Stearns County announced that Agricultural Inspector Bob Dunning was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Minnesota Association of County Agricultural Inspectors and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Dunning was to retire at the end of August.

Bongards Creameries, a Chanhassen-based dairy cooperative and cheese supplier for retail and institutional clients, announced that Dennis Thomas has been appointed president and chief executive officer, effective Jan. 1, succeeding Daryl Larson. Thomas currently is Bongards’ chief operating officer. Prior to Bongards, Thomas held management roles with Dairy Farmers of America, Foremost Farms, Land O’Lakes and Kraft Foods.

Merchants Bank, Winona, announced that Julie Carstensen has joined as senior vice president / chief opera

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