Settlement Reached In Leiting vs Fertile, Wilkens & Fair Meadow Nursing Home

Here’s an update to a story R&J News has been following.  Former Fair Meadow Nursing Home administrator Angie Leiting has settled her lawsuit against the City of Fertile, former Mayor Dan Wilkens and Fair Meadow Nursing Home (owned by the City of Fertile).  You’ll remember Leiting was forced to resign her job as administrator in June 2023.  That September, she filed a lawsuit alleging wrongful termination of employment, gender and age based discrimination, open meeting law violations and intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress. The settlement is for $340,000.

A statement released by Leiting’s attorney says “Neither side admitted fault or any wrongdoing. The effect of the settlement is there will be no judicial determination on the allegations in the lawsuit.  The case will be dismissed from the Polk County District Court docket at a later date.”

Leiting released a statement saying “This settlement does not mean I gave up.  It does not mean I believe the City and its officials were right; it means that I and my family needed to be done.  The City has effectively drained my ability to continue defending myself, financially.  But they did not take away my truth, my integrity or the public’s ability to know what is in the court files, documents and records–the court record speaks volumes about what really went on behind the scenes.”

Throughout the legal process, information surrounding Leiting’s termination became public–something she considers a personal and public victory.

The City of Fertile’s insurance company, the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust, will be paying the settlement.

When reached for comment, Fertile Mayor Brian Nephew declined.

The full press release from Attorney Sarah Jewell is here: