Hinnenthal sworn in as county attorney
By Serra Muscatello Staff WriterArticle Photos
NEW ULM-Attorney Bob D. Hinnenthal was sworn in as the new Brown County Attorney at the courthouse Monday morning.
Hinnenthal, who was appointed to the position by the Brown County Board, is completing the final year of term of former County Attorney Jim Olson, who has recently retired.
Because the county attorney is an elected position, next November it will come up for a vote on the ballot.
"I'm very honored that the county commissioners have chosen me to serve out the term of Jim Olson," said Hinnenthal, "I've been an assistant county attorney for almost two decades. I think I have the background ... and we have an arrangement that has benefitted the people of the county."
Hinnenthal has been an attorney with the Law Offices Berens, Rodenberg & O'Connor, since Nov. 3 of 1975. His work focus has been estate planning, wills and trusts and real estate work.
"It's an interesting career," said Hinnenthal, "There's never a lack of something to do. You're always busy, and your mind is always occupied. My full-time responsibility now, is to administer the county attorney's office."
Over the past 50 years the previous county attorneys - Robert J. Berens, Richard T. Rodenberg and James R. Olson - served from the same law office, said Hinnenthal.
"It's my intent to do the best job I can - and I thank you very much," he said to those in attendance following his taking the oath at the courthouse.
Hinnenthal was born and raised in St. Peter. He has long-standing family ties to New Ulm and the Cottonwood Township areas. While he was growing up he would often visit his grandparents who lived in New Ulm.
"I've got lots of connections to New Ulm and many memories coming here as a small child visiting my grandparents," he said.
Hinnenthal earned his undergraduate degree and his law degree from the University of Minnesota. He has lived in New Ulm ever since graduation from law school.
His main responsibilities will include administering the county attorney's office where he will have six assistants to help him.
The first aspect of the work is the prosecution/criminal aspect. There is also a civil aspect of the work such as advising the Brown County Board and attending its meetings. The position also involves working closely with various county departments, Hinnenthal said.
He is married to Liz Hinnenthal who is employed as a real estate appraiser in the area. They have three children: Marcus, who is an attorney in Minneapolis; Laura Crabtree, who is a registered nurse in New Ulm; and John who works in commercial design and graphics.
