Transitions can be stressful, but retiring Carlton County auditor/treasurer Kathy Korteum has had plenty of challenges in her less than two years at the helm of her department. But she's hoping to make the transition as smooth as possible for her successor, Kevin DeVriendt.

If all goes as planned, DeVriendt and Korteum should be able to spend some time sharing ideas and the long history of the department before Korteum officially retires.

That would be very unlike her first months in the role. At the time serving as deputy auditor/treasurer for Carlton County, Korteum was appointed by the...