A couple from Braham is facing felony drug charges, including storing meth paraphernalia in the presence of a child, following a search warrant executed in the city of Braham.

Following a search July 31 by the East Central Drug and Violent Offender Task Force at the apartment located along the 100 block of Fifth Street Northwest, Christopher Mark Tarman, 32, and Crystal Lucille Philpot, 29 were arrested.

Tarman and Philpot appeared before Judge James Dehn Aug. 3 in Isanti County District Court in Cambridge and were charged with felony drugs (storing meth paraphernalia in the presence of a child) and felony fifth-degree drug possession.

Tarman’s bail was set at $12,000 without conditions or $5,000 with conditions.

Philpot’s bail was set at $14,000 without conditions or $5,000 with conditions. Both are due back in court Aug. 13.

According to the criminal complaint:

On July 31, at 2:05 p.m., agents with the East Central Drug and Violent Offender Task Force, along with officer Michael Vogel of the Braham Police Department, Isanti County Sheriff’s Deputy Dave Matchinsky, and Isanti County Investigator Robert Bowker, executed the search warrant for narcotics.

As the agents were about to knock on the door, a juvenile female stepped out. The agents said they were from the sheriff’s office and said they had a search warrant. As the agents stepped into the apartment, they found both Tarman and Philpot in a bed on the living room floor. The agents explained a search warrant was being executed, and Tarman and Philpot sat at the kitchen table and were not handcuffed.

The search began in the living room area around the bed. Various items were found, including a silver-colored vile that contained two pills of Oxycodone.

In a children’s bedroom, agents located glass bubble pipes, consistent with smoking devices used for ingesting methamphetamine. A presumptive field test was done on two of the pipes, one from the two locations in the bedroom, and tested positive for methamphetamine.

Agents photographed the pipes where they were located, and photographed them again after the presumptive test to document which pipes were tested. Agents also photographed other indicators that showed Tarman and Philpot both accessed the child’s room. Many articles of children’s clothing were also present in the room.

There was also another young child present during the warrant execution. Isanti County Family Services arrived on scene to place the children.

Nearly 20 law enforcement officers were involved in a search the evening of Aug. 4 in the areas of highways 95 and 47 west of Cambridge for a man wanted on a felony warrant.

Isanti County Sheriff Chris Caulk said John Edward Graham, 36, of Cambridge, was                         apprehended in Cambridge Township without incident around 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7.

“I would like to thank all the concerned citizens for their assistance in helping us locate this individual,” Caulk said.

Graham appeared before Judge James Dehn Aug. 10 in Isanti County District Court in Cambridge where he was charged with felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle; two counts of felony first-degree property damage; gross misdemeanor driving with a cancelled license, inimical to public safety; and misdemeanor fleeing a peace officer by means other than a motor vehicle. Dehn set Graham’s bail at $80,000 without conditions or $40,000 with conditions and his next court appearance for Aug. 19.

Court records show Graham had two felony warrants out for his arrest. A warrant was issued July 23, 2015, in Isanti County after Graham failed to appear for a probation violation hearing in connection with a May 2011 conviction for felony DWI. He remains on supervised probation for the conviction until May 2018, and a revocation hearing in this case is scheduled for Aug. 19.

Another warrant was issued for Graham July 13, 2015, in Beltrami County after he failed to appear at a hearing in connection with a June 12, 2015, charge for felony fifth-degree drug possession, subsequent conviction.

Caulk said the Aug. 4 search encompassed approximately 40 acres, including residences in the area, and lasted from 5:30-9 p.m.

Caulk said, besides him, the search involved two State Patrol troopers, six officers from the Isanti County Sheriff’s Office, two officers from both the Isanti and Cambridge police departments, a state patrol helicopter, K-9 units from Anoka, Sherburne and Chisago counties and Elk River Police Department, one DNR officer and one agent from the East Central Drug and Violent Offender Task Force.

According to the criminal complaint:

On Aug. 4, at 5:32 p.m., Minnesota State Patrol Trooper Phillip Jergenson was driving through the parking lot of EC’s Gas Station, located on the northwest corner of the intersection of highways 95 and 47 in Springvale Township, when he observed a male walking away from a vehicle toward the gas station.

Jergenson noted the male party observed him and immediately put his head down and appeared to be nervous of Jergenson’s presence. Jergenson ran the license plate on the vehicle and it came back registered to Graham.

Jergenson noted there was a notation the plates were impounded for alcohol, and Graham was the subject of an active felony warrant in Isanti County and his driving status was canceled. Jergenson saw Graham get back inside the vehicle and then drive through the parking lot at a high rate of speed before exiting at the south exit of the gas station and proceed southbound on Highway 47 toward Highway 95.

Jergenson activated his lights and siren and turned his squad onto Highway 47 and followed Graham, who did not stop at the stop sign at the intersection of highways 47 and 95. Jergenson notified dispatch the vehicle was fleeing.

Jergenson proceed southbound on Highway 47, and approximately two-tenths of a mile south of Highway 95, the vehicle took a sharp turn to the west and went down into the grassy ditch and was able to get through the ditch and continued westbound through an alfalfa field at a high rate of speed. The vehicle went approximately 200 yards through an alfalfa field before entering a corn field at a speed estimated to be 50 mph. Jergenson lost sight of the vehicle in the corn field, notified dispatch, and a perimeter was coordinated. A State Patrol helicopter was requested to assist in the search, and multiple K-9 units also responded to the scene. Several officers from multiple agencies also arrived on scene to assist.

Jergenson and an Anoka County K-9 began tracking Graham. Graham’s vehicle was found approximately 200 yards into the cornfield and was disabled. A quick check of the vehicle could observe alcohol containers in the front area.

A soft pellet rifle was observed in the back seat. The vehicle was still on with the key in the ignition, but was stuck in the cornfield.

The officers continued traveling to the west and southwest and located a T-shirt Graham was wearing.

They continued tracking to the west until exiting the cornfield. While in the cornfield, officers were alerted Graham may go to a residence located at the 5200 block of 337th Avenue Northwest, located just off the southwest corner of the cornfield.

Officers went to the residence and met with the homeowner. The homeowner said she had been sleeping when Graham came into her residence, woke her up, and said the police were chasing him. The homeowner said she told Graham to leave, and he did.

The homeowner consented to a search of the residence, including the out buildings, and Graham was not located. At approximately 9:05 p.m., officers began clearing the area.

Jergenson returned to the fields Aug. 5, and spoke to the farmer whose crops were damaged by Graham. The farmer told Jergenson he estimated about $600 in damage to the corn field, and $600 in damage to the alfalfa field.

Graham’s vehicle was towed and the vehicle was stored in a secure location. Inside the vehicle, Jergenson found various items. On the backseat floorboard area was a M4 replica .177 air rifle that was without a case and had a scope attached to it.

Under the front seat was a black folding storage bag with items consistent with drug activity and what appeared to be a recipe for manufacturing of methamphetamine.

Also found was a sandwich bag full of a white powdery substance, weighing about 77 grams, located within the black bag. Jergenson tested the white powdery substance and the test came back inconclusive.

The powder will be sent to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension forensic laboratory for further testing.

A dispatch call to an Athens Township residence regarding a violation of an order for protection led to a high-speed chase through Isanti County, with the suspect finally apprehended in Kanabec County.

Jason Lee Bernardi, 36, of Crystal, was charged before Judge James Dehn Aug. 6 in Isanti County District Court in Cambridge for felony fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle. Dehn set Bernardi’s bail at $72,000 without conditions or $20,000 with conditions and next court appearance for Aug. 20.

The chase involved two Isanti County Sheriff deputies and a Minnesota State Patrol trooper. Bernardi’s speeds ranged between 82 and 127 mph, and he was eventually apprehended in Kanabec County.

According to the criminal complaint:

On July 31, Isanti County Deputy Chad Meyer was dispatched to the 25000 block of Larch Street Northwest in Athens Township for an active order for protection violation.

While en route, Meyer was told the suspect, Bernardi, was leaving the residence in a black passenger car and heading southbound. Meyer then went into Anoka County to the intersection of Larch Street Northwest and 145th Avenue Northwest.

As Meyer turned onto Larch Street, he saw a black vehicle heading toward him at what appeared to be a high rate of speed, and Meyer could see a large plume of dust from the dirt road trailing behind the vehicle. Meyer activated his emergency lights and Bernardi’s vehicle then began fishtailing and almost lost control. Meyer could see the vehicle was not slowing down and he was afraid he was going to be struck head-on by the vehicle.

Meyer tried to get his squad as far as possible into the ditch so he would not get hit. Bernardi’s vehicle then passed his squad and began to turn around. Due to visibility being limited, Meyer got on his radio and requested assistance from Deputy Sean Hartneck.

Meyer turned his squad around and activated his siren; he contacted dispatch with his location and the pursuit. As Meyer turned westbound onto 245th Avenue Northwest, all he could see was the dust from the vehicle. He notified dispatch he was northbound on Zenith from 245th Avenue Northwest. As Meyer neared the intersection of 249th and Xenon, the dust cleared and he was not able to see the vehicle any longer. He then stopped at the intersection and another motorist informed him the vehicle went northbound.

As Meyer began traveling northbound he was able to see the taillight from the vehicle from Xenon to 261st Avenue Northwest. Meyer kept pursuing the vehicle and as he made the corner, he lost sight of the vehicle.

Minnesota State Patrol Trooper Phillip Jorgenson was requested to assist in the pursuit. Jorgenson heard radio traffic the vehicle was northbound on Palm Street from 261st Avenue. Jorgenson started traveling eastbound on County Road 5 from Highway 47 in an attempt to locate the vehicle. As he was traveling eastbound on County Road 5 he observed the vehicle proceeding westbound at about 7:47 p.m. The vehicle passed Jorgenson’s squad on Lilly Street. He was able to get a good look at the driver and turned his squad around and began following the vehicle. The vehicle sped up and passed the car that was in front of it. Jorgenson believed the vehicle was attempting to flee from him, and when he was westbound, he activated his lights and siren and began to try to catch up to the vehicle. The vehicle then turned north on Highway 47.

Jorgenson turned his squad north on Highway 47, and he could see the vehicle continuing at a very high rate of speed and passing multiple cars. Jorgenson continued in pursuit northbound on Highway 47 with his lights and siren on and was never able to get closer than a quarter of a mile behind the vehicle as it was fleeing. The vehicle speed fluctuated between 82 mph and 127 mph. Jorgenson observed the vehicle passing cars in a no-passing zone. Where there was potential foot traffic, Jorgenson backed off temporarily, specifically in the city area of Bradford and at the intersection of Highways 47 and 95.

Upon approaching Highway 95, Jorgenson could see the vehicle was not going to slow down or stop at the four-way stop sign. He observed the vehicle run the stop sign at approximately 82 mph. The vehicle continued fleeing northbound on Highway 47 through the city of Dalbo. At this point Jorgenson terminated his pursuit.

Bernardi was apprehended in Kanabec County.

A Cambridge man is facing a felony drug charge after showing up under the influence of methamphetamine in a stranger’s backyard in the city of Cambridge.

Lucas Anthony Thery, 28, of Cambridge, was charged before Judge James Dehn Aug. 6 in Isanti County District Court in Cambridge with felony fifth-degree drug possession. Dehn set Thery’s bail at $32,000 without conditions or $10,000 with conditions and his next court appearance for Aug. 20.

Thery is facing the charge after showing up July 10 in the backyard of a residence located along the 630 block of Pioneer Trail Southeast. Due to Thery’s condition at the time of his arrest, he was restrained and transported to Cambridge Medical Center.

According to the criminal complaint:

On July 10, at 10:06 a.m., Cambridge officers Tanner Peetz and Jeremy Van Hatten were dispatched to the 630 block of Pioneer Trail Southeast about a suspicious male in the backyard who might be high or intoxicated. The complainant said the male showed up in his yard and the complainant didn’t know where he came from.

Upon arrival, Van Hatten and Peetz went to the backyard and found Thery laying on the ground. Thery was very sweaty, did not have a shirt on and was not making any sense when talking. He could not sit still and was flailing all around. Peetz asked Thery if he was having a bad reaction to meth, and Thery said he had used some.

Thery rolled over once on his stomach and put his arms out. When he did that, Peetz saw an orange cap to a needle sticking out of the back left pocket of Thery’s pants. Thery then rolled over on to his back and started flailing around again. Peetz asked Thery to roll back on to his stomach again, and he was handcuffed. Peetz then called for an ambulance.

Thery was assisted to his feet and walked out to the squad car. Van Hatten took the syringe from Thery’s pocket, which appeared to be used. A digital scale was also located in Thery’s back left pants pocket. Thery was asked to sit down on the edge of the seat, but could not sit still.

Allina arrived on scene, placed Thery on their cot, put on four point restraints and transported him to Cambridge Medical Center.

The syringe found on Thery tested positive for methamphetamine.

A Stacy man is facing charges after causing disturbances and exhibiting threatening behavior at an apartment building and liquor store in Braham.

Cary Barry Kessel, 29, appeared before Judge James Dehn Aug. 13 in Isanti County District Court in Cambridge where he was charged with felony terroristic threats and misdemeanor disorderly conduct. Dehn set bail at $30,000 without conditions or $15,000 with conditions and his next court appearance for Aug. 20.

The events all happened the afternoon of Aug. 11 and ended with Kessel being transported by ambulance to Cambridge Medical Center for evaluation. The Braham Fire chief was required to ride in the ambulance to assist in restraining Kessel so he didn’t hurt the ambulance crew or himself.

According to the criminal complaint:

On Aug. 11, at 1:06 p.m., Braham Police received a report that Kessel was at the Braham Square Apartments, 515 Third St. SW, causing a disturbance.

Upon arrival, Braham Police Chief Robert Knowles met with the complainant, who reported Kessel came to her front door, yelling, and was wearing baggy sweatpants that hung down, exposing his genital area. The complainant told Kessel to leave.

At 2:50 p.m., Knowles received a report from Hometown Liquor that Kessel had just been in the store and was loud, obnoxious and swearing. He had purchased a bottle of vodka and left on foot.

Shortly thereafter, Knowles received a report from Braham City Hall that Kessel was yelling and creating a scene on the street while walking home to Braham Square Apartments.

Knowles, Isanti County Sheriff’s Investigator Kevin Carlson, and Isanti County Sheriff’s Deputy Dave Matchinsky responded to Braham Square Apartments.

Upon arrival, the officers observed the door to the apartment had been kicked in. After receiving no response from any occupants, the officers entered the residence. The officers located Kessel hiding under a blanket on the floor of a bedroom and Kessel said he was hiding from the police. Kessel asked Knowles to shoot him “in the head” and said he was going to jump out of a window on the second floor of the building.

Kessel was placed under arrest and handcuffed. The officers had to carry Kessel out of the building because he slumped to the floor and refused to walk. While carrying Kessel to a squad car, he loudly yelled obscenities at the officers. After being placed in the back seat of a squad car, Kessel began kicking the cage of the squad car and continued yelling obscenities at the officers. Kessel also began banging his head on the cage of the squad car, which caused a gash on his head.

An ambulance was called to the scene and at this point, Kessel began to repeatedly tell Knowles he was going to come to Knowles’ home and kill him. Kessel said he didn’t care what happened to him, and he was going to kill Knowles and the other officers that were present.

A man has been charged in connection with a January 2015 car crash in Bradford Township that resulted in serious injuries to a couple.

Michael Allen King, 37, of Bradford Township, was charged Aug. 24 before Judge Amy Brosnahan in Isanti County District Court in Cambridge with felony criminal vehicular operation-causing substantial bodily harm; and gross misdemeanor criminal vehicular operation.

Brosnahan set bail at $16,000 without conditions or $5,000 with conditions and next court appearance for Oct. 7.

The personal injury crash involved a vehicle driven by King, and a vehicle driven by Lorne Kittleson and his passenger, Barbara Kittleson. An investigation by the Isanti County Sheriff’s Office revealed the driving conduct exhibited by King, coupled with a suicide note he left behind at his residence, constituted driving his motor vehicle in a negligent manner at the time it was struck by a vehicle driven by Lorne Kittleson.

According to witness statements, the minivan driven by Lorne Kittleson was proceeding westbound on County Road 5, and the cadillac driven by King, was southbound on Holly Street Northwest. King then pulled out onto County Road 5 from Holly Street and was struck in the driver’s door area by the front end of the minivan. The cadillac ended up in the south side ditch and the minivan ended up on the south side shoulder.

According to the criminal complaint:

On Jan. 25, 2015, at 10:49 a.m., Isanti County Deputy Brandon Oliver was dispatched to a report of a personal injury crash at the intersection of County Road 5 and Holly Street Northwest. En route to the scene, Oliver heard Isanti Fire Command advise a helicopter was needed and upon arrival, Oliver noted two vehicles involved in the crash, a minivan and a cadillac. The driver of the minivan, Lorne Kittleson, and his passenger, Barbara Kittleson, were banged up in appearance, but responsive.

The driver of the cadillac, King, was breathing and awake, but non-responsive with a blank stare on his face. King was airlifted to Hennepin County Medical Center, while the Kittlesons were transported by ambulance to Cambridge Medical Center. Oliver did not smell any alcoholic beverages on either King or Lorne Kittleson, and had no reason to suspect controlled substance use by either party.

Oliver spoke with a witness who stated he was westbound on County Road 5 behind the minivan and he saw the cadillac southbound on Holly Street coming to the stop sign. The witness stated he then saw the cadillac slow way down, then pull out onto County Road 5 in front of the van. The witness said the cadillac was going “way slow,” but he was not sure if it was completely stopped.

Oliver spoke with another witness who was southbound on Holly Street Northwest following the cadillac. The witness said he was approximately 100 yards behind the cadillac and he saw the cadillac stop at the stop sign because he saw the brake lights, but did not see a turn signal. The witness said he then saw the cadillac pull out onto County Road 5 and get struck by the minivan.

King’s wife was driving home when she came upon the scene and was advised of what happened. The following morning, King’s wife brought a suicide note written by her husband to the Isanti County Sheriff’s Office she found at her residence when she got home from the crash scene.

The Kittlesons were treated at Mercy Hospital where Barbara Kittleson was diagnosed with having a left distal radius fracture, a left distal femur fracture, left rib fractures, as well as an abdominal hematoma, a right toe fracture and a contusion hematoma.

The injuries suffered by Lorne Kittleson consisted of a laceration which needed repair, as well as a chest wall contusion and a knee abrasion. The laceration was on his hand.

An Edina man is facing a felony drug charge after he was found sleeping in his car in the Dalbo Wildlife Management Area.

Troy Donald Emmons, 37, was charged before Judge James Dehn Aug. 20 in Isanti County District Court in Cambridge with felony fifth-degree drug possession and misdemeanor driving with a suspended license.

Dehn set bail at $44,000 without conditions or $15,000 with conditions and his next court appearance for Sept. 2.

Court records show Emmons has a second-degree controlled substance conviction from Kanabec County in June 2001, which was discharged in 2009; a fifth-degree drug conviction in Carlton County from June 2011; and a fifth-degree drug conviction from Ramsey County in May 2015.

According to the criminal complaint:

On Aug. 18, 2015, at 6:06 p.m., Isanti County Deputy Chad Meyer was on routine patrol in the area of the Dalbo Wildlife Management Area, near 7400 – 421st Avenue Northwest.

Meyer observed a vehicle backed into the corner of the WMA parking lot that was peculiar to Meyer as there are no hunting seasons currently open. Meyer drove into the parking lot and he was able to see movement in the back seat of the car. Approaching on foot, Meyer further observed Emmons in the driver’s seat sleeping and a juvenile female in the back seat playing with markers.

Meyer knocked on the window of the car and Emmons woke up. He rolled his window down and Meyer immediately observed Emmons was missing teeth, had sunken cheeks, pupils were pinpoint, voice was shaky, was extremely nervous and he spoke very fast. All of these are indications of methamphetamine use based on Meyer’s training and experience.

Emmons indicated he did not have a license and it was suspended. Meyer verified Emmons’ license was suspended and he was also on probation. He returned to the vehicle and requested Emmons exit the vehicle to speak.

Outside the vehicle, Meyer asked Emmons about his probation status and he replied he had a drug possession and firearms charge and that his drug of choice is methamphetamine.

Meyer explained his observations and concerns that Emmons was under the influence and requested consent to search the vehicle. Emmons granted consent to search. Prior to the search, Meyer performed a pat-down for officer safety and allowed the juvenile female to stay in the car. Emmons asked for his cell phone, which Meyer found for him, and allowed him to make a call.

The glove box was locked and Meyer used the ignition key to open it and he found two glass pipes with residue consistent with methamphetamine use. Both pipes were wrapped up in a paper towel indicating recent use. Both pipes field tested positive for methamphetamine.

Meyer allowed Emmons to arrange for someone to come and pick up the juvenile in the car before proceeding further. After the juvenile was picked up, Emmons was placed under arrest.

On field sobriety testing, Meyer observed vertical nystagmus in both eyes, lost balance, stopped while walking, and used arms for balance on the walk and turn test; but no clues of impairment on the one-leg stand test.

A Princeton woman charged in mid-August with felony drug possession was back in court Aug. 21 for failing to follow her conditions of release.

Nichole Josephine Bieringer, 30, was charged Aug. 12 before Judge Amy Brosnahan in Isanti County District Court in Cambridge with two counts of felony fifth-degree drug possession; misdemeanor possession of hypodermic syringes-needles; and misdemeanor driver must carry proof of insurance when operating motor vehicle. Brosnahan set bail at $14,000 without conditions or $3,000 with conditions.

As part of her conditions of release, Bieringer was ordered to submit to an initial-base urine analysis and failed to do so. As a result, she appeared before Judge James Dehn for an Aug. 21 bail hearing where bail was set at $20,000 without conditions or $5,000 with conditions and a violation hearing for Sept. 3.

According to the criminal complaint:

On Aug. 10, at 3:10 a.m., Isanti County Deputy Noah Heiller was on routine patrol on 309th Avenue Northwest near Heather Street in Bradford Township when he witnessed a vehicle northbound on Heather, stop at 309th and signal right before turning.

Heiller turned around and additionally observed the vehicle weaving within the traffic lane and traveling under the posted speed limit. Heiller ran the plate on the vehicle and learned it was registered to Bieringer. Heiller stopped the vehicle on Highway 47, between 317th and 325th Avenue Northwest.

As Heiller approached, he noticed the driver, Bieringer, making exaggerated movements within the vehicle and that she was dressed very lightly for the 64 degree temperature. Bieringer indicated her name, and she did not have her driver’s license on her. She also indicated she had insurance, but did not have proof with her.

Heiller asked her to step out of the vehicle as he continued to observe she was speaking very fast and moving around a lot. Heiller was concerned she was possibly under the influence of a controlled substance.

Heiller first asked Bieringer to stand with her feet together with her hands at her sides and eyes closed. Heiller asked Bieringer to estimate in her head the passing of 30 seconds. She did so in 20 actual seconds, which was indicative of the influence of a stimulant, such as methamphetamine, on her central nervous system.

Isanti County Deputy Vander Vegt arrived to assist and when he looked into the passenger vehicle he noticed a syringe in plain view on the front driver’s seat and Bieringer was placed under arrest.

In the probable cause search of the vehicle, three more syringes were located under the arm rest; one field tested positive for methamphetamine. In the trunk, a backpack was located which contained a pink zippered pouch as well as Bieringer’s wallet and credit cards.

Inside the zippered pouch was a sock that was wrapped around a glass pipe with a crystal-like substance inside; this also field tested positive for methamphetamine. Another syringe was also located in the pink pouch.

On a hot summer day, it’s easy to throw back a few drinks while enjoying the beach or fishing on the dock, and it’s easy to forget that driving home with a buzz is drunk driving.

As summer winds down, state and law enforcement agencies will be turning up the heat on drunk drivers as deputies and officers will be conducting extra DWI patrols through Sept. 7.

The enforcement is part of a statewide effort with officers, deputies and troopers from more than 300 agencies working overtime with funding provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (DPS-OTS) coordinates the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement and education effort.

“It’s time to take a stand against those who choose to get behind the wheel after drinking,” said Bob Bollenbeck, Isanti TZD Coordinator. “Don’t be afraid to speak up. Take the keys away from a friend or loved one, and find them a sober ride home. It could save a life, even yours.”

A deadly holiday approaching

As the end of summer nears, Labor Day is the second deadliest major holiday with 24 fatalities over the last five years (2010 – 2014) on Minnesota roads – that includes several in Isanti County.

Drunk driving, a sobering reality

More than 25,000 drivers are arrested for DWI in Minnesota each year, with more than 100 last year in Isanti County. Those alarming numbers average out to nearly three DWI arrests per hour throughout the state.

In the last five years (2010 – 2014), there were 479 drunk driving-related traffic deaths in Minnesota and 88 people were killed in 2014 alone.

“The 96 people, on average, who lose their lives every year because of drunk driving are often referred to as a statistic,” Bollenbeck said. “But these are real people who have loved ones hoping they will still walk through the door any moment. We won’t rest until every drunk is off the road, as we strive to make Isanti County a safe and sober driving community.”

DPS-OTS coordinates the statewide campaign, and local agencies participating include Braham, Cambridge, and Isanti police along with State Patrol and Isanti County Sheriff’s Department.

The enhanced DWI enforcement campaign is a component of the state’s Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) program. A primary vision of the TZD program is to create a safe driving culture in Minnesota in which motorists support a goal of zero road fatalities by practicing and promoting safe and smart driving behavior.

Rachel Kytonen
rachel.kytonen@ecm-inc.com

A 19-year-old man has been charged with stealing from his grandparents’ residence in Athens Township.

Tyler Dylan Stromgren, rural Isanti, was charged Aug. 25 before Judge Amy Brosnahan in Isanti County District Court in Cambridge with felony second-degree burglary of a dwelling and felony possession of burglary or theft tools. Brosnahan set Stromgren’s bail at $20,000 without conditions or $10,000 with conditions and his next court appearance for Sept. 2.

The case involved Stromgren’s grandmother going to meet Stromgren on Aug. 21 at the park across from the Cambridge Library. When Stromgren didn’t show up, the grandmother called him and he told her to wait at the park for him. Stromgren never showed, and about an hour and a half later, Stromgren’s grandmother returned home to find her home burglarized.

“This case shows how hand-in-hand drugs and thefts go,” said Isanti County Sheriff Chris Caulk. “Also great work by the deputy and city officer for realizing we have overlapping cases. This is why having the same records system is advantageous, so we know who is doing what and with whom.”

According to the criminal complaint:
On Aug. 21, at 2:42 p.m., Isanti County Deputy Brandon Oliver was dispatched to the 3480 block of 269th Avenue Northeast regarding a residential burglary complaint.

Upon his arrival, he met with the homeowner who reported on Aug. 21 she left her home at approximately 1:15 p.m. to meet Stromgren at the park across from the Cambridge Library.

When Stromgren wasn’t at the park at the agreed upon time, she called him. The grandmother said Stromgren sounded frantic and told her to wait for him at the park. The grandmother continued to wait, but Stromgren did not show. She also attempted to call him three times without any response. The grandmother returned to her home shortly before 2:42 p.m. and found it had been burglarized.

Upon returning home, the grandmother entered her bedroom and found two gun safes had been pried open. Additionally, a third gun safe was damaged, but had not been successfully opened. Contents of the safes were laying on the bed, and additional contents were missing.

The following was reported stolen from the home: a custom engraved gold-band wrist watch; custom engraved pocket watch; diamond ring; 1972 Cambridge High School class ring; mother’s ring; 14K gold ring with opal; state quarters coin set; Susan B. Anthony coin set; wheat pennies coin set; Sacagawea coin set; calendar book; coin purse; file folder; toy 1997 Ford Ranger; toy 2005 Buick LaCrosse; toy 1973 Yamaha Enduro; toy 2007 Chevy Cobalt; toy 2000 Honda Accord; toy 2003 Chrysler Sebring; eight birth certificates; and Gatorade.

On Aug. 22, Oliver learned Stromgren was in custody at the Isanti County Jail on another matter. Oliver checked the jail property record and saw an engraved gold band wrist watch was logged in as Stromgren’s property at the time of his arrest. Oliver inspected the wrist watch and saw it matched the description of the watch stolen from the victim’s home the previous day. The watch contained custom engraving to match the described inscription. The matter was forwarded to Isanti County Investigator Rob Bowker for further investigation.

On Aug. 24, at approximately 2 p.m., Bowker met with Stromgren in his office at the Isanti County Sheriff’s Office. Under Miranda, Stromgren said he was upset with his grandparents and wanted some electronic devices he thought they had. He said he wasn’t allowed in their home but entered their home and made himself something to eat.

He said he brought a flat-head screwdriver into the home with him. He entered the bedroom of the home and tried to break into a large gun safe but was unable to bypass the lock. Next, he broke into two smaller gun safes. Stromgren said the safes contained a large amount of paperwork, coin sets and a gold watch. He said he placed the property in two backpacks and hid the backpacks near the Benedictine Health Systems building on Rum River Drive. Stromgren said he also took the coins to pawn shops in Cambridge, Isanti and Ham Lake to have them appraised. He said he cashed in approximately $60 worth of coins and purchased drugs with the money.

When questioned about the other property, Stromgren said his grandparents were lying.
Bowker and Isanti County Investigator Kevin Carlson searched the area near the Benedictine Health Systems building on Rum River Drive and were unable to locate the backpacks containing the other stolen property.

Rachel Kytonen
rachel.kytonen@ecm-inc.com

A Superior, Wisconsin, woman is facing three charges after allegedly entering the home of her ex-boyfriend during the night and destroying property.

Mischelle Suzanne Larson, 50, was charged Aug. 26 in Isanti County District Court in Cambridge before Judge James Reuter with felony first-degree damage to property; misdemeanor traffic DWI, operating a motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 within two hours; and misdemeanor traffic DWI.

Reuter set Larson’s bail at $10,000 without conditions or she would be released on her own recognizance with conditions and scheduled her next court appearance for Oct. 15.
The case involves Larson entering her ex-boyfriend’s home on Aug. 24 at approximately 3 a.m. An altercation ensued and damage was reported inside the home, as well to the victim’s BMW. After Larson fled in her vehicle, she was located and pulled over by officers in the city of Cambridge.

According to the criminal complaint:
On Aug. 24, at approximately 2:53 a.m., Isanti County Deputy Jonathan Vander Vegt was dispatched to the 29700 block of River Ridge Road Northwest, Isanti, regarding a disturbance. On the way to the location, he was informed Larson had left the scene in a red Jeep Wrangler.

Upon his arrival, Vander Vegt met with the complainant who reported he was asleep in his bedroom when he was awoken by his ex-girlfriend, Larson. He said Larson was in his bedroom screaming, yelling and swearing at him. He said Larson grabbed an antique record player located in the bedroom and threw it to the floor destroying it. The record player is valued at $50. He said Larson also knocked his laptop computer to the floor, completely destroying the screen. The computer was new and valued at $600.

The complainant reported he grabbed Larson and escorted her out of the residence and locked the door. Thereafter, Larson threw yard items at the door. The door has tempered glass and withstood the impacts of the items.

Larson then threw a bar stool through a window on the east side of the garage, breaking the glass. Larson also entered the garage to the residence and threw items at the complainant’s BMW, causing damage to the hood and also destroying the windshield. The damage is estimated to be in excess of $2,000. The complainant reported after Larson damaged his BMW, she grabbed his dog and attempted to leave with it. At that point, the complainant said he hit her hard enough that she let go of his dog. At that point, Larson left.

Vander Vegt relayed the vehicle information to other law enforcement officers in the area. At approximately 3:25 a.m., Cambridge Police officers Tanner Peetz and Jeremy Van Hatten located Larson’s vehicle traveling westbound on First Avenue East near Opportunity Boulevard in Cambridge. They initiated a traffic stop and identified the driver as Larson. While speaking with Larson, the officers detected an odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from her. Larson took and failed alcohol field sobriety tests.

Larson was transported to the Isanti County Jail where she was read the motor vehicle implied consent advisory. After consulting with an attorney, Larson consented to take a breath test that provided a result of 0.13.

At the jail, Vander Vegt interviewed Larson. Larson said she came to visit the complainant because they have been in a relationship. She said she entered the residence, walked to the bedroom and kissed the complainant. At that point, they began to argue and the complainant hit her in the mouth. She said she threw some items at the complainant to defend herself.

A Stanchfield man is facing felony charges for allegedly causing great bodily harm to the 11-month-old twin boys of his fiancee.

Jayson Riley Stipp, 18, was charged before Judge Krista Martin Tuesday, Sept. 8 in Pine County District Court in Pine City with felony first-degree assault causing great bodily harm; felony third-degree assault causing substantial bodily harm; and two counts of felony malicious punishment of a child under 4 years old.

Martin set Stipp’s bail at $200,000 without conditions or $20,000 with conditions. Conditions of release include reporting to probation within 24 hours of release from jail; not to leave state of Minnesota; not to use or possess alcohol or drugs and be subject to random testing; not to posses any firearms; follow all orders for protection; and have no contact with any children under the age of 12 without adult supervision.

Isanti County Sheriff Chris Caulk noted the investigation took place from Sunday through Friday last week and involved many different agencies including the Isanti County Sheriff’s Office, first responders, Isanti County Family Services, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Cambridge Medical Center staff and other medical personnel.

“This type of case not only takes a toll on the family, children and all the victims, but also on the first responders,” Caulk said. “Most of the first responders who responded to this call have children of their own. We need to reach out to our first responders who are always looking out for neglect issues when responding to calls. These cases are especially hard when dealing with children.”

According to the criminal complaint:

On Aug. 30, at 10:47 a.m., Isanti County Sheriff deputies and Dalbo Fire and Rescue were dispatched to the of 37000 block of Verdin Street Northwest in Maple Ridge Township on a medical call in which a mother reported her boyfriend was watching the children and had called her at work because he believed one of her 11-month-old twins was having a stroke.

Deputy David Matchinsky was the first officer to arrive on the scene and observed the boyfriend, identified as Stipp, holding a child on his lap while sitting on the front stairs. The child, identified by the initials D.K., appeared to be limp in Stipp’s hands. Matchinsky observed Stipp crying.

Matchinsky observed that D.K. was breathing, his limbs were stiff, his hands were curled and his toes were pointed. Further, D.K. had labored breathing and a few times appeared to wake up, cry, stretch and go back into labored breathing.

Dalbo Fire and Rescue member Andy Swanson, along with Isanti County Deputy Sheriff Doug Barron arrived to assist, with Matchinsky continuing to support D.K.’s head while an oxygen mask was started.

Stipp told Matchinsky he heard D.K. fall, and he came out to check on him. When he did, he noticed the possible seizure and believed D.K. was having a stroke, so he began CPR. Stipp stated D.K. threw up on him and he stopped CPR. Stipp said he then ran to the neighbor’s house to get help and was able to call the children’s mother, identified as M.K., who called 911 and arrived at the residence where Stipp repeatedly told her he was sorry.

When Matchinsky asked if there had been any medical issues lately, M.K. said that D.K. had a virus or a cold since the previous day with a low-grade fever and the initial belief was the seizure may have been caused by a fever.

When Allina ambulance arrived, Matchinsky placed D.K. on a cot inside the ambulance, with Barron going into the residence with Stipp to see where the incident took place. D.K. was transported by ambulance to Cambridge Medical Center, with Stipp and M.K. following.

At approximately noon, Matchinsky stopped at the Cambridge Medical Center and was told by emergency department staff that due to D.K.’s medical condition, he was going to be flown out to Minneapolis Children’s Hospital. Matchinsky spoke with Stipp and M.K., and he also spoke with a nursing supervisor who stated she had just called the Isanti County Sheriff’s Office because she wanted the on-call social worker to place a hold on D.K. and his twin brother, C.K., due to a suspicion of abuse.

Matchinsky learned the injuries to D.K. were not consistent with the information given by Stipp and was told D.K. had damage to his retina, which would be consistent with being a shaken baby.

Learning that Stipp and M.K. were going to leave the facility with C.K., Matchinsky went into the parking lot and saw Stipp loading C.K. into a child seat in the car. He informed Stipp hospital staff wanted him to stay at the emergency department. Stipp volunteered that D.K. had fallen down four cement steps on the front of the house about a week ago.

D.K. was loaded by the flight crew and taken by helicopter, and M.K. came out of the trauma room and was asked to sit with Stipp for follow-up.

Investigator Kevin Carlson spoke with Stipp while Matchinsky spoke with M.K.

M.K. stated she was scheduled to work at her job in Cambridge from 7:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. that day. She said D.K. was still sleeping when she left that morning.

When asked if there had been any recent illnesses, she stated they had brought D.K. into the Cambridge Medical Center Emergency Department on Aug. 28 because of a virus or a cold and said D.K. was fine, but on the previous day, Saturday, he developed a low-grade fever of approximately 99.6 degrees. M.K. stated she was planning on bringing him to the emergency department that day after work and D.K. had been given liquid Motrin on Saturday due to the fever.

When asked about D.K.’s medical history, she he had swallowed some blood at birth and had been kept at the hospital for a few extra days and that D.K. had spent three days at Children’s Hospital for the flu and has experienced asthma and Torticollis, which was explained as a weakness of the neck muscles, causing his head to lean to one side. M.K. stated D.K. has been reaching his goals as far as growth and development and has normal balance issues.

When asked about her relationship with Stipp, M.K. stated they became engaged in May and he moved into the house with her approximately one month ago and that he baby-sits D.K. and C.K. approximately five or six days a week.

When asked what had happened that day, she said she was at work and Stipp had called her to state D.K. had fallen off the couch and hit his head on a toy and believed D.K. was having a stroke and he had to run to the neighbors for help and she called 911 when he hung up with her.

Carlson obtained basic information from Stipp, who stated he did not have a cellphone and there was no phone in the house. When Carlson asked Stipp what had happened, he stated he lived at the house with M.K., her two infant twin sons and her mother. He stated he had been working but had been laid off.

Stipp told Carlson he woke up at approximately 6:30 a.m., along with his girlfriend, M.K., and as she was getting ready for work, he fed both D.K. and C.K. He then did a workout in the living room, after which he went to take a shower, since D.K. and C.K. were lying down for a nap. Stipp stated C.K. was lying on the floor and D.K. was on the couch, covered up with a blanket, and he estimated he took a shower for approximately 15 minutes before he heard crying.

Stipp told Carlson he ran out of the bathroom and saw D.K. fell and slammed his head on a toy ball and began doing CPR on D.K. because it appeared D.K. was having a seizure. Stipp told Carlson there were times it looked like D.K. was getting better when he was performing mouth-to-mouth breathing, but then D.K. would go stiff again and become unresponsive. Stipp stated he picked up D.K. and later found a passing motorist to use their phone and call M.K. at work to tell her what was going on.

Following the statement from Stipp, Carlson met with a nursing supervisor regarding D.K.’s medical condition. She said D.K. was brought in by ambulance that morning. She did not have any direct contact with him, but several of her nursing staff did, and several nurses expressed concerns about their observations of D.K.’s injuries. They felt the injuries were inconsistent from falling off a couch onto a carpeted floor.

On Monday, Aug. 31, Carlson met with an Isanti County Family Services child protection investigator at Midwest Children’s Resource Center for an exam to be completed on C.K. Carlson observed some bruising on the forehead of C.K., and the bruising was present but fading. He observed a small red scratch mark above the chin and below the lower lip of C.K. Carlson also learned C.K. had compression fractures n three or four vertebrae, and Carlson was informed these injuries also appeared to be from child abuse. Carlson was told the compression fractures were from the child’s body being slammed downward to a solid surface, and the jarring motion upward caused stress of the child’s vertebrae and spine. It was confirmed by the doctor that both C.K. and D.K. had compression fractures of the vertebrae and would have been experiencing pain and discomfort from these injuries.

Medical records from Children’s Hospital, Midwest Children’s Resource Center indicate C.K. suffered compression fractures of three vertebrae with a possible compression fracture to a fourth vertebrae, as well as bruising. The compression fractures were deemed to generally occur when the infant was slammed down on his buttocks and that fractures of this and the absence of any history of bone disease or significant trauma was diagnostic of child abuse in a physical nature.

Medical records of D.K. indicate the injuries and trauma were not consistent with the report of falling over a toy. D.K. had bleeding around the brain, apparent brain injury, bleeding in the eyes and bruising in several areas. The presence of these injuries with no history of significant trauma is diagnostic of inflicted trauma and child physical abuse, the report noted, and the most common cause of bleeding around the brain in infants motion as might occur when an infant is thrown or shaken. Further, this type of injury is not seen with minor household trauma such as falling off of a couch or falling onto a toy.

D.K. was was likely deprived of adequate oxygen once the injury occurred, the report noted. The bruising of the genital area was highly specific for inflicted trauma and child physical abuse, and the bruising on the buttocks of D.K. was suggestive of having been spanked.

During another interview with M.K. on Sept. 2, M.K. stated her relationship Stipp had been on and off for the past four years and both of them had been together for the last four months. She stated Stipp was not the biological father of C.K. and D.K., but he had been living in the home with them since July 2015.

In another interview with Stipp on Sept. 2, Carlson confronted Stipp, stating when he saw D.K., D.K. had no injuries consistent with falling on pavement. Carlson also noticed Stipp never denied being the source of injuries to either D.K. or C.K.

A 15-year-old male from Isanti was killed following an accident Thursday evening just south of Isanti.

According to a press release from the Isanti County Sheriff’s Office, on Sept. 10, at 8:16 p.m., Isanti County deputies were dispatched to 285th Avenue Northeast, just east of Highway 65, for a juvenile male laying in the middle of the road. Upon arrival, they found the male to be severely injured and he was transported to Cambridge Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. The male was identified as Antonio Demeules.

During the course of the accident investigation, deputies on the scene learned another motorist had just seen Demeules skate-boarding on the center line of the road in dark clothing. This motorist drove back through the area a short time later, and with another passerby, found Demeules laying in the center of the road.

Video was located from a nearby business that shows the suspect vehicle is a white pickup truck that was traveling westbound on 285th Avenue. There was not a witness at the scene that witnessed the child get hit by a car nor any vehicles with damage. It is believed the suspect vehicle may not have known they hit a child due to the small stature of the child, that he was in the middle of the road wearing dark clothing and it was almost dark out. Investigators believe this is a terrible accident and not done with malicious intent.

The Isanti County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public’s help in locating the suspect vehicle. It is described as a white standard cab truck with a topper with possible front and-or driver’s side damage. If you have any information, call the Isanti County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 763-691-2426.

Assisting at the scene was the Isanti Police Department, Isanti Fire, Allina Ambulance, Isanti County Safety and Rescue and Minnesota State Patrol.

Two people were killed during a Monday afternoon accident near Braham at the intersection of highways 107 and 65.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a female driving a 2011 Ford Fusion was traveling west on Highway 107, while a 1990 work truck was going north on Highway 65. The Ford Fusion stopped at the stop sign, then proceeded west, attempting to cross Highway 65. The collision occurred in the center of the left lane of northbound Highway 65.

The two in the Ford Fusion were killed: Marjorie D. Ripperton, 78, of Redwood Falls, and her passenger, Glenn O. Houtkooper, 84, of Redwood Falls. The driver of the truck, Daniel L. Kent, 58, of Braham, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Cambridge Medical Center.

The Braham Police Department and the Isanti County Sheriff’s Office assisted the State Patrol at the scene.

An innovative mental health resource, TXT4Life, has recently added coverage to Isanti County.

TXT4Life, a service of Canvas Health, is a suicide prevention resource for residents in Minnesota. Users in a personal crisis use text messages, rather than the standard hotline services, as a way to receive free and confidential help. Counselors and volunteers at TXT4Life headquarters in Richfield respond to users and discuss issues such as general mental health, personal relationships, and suicide.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death of people ages 15-24 in Minnesota and the ninth leading cause of death in Minnesota overall. The program is targeted to teen and young adults but is available to anyone in the covered counties.

Teens don’t always feel comfortable calling in and talking to someone; they would rather their conversations be anonymous and private, which is exactly what TXT4Life provides. To connect with a counselor, users simply have to text “Life” to 61222.

“No one has to know they’re having the conversation,” said Eric McClellan, TXT4Life program supervisor.

TXT4Life began in 2011 with minimal coverage in the state and was only available from noon to 3 a.m. As of Sept. 1, TXT4Life is available to use 24 hours a day. “Our goal is to be statewide as soon as possible. Currently we are serving 39 counties within Minnesota with a strategic plan to make sure our efforts are most effective,” said McClellan. “Before, we couldn’t respond when we were out of the office. Now we’re able to talk exactly when they need it.”

Suicide can be a taboo but important topic that people are often scared to talk about.

“Starting the dialogue can be a real challenge. People are nervous if we talk about it, it will be put in people’s heads,” said McClellan. However, it is actually proven that talking about suicide to teens and young adults can reduce the number of incidents of suicide. “We want to break down the barrier to be able to talk about it openly.”

All certified counselors working for TXT4Life are required to have a bachelor’s degree in mental health and all have intense suicide awareness training. Many have higher degrees as well. These counselors are able to have 500 conversations with users at a time using computer software. The most common user demographic of TXT4Life is 14-year-old females, whereas call-in hotlines are used more by middle-aged males.

McClellan hopes to continue to expand and eventually offer full coverage state wide. Currently, coverage is added based on the amount of resources available per capita; rural areas have substantially fewer resources in place, so Canvas Health is working to add TXT4Life to those areas first. McClellan also wants to be able to expand to the demographics that are currently hard to reach: adult males and those living on reservations.

Last year, TXT4Life held 5,600 text sessions. The goal this year is 10,000 total text sessions.

TXT4Life thrives on its volunteers. To learn how you can get involved, visit txt4life.org.

For more information about TXT4Life in Isanti County or to set up a information session, contact regional coordinator Lindsay Aijala at laijala@canvashealth.org.

And if you know someone who is struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help.

A second person has died from a crash that occurred July 26, 2015 at the intersection of County Road 8 (261st Avenue) and Highway 47 in southern Stanford Township involving a motorcycle and motor vehicle.

John Robert Syrovatka, 64, of Minneapolis, was a passenger on a motorcycle driven by Dexter Olson, 70, of Robbinsdale, when the motorcycle collided with a vehicle driven by Diane Olson, 50, of Ramsey.

Dexter Olson was transported to the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis and died. Syrovatka died Sept. 30 at the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. According to a news release by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner, Syrovatka died of complications of multiple blunt force injuries sustained in the crash.

According to the State Patrol, Dexter Olson was driving a 2000 Honda Road Street heading northbound on Highway 47 when it collided with a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix, driven by Diane Olson, in the intersection.

The State Patrol said Diane Olson, heading westbound on County Road 8, stopped at the stop sign, then entered the intersection to head southbound on Highway 47. The motorcycle struck the driver’s side of the Pontiac.

A Cambridge man was killed in a rollover crash in Itasca County on Saturday, Oct. 11, around 12:04 a.m.

The Minnesota State Patrol responded to the fatal crash on Highway 65, south of Swan Lake in Itasca County.

According to the State Patrol, a 2001 Chevy Silverado driven by Nicholas J. Peterson, 29, went off of the road into the right ditch hitting an embankment and some trees before coming to a rest overturned in the right ditch.

Peterson was found dead at the scene. The State Patrol said Peterson was not wearing a seatbelt and alcohol was detected in his system.

The State Patrol was assisted by the Itasca County Sheriff’s Department and  Nashwauk Ambulance and Greenway Fire.

Just got this note from Cambridge City Administrator Lynda Woulfe on Monday, Oct. 12, at 3:35 p.m.:

Highway 95 is closed and will be for several more hours due to a commercial truck rollover.

If you are traveling eastbound (toward North Branch) Highway 95 is closed at County Road 12 and if you are traveling westbound (toward Cambridge) it is closed at Cedar Crest Trail (County Road 21).

After seeing news story after news story in August and September about police officers being shot and killed in senseless acts, Vicky Frieberg said, “enough is enough,” and decided to take action to better protect local law enforcement officers.

Frieberg, a local business owner and chamber member who has lived in the area for 26 years, is leading a fundraising campaign to raise funds for the acquisition of thermal imaging equipment to be used by all Isanti County law enforcement agencies.

The final straw for Frieberg came after seeing the news about the death of Texas Deputy Darren Goforth, who was killed Aug. 28 while filling up his patrol car at a suburban Houston gas station.

“Few people can say that law enforcement personnel have had no impact on their lives. If not directly, maybe indirectly,” Frieberg said. “The church you attend may have been broken into. You have called for someone to check on the neighbor who has not been seen in days. The roads have just been cleared of a fatal accident in time for you to make it to work, a little late … but you made it. Beyond the police calls we hear about on the news, the daily activity of these men and women affect you in ways you never see, and they like it that way.”

Frieberg explained the addition of the equipment helps officers to search for the missing, the offenders, and helps keep them out of harms way in night and low-vision situations. Currently this equipment is borrowed from Anoka County when needed in Isanti County, delaying deployment when needed.

“After seeing the constant news reports about officers being killed, I just kept getting angry and more negative,” Frieberg said. “I finally decided to channel that energy into a more positive manner and think of something positive I could do for our friends and family in law enforcement. I wanted to do something to keep our officers safer and our communities safer.”

Frieberg explained a typical thermal unit costs around $6,000 and has put out a challenge to the local business community to help purchase the thermal or night-vision equipment Isanti County law enforcement departments don’t have at this time. Frieberg began the challenge with seed money of $250.

The North 65 Chamber of Commerce will be the fiscal agent for the fundraising effort. Donations can be sent to the Law Enforcement Appreciation Fund, North 65 Chamber of Commerce, 2 Enterprise Ave. NE, Suite C4, Isanti, MN 55040. Otherwise donations can be picked up by Frieberg or made directly at the Chamber office. Donations will be accepted until Nov. 16.

“Thermal detection is not cheap, but could make the difference between life and death for your loved one and for our loved ones in blue (and brown),” Frieberg said. “I challenge all of our local chamber of commerce members to join me in donating to the law enforcement appreciation fund. We need to show them we have their back, show them we appreciate what they do enough to want to return the favor; it’s our turn to keep them safe.”

Frieberg wants to make it clear that law enforcement agencies did not approach her about this fundraising campaign.

“I view this as an expression of appreciation from our community and an expression of gratitude from the community and businesses our officers protect,” Frieberg said. “Some of us may have had a grandparent who got lost and had to get picked up, or had a child in a scary situation who had to get picked up in the middle of the night. In my opinion, this area has the best officers on the planet.”

Frieberg said any financial donation will help.

“If this results in one life being saved, be it a family member or officer, it’ll be worth its weight in gold,” Frieberg said. “The feedback I’ve received from this campaign has been exceptionally positive and this is a great way to say thank you to our officers.”

Blue Lives Matter campaign

In conjunction with the fundraising campaign, Frieberg is beginning a “Blue Lives Matter” campaign to show appreciation toward law enforcement officers.

Blue cards with the phrase “Thank You! We have your back!” will be placed at local public businesses where people can write a note of thanks and appreciation to local law enforcement agencies.

Isanti County businesses interested in participating in the blue card campaign are encouraged to contact the North 65 Chamber, Braham Chamber or Frieberg to get some cards to display on their front office counters. Participating businesses may then tape a blue card to their storefront window so people know they can stop in and fill out a card. The cards will be collected Nov. 16 and then delivered to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

“I think this is a great way to start a stressful holiday season by showing our law enforcement officers that we know what they do for us, just when they will be missing Thanksgiving turkeys and Christmas celebrations to watch over us,” Frieberg said. “A note of appreciation is what can really warm some hearts coming into this holiday season.”

Frieberg also noted Affinity Plus Credit Union will be recognizing law enforcement appreciation week for their staff and customers Nov. 2-6.

For more information, contact Frieberg at 612-369-3746 or email vickyfrieberg@live.com. You can also search for “Isanti County Law Enforcement Appreciation” on Facebook.

Eight people were arrested and face multiple drug charges following a search early Friday morning, Oct. 16, by law enforcement in Isanti Estates mobile home park.

Search warrants were executed on four different trailer homes that are located in Athens Township and involved law enforcement officers from the East Central Drug and Violent Offender Task Force, Isanti County Sheriff’s Office, and Cambridge and Isanti police departments.

“The execution of these search warrants shows us the importance of all our Isanti County law enforcement agencies working together,” said Isanti County Sheriff Chris Caulk. “As sheriff, I appreciate the leadership of the other agencies working together to make sure we have enough officers present and the equipment we need to do the job, whether it’s in the city or in the country. I would like to commend the work of Isanti County Investigator Wayne Seiberlich and his work with the drug task force. He did an excellent job in leading this and looked at past patterns and past practices and current information to get the search warrants authorized and executed.”

Caulk said search warrants are executed during a time that offers the most reasonable safety for law enforcement and the suspects. In some cases, the searches were done with children present in the residence.

“When you come across a situation like this and anytime you have a child under 18 in the presence of a controlled substance, the children are placed with a family member in a safe location or in a licensed foster care,” Caulk said. “It’s sad to see this because what chance do these kids have when they see their grandparents or parents abusing drugs. This is a learned behavior that is very addictive, and when kids are around this, the odds of them using are very high.”

Caulk said the investigation will continue.

“Theft and burglary charges follow right behind drug charges,” Caulk said. “It is undetermined at this time, but these individuals may be involved in other criminal activity besides drug use.”

The following were arrested during the search at Isanti Estates:

• Nicholas Charles Nelson, 35, Isanti, charged with felony first-degree drug possession, 25 grams or more; felony second-degree possession of a controlled substance, over 6 grams; felony fifth-degree drug possession, subsequent conviction; misdemeanor pharmacy; and petty misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. He appeared before Judge Amy Brosnahan Oct. 19 in Isanti County District Court in Cambridge where bail was set at $100,000 without conditions or $50,000 with conditions and his next court appearance for Oct. 29.

• Patsy Newsom Seale, 47, Isanti, charged with felony second-degree possession of a controlled substance, over 6 grams; two counts of felony fifth-degree drug possession; misdemeanor pharmacy; and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. She appeared before Brosnahan Oct. 19 where bail was set at $20,000 without conditions or $10,000 with conditions and her next court appearance for Oct. 29.

• Colleen Wanda Christiansen, 41, Isanti, was arrested during the raid on Nelson’s residence for violating conditions of her release stemming from a May 2015 charge in Isanti County for felony fifth-degree drug possession, subsequent conviction. A violation hearing was held Oct. 19 before Brosnahan where bail was set at $30,000 without conditions or $15,000 with conditions and her next court appearance for Nov. 13. At the time of her arrest, Christiansen had three active warrants out for her arrest; two from Isanti County and one from Anoka County.

• Jason Alexander Branville, 19, Isanti, charged with felony fifth-degree drug possession. He appeared before Brosnahan Oct. 19 where bail was set at $11,000 without conditions or $5,000 with conditions and his next court appearance for Oct. 29.

• Danny Carl Croon, 17, Isanti, charged with felony fifth-degree drug possession. He appeared before Brosnahan Oct. 19 where he was released to his mother, and ordered to obey all home and school rules. His next court appearance is set for Nov. 17.

• Michelle Lynn Borchardt, 36, Isanti, charged with felony fifth-degree drug possession; and petty misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. She appeared before Brosnahan Oct. 19 where bail was set at $10,000 without conditions or $5,000 with conditions and her next court appearance for Oct. 29.

• Tamara Lynn Pettiford, 48, Cambridge, charged with felony fifth-degree drug possession; petty misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia; and petty misdemeanor drugs. She appeared before Brosnahan Oct. 19 where bail was set at $12,000 without conditions or $5,000 with conditions and her next court appearance for Nov. 19.

• Kevin Robert Spicer, 55, Isanti, charged with felony fifth-degree drug possession; misdemeanor pharmacy and possession of drug paraphernalia. He appeared before Brosnahan Oct. 19 where bail was set at $8,000 without conditions or $4,000 with conditions and his next court appearance for Nov. 19.

The following information was provided by the criminal complaints.

Nelson, Seale, Christiansen

Agent Seiberlich of the East Central Drug and Violent Offender Task Force along with officers of the Cambridge Police Department and deputies from the Isanti County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant inside a residence at Isanti Estates where Nelson, Seale and Christiansen were located.

In the back bedroom of Seale, officers located a glass pipe in tissue paper, an unmarked pill container with a green leafy substance consistent with marijuana and a marijuana bong. Also in Seale’s bedroom a “book” was located that had a compartment containing numerous hypodermic needles and a glass bubble pipe that tested positive for methamphetamine. Officers also located digital scales, additional hypodermic needles, a spoon with residue as well as a cloth pouch that contained numerous hypodermic needles, miscellaneous items and two bags that each tested positive for methamphetamine. These two bags of methamphetamine weighed 11 grams. A brown paper bag containing a loose green leafy substance consistent with marijuana was located with a weight determined to exceed 42.5 grams. This substance later tested positive for marijuana.

In the master bedroom of Christiansen and Nelson, officers located a methamphetamine water bong. The hose coming out of this bong tested positive for methamphetamine. The weight of the liquid was determined to weigh 226 grams, which is approximately 8 ounces.

Also located in the bedroom was a glass pipe under the pillow, a pipe in a cup, a plastic container that contained a bag that tested positive for methamphetamine, and an additional bag with residue. A metal safe was located in the bottom dresser drawer in the master bedroom. Inside this safe, Isanti County Investigator Kevin Carlson located six separate bags that contained a substance consistent with methamphetamine. The methamphetamine inside the bag weighed 11 grams. One of these bags was tested and found to be positive for methamphetamine. Also located in this bedroom were two glass smoking devices consistent with marijuana pipes as well as a digital scale.

Christiansen has a prior conviction for fifth-degree controlled substance in Anoka County on Feb. 4, 2015.

Nelson has a prior second-degree controlled substance conviction in Anoka County where he was committed to the commissioner of corrections and released on June 24, 2009.

Branville, Croon

Investigator Carlson, Lt. Lance Olson and Isanti Police Chief Gene Hill also executed a warrant at a residence inside Isanti Estates.

The homeowner said the bedroom in the south of the residence belonged to her, and the bedroom in the north of the residence belonged to her son, Croon, and his friend, Branville.

Upon entry into the north bedroom, Carlson could smell a strong odor of marijuana inside of the bedroom. Carlson observed a green leafy substance on a folded piece of paper on top of a white desk. Also on the desk was a spiral bound notebook that contained hand-written marijuana growing instructions. In a cardboard box on top of the desk, Carlson located a red marijuana bong and a pipe. Both instruments appeared to have burnt marijuana residue inside of them.

Carlson located a blue-green colored glass jar wedged between a bed mattress and the north wall of the room. The contents of the jar were identified as marijuana and weighed 84.23 grams. Carlson also located two more mason jars in the north bedroom. The contents of both jars were identified as marijuana. The contents of the first jar weighed 27.75 grams, and the contents of the second jar weighed 10.95 grams.

Borchardt

Isanti County Investigator Rob Bowker executed a warrant at a residence in Isanti Estates. Several drug-related items were located, including a glass pipe with burnt residue, several bags with residue, a scale and plastic straws.

The homeowner, Borchardt, was not present but subsequently located. Borchardt indicated she had smoked methamphetamine out of the glass pipe and the paraphernalia items located in her residence were hers. The glass pipe was tested and indicated a positive result for methamphetamine.

Pettiford

Bowker executed a warrant at a residence in Isanti Estates. Inside the residence was Pettiford, who was watching her 4-year-old granddaughter. A small container with a green leafy substance and a glass pipe were located.

Pettiford indicated the container with the green leafy substance was hers and the substance was marijuana. Pettiford also indicated she used one of the glass pipes found in the residence to smoke meth from earlier that week. The glass pipe indicated a positive result for methamphetamine.

Spicer

Officers of the Cambridge Police Department along with deputies of the Isanti County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at a residence in Isanti Estates that belonged to Spicer.

During a search of the residence, officers located a black and silver case containing three spoons and four syringes with one spoon providing a positive test; a white tube that tested positive for methamphetamine; and a glass bubble pipe that also tested positive for methamphetamine.

A clear bag with white crystals, a glass bubble pipe and a bag with residue were also found that each tested positive for methamphetamine. A number of additional syringes and marijuana paraphernalia and a water bong were also located in common areas of the residence.