Award winner plaques went to Distinguished Service Awardee Michael Montalto, Spotlight Awardee Amanda Harkcom and Leadership Awardee Sarah Lanier.

Montalto was elected Mankato VFW Post 950 Commander in 2024. He will hold the position through 2026.

He has ample experience helping veterans.

“After leaving the military, I dedicated myself to supporting veterans by working as a case manager for homeless veterans, assisting them with employment searches and securing stable housing,” said Montalto. “Since 2022, I have served as a County Veterans Service Officer, advocating for veterans to ensure they receive the benefits and resources they deserve. I am deeply passionate about veteran advocacy and committed to helping service members and their families transition successfully to civilian life — ensuring no veteran is left behind or unheard.”

Photo submitted by Julie Busch Brown County retirees cited for dedicated service Tuesday. Pictured from left, Lisa Kral, seven years, Gina Winters 31 years, Tammy Furth 30 years, Fred Gareis 28 years, Terese Gruber 16 years. Not pictured, Tammy Carr 46 years, Ruth Hanson 20 yars, Linda Zeig, seven years.

Born and raised in Chicago, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2011 to 2015 as a Joint Fires Observer. He completed two overseas deployments — first to Helmand Provide, Afghanistan in 2012, the second in 2014 with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, operating throughout the Middle East.

The Brown County Probation Department received the Commissioner Award for exhibiting exemplary performance for 2025.

Probation Director Evonn Westcott received the award for the department.

This year Brown County Probation Administrative Assistant Jamie Windhorn received the 2026 Outstanding Office Leadership Award at the Minnesota Association of County Probation Officers Conference.

Brown County Assessor Sarah Lanier received the Leadership Award, a distinguished recognition for a department head or supervisor who exemplifies outstanding leadership qualities and effectively guides their team to success. Awardees inspire, motivate, and guide others toward achievement, celebrating lively, charismatic leaders who infuse leadership style with humor and positivity.

Brown County Human Resources Generalist Amanda Harkcom received the Spotlight Award for displaying outstanding contributions to the County is less than 12 months employment. The award highlights achievements that might otherwise go unnoticed for a new employee and acknowledge their positive impact in a short time.

Brown County retirees included Tammy Carr for 46 years in the recorder’s office, Gina Winter, 31 years with the Brown County Sheriff’s Office-Dispatch; highway department employees Tammy Furth, 30 years; and Fred Gareis, 28 years; Ruth Hansen 20 years in the recorder’s office, Terese Gruber, 16 years with probation and seven years each for Lisa Kral, human services; and Linda Zeig, maintenance.

Veteran employees as of 2025 noted are 35 years each for John Hertling, highway department and Evonn Westcott, probation department; 30 years each for Lynette Wellmann, probation department; and Leon Hillescheim, highway department.

Twenty-five-year employees are Julie Friesner, public health and Rosa Harris, auditor-treasurer office.

Twenty-year employees recognized were Randy Baker and Jamie Windhorn, probation; Lori Bianchi, sheriff’s office/dispatch and Chad Classen, highway department.

Fifteen-year employees recognized were Annie Braun and Michelle Phillips, human services; Lynn Hage, planning and zoning and Cindy Marti, assessor’s office.