DOC Communication Director Andy Skoogman has accepted a new position as Chief of Staff for the Minneapolis Police Department. In that role, Andy will help lead the implementation of the department’s strategic initiatives and reform measures as defined by both the Police Chief and the Department of Justice. The position presents a tremendous opportunity to help shape the future of the largest municipal police department in the state.

Andy’s last official day with the Department of Corrections is Friday, December 22nd.

The commissioner is actively working to identify and appoint a new communications director to replace Andy. In the interim, Sarah Fitzgerald and Aaron Swanum will coordinate with the commissioner on any media inquiries.

Lt. Kyle Prall (MCF-Red Wing) was recognized during the SORT Commanders meeting on December 21st for his dedication and commitment to our Special Operations Training Programs.

Kyle stepped down as a SORT Member in October so that he could focus on other assignments and endeavors.

According to Training Coordinator Jay S. Olson, “Kyle's contributions and 13 years of service as a SORT Instructor will be missed."

And thank you for submitting this, Jay!

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.

By Grant Dossetto, KNSI Radio

As a famous Christmas movie once said, “No man is a failure who has friends.”

This holiday weekend, one group in St. Cloud is finding comfort in that idea as they work to jump-start their lives. Overcomers International Fellowship is run by Pastor Michael Laidlaw and his wife. It started as a more conventional homeless shelter in the 1990s and has morphed into a men’s support group. Laidlaw says they only tackle the toughest cases.

“We’re kind of laser-focused on that highest risk population and we’re going to pour out hospitality, concern, love, programming, and create a bunch of resources for them to be very successful.”

OIF helps turn felons and the addicted into college graduates, husbands, and success stories in its five-building complex near the railroad depot. One of the earliest is.... go to KNSI Radio's website to read more!

By Janelle Cheney

Agents Mike Rapp and Cameron Behm requested Law Enforcement (L.E.) to assist in making contact with a Client who has been struggling in the community, and who was alleged to be in possession of a substantial amount of illegal drugs. It should also be noted the Client is a person of interest in a pending matter where a toddler overdosed. The drugs were located and siezed by local L.E. We truly appreciate the ability to work together with local L.E. - increasing the numbers increases everyones safety!!

Great work as usual, Agents l!!! Thank you for your quick response and diligent efforts towards supporting healthy communities.

District Supervisor Carter Diers sent in this Shout Out for Sr Agent Molly Quast:

As a new team member to field services (but not a new team member to the state of Minnesota and how things work), I for one would be running for the hills if not for the coaching, mentorship, guidance, and leadership of Molly Quast. She has stepped up to be a fantastic trainer to not only me, but to other agents as well as she somehow manages her own hectic caseload. The Center City field office team has been phenomenal, and that team is even more phenomenal with Molly onboard. It can never be said enough to any state employee, thank you for all that you do it is appreciated.

Thank you for submitting this, Carter!

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.

By Janelle Cheney

Moorhead Agents, Lindsey Ternes and Khrystal Janshen, have been asked to partner with the West Central Regional Juvenile Center to support the Lt. Adam Gustafson Memorial Fund by his Widow, Amber Gustufson. The Agents shop for and deliver gifts to each youth in placement over the Holidays. Agent Ternes expressed seeing many happy and grateful smiles yesterday and further noted, "Each resident received an individual gift and we were very fortunate to provide many facility gifts including: books (LOTS OF BOOKS – thanks Khrystal!!), coloring books, markers, colored pencils, card games, board games, puzzles, gloves, hats, basketballs, volleyballs, kickballs, etc etc etc! 😊" Agent Ternes also offered the following to her co-workers (fellow elfs), "Thank you all for helping and assisting with the shopping, the workshop going on in our office, wrapping, delivering..."

It did look a lot like Santa's workshop in the Contract Office, with an assembly line in full swing! Our Staff appreciate this opportunity and are thankful they were hand-selected to support this project!!!

Agent Janshen is on the far left and Agent Ternes is on the far right of the picture. Also pictured are staff from the West Central Regional Juvenile Center.

By Marisol Ortega

Please join SCL in congratulating December's graduating academy!

Correctional Officers

Logan Nuesse

Me'Cheal Ware

Office & Admin. Specialist-Principal

Philomena Licciardi

Left to Right: AWO Sarah Rykken, HRD Joe Thelen, Warden Jesse Pugh, AWA Lathan Scott, Capt. Lori Korts, CO Me'Cheal Ware, Capt. Dan Raden, Capt. Jamie Holm, CO Logan Nuesse, OSI Mike VandeVord and OAS-P Philomena Licciardi

Simon Mugo was recently promoted to Sergeant for the 3rd watch master control/squad relief position! Sgt. Mugo brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this position. Congratulations on your promotion, Sgt. Mugo!

By Matt Ziebell

Doug Swanson, STS Crew Leader from Fillmore County and his crew were able to build and complete Santa's Sleigh for display for the City of Peterson just in time for the Holidays.

The MCF-FRB CARE Club hosted a holiday party for staff on December 6th. Thank you to the amazing staff that assisted with the meal, it was a huge success! Happy Holidays to everyone from the CARE Club!