Congratulations to 2020 EICG Winners!

Posted 9/22/20 (Tue)

Each year, NDACo recognizes several individuals who stand out among the many fine public servants in county government. The Excellence in County Government Awards are announced in conjunction with the NDACo Annual Conference, which this year will be online Oct. 12-14.

COUNTY COMMISSIONER: Bruce Strinden, Morton County

Nominated by ND County Commissioners Association Board of Directors

During his three terms on the Morton County Commission, Mr. Strinden was always willing to take on leadership roles in his county and with our statewide association, all while leading his county through a traumatic time involving protests that often turned violent, drawing the attention of the international news media. Bruce served as the President of the NDCCA for two years and was extremely active in legislative issues. He also acted as Morton County’s lead in the construction of the Burleigh-Morton Detention Center, which was a historic project for this state. Everyone who meets Bruce experiences the humility and kindness he always exhibits toward others.

COUNTY OFFICIAL: Vicki Kubat, Cavalier County Recorder

Nominated by ND County Recorder’s Association

Over three decades of service in county government, Vicki has been a leader and mentor. She has served on the boards of the ND County Recorder's Association, ND Association of Counties, (including terms as President) ND Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations and ND Recorder Information Network (NDRIN). Vicki has also volunteered diligently for Cavalier County Ambulance since 1991 and this year, was awarded EMT of the year. Vicki’s role as mentor for other county recorders has elevated the professionalism of the office across the state as well as forging a true community among recorders.

COUNTY EMPLOYEE: Rocky Norton, McKenzie County Truck Driver

Nominated by McKenzie County Commission

This year mark’s Rocky Norton’s 35th Anniversary working for the McKenzie County Road and Bridge Department. His high quality of work, generosity of spirit, good nature, leadership and dedication is recognized and treasured by all. Rocky Norton always seems to know what has to be done, when to do it and how to do it. He is regarded very highly throughout the community. He is always out clearing the roads at the earliest hours to be sure buses don’t have to drive in dangerous conditions. He seems to always know where a little extra salt and sand will be needed. He was among the first to arrive on the scene of a tornado’s aftermath and start the cleanup and recovery. Rocky is truly admired and respected by the citizens he serves and his colleagues.

HALL OF HONOR: Roger Chinn, Former McKenzie County Commissioner

Nominated by McKenzie County Commission

The County Government family lost one of its true champions this year when Roger Chinn passed away. Roger was proud to be involved in public service to the Grassy Butte community and McKenzie County, serving as an active member/board/president for many organizations, including the Grassy Butte Fire Department, Grassy Butte Scale, Grassy Butte Community Club, and McKenzie County Grazing Associations, in addition serving as a McKenzie County Commissioner for 7 terms. He represented McKenzie County for ND Association of Counties, ND Association of Oil and Gas, and the ND Game and Fish. Roger spent many years representing us at the national level as well, on NACo’s Western Interstate Region, for which he was awarded the Dale Sowards award for outstanding service to public land counties at the local, state, and national level. Roger worked tirelessly to protect counties rights for grazing, roads, and section line laws from override of federal government. One of his biggest wins was securing a portion of mineral rights for the county from the federal government. Roger loved and lived the land. He loved his family and died doing what he loved, working on the ranch. He will be sadly missed by his family, friends, and colleagues.

DEDICATED PARTNER: Joe Morrissette, Director, ND Office of Management & Budget

Selected by North Dakota Association of Counties

Beginning with the complexities of budgeting for the “Prairie Dog” funding formulas and even intensifying through the economic downturn created by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent oil price crash, Joe Morrissette has been a tremendous resource for local government. His expertise and insight are only exceeded by his willingness to share of his time and resources to aid us. His advocacy for an administratively simple means of delivering federal CARES Act funding to support local government resulted in $25 million in CARES funds to counties. Joe Morrissette is truly dedicated and truly a partner to North Dakota counties.