Members who comprise the Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners mourn the passing of County Solid Waste Director Mike Hanan, 59, who died Sept. 15 after a courageous battle with cancer.
"Mike was an awesome employee and person and who will be missed," said County Board Chairman Doug Huebsch of Perham.
"Mike was kind, knowledgeable and hardworking. I really enjoyed working with him. I'm sad for Mike's family because he left us way too early."
Hanan also managed solid waste for Wadena and Todd counties. In addition, he was executive director of the waste-to-energy plant in Perham.
Also singing the praises of Hanan were County Commissioners Lee Rogness of Fergus Falls and Wayne Johnson of Pelican Rapids.
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"Mike led the efforts in a major redesign of the refuse burner in Perham, and also led the efforts to obtain grants for this multi-million-dollar project from the state of Minnesota," said Rogness.
Added Johnson, "Mike went about his business, always with a smile and always positive. He was a great asset to Otter Tail County and will be missed."
The refuse burner in Perham, under leadership from Hanan and the hard work of refuse burner employees, serves not only Otter Tail County but also the counties of Becker, Clay, Todd and Wadena.
"Greater Minnesota benefited from the work and talents of Mike Hanan," said Rogness. "He delivered on his promises. An example is the successful solid waste transfer station built on the west side of Fergus Falls."
Hanan, a 30-year employee of Otter Tail County, was recognized by fellow employees for "building the Solid Waste Department from the ground up." He also was recognized statewide as a leader in his profession.
"He would always freely share his knowledge to others," said County Administrator John Dinsmore.
The funeral for Hanan was held Sept. 21 at Zion Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls.
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