BLUE EARTH– The Faribault County Board of Commissioners were told some progress was being made in the quest to reduce the number of open positions among county workers at their meeting on Tuesday.

Central Services director Pam Krill was at the meeting to get approval to hire Karolyn Bendickson as a property appraiser for the County Assessor’s office.

After the commissioners approved the new hire, Krill was asked how many open positions still remained for other county jobs.

“We are down to seven openings remaining,” Krill replied. “There were nine people who applied for the position in the assessor’s office and we interviewed five of those.”

The number of job openings had been in the double digits earlier this summer.

County auditor/treasurer/coordinator Darren Esser said things might be improving.

“It appears there might be more people seeking employment again,” he noted.

There is one open position, however, where the outlook is not as bright.

“We have not received any applications for the assistant county attorney opening,” Krill informed the board.

County attorney Cameron Davis was at the meeting and mentioned his staff has their hands full.

“We are fortunate things have not been any busier than they are,” Davis explained.

The board also:

— Approved a temporary intoxicating liquor license for the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 4486 at a cost of $30 for a social event to be held at the Blue Earth Municipal Airport on Sept. 11.

— Set 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 10, and 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 11, as the times to convene the Aug. 9 Primary Election Canvassing Board meetings. The meetings will be held in the courthouse board room.