Investigation finds complaints regarding Pine County commissioner to be substantiated

An investigation into allegations that Pine County Commissioner J.J. Waldhalm "used his position as an elected official to exert influence inappropriately" found the complaints were substantiated.

According to information from the packet for the county board's upcoming Nov. 4 meeting, former administrator David Minke authorized an investigation earlier this spring/summer after receiving complaints regarding Waldhalm.

The packet states that the investigation — which was conducted by an independent, external investigator — has concluded, and the complaints were substantiated.

The investigator and Pine County's labor attorney will present the findings at Tuesday's meeting. The board will discuss potential outcomes resulting from the investigation.