WORTHINGTON -- For the second time in a year, a Nobles County Jail employee has received an award for excellence. Officer Joe Welnetz is the recipient of the Bruce Eckley Outstanding Correction Professional of the Year.
"He is a shining star who goes above and beyond his duty," said Jail Administrator Monette Soderholm. "The committee said it was a tough choice, but Joe really stood out."
Nominations for the award came from all over the State of Minnesota. It was presented to Welnetz at a recent West Central Jail Administrators Association training conference.
"It is so nice for the entire jail," Soderholm said. "It reflects well on all of us. We have a lot of people back there that meet the criteria."
To be eligible for the award, employees must display and promote a positive attitude and demonstrate ethics and professionalism when dealing with inmates, the public and co-workers. The recipient must be self-motivated, support administration and have a proactive approach in taking extra duties and responsibilities.
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The nomination letter for Welnetz, written by Soderholm and Nobles County Sheriff Kent Wilkening, states Welnetz is always looking for ways to improve facility operation, is accepting of change and works with other staff to promote new ideas.
"Staff goes to Joe for advice because they know he is able and willing to give them the correct answer," the letter states. "Staff and supervisors describe Joe as one of the strongest staff members both professionally and personally."
Both Wilkening and Soderholm describe Welnetz as "very modest." Indeed, Welnetz declined to comment publicly about the award.
Welnetz has served Nobles County since 1999. He and his wife Donna live in Worthington.
Several staff members, including Soderholm and Welnetz, attended the training conference, which took place in Walker.
Soderholm said the seminars and training from the conference is very beneficial for jail staff. They learn more about data practices, report writing, cultural diversity, gangs and more.
"A motivational speaker talked about how we treat other people," Soderholm said. "That is what our line of work is all about."
Several more staff will be going to a conference in Morton next month to attend similar training.
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"We pick the people to attend that we think will benefit -- that have proven themselves," Soderholm said. "It is also a reward for doing a good job."
Nobles County Correction Officers Alicia Jenson and Aaron Ahlers were also nominated for the award.
