Ben Larson will return as Houghton County Administrator.
Larson was hired yesterday, as the county board of commissioners moved quickly to replace the departing Elizabeth Bjorn.
Bjorn replaced Larson in the job just 18 months ago, when Larson took a job in the private sector. She is leaving April 30th.
Board Chair Tom Tikkanen encouraged commissioners to forgo the traditional hiring process, and look for candidates who already had knowledge of Houghton County government issues…
That outreach produced interest from Larson, and County Transfer Station Manager Curtis Judson. County accountant Becky Ylitalo was also approached, but declined to apply.
Tikkanen said the sense of urgency came from two sources. First…
Bjorn added that significant projects involving American Rescue Plan Act funds are underway, with tight deadlines and critical reporting upcoming…
While Larson served only a year in his previous term as administrator, he noted that he had worked on several significant issues, including expansion of the transfer station, erosion issues at the Houghton County Marina, and, of course, the potential new jail and district court…
Tikkanen applauded Bjorn’s 10 years of service to the county, including her term as administrator…
Other commissioners joined him in wishing her well.