The Sherburne County Board Tuesday recognized and honored Richard Rauenhorst for his exemplary service during the Vietnam conflict.
The Army originally presented the Bronze Star Medal to the veteran in 1971. However, the medal was later lost. Veterans Services has been able to obtain a replacement Bronze Star Medal from the National Archives for Veteran Richard Rauenhorst’s service during the Vietnam conflict.
“One of the services we do is try to help veterans get replacement medals,” said Sherburne County Veteran Service Officer Larry Fonder. “We were able to get a Bronze Star Medal for Richard. This medal is significant because it can only be awarded during combat.”
Fonder said he didn’t want to just give it or send it to Rauenhorst.
“It’s not something I just wanted to take from the mail and hand over to him,” said Fonder. “Even though he was recognized back in 1971, I think it’s very appropriate to recognize him again for his service in Vietnam”.
Rauenhorst served as an imagery analyst during the war. His mission was to use reconnaissance to assist U.S. troops. In one case, he identified enemy air defense artillery units.
“U.S. personnel were able to take out those guns and save lives,” said Fonder. “He also identified a bridge crossing where the enemy was using barges to re-supply itself. That was another act that helped save lives by damaging the logistics to the enemy.”
After Fonder read the medal proclamation, Rauenhorst spoke.
“Thank you for allowing this presentation to take place here,” he said. “And I would like to thank Sherburne County for all the help I got while I was a resident of Sherburne County.”
Park Grant
The board accepted a Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Grant for park land acquisition at Two Inlets at Bdé Heháka - Omashkooz Zaaga’igaans Regional Park. A grant proposal was submitted in 2024 and funds were officially awarded at the end of the 2025 Legislative Session. The grant will reimburse the county $526,880 of the $658,600 acquisition cost. The county’s match of $131,720 is in the 2025 approved Parks budget.
Park Contract
The board awarded the contract for the capital improvements at Island View Park to Hobs Excavating at $426,152.
Other bidders were: new Look Contracting Inc. - $478,437.50; Urban Companies LLC - $649,091 and Landwehr Construction Inc. - $688,684.70.
Funds for the project are primarily from A DNR Outdoor Recreations Grant and ARPA. Project construction dates will be contracted from Sept. 22, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
Equipment Donation
The board approved the donation of obsolete/excess radios from the Sheriff’s Office to the Minnesota State Fire Marshal’s Office. Emergency Management has a supply of used Motorola XTS radios (26) and chargers (11) that are approximately 12-15 years old. The radios are no longer physically or electronically supported and have not been utilized by the Sheriff’s Office or county staff for several years.
Cannabis Agreement
The board approved a joint powers agreement with Livonia Twp. for the enforcement and regulation of Cannabis Retail Business Registration. Any fees or penalties collected for retail registration and enforcement will remain entirely with the county. The county will also retain any Local Government Cannabis Aid Account funds allocated to Livonia Twp. or the county by the state.
Other Business
In other actions the board:
• Approved the renewal of a MN Lawful Gambling Premises Permit for the Santiago Lions Club in Baldwin Twp. for Bailey Ray’s Roadhouse and Ridgewood Bay;
• Approved the 2026 Regional Rail Authority (RRA) Levy in the amount of zero dollars. RRA operating expenses will be funded through the county’s Local Option Sales Tax.
