Category Moose Lake Show all
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Shout Out: Moose Lake Officers Render Aid
By Chrissy Gamst
On March 21, Moose Lake officers leaving work observed a pedestrian/car accident. Without hesitation they sprung into action as first responders on the scene to assist the victim and render aid until law enforcement and paramedics arrived.
This is a reminder of the dedication of our staff and utilization of training received also shines bright in protecting our community and citizens outside of the fence.
Thank you!
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Shout Out: Sergeant Tim Paul
By Willow River 2nd Watch Staff
We just wanted to let Sgt. Tim Paul know how much 2nd Watch appreciates his tireless dedication to our program.
Sgt. Paul has pretty much single-handedly set up the CIP WR wood program. Our wood program not only cuts, bundles, and delivers firewood to multiple state parks, it has also delivered wood for religious programming at MCF-Moose Lake.
We truly appreciate your guidance and leadership.
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Kris Rish Promotes to Moose Lake Warden
By Kristin Lueken
Please join us in welcoming and congratulating Kristin (Kris) Rish, who has accepted the Warden position at Moose Lake.
Kris came to the department after graduating from UMD with bachelor's degrees in both criminology and Sociology. She was first hired at MCF-Lino Lakes as a corrections officer in 1994 and transferred to Moose Lake in 1995. She has also held positions as a case manager, CPD, OSI (specializing in death investigations), AWA, and most recently as AWO since 2017.
Kris has been involved in numerous committees and initiatives in her 30-year career and is a firm believer in the philosophy of servant leadership; she plans to implement the practice wherever possible and practical at Moose Lake.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and staying active. She is looking forward to serving MCF-Moose Lake as Warden and continuing the strong legacy it has in maintaining staff safety and transforming lives.
Congratulations Warden Rish!
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Shout Out for Moose Lake's Severs
Lt. Spencer Lekander wrote in about a special Kris-mas Eve Pizza Delivery to Moose Lake's 1st Watch. Ofc. Kris (Kringle) Severs of Moose Lake, personally delivered pizza to Moose Lake's 1st Watch on Christmas Eve! Here's what Lt. Lekander had to say about it:
Just want to give a big Thank You to Ofc. Kris Severs who at about 11:30 on Christmas Eve, contacted Watch Command and asked how many staff were on shift. After told the number of staff, Kris said he would be stopping by to deliver enough Lotzza Motzza pizzas so that everyone working would receive one. What a cool thing to do!
Kris is a veteran Officer who has been with the DOC for a long time. Kris is on 2nd Watch and had Christmas Eve and Christmas Day off, but knew that a lot of younger and not so veteran staff worked 1st Watch that night. He said he wanted to do something to thank his fellow brothers and sisters for working the holidays. He remembers being there himself. So he bought a lot (Lotzza) of pizzas and took the time on Christmas Eve to deliver them to the facility. Thanks Kris! The 1st Watch crew appreciated it!
And thank you also, Lt. Lekander for publicly recognizing the kind deeds of Ofc. Severs, who definitely delivered holiday cheer!
If you'd like to submit a Shout Out for a DOC officer, agent or staff, send it to Rosie at rose.widell@state.mn.us.
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Moose Lake Hosts Ruck March
MCF- Moose Lake hosted the second annual Ruck March in November to raise money for the 23rd Veteran out of Duluth and donate non-perishables to the local food shelf. The event included fifteen individuals marching around the facility, covering over 62 miles. Andy Turnboom, Support Services Supervisor, completed over 22 miles alone! More than $320 was donated to the 23rd Veteran, which raises awareness to mitigate veteran suicide. 220 lbs of non-perishable food items were donated to the Moose Lake Area Food Shelf. Thank you to all who contributed to this worthy cause!
Andy Turnboom Ruck-Marched Over 20 miles!
Jennifer Hollis with Brett Thiry -
Shout Out for Moose Lake's Hedman and Leppanen
Sarah Knopf, Director of Sentencing, Records and Virtual Courts, submitted this thoughtful Shout Out:
Emily and Kaireen were key collaborators in a recent scheduling need for the courts. Although the hearing scheduling included a few bumps along the way, including more urgent needs from the courts, Emily and Kaireen were able to come together to support the need. Both Emily and Kaireen have developed keen insights into the challenges and opportunities with virtual court scheduling, and graciously shared their feedback through this recent scheduling need. Input from Emily and Kaireen will play a pivotal role in supporting the onboarding of the Virtual Court Navigation team. Thank you, Emily and Kaireen. There were unusual circumstances including a holiday, and you were both kind and able to come together around the challenge.
Thanks for sending this in Sarah!
If you'd like to submit a Shout Out, contact Rosie Widell at rose.widell@state.mn.us
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Sergeant Promotions at Moose Lake
By AW Ian Heaslip
Congratulations to Chelsey Hoadley, Jason Kunshier and Eric Wittke as they all promote to sergeant at MCF- Moose Lake. Sgt. Hoadley will fill a valuable role in the Kitchen while Sgt. Kunshier will provide leadership in Utility- 3rd Watch. Sgt. Witke is in a work-out-of-class opportunity on Unit 52- 3rd Watch. MCF- Moose Lake is in better hands with these capable individuals!
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Shout Out: Amanda Cisar
By Psychological Services Director Janel Lindgren
The Moose Lake mental health team would like to give a Shout Out to the Discipline Department's OAS, Sr., Amanda Cisar, for her role in recently assisting the coordination of an important legal meeting. With limited notice, Amanda stepped in and provided needed information to secure resources. Her quick response and willingness to take the reins on this matter is a prime example of going above and beyond, but most of all, the high-level of teamwork we strive for within the DOC.
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Shout Out: FTO Lt. Mike Lott and FTO Program
By Balinda Bailey
Members of the September MCF-ML Academy - Co Trainees have shared that Lt. Mike Lott, who oversees the FTO program for Moose Lake, has been going above and beyond by checking in with them on their FTO shifts, providing them with mentoring and coaching and giving them opportunities to share their learning experiences with him.
The FTO program in Moose Lake has been through changes over the years with different coordinators and Lt's and one thing has remained steady - this group is committed to ensuring the FTO program is one that is always striving to continuously improve the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the trainees and veteran staff.
We appreciate their continued commitment!
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Warden's Peer Interaction Program
By Stephanie Huppert
Three Associate Wardens from across the department traveled to Huntsville, Texas as they were chosen to be a part of the Warden's Peer Interaction Program held at Sam Houston State University, October 2 - 6, 2023.
The conference was a peer-led training where wardens from around the country prepared presentations to train others on prevailing issues in departments throughout their agencies. The presentations included ADA in correctional facilities, contraband detection, suicide prevention, giving back to communities, cultural change, Scandinavian style corrections, and many others.
This program also included tours of prisons within the Texas Criminal Justice system, and meeting with senior leadership from other states in the country.
(L-R) Laura Westphal AWA Faribault, Ian Heaslip AWA Moose Lake, and Stephanie Huppert AWA Rush City
