KNSI Radio reports on the retirement of Stearns County Administrator Mike Williams…

After a decade leading Stearns County through some of its most consequential years, County Administrator Mike Williams has announced he’s retiring.

A nice nod to his broadband work…

His tenure will be remembered in large part for a sweeping broadband expansion effort that has transformed rural connectivity across the county. By leveraging American Rescue Plan funds, state Border-to-Border grants, and township contributions, the county secured more than $60 million for the project. Nearly every home and business in Stearns County now has, or will soon have, access to high-speed internet.
Williams also helped guide the county through the Justice Center project, the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and efforts to strengthen intergovernmental partnerships and improve countywide planning.

In 2021, he received the Joe Ries Excellence in County Management Award, the highest annual honor given by the Minnesota Association of County Administrators.