BRAINERD — Crow Wing County commissioners appointed Kelsey Hopps, assistant county attorney, to fill the seat vacated at Don Ryan’s retirement.

The board voted unanimously in favor of appointing Hopps at the Tuesday, Aug. 12, Crow Wing County Board meeting.

Hopps will serve as the county attorney for the remainder of Ryan’s elected term through 2026. An election to fill the county attorney post for the four-year term will be Nov. 3, 2026. Ryan was first elected County Attorney in 1994 and started in the office on Jan. 2, 1995. He served eight terms and nearly 31 years as county attorney. Ryan is set to retire Sept. 12.

Hopps will work closely with Ryan until his retirement to ensure a smooth transition, the county reported in a news release.

The county attorney is the chief prosecutor

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