King kicks off county’s United Way drive; county honors Gunderson

Last year, the county United Way campaign cost Steve King and Craig Oscarson their hair.

Though it’s too early to tell what will happen this year, King said he’s confident something just as zany will happen for charity.

“I’m assuming there’s going to be that kind of shenanigans again but … that has yet to be determined,” King, the county Department of Corrections director said.

King will formally announce the kickoff of this year’s United Way campaign to the County Board of Directors Tuesday around 11 a.m. He will also seek approval for an employee raffle where employees who donate to the United Way of Mower County may receive one or two days paid vacation.

The county board will officially say goodbye to Public Health Director Margene Gunderson as well.

The board is set to recognize Gunderson in her last week in Mower County after more than 20 years.

Gunderson is leaving to take a job as one of four associate directors of Public Health in Olmsted County.

When she leaves Mower County Oct. 14, she’ll be continuing a role she loves.

Tuesday’s meeting opens with Human Services business at 8:30 a.m. Gunderson will be recognized around 9:30 a.m. The county ditch board is set to convene around 10:15 a.m.