A motion to remain a shotgun-only county for deer hunting failed on Tuesday during a Murray County Commissioners meeting, meaning that rifles will be allowed during the 2026 season.
Board Chair Mark Carlson led off the discussion by stating he had no strong feelings on the matter and would therefore act in a manner that represented the ratio of people who had contacted him to discuss the subject, adding that most of them were against allowing rifles.
Before the discussion turned to a vote, Red Leg Company owner BJ Lolkus shared the results of a petition he started several days ago, in which 88 signatures were collected for those pro-rifle. Lolkus told commissioners that the main reason some people were against hunters using rifles is that they are uncomfortable with how modern hunting looks.
“Is deer management failing? No,” he stated. “Are hunting accidents increasing? No. Are there more irresponsible actions? No.”
He cited the accuracy of rifles versus shotguns, and said if rifles were a safety problem, it would be in the data.
The commissioners all reiterated Carlson’s comments, stating they would vote in a way that supported the people who had talked to them. Commissioner Loy Woelber said he had also had more people talk to him who are against rifles being used during the deer season.
“Three-quarters of them prefer to leave it as is,” he stated, adding that the outcome doesn’t make a difference to him.
Commissioners Dennis Welgraven and Jackie Meier both said they had heard from more people who were in favor of rifle use to hunt deer.
“It doesn’t matter to me,” Welgraven said. “The legislators threw this in our laps. We have the right to do nothing and it just goes through.”
Commissioner Roger Zins said it was 50/50 with the people who spoke to him.
Carlson made a motion to remain a shotgun-only county, which was seconded by Woelber. When it came down to a roll call vote, Meier and Welgraven voted against the motion, leaving Zins to cast the deciding vote against the motion.
Carlson made a point to say that while the issue got a lot of people talking, they were doing it in a cordial and respectful way, which he appreciated.
Representatives from US Fish & Wildlife Service attended the Murray County Commissioner meeting on Tuesday, requesting that an acquisition for a recently secured habitat easement from Donald Kramer et al be certified by vote.
The easement, located in Section 29 of Holly Township, protects approximately 151 acres of wildlife habitat.
The land will remain in private ownership and is currently in CRP. Any restoration done to the land will be done by Fish & Wildlife, using funds generated from migratory bird stamp dollars. The motion to approve the acquisition passed unanimously.
Terry Nelson, General Manager of Woodstock Communications, presented broadband project updates for the commissioners on several projects, stating they have recently finished fiber projects around Lake Sarah, on one side of Lake Shetek and in Slayton.
A project in Skandia Township is expected to have service by the end of 2026, covering 95 miles and 190 homes. Funding for a project that covers areas around Lake Shetek is being sought, which would cover Edgewater Bay, Valhalla and Keeley Islands and Lake Shetek Drive. That project, which must be finished by the end of 2026, has run into problems with archeological surveys, but Woodstock will likely move forward even if the grant isn’t received, Nelson said.
Their long-term goal is to have fiber in 100 percent of Murray Couty, but an estimated cost to do that is $25 – 30 million.
At the request of Murray County Auditor/Treasurer Heidi Winter, approval was received for a 2025 audit engagement letter with the Minnesota Office of the State Auditor. The objectives of the audit are to obtain a reasonable assurance that the financial statements of the county are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and issue an auditor’s report that includes their opinion about whether the county’s financial statements are in conformity with accounting principles.
Murray County Sheriff Heath Landsman received approval of the upfitting of 2 new squad unit for the Sheriff’s Office at a cost of $15,477 each.
The commissioners approved a quote of $8,500 for new tables and chairs for one of the meeting rooms at the Government Center at the request of Murray County Building Facilities Manager Nathan Wurpts. Updating the meeting room furniture has been under discussion for some time.
Emergency Management Director Carl Nyquist received approval to purchase a 2022 Alimand GR Series light tower for $10,499. The current tower has seen constant use, and Nyquist said each year the department borrows approximately 4 light towers from neighboring jurisdictions to meet operational demands.
Nyquist also presented the completed Murray County Hazard Mitigation plan for approval. He said the plan allows the county to apply for grants by identifying problems and mitigating them.
The commissioners discussed the possibility of funding another year of the Summer Internship Program. In the past two years, 15 college students have interned at Murray County businesses for up to 29 hours a week during the summer. The program in the past was funded using monies from the American Rescue Plan Act for $115,000. The program is run by Southwest Minnesota Private Industry Council, though the Murray County EDA helped with promoting the program and answering questions.
During their last meeting, Carlson said he had received an email from SWMNPIC Executive Director Carrie Bendix, asking if the county wanted to participate.
Deputy Administrator Sharon Giese and Winter did some research, bringing that information back to the commissioners. Winter said there are funding options through the economic development department.
More information will be sought from SWMNPIC. Several of the commissioners commented they want to see the program partially funded by the local businesses who use the program but were unsure how to accomplish that goal.
