Hotline Online

By Sherlinda Wheeler

Mike Strusz, our Plumber at Oak Park Heights, retired on February 22, 2023.

Mike started his career at OPH on March 7, 2001. Mike has been the main plumber here for 22 years. Mike always had smile on his face and a joke to tell. There was never a dull moment with Mike around, he made it enjoyable to come to work.

Mike will be missed, and we wish Mike a long happy retirement!

L to R: Mike Strusz, Sherlinda Wheeler

By David Korte

The event recognizes and thanks veterans, police, fire, and now corrections (active and retired) for all that they do to keep our country and neighborhoods safe.

L to R: Sherry Bohn, Sherlinda Wheeler, Tina Payton, Brent Sharon, Adam Harrington, Shawn Harrington, Laura Berkhoel, Dan Berkhoel, Tammy Burns and Bill Burns.

By Jessica Fergen

Congratulations to Sergeant Matt Cash on his promotion to Complex 2/Canteen Sergeant.

Sergeant Cash began his career with the DOC at Oak Park Heights in April 2012. In June of 2022, Sergeant Cash accepted a WOOC Sergeant position in Complex 5. Sergeant Cash completed a 40 Casework Practicum and Evidence Based Practices training. He is also an AHA BLS/Heart Saver Instructor.

Sergeant Cash received his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Winona State.

L to R: Sgt. Matt Cash and AWO Chris Pawelk

By Sherlinda Wheeler

Meet the OPH combined Academy classes numbers 171, 174 and 175.

L to R: From Academy #174 Electrician Stuart Kahler and Officer Anthony Feesl, From Academy #171 RN Laura Kavitz, From Academy #175 Officer Chris Betker, Officer David Kettner, OAS Evelina Walter and General Maintenance Worker Anthony Ghylin.

By Joan Wolff

Congrats to Stacia Hansen on her promotion to RN Supervisor at OPH.

Nurse Hansen has over 8 years of experience as an RN including her 6 years with the DOC. During her time as an RN Senior at Oak Park Heights, Nurse Hansen demonstrated excellent critical thinking skills, ability to manage challenging patient concerns/emergencies and played an active role in promoting quality healthcare. Her dedication to our department did not go unnoticed.

Nurse Hansen also has experience as an RN Special Investigator for the Minnesota Department of Health, RN Case Manager with HCMC Clinic, and supervisory experience with Allina Health Urgent Care. We are excited to have Nurse Hansen join our OPH management team.

Congratulations Stacia!

Nurse Stacia Hansen

By Adam Perry

Officer Lindsay Mosser was promoted to Complex 5 Sergeant on 3rd Watch effective March 29, 2023.

Sergeant Lindsay Mosser began her career with the DOC in April of 2015. She started in ACU, where she stayed for 2 years. Lindsay then bid into Complex 3, and has remained there for the past 6 years. She had been a member of the FTO program for 4 years, while also participating with the BTYR and ICSM groups.

Previous to her time with the MN DOC, she volunteered with at risk youth, and with the Ramsey County Guardian Ad Litem Program.

Congratulations Lindsay!

L to R: Cpt. Amanda Hofer, Sgt. Lindsay Hofer and Lt. Adam Perry

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

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!

By Captain Andy Darling

MCF-Stillwater staff bid farewell to Warden Guy Bosch as he returns to MCF-Shakopee after nearly four years.

Warden Bosch was appointed to lead Stillwater on July 1, 2019. During his appointment he led his team through several unprecedented challenges including a ransomware attack and the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout these events and others, his goals were clear, and it was evident his vision for Stillwater was a program-rich environment where individuals have an opportunity for real change. Thanks to the persistence of Warden Bosch and his team, as well as his attention to detail, he is leaving the facility with a clear direction forward.

During his time at Stillwater, Warden Bosch often commented on the fine dining opportunities the town of Stillwater had to offer. As a big thank you for all he has done, his team treated him to his favorite cuisine on his last day with us.

L to R: AWO Lisa Stenseth, AWA Dan Moe, Captain Bola Olarinde, Special Investigator Brady Scott, Captain Eric Hennen, Captain Andy Darling, Exec 2 Sue Armstrong, HR Director Sheryl Maxwell, Captain Lisa Connors, Warden Guy Bosch

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!