By Tyler Trieglaff

Notes from the Chief

Notes from the Chief…A few weeks ago, the DA and I took a trip to the cities to deliver some beef from the farm. I was asked about a delivery fee, and I asked him how about a tour of your work facility, to which he agreed.  

Now you may be thinking, maybe a factory or farm type tour. This was a bit more interesting than that. We got to tour Minnesota Vikings headquarters in Eagan. I tell you what…that is a first class organization and facility!  

We went on the weekend before the season started so there weren’t any players or staff around. This place was first class, starting with the indoor practice field which was the tallest building in the NFL when it was built to accommodate punting we were told. The turf inside was fairly new as it matches the turf at U.S. Bank Stadium where the Vikings play their home games. We were not allowed in the locker room, but the door was open to just catch a glimpse. 

The weight room, training rooms, therapy pools are all top notch. Gatorade display coolers were too numerous to count with drinks always available to players and staff. 

Four outdoor grass practice fields that are rotated depending on the use and wear and tear from the players. There is an outdoor stadium that the team uses for practices during training camp and it is also used by local high school teams and a semi pro women’s soccer team.  

We also got to tour the area where the coaches and behind-the-scenes staff are. Memorabilia was all over the place of former players that I grew up watching. Scott Studwell, Tommy Kramer, Kieth Millard, John Randle and many others. Each group of players has their own meeting rooms, QB’s, receivers, running backs, offensive and defensive lines, special teams, etc. 

There is also a large theater type room for an entire team meeting. This room also doubles as a television studio for interviews and programming leading up to the games. The cafeteria was closed when we were there, but the Vikings organization provided meals for all their staff most working days. 

We were told that some teams still charge their players for food at their facilities.  It was mentioned several times that the Wilf’s (owners) take very good care of their employees.

The most sacred part of the tour was the replica office of legendary coach Bud Grant. The office had actual possessions of the Hall of Fame Coach. His desk, name plate, a football, and of course several stuffed animals as Bud was an avid outdoorsman in his time.  

So, if you have the time and the connections, I would strongly recommend a tour of the Minnesota Vikings Headquarters.

Have a nice week!

Friday, Sept. 20

7 a.m. Officers and deputies providing extra patrol and security around the school due to the potential threat from the night before. Incident is still under investigation.

9:58 a.m. Student reporting being harassed at the high school by someone from off campus.  Officer talked with student and parent about options.

8:32 p.m. Fender bender reported in the high school parking lot after the football game.

Saturday, Sept. 21

3:20 p.m. Stand by while male party picked up a vehicle from an ex-girlfriends property.

8:50 p.m. Assist with a driving complaint on St Hwy 87.

9:25 p.m. Alarm at a business, all secure.

Sunday, Sept. 22

9:02 a.m. Business manager reporting that two juvenile males had pulled on the doors of the business at 7:45 a.m.

Monday, Sept. 23

10:14 a.m. Assist FBI with a background check.

10:17 a.m. Report of a school bus stop arm violation on Lake St S.

3:38 p.m. Elderly male reporting suspicious activity on his property. No issues noticed by officer, most likely memory issues due to age.

Tuesday, Sept. 24

8:48 p.m. Report of juvenile kids playing at the football complex and trying to get into the press box. Kids were gone when officer arrived in the area.

Wednesday, Sept. 25

11:36 a.m. Resident on Lake St S complaining about neighbors’ dogs coming into their yard.  Officer talked with dog owners, warning about the leash law in town.

2:31 p.m. High school staff turned over a vaping device. Juvenile to be cited. 

8:06 p.m. Assist a semi driver that got turned around in town. Helped get driver back to the Rest Area for the evening.

Thursday, Sept. 26

10:07 a.m. Parking complaint of a vehicle parked in the construction zone. Owner notified and would move the vehicle.

11:08 a.m. Vehicle under repair in the Event Center lot, officer talked with owner, parts should be here soon.

3:18 p.m. Traffic stop for stop sign violation.

6:40 p.m. Assist with a vehicle vs bicycle on Co Hwy 29.

8:23 p.m. Report of a yellow lab on the loose on Balsam Ave. Officer went to area immediately and did not find the dog.