WINONA, Minn. — The Winona County emergency management director, Ben Klinger of Goodview, announced his candidacy for sheriff to succeed Ron Ganrude, who is retiring. Klinger made the announcement on Facebook. He said to expect a formal campaign launch March 11 at Sobieski Lodge in Winona. As the county’s emergency management director, Klinger has been a major aide to Ganrude. He organizes mock emergency scenarios for first-responders to hone heir inter-agency coordination skills. He noted that he knows the 460 square miles of Winona County well — the nooks, the crannies, the waterways. The sheriff’s departmen has two dozen sworn officers. Klinger listed his public service as including:
> 25 years with the sheriff’s office.
> Being current mayor of the Winona suburb of Goodview, population 4,200, and earlier a City Council member.
> A police officer in Lewiston, population 1,500, in central Winona County.
> A part-time police officer and volunteer firefighter in Goodview.
> A county jail deputy, compliance officer and training supervisor.
Klinger’s most visible moment was in 2023. He organized hundreds of volunteers for repeated sweeps of three counties for the missing Winona murder victim Maddi Kingsbury.
Klinger. Seeks place on November ballot.
Verbatim
Klinger: “I am running for Sheriff because I believe Winona County deserves experienced, steady leadership that puts public safety, accountability and community trust first. As Sheriff, I will work to ensure they have the training, resources and leadership they need to do their jobs safely and effectively, while maintaining strong relationships with the communities we serve.”