In the County Commissioner category, McKenzie County Commissioner Kathy Skarda was recognized for her leadership. Nominated by her fellow commissioners, Skarda is known for her attention to detail and researching all aspects of every issue. Her advocacy for the county’s support in creating a Family Crisis Shelter in Watford City stands as a tribute to her compassion and caring for everyone in the community.

In the County Official category, McKenzie County Solid Waste Director/911 Coordinator Rick Schreiber was recognized for his work through the Bakken boom days, coordinating with state, federal and other local government leaders to ensure the county’s waste handling facilities met the community’s needs and as well as state and federal regulations despite the rapidly growing demands. This includes navigating clean-up following two tornados. Mr. Schreiber was nominated by McKenzie County commissioners

The Hall of Honor award, which recognizes former county officials who have left their mark on county government over the years, went to retired Ramsey County Highway Superintendent Kevin Fieldsend. Fieldsend entered the Hall of Honor following a 28-year career at Ramsey County, during which he demonstrated outstanding long-term planning that led to successful maintenance of the roads and bridges. While working steadfastly for his county, he also took leadership in the ND Association of County Engineers, serving on its board for more than a decade, including serving as its president. He represented county engineers on the NDACo Board of Directors, ascending to its presidency in 2020. Fieldsend was nominated by NDACE.

Cass County Director of Technology Bob Henderson, along with the Technology Department, received an excellence award in the County Employee category. The Dedicated Partner Award, given to recognize individuals or organizations outside of county government who have contributed to the good of counties, was presented to Matt Gardner, executive director of the North Dakota League of Cities.

Submitted Photo Kathy Skarda receives the County Commissioner award from the North Dakota Association of Counties Monday, Oct. 27. From left are NDACo Executive Director Aaron Birst, NDACo President Trudy Ruland, Skarda and North Dakota County Commissioners Association President Joan Hollekim.

County organizations elect leadership

BISMARCK – The North Dakota County Commissioners Association (NDCCA) and North Dakota Association of Counties (NDACo) elected new leadership to their boards of directors at their annual conferences this past week in Bismarck.

Among new officers on the NDACo board is Foster County Commissioner Becky Hagel, who was elected third vice president. Mountrail County Commissioner Trudy Ruland remains on the board as past president.

Other members include Tiffany Harr, Eddy County Clerk of District Court/Recorder, who was recently elected by the N.D. County Clerks of District Court Association to represent the group on the board; McKenzie County Commissioner Howdy Lawler, who was recently elected by Region 1 to represent the region on the board; and Burke County Commissioner Jarret Van Berkom, who was recently elected by Region 2 to represent the region on the board.

The officers of the NDCCA Executive Committee for 2025-2027 include Glenda Collier, Eddy County, treasurer, who was reelected, and Joan Hollekim, Mountrail County, past president.

Submitted Photo Ramsey County Highway Superintendent Kevin Fieldsend accepts the Hall of Honor award from the North Dakota Association of Counties Monday, Oct. 27. From left are NDACo Executive Director Aaron Birst, NDACo President Trudy Ruland, Fieldsend and North Dakota County Commissioners Association President Joan Hollekim.

Miranda Schuler, Ward County, was elected to a two-year term on the NDCCA Board. Cory Hanson, Williams County, was reelected to a two-year term.

Submitted Photo Members of the ND County Commissioners Association Board of Directors are, from left, Jason Arth, Sargent; Jim Kapitan, Cass; President Neal Messer, Stark; Tracey Dolezal, Dunn; Vice President Scott Ouradnik, Slope; Joan Hollekim, Mountrail; Miranda Schuler, Ward; and Glenda Collier, Eddy. Not shown are Cory Hanson, Williams; Andy Zachmeier, Morton; and Stanley Dick, Cavalier.