WINONA, Minn. – The Winona County Board, with a history of rancorous disagreement, twice either dawdled too long or split on candidates for a new county administrator. Meanwhile, the county’s personnel director for 31 years, who is holding the top job temporarily, doesn’t seem much interested in the position permanently. So what happens now — after two rounds of failed searches? The county’s contract search firm has recommended a six-month hold on renewing the search so there will be a fresh pool of applicants. Also, the board’s dynamics will change with mix of members:
> Dwayne Voegeli, elected in November from District 2, representing the West End and contiguous bluff-top areas, takes office in January.
> Steve Jacob, the incumbent from District 3, comprising rural western parts of the county , who will resign in January to take a seat in the State House of Representatives, which will trigger a special election for a successor, perhaps in February.