law enforcement

Wabasha County Board appoints Jason Bade interim chief sheriff’s deputy

Jul 1, 2026

Wabasha County Commissioners on June 16 approved the appointment of Jason Bade as interim chief deputy sheriff. Bade succeeds Curt Struwe, who was appointed Sheriff after longtime Sheriff Rodney Bartsh retired on May 31 after 24 years on the job. Struwe will serve until a new sheriff is sworn in...

Rep. Altendorf’s ‘Harmful Atmospheric Activity’ bill could prove burdensome to farmers, law enforcement

Jul 3, 2024

We need legislators at our Capitol who work for us, and research and understand the implications of the bills they support. Rep. Pam Altendorf has cosponsored legislation for which it appears she hasn’t done her homework. The legislation she supports could affect farming operations and places a...

Law enforcement scholarships announced

Sep 6, 2023

Sheriff Rodney Bartsh of Wabasha County has announced the commencement of the Law Enforcement Scholarship Program for 2023. The Minnesota Sheriff’s Association Board of Directors has established a scholarship fund for the awarding of up to 20 $2,000 scholarships for this year. These scholarships...

Updated: Motorist drives on Frontenac State Park hiking trail, gets stuck

Apr 12, 2023

A nighttime drive along a Frontenac State Park hiking trail on April 4 turned out badly, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Derek Schneider, the DNR Conservation Officer who responded to the call, said: “A motorist drove down hiking trails in the state park at night...

Kelly: Ask legislators to oppose cannabis legalization

Apr 12, 2023

As Sheriff of Goodhue County, I was elected to enforce our laws and keep the public safe. With the Minnesota Legislature considering the legalization of recreational cannabis, my job may be changing substantially in the near future. These bills have been moving through the legislature at a rapid...

Law enforcement scholarships available

Aug 31, 2022

The Minnesota Sheriff’s Association (MSA) Board of Directors has established a scholarship fund for the awarding of up to 20 $2,000 scholarships for this year. These scholarships are due to the coordinated efforts of the 87 Sheriffs of the State of Minnesota. The Members of MSA gives special...

Police lobbyist: Grateful to Haley and Goggin

Sep 1, 2021

Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association On behalf of our state’s police officers, corrections officers, and dispatchers, we’re writing to publicly say ‘thank you’ to Senator Mike Goggin and Representative Barb Haley for their steadfast support of increased public safety efforts during the...

Increased seat-belt enforcement happening now

Sep 23, 2020

Driving in Greater Minnesota with the open countryside and less traffic can be a welcome contrast to the congestion of city driving. What isn’t different is the need to buckle up to stay alive. In 2019, 77 percent of the unbelted deaths occurred in Greater Minnesota. Wabasha County Toward Zero...

Sheriff’s group offers law enforcement scholarships

Aug 12, 2020

Sheriff Rodney L. Bartsh of Wabasha County announced today the commencement of the Law Enforcement Scholarship Program for 2020. The Minnesota Sheriff’s Association (MSA) Board of Directors has established a scholarship fund for the awarding of up to 15 $600 scholarships for this year. The...

Wabasha County Sheriff's Office partners with Crime Stoppers

Jan 17, 2019

Crime Stoppers, a non-profit organization that collects anonymous crime tips and pays rewards up to $1,000 for eligible tips, has announced a partnership with the Wabasha County Sheriff’s Office. Tips have the potential to save money for law enforcement and speed up investigations, Crime Stoppers...