By Jay S. Olson

Officer Russell Johannsen (MCF-STW) was recently appointed as Master Instructor - Weapons. In this capacity, he will help oversee a specialized area of training to include standardization of curriculum, qualifications, certifications, and measurement of training.

Johannsen has been with the DOC for 15 years, and has served as a weapons instructor for the past six years. In 2021, he was part of the large group of Subject Matter Experts that helped reformat our Use of Force programs into Response to Resistance programs.

He was selected in a competitive application process which included both an oral interview and a skills & aptitude assessment.

Officer Russell Johannsen

By Jay S. Olson

The Master and Lead Control Tactics/Self-Defense Instructors held their annual meeting at Central office on September 12.

The group shares and exchanges information that ensures our CT/SD training programs remain consistent, relevant, and focused on best practices. In addition, the group practiced their skills and reviewed techniques to ensure that we are delivering our training in a consistent manner throughout the system.

I want to thank this group for their commitment and dedication to our Response to Resistance training programs. Their willingness to volunteer and their demonstration of servant leadership is why we are second to none.

Master and Lead Instructors Group

By Jamie Chandler

I would like to send a Shout Out to Electronics Systems Supervisor, Cory Swenson & Electrician Lead, Brad Pixley. On Labor Day, Sept. 9th both arrived to MCF Rush City in the morning hours, not only on their day off, but on a Holiday no less.

CX2 was without the main flag lights, and the AC in the complex bubble was out. No AC is survivable, even in a bubble with no air flow. But is miserable when temps swell into the upper 90's and the humidity is greater than a Louisiana bayou. Having no working lights in the unit meant delaying flag, at least until the sun came up to brighten our situation.

Cory and Brad worked diligently to make the lights come on and they were successful! Thus, ensuring the safety of our Officer's and the IPs. Ultimately allowing flags and switch outs to continue as planned. Once they had the lights on, they went above and beyond and stayed at the facility continuing to work to restore our AC in the bubble. While this took them well into the afternoon hours and required a trip or two to the warehouse for parts Brad and Cory once again came thru in the clutch. The AC is back on!

I could say Thank you to both Brad and Cory, but that doesn't seem like enough. It was their day off, their holiday too – but they each took the time to come to the facility to work on a situation that could have easily “been something to wait until tomorrow." But they didn't, their hard work and dedication kept all CX2 up and running for the day. And added a little comfort to us as well; both in the form of lights and AC!

So instead of a simple “thank you" I would like to say this instead. On behalf of the Sunday CX2 2nd watch crew, “You are the best, we are grateful, we owe you one, we value the help you've given to us, thanks for the support, much obliged, we want to express our gratitude for your help and hard work, you're a life saver!"

By Agent Kathleen Newhouse

I want to give a shoutout to Corrections Agents Joe Peterson and Aaron Schueller in the DOC-Park Rapids office for assisting me with a high stress client situation I recently experienced, by providing guidance, input, and making me feel at ease. As a newer agent, it is nice to know that I have other agents I can go to that help me navigate difficult situations and will help me in any way they can! Thank you both.

By Anonymous

Thank you to all the MCF-Stillwater A-Team and B-Team responders that responded to B-East's incident on Sunday Sept. 9th. You did a great job keeping this facility secure, each other safe, and preventing escalation.

By Rev. Lynda Lee, Chaplain

I would like to send a shout out to all officers at MCF-Lino Lakes. Their training and quick thinking provides safety and care in so many daily situations. I am especially thankful for all who worked this last week of summer through short staffing and heat-related challenges. I am grateful for their example, showing up and working as colleagues to transform lives for the better.

By Sgt. Shawn Harrington

On 8/31/23, Lauri Arndt from the Raptor Center brought our little American Kestrel back out to OPH. We brought her out near zone 7 on the south side and let her go back into the wild. She flew into the first cottonwood tree and perched.

As we were walking away, Lauri was stating how the property was ideal for this species because of the high light poles. Just then the little bird flew back out and landed on the pole right in front of us. She swooped down to the ground and grabbed something then flew away again.

Shortly after that, she again flew back out and around us, then landed on a light pole for a photo. I am glad I was able to be a part of helping this little bird. I know for me when I get to see the wildlife around here, it gives me a moment of peace or a small escape from where we work.

Attached are pictures of Henrietta (that's what we named her)!

By Ian Heaslip

Congratulations to Chris Edquist and Justine Nichols as they promote to Lieutenant at MCF- Moose Lake on 1st Watch!

Chris has been with the DOC for nearly 24 years, both at MCF- Moose Lake and the Challenge Incarceration Program at Willow River. He promoted to Sergeant in 2014 and has contributed to the facility as a Field Training Officer and instructor for Boundaries and CPR/First Aid.

Justine graduated from Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College in 2010 and completed Skills training there as well. She started at MCF- Moose Lake in 2011. She has worked many posts at the facility, including Work out of Class opportunities as a Central Services Administrative Specialist, Sergeant, and Lieutenant on 3rd Watch. She has been heavily involved as an instructor for Interpersonal Communications, Field Training Officer, Workforce Development Committee, Mentor Coordinator and co-chair for the Employee Events Committee.

(L-R) Captain Rich Skoglund, Lieutenant Chris Edquist & Warden Brian Collins

(L-R) Captain Rich Skoglund, Lieutenant Justine Nichols & Warden Brian Collins

By Carla Pocket

Jeannie Sack was recently promoted to OAS, Principal. In her new role she will be the support staff for MCF-WR CIP administration and maintain records management.

Lori Schanus was recently promoted to an OAS, Sr. and recently transferred to MCF-WR from Field Services. Lori is the new contact for all CIP intakes and application list management. Warden Anselmo states “We are excited to have both Jeannie and Lori in their new roles at Willow River, both bring many years of quality DOC experience and expertise!"

(L-R) Jeannie Sack, Lori Schanus

By Anonymous

Thank you to all the MCF-Stillwater A-Team and B-Team responders that responded to B-East's incident on Sunday Sept. 9. You did a great job keeping this facility secure, each other safe, and preventing escalation.