Douglas Warnecke was born in Big Lake, MN, in 1936 and was raised in Moorhead, MN. He graduated high school there with the class of 1955. Doug enlisted in the ND Air National Guard on 7 December 1953 on a special program pending completion of High School. He served in ND, AZ, three years in California, and three years in Anchorage, Alaska, completing his military service on 6 August 1990 with 42 years, seven months, and 28 days of credible service. Doug achieved the rank of E-6 Technical Sergeant, serving 17 years of enlisted service and receiving a commission to First Lieutenant under a deserving airman program. He retired from the US Air Force Reserve in the grade of Major, having had duties as a Personnel Officer, Executive Officer, and Education and Training Officer, and finally as Deputy Commander of a Combat Support Squadron. He participated in numerous active field training periods and deployments over the years, including a special assignment to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Reserve Affairs, in the Pentagon. He was awarded a certificate of appreciation for outstanding performance.
Doug has served the Harwood Community for eleven years as Board Chairman of his local neighborhood association. Additionally, he organized and chaired a committee to incorporate the Village of Harwood into a City. He also chaired a committee to build a new church in Harwood, where his family members were active. Doug was also instrumental in re-activating the Harwood Boy Scout troop and served as its Scoutmaster for twelve years, attending summer encampments with the troop. He also served the Northern Lights Council as a Boy Scout Commissioner.
Doug began his forty-seven years of service to Harwood Township as a gravel checker in 1975. He provided the Board of Supervisors with a detailed listing of each truck, time, delivery place, etc. He was nominated as clerk, replacing the retiring clerk in 1976. Additionally, concurrently, he accepted appointments as Zoning Administrator in 1982 (currently serving), Flood Plain Administrator in 1983 (also presently serving), and additionally served as Township assessor from March 1996 through March 2018.
As Township Clerk, Doug maintains vigilance for ND Century Code changes and updates, attends ND and County Township Officer meetings and workshops, and guides the Supervisors in the annual budgeting - being ever mindful of taxpayers' funds! Several years ago, he also initiated using printed ballots for the annual election. Additionally, he advises the Board and residents of any disaster, road closures, and emergency information as needed. He also provides timely copies of all Township meeting minutes to the Board of Supervisors and residents.
As Flood Plain Administrator, Doug goes beyond the responsibilities required by providing residents with timely updates and any assistance available, attending flood preparation meetings, recording elevation data, and taking pictures of flood-prone areas. He was instrumental in obtaining a FEMA basement exception and has passed all FEMA records checks over several years. Additionally, during the major flood event of 1997, he organized a community information center at the Harwood American Legion. He coordinated the individual sale of sandbags, resulting in a negotiated substantially lower cost for residents by the Township's volume purchasing from a supplier in Fargo.
Doug also authored the Harwood Township Flood Plain Ordinance, following FEMA guidance and a complete set of Flood Plain Design standards, which were accepted by FEMA and the Board of Supervisors, affording all residents eligibility to purchase flood insurance and federally backed mortgages.
As Zoning Administrator, he monitors area construction activity, issues permits, and does visual inspections, taking numerous photos for homeowner reference should a future need arise. Doug also designed a simplified building permit application form and worked closely with the Township attorney in creating the Harwood Township Zoning Ordinance.
Doug is a 46-year member of the Harwood American Legion, former Adjutant for 34 years, and currently serves as the Historian and a member of the Post Honor Guard. Additionally, he has volunteered as the organizer and coordinator of the Harwood/Gardner Legion's annual Memorial Day service for the past twelve years. He also initiated the plan, design, and construction of the Veterans Memorial at Oakwood Cemetery in Harwood. His wife Joan is a 40-year member of the Harwood American Legion Auxiliary, serving several years as its secretary. 2011 Doug was recognized at the ND State Legion Convention with the 2011 Legion Distinguished Service Award.
His hobbies are Model Railroading, motor home travel, and flying. Doug also earned a Commercial Pilots license with an Instrument Rating; he has an FAA ground instructor certificate and taught several aviation ground school classes in the 1970s.
Doug resides with his wife Joan of 57 years in a home he built in 1969. They raised a son and a daughter (both deceased). Their granddaughter's family also resides in the Harwood area. They have four great-grandkids from ages 3 to 10.

Award Presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrxqBYgNqZE