Hennepin County commissioners reappointed one incumbent and ousted another Tuesday when filling two spots on the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District's board.

The commissioners appointed incumbent Sherry White and new manager Kurt Rogness to the seven-manager board, which oversees one of the largest watersheds financially in the state.

The Watershed District's leadership has been embroiled in controversy since it abruptly fired its top leader in a split 4-3 vote last April, with some west metro leaders calling for new leadership. It spurred 11 applicants for the openings, which usually draw three or four applicants a year.

Rogness ousts incumbent Jeff Casale, who joined the board in 2006. County Commissioner Jan Callison acknowledged and thanked him Tuesday for his service to the board.

From Minneapolis to Maple Plain, the watershed district covers parts of 27 cities and manages everything from flooding to the spread of invasive species. Six of the seven board managers are appointed by Hennepin County and one is appointed by Carver County; they receive $75 per meeting.

They will take their positions immediately, with a swearing-in ceremony April 23.

KELLY SMITH