Tuesday, February 10, 2026. The Lake County Board of Commissioners held a Public Hearing at 2:30 p.m. in the Lake County Service Center, Split Rock River Room (SRRR), 616 Third Ave, Two Harbors, Minnesota. Lake County Board Members Present: District 1 Commissioner Joe Baltich, District 2 Commissioner Derrick “Rick” L. Goutermont, District 3 Commissioner Richard “Rick” C. Hogenson, District 4 Commissioner Jeremy M. Hurd, and District 5 Commissioner Rich Sve. Board Member(s) Absent: None. Also present in the SRRR: County Administrator Matthew Huddleston, Interim County Attorney Lara Nygaard, County Sheriff Nathan Stadler, Interim County Auditor / Treasurer Ronelle “Ronni” Radle, Land Commissioner Nate Eide, Highway Engineer Jason DiPiazza, Lake County Health and Human Services (LCHHS) Director Lisa B. Hanson, and Clerk of the Board Laurel D. Buchanan. Several neighboring landowners were present at the public hearing, as well as the petitioner Ronald Lanthier and Katherine Spaulding, a cousin to Mr. Lanthier. Other members of the public were present.
On February 10, 2026, at 2:30 p.m., a second public hearing was conducted, pursuant to Lake County Board Resolution No. 26012703, adopted on January 27, 2026, issuing a second order on the Lanthier Cartway Petition and setting a second public hearing. The purpose of the public hearing is to further consider the Petition, the Certificates of Survey, and potential damages. The Lake County Board of Commissioners’ Office has received no written comments in advance of this public hearing.
Chairperson Rich Sve opened the public hearing, explained the public hearing process, and advised attendees that each person would be provided an opportunity to give testimony. Chairperson Rich Sve invited Lake County Administrator Matthew Huddleston to provide an overview. Administrator Huddleston reviewed that on August 29, 2025, the Lake County Board of Commissioners’ Office received a Petition from Ronald Lanthier requesting the establishment of a Cartway pursuant to Minn. Stat. § § 164.07 and 164.08 to provide access to property identified as Lake County Tax Parcel No. 25-5311-03370, located in Unorganized Territory No. 2 (UT2). This parcel does not have access to a public road. On September 9, 2025, the Lake County Board of Commissioners adopted Lake County Board Resolution No. 25090902, Resolution Requiring a Bond or Other Security on a Cartway Proceeding. Mr. Lanthier made the bond deposit on October 3, 2025. The first public hearing on the Lanthier Cartway Petition was held on October 28, 2025. County Attorney Nygaard summarized the statutory requirements and advised that the petition meets the requirements.
Lake County has received the completed survey and appraisals; this public hearing is regarding alignment, damages and costs associated with establishment of this cartway. Administrator Huddleston shared Exhibits showing two options for placement of a cartway. Exhibit B shows an “equalized option” in which the cartway would affect two neighboring properties in similar square footage. Exhibit C shows an “as is” survey, in which the cartway, if established in that location, would be where the existing driveway is located.
Chairperson Rich Sve opened up the public hearing for public comments. Katherine Spaulding advised that the Lanthier Cartway Petition is for the cartway location to be where the driveway currently is located and that Ronald Lanthier is hoping not to have to move the driveway. Ronald Lanthier commented that he bought his property, applied for an access driveway permit, obtained the entrance permit from the Lake County Highway Department, and constructed the driveway prior to Heise and Daniel purchasing the adjacent properties they currently own.
Mr. Heise suggested that Mr. Lanthier could park on the road and walk in for access to the Lanthier property, rather than having a driveway to access the property. Donald Daniel spoke about the driveway and the properties and questioned why the permit was needed.
Mr. Heise asked again about legal access to the North. Lake County Attorney Lara Nygaard provided an overview of the cartway rules, prescriptive in statute. The County Board can approve appropriate placement of the cartway. County Attorney Nygaard advised that routes from the north are not feasible. Mr. Heise had questions about wetlands, referencing navigable waterway. There was a question about the cost of the survey that Lake County purchased. Interim Auditor / Treasurer Ronni Radle confirmed that cost was $2,100.
Lake County Commissioners and Lake County Land Commissioner Nate Eide advised that access across tax-forfeit property is not allowed if access is available across private property. This is a statutory requirement. Land Commissioner Nate Eide reiterated that the land to the north is County land and is not an option for access due to statutory requirements. Mr. Eide confirmed that it is tax-forfeit land. Mr. Charles Heise and Mr. Donald Daniel had comments. There was discussion regarding whether the County could require a fence to address the issue of further trespass and keeping garbage and debris contained to the petitioner’s property.
Chairperson Rich Sve inquired of the petitioner Ronald Lanthier about the value; Mr. Lanthier stated that the value is based on square footage.
There were questions about easements and Land Commissioner Nate Eide advised that the parties could agree to an easement. Lake County Highway Engineer Jason DiPiazza advised about the entrance permit that was issued in 2017.
The parties agreed to meet with Lake County Attorney Lara Nygaard to discuss other potential options, such as an easement rather than a cartway
A motion was made by Lake County Commissioner Rick Goutermont and seconded by Lake County Commissioner Rick Hogenson, with all members present, and all voting in favor of tabling the cartway petition. If the parties do not come to an agreement such as an easement, the County Attorney will notify the County Board and a third public hearing will be scheduled.
This public hearing was closed at 3:29 PM on February 10, 2026.
ATTEST:
Laurel D. Buchanan
Clerk of the Board
Rich Sve, Board Chairperson
Lake County Board of Commissioners
Northshore Journal: March 20, 2026
