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

By Martin Dahlen

The University of Minnesota Bee Squad was on grounds to assist with year-end honey extraction. The frames had the bees wax caps removed, allowing for the honey to be spun out of the comb. This year the bees produced 19 gallons of honey that will be donated to the local food shelf in Faribault.

By Mfon Archibong

I want to share my appreciation for Will Spencer from the Warehouse for his impressive speedy delivery and efficiency.

I recently ran out of copier paper while preparing for the October Academy and contacted Will for help. His response was lightning fast, and within two minutes, he had delivered the copier paper I needed.

This experience perfectly captures the culture of leadership, efficiency, and accountability that is central to MFC-RC's operations. Will Spencer and all of the staff at MCF-RC are an embodiment of the everyday success story.

Outside Patrol Officer Sobon and the Administration Team would like to give a Shout Out to Machinery Repair Worker Nate Christen, Electrician Brad Nelson, CO Justin Higgins, Sgt. Eric Oyen, CO Dalton Siemers, Lt. Brant Baird, Building Maintenance Supervisor DeEon Phillippi, and Lt. Karl Krippner for their quick response and fixing of Gate 1.

The bottom of the gate was bent inward and became inoperable, but thanks to staff efforts they were able to get it operational with in 20 minute of ICS activated! This sort of incident can sometimes take hours to fix.

Thank you all for your hard work!

Submitted Anonymously

Everyone is aware of how critical staffing has been in the facilities so this is to recognize Lt. Brady Hartmann at Shakopee for stepping in whenever possible to help ease the number of people forced or to fulfill a critical role in the facility. He has stepped out of the role of Watch Commander and Lieutenant to help in officer roles multiple times and he is greatly appreciated.

On September 28, MCF-St. Cloud’s Workforce Development Committee Member Kara Zdan, delivered supplies including backpacks, hygiene items and food to Pathways 4 Youth, a resource center in St. Cloud, for youth ages 16-24 who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

Items delivered were donated by staff, and additional fundraising efforts including a raffle and a Pie a Supervisor event were conducted to raise an additional $333 to purchase supplies!

Thank you to supervisors and staff who participated in the Pie a Supervisor event, to all staff who donated and to Officer Kara Zdan for bringing it all together!

By Captain Nate Bartz

Due to the Rush City Facility location, staff accessibility to restaurants has been pretty limited. In a effort to improve food options Rush City has started the process of having a schedule for food trucks on grounds.

Huge Shout Out to Lieutenants Eric Retzinger (SHK), Anthony Sunde (FRB), and Teeshan Harrington (STW) for covering CO Trainee interviews on Friday, October 6, with almost no notice for Lino Lakes after a very challenging week and a significant event on Thursday that needed their devoted attention.

By Captain Nathan Bartz

David Schmitt was promoted to the 1st Watch Lieutenant Position at Rush City effective 09/13/2023. David has a wealth of sucurity and criminal justice experience in the DOC, Law Enforcement and the Military. David started with the DOC in 2011. He has an AS Degree, is Post Certified and an Army Veteran.

By Susan Armstrong

Officer Rob Leier and Officer Tony Middleton both received Peer Recognition Nominations in the category of Safety.

During an ICS, they immediately pull up the cameras and search for threats. On numerous occasions they have protected staff and IP's with their quick response time watching cameras and providing clear and concise radio communications directing staff during stressful situations. It is a great reassurance knowing they are both watching and looking out for staff during chaotic situations.

Congratulations!