Ross announces retirement, introduces Klang to board

Crow Wing County Sheriff Dick Ross announced to the Crow Wing County Board Tuesday that he plans to retire Jan. 6.

Ross, who has been the county sheriff for three terms, was defeated by Sheriff-elect Eric Klang in the Nov. 5 election.

Ross introduced Klang to the county board and said they are working on the transition.

Ross also asked the county board for severance pay he has accumulated before he retires. The county board approved the request.

Ross earned $71,962 this year and would have received $74,120 in 2003. Ross has 542.6 hours of severance pay, which converts to $19,335.34, said County Deputy Auditor Doug Johanson this morning.

Commissioner Terry Sluss thanked Ross for his 42 years of service with the county and wished him luck. He also said he is looking forward to working with Klang.

Ross, a Crosby-Ironton High School graduate, started his law enforcement career in 1960 as a police officer in Ironton. In 1962 he became a deputy with the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Department.

He has served as a jailer, sergeant, captain and 12 years as sheriff's chief deputy.