Category Shout Out Show all
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Shout Out for Wade Lennox, Milaca FS Office & LSCMI Trainer
By Rachel L. Miller
Shout out to DOC Felony Agent Wade Lennox! Wade has been an LSCMI trainer for several years. Over the last couple of years, he has volunteered to help with LSCMI training at Statewide Training Academy several times. On top of that, he has stepped up to do refresher training over and over again to help DOC staff keep fresh on their assessment skills. Thanks, Wade, for taking this on in addition to all your other work!
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Shout Out: Agents Wendy Ortiz and Kaitlyn Hansen
By Holly VanPelt
Brad Nelson, Ignition Interlock Coordinator for the Third Judicial District sent a letter of appreciation regarding Agent Wendy Ortiz and Agent Kaitlyn Hansen out of the Albert Lea Office. In the letter, he recognized Wendy for being a member of the Ignition Interlock Program since it began in 2016, and Kaitlyn for her recent persistence in helping one of her clients overcome several obstacles in obtaining a valid driver's license with ignition interlock.
The success of this program is a direct result of partnerships like this. Thank you Wendy and Kaitlyn for your dedication and teamwork!
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Shout Out: CPT Joshua Holmes
By Darryl Goebel
A Shout Out to CPT Joshua Holmes for helping when help was needed and providing assistance with getting incarcerated individuals from the living units to Psych Services area for meetings with the provider. This unselfish act reminds us that we’re all in this together and that we’re stronger working together than working apart.
In the times of facilities running short-staffed and more and more being asked of everyone, it is great to see staff come together, helping where and when help is needed.
Thank you Josh, for your help and dedication to your fellow staff and everyone at MCF-Rush City!
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Shout Out: Rush City CPT3 Joshua Holmes
By Rosemarie Becker
I would like to recognize Josh for all the help he provided to psychiatry recently. We were short-staffed in the units, but Josh talked with Lt. Goebel and offered to escort people to the psychiatry area. Jessica Denning was able to see 12 clients, which is fantastic! Thank you Josh!
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Shout Out: All Rush City Staff
By Jacquelyn Chard
I would like to give a Huge Shout Out to all Rush City staff! Our staff's knowledge, professionalism, and skills contributed to another successful PREA audit. Commendable subject knowledge was provided to the auditor leaving her pleased with our staff and environment. Not only was this noticed, but it is also greatly appreciated. Thank you, Rush City, for your stellar accomplishment!
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Shout Out: St. Cloud's Librarian Sara Stueve
By Sarah Rykken
As part of the large pilot, MCF-St. Cloud was tasked with doing approximately 108 Self-Reported Assessments (SRA), which feeds an Assessment Summary Report, used as a tool to assist in recommending programming and facility placement. While a long-term mechanism for completing SRA's is being developed, when asked for the pilot, Sara stepped up to take this on, utilizing computers in the law library.
Not only did Sara take on the role of assisting 108 incarcerated persons to complete this assessment, she was also instrumental in answering questions about the pilot and providing feedback collected by those participating in this new process. Completing the SRA not only assisted staff at St. Cloud through the pilot, but at the transfer facilities, in varying departments, as well and will assist in informing future planning and decision-making. As the pilot begins to wrap-up at St. Cloud, she has also agreed to assist with surveys.
Her willingness to assist and go above and beyond is so appreciated. Thank you Sara!
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Shout Out: Stillwater Case Manager Mike Lussier
By Captain Andy Darling
The “Thinking for a Change" (T4C) program is once again thriving at MCF-Stillwater after a period of disruptions due to COVID. This is in large part due to the dedication and persistence of Case Manager Mike Lussier. Since programing is back in full swing throughout the DOC, Case Manger Lussier has successfully graduated two groups of incarcerated individuals and is getting ready to graduate his third.
Mike's passion for this program, and others like it, are a testament to his commitment to offer healthy programming and provide the men in our care genuine opportunities to change their lives. Although Mike has a heavy caseload as well as a variety of other responsibilities as a Case Manager, he can often be found helping those incarcerated navigate problems in a constructive manner and making a difference in people's lives.
Thank You Case Manager Lussier for the positive impact you are making on the culture of Corrections!
Case Manager Mike Lussier talking with incarcerated individual -
Shout Out: Corrections Agent Alex Earl
By Holly VanPelt
Corrections Agent Alex Earl visited a local community college recently to meet with first year human services students. He was asked to share current drug trends but ended up speaking more about his job as a probation officer. He took the opportunity to educate the students about how we use cognitive behavioral interventions and other tools to help people change their thinking and ultimately their behavior.
He also co-facilitates Decision Points with a county probation officer on a weekly basis and helps out with a jail Decision Points group on a rotating basis. In addition to this, he recently joined the Opioid Advisory Committee in Mower County and is meeting with local partners to connect and brainstorm ways to address the current opiate crisis affecting our local community.
Thank you Alex for going above and beyond and for partnering with local stakeholders!
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Shout Out: Stillwater Large-Scale Operation
By Captain Lisa Connors
Recently, due to an increase in violence in the Stillwater prison, the Department's SORT and ERT were activated to complete a facility-wide shakedown. Teams from all over the state responded on a couple of hours' notice and went to work. The staff worked tirelessly, over the course of two days, searching and removing contraband from the facility. Led by Captain Karl Krippner and Lieutenant Jason Oetterer, these teams carried out their duties with precision and professionalism, ensuring safety and security were the top priority.
The staff at Stillwater are grateful to the voluntary commitment these teams have given on top of their primary jobs. They are true leaders, and we are proud of the work they do!
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Shout Out: Lino Lakes Sergeant James Schmitt
By Jay Olson
Sergeant James Schmitt (MCF-LL) received an appreciation certificate on March 27, 2023 for his “dedication and commitment" as a Master Instructor-Weapons.
Jim was always willing to help. He did a lot of the behind-the-scenes things that you don't see, but are necessary for the success of training. His contributions to our Weapons training program will be missed.
Jim is retiring later this month.
