Longtime board members retire in Reiner Township

“I would describe these guys as being proactive instead of reactive over the years,” says Adeline Olson, who has been the Pennington County Assessor for the last 37 years.

Reiner Township, in rural Goodridge, held a picnic last week in honor of their longtime board members who have each retired after 30+ years. For decades, Danny Holen, David Vraa and Galen Quam were the proactive board members in charge. Over the years, the three have taken care of numerous elections, rallied to get their township roads fixed, worked together on getting the Reiner Hall improved and attended more meetings than they can even count!

Holen, who served as Clerk for the last 38 years, says one of his most memorable moments on the board was the 1988 grasshopper problem. “It was sure something! We were so busy that year sending out notices to everyone telling them that they were required to spray,” he recalled. He also remembers when the State of Minnesota wanted to put a hazardous waste site on state-owned land half way between Reiner Township and Grygla. “They wanted to bury all of that stuff in a container so many feet underground. After many meetings, though, we were disqualified as a spot because of the flood of ’75.” The board had to provide photographic proof of the flood, to prove the area wasn’t fit for such a site.

Over the years, the group would meet at the Reiner Town Hall, which was formerly a school house. The last graduating class was in 1953 and it was converted shortly thereafter. Galen Quam said he’s proud of the work they’ve done over the years, especially when it comes to that old school house. The trio worked hard to get the work done in phases. First the floor, then the windows, roof and siding. Because someone stole the brass bell, now atop the building sits a wood one that was made in Keewatin, MN. Quam also added that over the years he really pushed to get the township roads fixed and is proud of what they worked to get accomplished. 

Pennington County has 3 cities and 21 townships, including Reiner. Danny Holen served as the longtime Clerk, while David Vraa and Galen Quam were Supervisors. “The Clerk is the go-to for any questions, rules, regulations, ordinances, planning and zoning,” offered Adeline Olson. Replacing the Reiner retirees are Cherie Sigerud, Clerk; Kurt Sigerud, Jack Miller and Mitch Srnsky, Supervisors; and Tori Miller, Treasurer.

Many friends and neighbors in Reiner Township attended the appreciation picnic in honor of David, Galen and Danny.