joining the Central Mississippi River Partnership as a nonprofit organization to better position the group for federal lobbying efforts. They also approved various drainage system appointments and maintenance contracts, and set their March 11 workshop agenda to include discussion of upcoming state budget forecasts.

Health and Human Services Director Jamie presented positive outcomes from the department's work, noting that children in out-of-home placements dropped to a record low of 69 in January, down from 165 in 2018, while maintaining child safety standards.