Nobles County Administrator Bruce Heitkamp and others will begin reviewing the Nobles County Library Director job description this week following the termination of library director David Bradford.
Heitkamp confirmed in a phone interview Monday morning that Bradford had been relieved of his duties at the library, noting that details of the personnel matter will remain private. Heitkamp said that that while the dismissal of Bradford was in its best interests, the county also wishes Bradford well.
In the meantime, Nobles County will seek its fifth library director in the past 10 years. Julie Wellnitz served in the position for 3 ½ years until her departure in February 2015, and Clint Wolthuizen was library director from May 2015 through November 2018. Marjorie Ferguson was hired for the post in early 2019 but resigned after six months; she was followed by Bradford, who was hired in November 2019.
Myra Palmer, a long-time county library employee who is now retired, also served as interim director on two occasions during vacancies.
Heitkamp acknowledged Monday that the county in December was alerted to a matter relating to Bradford that was subject to an investigation “not of a criminal nature.” Bradford was later notified of his termination on Dec. 22.
Heitkamp will take on the Nobles County Library’s administrative duties on a temporary basis. Bradford had been in the midst of working on strategic planning for the county library, as well as researching a possible renovation of the Worthington branch.
Heitkamp added Monday that the library employees have been doing a wonderful job. He also said that it’s also an exciting time for the library both now and looking forward.
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