Supervisors accept retirement of VA commissioner, appoint replacement

The Marshall County Board of Supervisors moved through a series of routine business items and adjourned in less than a half hour on Wednesday morning, with perhaps the most noteworthy action being the acceptance of Marshall County Veterans Affairs Commissioner Bob Grimes and appointing his son -- Jeff Grimes -- to replace him.

Bob Grimes served in his role for a total of eight years from 2018 to 2026, and Marshall County VA Executive Director Kevin Huseboe recommended having Jeff serve out the remainder of his father's term this year before subsequently serving a three-year term from 2027 to 2030. Jeff Grimes is a veteran of both the United States Marine Corps and Navy Reserve.

Huseboe praised the elder Grimes for doing "an incredible job" and said it was always left up to him when he would finally retire.

"It's been really a nice experience, and I appreciate Kevin. And I appreciate him taking Jeff on as a commissioner now, and he'll see what goes on," Bob said.

Jeff Grimes will be heading down to commission training next Monday.

"Bob, it's been a good eight years for us. We appreciate your service to Marshall County and especially to the veterans. You're always on point and taking care of business, asking good questions and delivering for the veterans. So we certainly appreciate that eight years of dedicated service to our Veterans Affairs," Board Chairman Jarret Heil said.

"I assume Jeff will do an equally good job," Supervisor Carol Hibbs added.

"I have to," Jeff replied. "No choice."

A motion to accept the retirement and the appointment with a recommendation for reappointment passed by a unanimous 3-0 vote. Earlier in the meeting, the supervisors listened to a proclamation of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

In other business, the board:

Approved the consent agenda as listed.

Approved the 2027 calendar for BOS meeting dates and non-union floating holidays.

Approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Tyler Technologies and Marshall County for Veteran Affairs.

Approved a temporary lift on a limit for accrual of vacation time for Donnie Box III through June 30, 2027.

Approved a professional services agreement with WHKS & Co. for a topographic survey of the 235th Street bank erosion.

Approved a supplemental agreement for final design services with Calhoun-Burns & Associates.

Approved the Marshall County bridge inspection and rating program proposal for 2027 and 2028 with Calhoun-Burns & Associates.

Accepted a petition requesting the vacation of Davidson Avenue south of 160th Street between Clemons and St. Anthony.

Contact Robert Maharry at (641) 753-6611 ext. 255 or rmaharry@timesrepublican.com.