By Tyler Trieglaff

Notes from the Chief

Welp…Turkey Days 2024 has come and gone, and things went pretty well. One arrest was made, but it was not Turkey Days related.

We did catch some vandals who tipped over some porta potties, the city cameras helped identify the vehicle that was responsible. We had a pretty solid presence all weekend with officers helping with traffic and logistics at the various events.

I was at the Frazee Care Center for my annual calling of Turkey Bingo. I was also a judge for the Turkey Calling Contest. The judges were put on the spot by Kate asking us to try a call.  Needless to say, I was less than impressive. If asked back next year, I will for sure practice beforehand.  

I did have my mother in the passenger seat of my squad car as I led the parade this year. I am not sure if that was her first time in a police car or not. I think she enjoyed herself waving to the crowd on the parade route.  

Probably the highlight or lowlight of my weekend was the weather on Sunday afternoon.  Dressed in dark blue with a vest on was not ideal. The belly fat sweat was working overtime to try and keep me cool. Once in a while a little breeze would come through the Demo Derby for a moment of relief, but the sweat would soon return. The AC sure did feel good when the derby was over.

Friday, July 26

10 a.m. Report of missing materials from the road construction project.

1:06 p.m. Fender bender in the Dollar General parking lot.

3:54 p.m. Information received about a male in town with a warrant out of Illinois. Officer checked with county in Illinois, and they will not pick up this far away.

4:34 p.m. Traffic stop for failure to maintain lane.

5:27 p.m. 911 hang-up on Ash Ave W. No one in the area reporting any distress.

7:45 p.m. Disturbance reported between neighbors.

8:41 p.m. Another disturbance reported between neighbors. Geena Hutchinson, 34, arrested for Disorderly Conduct.

9:31 p.m. Traffic stop for no taillights.  

10:42 p.m. Porta Johns tipped over by demo derby area. City cameras caught the teenagers in the act and provided a wonderful license plate. Follow-up with the registered owner revealed that it was her niece and niece’s boyfriend that tipped the biffies over. Citations to be issued for vandalism as the Honey Buckets needed to be cleaned before use.

11:45 p.m. Driving complaint on US Hwy 10.

11:45 p.m. Tenants reporting harassment from neighbors as an ongoing issue from the prior disturbance calls.

Saturday, July 27

12:41 a.m. Assist with an assault at the Morningside Motel.

7:27 a.m. Vehicle parked in no parking zone for Turkey Days Officer contacted owner and vehicle was moved.

7:57 a.m. Assist with traffic control with the Turkey Trot.

11:16 a.m. More vehicles parked on Main Ave needing to be moved. Vehicles were moved so the rugrats had clear sailing at the Soap Box Derby.

11:44 a.m. Driving complaint on US Hwy 10.

11:48 a.m. Assist with traffic control at the Soap Box Derby.

3:46 p.m. Local organization reporting that they gave away some items to kids and some kids were in turn selling these items, telling people they were raising money for their organization.  Parents were notified and officer talked with the kids later in the day.

5:17 p.m. Report of a dead kitty cat on Lake St N. Officer took deceased Garfield to a proper disposal site.

5:50 p.m. Traffic stop for stop sign violation.  

6:49 p.m. Assist male party who lost a taillight from a trailer.

8:51 p.m. Officer noticed mulch from the Little Turkey Park thrown on the sidewalk and street. Officer told the kids nearby that whoever threw the mulch in the roadway would be getting tickets. By the time officer made it around the block, the kids had gotten a broom and dustpan from the gas station and were cleaning up the mess. Officer had a chat with the kids about making good choices.

11:37 p.m. Report of a male party passed out in a backyard after crashing through the fence.  Tenant reported that the Misses took the dog for a walk in the backyard and found the male passed out. Male party obviously had a gizzard full of Wild Turkey and was sleeping peacefully.  Officers woke the male and got him to his accommodations for the evening.

Sunday, July 28

1:35 a.m. Traffic stop for no headlights.

12:19 p.m. ID turned into officer. ID was returned to owner.

12:29 p.m. Male party reporting losing his wallet somewhere between the Liquor Store and VFW.

12:38 p.m. Report of a minor vehicle crash, car vs side by side.

2 p.m. Assist with traffic control for parade.

3:30 p.m. Assist with traffic and security at the Demo Derby.

3:39 p.m. Assist mother with her autistic son.

6:42 p.m. Extra patrol requested in the Willow Ave area.

8:23 p.m. 911 call into dispatch from a young child, no emergency.

Monday, July 29

7:50 a.m. Assist with a background check for firearms transfer.

9:11 a.m. Report of a possible sexual assault from over the weekend.

3:54 p.m. Male party talked with officers about being harassed in DL by the city park.

6:10 p.m. Female reporting being harassed on social media. Officer talked with both parties to try and mediate the situation.

7:11 p.m. Report of an assault on 2nd St SW. Report to be sent to city attorney for review of charges.

8:57 p.m. Report from one tenant that the neighbor’s dog wasn’t on a leash and attacked his dog. Dog was not injured. Other dog owner warned for dog at large.

Tuesday, July 30

12:34 a.m. Disturbance reported on Main Ave E. Adult male upset with WiFi not working correctly.

1:54 p.m. Assist Becker County Human Services with a home visit.

2:34 p.m. Assist with a gas drive-off.

5:42 p.m. Traffic stop for illegal equipment.

9:13 p.m. Male party reporting that he is being threatened by another male who he owes money.  Officer talked with the other male who said he was upset because he is owed money but sees the borrower spending money at the casino.

Wednesday, July 31

4:42 p.m. Assist with a shed blocking the road on 130th St. Shed was blown over in the windstorm.

8:48 p.m. Extra patrol requested due to storm damage.

Thursday, Aug. 1

8:32 a.m. Traffic stop for speeding.

8:44 a.m. Parking complaint at a business with vehicle being there for a few days.

9:16 p.m. Three city ordinance violations noted for noxious weeds. Two letters sent and one phone call made.