Morrison County says farewell to three dedicated Health and Human Services staff members

The Morrison County Government Center bid farewell to three long-serving employees at the Board of Commissioners planning session on Tuesday, April 30. Health and Human Services (HHS) Child Support Officer Trina Ebinger, HHS Eligibility Worker Jodi Wetzel and HHS Eligibility Worker Bonita Strassburg were recognized for nearly a century of combined service to the county.

Ebinger worked for the county from 1995 to 2024, a total of 28 years. Both Wetzel and Strassburg worked for the county from 1988 to 2024, a total of 35 years each. Combined, the three have 98 years of experience that the Morrison County Government Center will be losing as they all enter into retirement.

All three were praised for their dedication and commitment to serving Morrison County residents. Commissioner Greg Blaine remarked that it is rare these days to find such loyal public servants who dedicate their entire careers to one organization.

Their colleagues said they will leave six big shoes to fill, as it will take years to replace the experience and institutional knowledge they all provided. County Administrator Matt LeBlanc thanked the soon-to-be retirees for their service, saying they have earned their retirement after so many years of hard work for the community.

Ebinger, Wetzel and Strassburg were presented with certificates of appreciation by the County Board. Commissioners shared fond memories and well-wishes for their happy retirements. Though they will be missed, their collective 98 years of service to Morrison County has left a lasting positive impact and made the county a better place to live and work.

“I feel like I’m standing in the shadows of three giants. Thank those of you that are here to show that support,” LeBlanc said. “It is for those that came before us and those who have come after us to take a brief moment in time really to say thank you.”