Douglas County, Minnesota

10/23/2026

Every month a commissioner gets an opportunity to share the good work of Douglas County on Open Line. Thank you KXRA 1490 AM for making that happen. This month Commissioner Jeff Way wanted to talk septic systems. Not only for the folks who need to know how to maintain them, but for everyone else to learn the importance of keeping these mini treatment plants working properly. Our septic expert Pat Schultz joined in the conversation along with Justin Firme our Shoreland expert. They mentioned the Douglas County Low Income Fix-Up Grant. This is a first come, first served opportunity. Contact Soil and Water Conservation District at 320-763-3191 Ext. 3 or stop in at 900 Robert Street in Alexandria.

10/23/2026

NOW HIRING!
CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS
No experience necessary—we’ll train you!
Join the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and build a rewarding public-safety career with opportunities to grow.
✅ Full-time, typically 12-hour shifts
✅ Starting pay: $25.65/hour on the 2026 pay grid or $26.42/hour on the 2027 pay grid
✅ Additional $1.35/hour for nights and weekends
✅ High school diploma or equivalent and a valid Minnesota Class D driver’s license required

Application reviews: November 1 and November 15.
Multiple positions are being filled, including one immediate opening.
This recruitment will remain open until filled, and qualified applicants may remain eligible for future vacancies for up to one year.

For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.douglascountymn.gov/employment

10/22/2026

As we age, we often move and it's important to become familiar with a new safety routine. Douglas County Emergency Management Director Julie Anderson teamed up with Alexandria Fire Chief Jeff Karrow, and the Social Services Coordinator for Bethel Manor and Winona Shores, Tracey Kissner, to review best practices. Karrow answered questions on fire safety and evacuation while Anderson shared how to pack a Go Bag and how she can help determine Temporary Evacuation Points and other resources to assist those temporarily out of their apartments. Kissner shared a handy document for residents to keep track of their medications and personal information and how to make sure first responders are aware of it. Alexandria Fire Department

10/21/2026

A big day at the Douglas County Housing and Redevelopment Authority. Please share this new location information with your friends and colleagues.

10/20/2026

A wonderful tribute to Sheriff Troy Wolbersen. And, below the article is a quick way to sign up for Douglas County Alerts. These important messages come to your landline, cell phone and/or email.

💙 Echo Press

10/16/2026

We’re Hiring!
Join Douglas County Social Services as an Office Support Specialist!
Full-time; 37.5 hours per week. Generally, M-F, 8-4:30.
The starting hourly wage is $21.49 hourly; $41,905 annually based on the 2026 Pay Grid, or $22.13 hourly; $43,153 annually in 2027 based on the 2027 Pay Grid.
You’ll welcome clients and be responsible for completing front desk receptionist duties, including answering phones, processing forms and mail, entering data, managing electronic records, and providing general office support to agency staff.
Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent.
Computer, typing, organization, and customer service skills.
Valid Minnesota driver’s license and ability to protect confidential information.
Interested? Learn more and apply today!
https://www.douglascountymn.gov/employment
This recruitment closes at noon on 11/6/2026.

10/15/2026

We are so fortunate to have well-trained responders. Thanks for sharing a look at what you do to keep us all safer.

10/12/2026

Lake Mary is the most recent body of water to share a suspected blue/green algae bloom with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The bloom was found on the north side by a resident who did what's called a jar test to confirm a probable bloom. Douglas County assisted with messaging from the MPCA. The bottom line: when in doubt, stay out. Given the late season and return to cooler weather the MPCA agreed the biggest risk is to pets.

10/12/2026

UPDATE: Debra White has been located and is safe.
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office is requesting the public's assistance in locating 57 year old Debra Margaret White. Debra was last seen on 10/10/2026 in the Monticello, MN area. Debra is
considered missing and endangered due to not having her medication. Debra is known to be traveling in a 2012 Blue Mazda 3 Hatchback bearing license plate PDP218.
If you locate Debra or know of her whereabouts, please contact the Douglas County Sheriff's Office
at (320)762-8151.