Discussion of a zoning ordinance during a township board meeting at times became heated and at one point a deputy had to escort someone out.
As a result, more than a year later two men faces charges and were scheduled to appear in Faribault County District Court this week.
Verona Township supervisor Darwin Olson, 63, and Robert Eugene Kesselring Jr. , 50, were charged with disorderly conduct.
Olson waived his right to an arraignment hearing, while Kesselring made his first court appearance.
According to a court complaint, Chief Deputy Scott Adams provided security at a township meeting held Oct. 3, 2016, in Huntley.
Discussion during the meeting dealt with the adverse effects of livestock operations like hog feedlot facilities.
A day after the meeting, Adams reportedly contacted deputy Mark Purvis about an incident which occurred.
Kesselring, who was alleged to be the victim, told Purvis that during the meeting Olson approached him about some accusations he had made.
The complaint says Kesselring asked Olson if they could speak in private, so they stepped outside.
Olson was upset and jumpy, says the complaint, and reportedly took his finger and pushed it into Kesselring’s chest.
When Purvis interviewed Olson he said the conversation took place and that Kesselring was, “in his face.”
Olson says admitted to poking Kesselring in the shoulder with his finger.
Kesselring told the deputy he was talking loudly to Olson because he is hard of hearing.
Board member Neal Mensing told Purvis that Kesselring was being very vocal about the ordinance and that the two men, “got into it” outside of the meeting.
Disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor and carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.