Judge says paper is entitled to data on firing of county employee

NEW ULM (AP) -- A judge says The Free Press of Manakto is entitled to information on Blue Earth County's firing of its former land records supervisor.

In his ruling Monday, Brown County District Judge John Rodenberg rejected the county's claim that the firing didn't constitute disciplinary action.

Because of that, he said, the county must reveal its reasons for firing Sandra King. She headed the land records department during a tumultuous time when appraisers made allegations of sloppy work that led to properties being missed or incorrectly appraised for tax purposes.

A state investigation confirmed major problems in the department and ordered corrective actions. County Assessor Mike Sheehy eventually resigned and King was fired last May.

"The core of this case is the issue of Sandra King's discipline and what access we get to that information," said Mark Anfinson, an attorney representing The Free Press.

County Administrator Dennis McCoy said there was a high probability the county will appeal.