Jenny Spurgin (left) and Gerane Spurgin (center) of New Ulm received the 2021 Brown County Republican Distinguished Service Award engraved traveling plaque from 2020 recipient Beth Griffis (right) of Springfield, during the Brown County Republican Committee meeting on March 1, held in-person at Carl’s Corner in Essig. The recipients were announced during the Feb. 13 virtual Brown County Republican annual convention. This honor recognizes the diligence of this dynamic duo in coordinating candidate signs for the 2020 primary and general elections, as well as many years of involvement on the county board and overall willingness to volunteer for Republican initiatives. U.S. 1st District Rep. Jim Hagedorn and state Rep. Paul Torkelson (HD16B-Hanska) addressed the convention delegates. Other convention business included the election of officers and committee members for 2021-2023. Greg Bartz, Sleepy Eye, was re-elected Chair, with Beth Griffis stepping into the Deputy Chair role. Also re-elected to the officer team were Kris Schneeberg, New Ulm, Secretary, Judy Hahn, New Ulm, Treasurer and Scott Waldner, New Ulm, Finance Chair.