By Latoya Shelby

ASL Interpreter, Lois Tucke, recently celebrated 30 years of state service. Congratulations!

Left to Right: Capt. Chad Oye, Lt. Joe Rosier, AWA Vicki Janssen, ASL Interpreter Lois Tucke, AWO Mary McComb, Warden Shannon Reimann, Capt. Eric Knies & Capt. John Kelly

By Melissa Paquette

MCF-Faribault's Yellow Ribbon Committee and CARE Club sponsored a chili/soup cook-off on February 1, 2023. Approximately 20 staff brought their famous recipes and staff could purchase a ticket for $5.00 that would allow them to taste test the chili/soup submissions and also vote for their favorite.

Sgt. Joe Ernste was awarded 1st place, Office Andrew Gengler was awarded 2nd place and Capt. Martin Dahlen was awarded 3rd place & People's Choice! Thanks to all that participated!

Left to Right: Sgt. Ernste, Ofc. Gengler and Capt. Dahlen

By Melissa Paquette

Ed. Director Bonnerup began his career with the DOC in 2018; he previously taught Workplace Human Relations for all Career Tech programs.

Ed. Director Bonnerup began teaching at Brown College in 2003 until he became the General Education Chair in 2014. In 2016 he began teaching courses at Inver Hills Community College. While at Inver Hills Community College, he began teaching higher ed. courses at various DOC facilities, including MCF-FRB.

His first official day as the new Education Director at MCF-FRB was March 1, 2023. Congratulations!

Left to Right - Education Director Nancy Rosman and Education Director Jacob Bonnerup

By Karley Jorgensen

Lt. Tom Vavra retired from MCF-Shakopee after 21 years of service with the DOC. Tom showed up to work everyday with a big smile on his face, a positive attitude, and a friendly greeting - all while whistling! He had a passion for his job and was truly dedicated to the staff and to the incarcerated individuals.

Lt. Tom Vavra

By Balinda Bailey

I join the Health Services unit in recognizing Jay Olson for his consistent willingness to collaborate and share his expertise. He recently provided “Active Threat and Stop the Bleed" trainings that are beneficial to improving the quality of emergency response within health services.

Jay is always so good about praising the people he collaborates with publicly and we want him to know that we appreciate him as well!

By Ian Heaslip

Joyce Hibke recently retired from MCF- Moose Lake with just under 20 years of state service.

She started her career on 1st Watch as an officer for several years prior to transferring into the maintenance department. Joyce is actively involved with the Moose Lake Fire Department. She made history by becoming the first female officer promoted to the Second Lieutenant position! Joyce’s can-do attitude and dedication was evident for all to see. An example of the initiative she took included putting on over 60 miles walking when COVID hit MCF- Moose Lake.

Joyce shared the following insight for staff, “When you start a job with the department, form your own opinions about the people and the job itself. Don’t fall into negativity.” Thank you for being such a positive person for so many years, Joyce! Enjoy retirement!

Left to Right: Kevin Huso - Building Maintenance Supervisor; Joyce Hibke - General Repair Worker; Ed Daoust - Physical Plant Director

By Christen Donley

Lori Lofrano – thank you for stepping in to support transition coalition! You are greatly appreciated.

By Stephanie Huppert

Congratulations to Trevor Sass who began a Lieutenant WOOC at Rush City on March 1, 2023! Lt. Sass will be supervising Complex 4, Recreation and Education security and will report to Capt. Rasmussen.

Trevor started his career with the DOC as a Corrections Officer at MCF-Oak Park Heights in 2001. He transferred to MCF-Rush City in 2002 and promoted to Sergeant at Rush City in 2011. During his time as an Officer and Sergeant, Trevor was an instructor for several disciplines including Control Tactics/Self-Defense, Chemical Munitions, and Firearms. Trevor transitioned to WOOC Investigator of Corrections Intelligence at Rush City in 2013 and was promoted to that position in 2014. In 2015, he was promoted again and served as a Special Investigator for OSI at several facilities including: Shakopee, Lino Lakes, Stillwater, and currently at Rush City.

Lt. Sass is a welcome addition to the Lieutenant group due to his diverse experience, which will be beneficial in his WOOC assignment.

Left to Right - Captain Ashlee Berts, WOOC Lt. Trevor Sass and Captain Erik Rasmussen

A small cohort of DOC staff attended Tribal State Relations Training (TSRT) at the Lower Sioux Indian Community in Morton, Minnesota, on March 21 and 22, 2023.

The mission of TSRT is to "provide training and education for Minnesota state employees about American Indian tribal governments, histories, cultures and traditions, in order to empower state employees to work effectively with American Indians and promote authentic and respectful relationships between state agencies and American Indian tribes."

DOC staff attending this training found common ground with tribal nations in the areas of resource coordination, healthy communities and a desire for success for the people we serve. Equally important, they were able to learn American Indian history through a different lens. Some steps they hope to implement in their work included building effective communication and relationships with tribal nations, recognizing the importance of accurate data collection, and exercising compassion and empathy in their daily work.

(Tribal-State Relations Training (TSRT) is the official training offered to all State of Minnesota employees per Government-to-Government Relationship with Tribal Governments (PDF). Minnesota Statute 10.65 affirms the Government-to-Government relationship between the State of Minnesota and the 11 Tribal Nations in Minnesota.)

From Left to Right: Barbara Bauer, Dan Jones, Aarah Saugen, Morgan Woodbury, Wendy Spry, and Paul Dosunmu

By Andrea Turner:

On November 28, 2022, Corrections staff gathered in remembrance of Sergeant Todd Case, who passed away unexpectedly at home on November 18, 2022.

Todd spent 14 years working for Minnesota Correctional Facility St. Cloud, achieving the rank of Sergeant. During his time with the Department of Corrections he worked in many areas including Living Units, Segregation, and Food Service. Todd had recently accepted a Work Out of Class (WOOC) position with the Office of Special Investigations (OSI) as an Investigator-Corrections Intelligence. Todd’s drive and dedication to his work in the department was unmatched and he was a true example of a steadfast state employee.

Todd is remembered by staff for his bright smile, positive attitude, and fierce loyalty. He was frequently found talking to new staff, providing them with a welcoming smile, and the advice from his many years of experience. Todd is truly missed by his OSI family, MCF-St. Cloud staff, and the Minnesota Department of Corrections as a whole.

Sgt. Todd Case