Iron County prepares for another opioid settlement

By PAMELA JANSSON

pjansson@yourdailyglobe.com

Hurley — Members of the Iron County Board of Supervisors approved on Tuesday evening a plan for the county to open a separate bank account for funds received from various national opioid settlements.

They also approved a resolution authorizing the county to enter into a settlement agreement with Kroger Company.

The resolution includes an agreement to the stated terms and an addendum relating to a memo of understanding regarding the proceeds.

Cally Bucknell, who leads the county’s Human Services Department, said the addition of Kroger amounts to “just a progression” of companies that already have arranged opioid settlements, along with more expected to come.

The new account will be at Chippewa Valley Bank in Hurley, and the action had been recommended by the county’s Finance Committee.

Board members also:

—Approved a correction on audit findings in relation to a 2024 Iron County Child Support Agency Review. Danny Gardner, the county’s IT director, said the approval will allow the county to authorize 33% of an estimated $3,000 expense, or a total of about $1,000, to upgrade security needs in relation to the county’s child support division. The state will pay the remaining cost.

—Approved a resolution acknowledging a Mental Health Community Support Program that Bucknell said aims to accommodate people with mental illness within the community rather than to house them in high-cost facilities. She said the program is working toward 100% state support.

—Approved posting the position of Iron County Corp Counsel.

—Approved a resolution to recognize Dorothy and Joseph Walesewicz for their contributions to the community.

—Approved a change in zoning from F-1 (Forestry) to R-3 (Rural Residential) at 7009 W. Dahlbacka Road in Mercer and owned by Brian and Jessica Piasecki.

—Approved a change in zoning from A-1 (Agriculture) to RR-I (Recreational Residential) for property at 5655 N. Robin Drive in Mercer and owned by Theresa Palmquist.

— Heard a report on the county’s IT Department from Danny Gardner, who has led it since he was hired in 2022, and from Neil Martinko, the county’s GIS specialist.

— Heard a budget update from Finance Committee Chairman Kurt Wolff.

All votes were unanimous.

Board members Mario Loretti and Paul Mullard also encouraged everyone to attend the Iron County Fair, which will run from today through Sunday at the fairgrounds in Saxon, with today mainly reserved for registration. See the fair Facebook page or The Globe’s July 25 Iron County Fair insert for details.

The board’s next regular meeting will be on Aug. 27 at 6 p.m. in the board room of the Iron County Courthouse.