SCOTT COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE FIVE POINTS OF THE STAR

Kevin Studnicka - Sheriff

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4 OCTOBER, 2010

FROM THE SHERIFF By Sheriff Kevin Studnicka INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Whether it’s neighbors to pass a farm vehicles complaints about late-night when it is turning left. PATROL 2 and early-morning use of Don’t assume the farm machinery, hard feelings vehicle that pulls to the SUPPORT STAFF 3 over the smell of manure or right side of the road is simply frustrations about going to turn right or is RESERVE UNIT 4 sharing the road with slow- allowing you to pass. CHAPLAIN SERVICES 4 moving vehicles, the migra- Due to the size of some tion from the city to the farm implements, the there is traffic behind JAIL 5 country creates conflict farmer must execute them. However, most between some of Scott wide left-hand turns. If farm equipment is loud CRIME PREVENTION 6 County’s oldest and newest you are unsure, check and is not designed to CIVIL PROCESS AND 6 residents. for hand signals (if you be driven on a road- WARRANTS Each year in the United can see the operator) way. The operator and check the left side must spend most of the States, about 30,000 motor RECREATIONAL SAFETY 7 vehicle crashes occur in- of the road for gates, time watching for on- driveways or any other coming traffic and try- FROM THE CHIEF 7 volving tractors and other DEPUTY farm machinery. As farmers place a farm vehicle ing to keep the equip- might turn. ment safely on the head back out to the fields 8 road. HOMELAND S ECURITY during harvest time this fall, Yield to wide vehicles. CAPTAIN’S CORNER 9 you’re likely to drive up Don’t suppose the Due to the large differ- behind a slow moving vehi- farmer can move aside ence in speed, it’s com- 9-1-1 Dispatch 11 cle. Just as motorists are to allow you to pass. mon for motor vehicles Little Known Laws 11 entitled to operate their Shoulders may not be to rear end a piece of vehicles on public road- able to support the farm equipment. Pa- ways, farmers are legally weight of a heavy farm tience is one of the best allowed to operate farm vehicle if wet or soft. ways to avoid a colli- equipment on these same If the shoulder or ditch sion. Even if you have roadways. Following are is steep, the farm vehi- to slow down to 20 some safety tips to help you cle may not be able to mph and follow a trac- share the road: pull over without tip- tor for two miles, it Recognize the slow ping. takes only 6 minutes of your time; equivalent moving vehicle emblem Don’t assume the and slow down imme- to waiting for two stop- farmer knows you’re diately. lights in town. there. Most operators Most crashes occur of farm equipment will Pass only when it is regularly check to see if when the motorist tries (Continued on page 14)

PAGE 2 FIVE POINTS OF THE STAR

PATROL By Deputy Mike Turek

“Safe and Sober” & The Safe and Sober speed deaths and serious injuries. “Operation NightCAP” enforcement is designed to During 2006–2008, these Enforcement put the brakes on speeders counties accounted for more and prevent traffic deaths. than half of the state’s alcohol You may have heard radio The Safe & Sober “7 Days of -related deaths (267) and seri- broadcasts, seen billboards, Speed Enforcement” runs ous injuries (605). Scott and watched television com- throughout July. Not only County is currently 11th on mercials heavily emphasizing are the 7 days in July for the list of 13 Deadliest Coun- “Click it or Ticket,” “Drunk speed enforcement, but the ties with 12 alcohol related Driving” or “Over the limit, whole month. Each agency deaths, 23 alcohol related under arrest.” These adver- encourages their officers or serious injuries, and 3,285 tisements are for Safe and deputies to enforce speed DWI’s during 2006-2008. Sober and Operation Night- during this time period. The CAP enforcement programs. summer driving season is the Operation NightCAP efforts Safe and Sober and Operation deadliest time on Minnesota combine resources from the NightCAP are State and Fed- roads. A major factor for the Minnesota State Patrol, eral Government grants to spike in summertime deaths is county sheriff’s offices and enforce seatbelt use, DWI’s unsafe and illegal speeding. city police departments to (Driving While Impaired), conduct enhanced DWI pa- Speed, and a few other pro- Safe and Sober DWI Mobili- trols to saturate specific road- grams. Although one of the zation will feature enhanced ways where impaired driving goals for these programs is to DWI patrols. These shifts are is likely. educate, the ultimate goal is from the end of August to drive Minnesota toward through the Labor Day holi- Every motorist has a role in zero traffic deaths. day and from the end of No- helping to reduce traffic

vember through December. crashes, deaths and injuries. The Safe and Sober seatbelt The DWI Mobilization from So buckle up, drive at safe enforcement has two waves, LAST YEAR, 141 the listed periods focus speeds, pay attention and one conducted from the end PEOPLE WERE mainly on weekends. This always have a plan for a safe of May through early June KILLED IN ALCO- enforcement effort is another and sober ride to avoid driv- and the second wave occur- critical element to save lives ing impaired. HOL-RELATED ring in October. During the on Minnesota roads. Last CRASHES AND seatbelt enforcement, ap- year, Minnesota recorded a 32,756 MOTORISTS proximately 30 percent of the record-low number of alcohol WERE ARRESTED enforcement must occur at -related deaths. However, FOR DWI nighttime. The latest seatbelt last year, 141 people were enforcement program re- killed in alcohol-related sulted in a total of 22,786 crashes and 32,756 motorists daytime citations and 5268 were arrested for DWI. nighttime citations from 333

law enforcement agencies. Similar to Safe and Sober Properly wearing a seat belt DWI Mobilization, the Op- reduces the risk of fatal injury eration NightCAP targets to front seat occupants in the DWI’s, but focuses only on passenger seat by 45 percent the state’s “13 Deadliest in a car and 60 percent in a Counties” for impaired driv- light truck. Seat belts are the ing. The 13 deadliest coun- most effective means of pro- ties are selected by the com- tecting oneself from injury bination of alcohol-related while riding in a vehicle. VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4 PAGE 3

SUPPORT STAFF By Support Staff Supervisor Ron Holbeck PAGE 4 FIVE POINTS OF THE STAR

PATROL VOLUNTEERS By Reserve Paul Dykema

Reserve Groups Merge gens, First Aid, and Taser Certi- ment and that benefits the fication. Instead of needing to county. New in 2010 - the Patrol Re- teach the classes twice, we will serve Group and Mounted Our two groups have always only need to do it once. Reserve Group joined forces. worked together at events The new combined group Another savings for the groups and emergency call outs. We includes over 40 uniformed will come in combining our provide the same service; we volunteers. These volunteers meeting nights. Each group just do it a little differently. provide many impor- meets once a month at the Law As Sergeant Emerson has said tant services to the Enforcement Center. In our many times, “We wear the Sheriff’s Office includ- meetings we talk about upcom- same uniform, we just have ing special patrol, ing events, training, uniforms, different tools”. transports, event secu- equipment, and membership. We are looking forward to rity, fingerprinting and These meetings are attended by searches. By sharing our licensed liaison deputy Ken learning from each other this resources this year, we hope Dvorak and Sergeant Marshall year and getting better at the to increase our impact in Emerson. By combining our services we provide. We are Scott County. meeting nights, these guys can also looking for civic minded spend more time on the road. One of the ways we will people that are willing to benefit from this merger is in Our members earn money for invest their time and talents annual training. There are the group by working events in joining our group. many required training classes and providing fingerprinting that must be taught every year services to county residents. or two including Use of The money allows the group to Force, Blood Borne Patho- purchase uniforms and equip-

CHAPLAIN SERVICES By Chaplin Bob Raleigh

The Golden Calf what are you doing with it? Do I have my priorities straight Are you using your material now or do I have to reform There is a reading from Exo- wealth to help the less fortu- myself before it’s too late? dus 32 about how the people nate in your life? of that time rebelled against You may escape getting caught God and had Aaron, the son One only has to look in today’s here on Earth, but you will be of Moses, build a golden calf newspapers and see how the made accountable at the end of for them to worship. greed of money has corrupted time. some people and also some of It seems to me that some of So may the Holy Spirit guide our elected officials of govern- today’s people are following us in our daily struggles and ment - from our local cities up in that same path. give us the wisdom to make to those in Washington, D.C. the right choices here and Some of today’s people have Worshipping the golden calf is now. golden calves of money, ma- against the 1st commandment terial things, power, control and the Bible tells us that if we over other people, etc. They don’t reform our lives here on worship more of the material earth, our punishment is to goods than God. CHAPLAIN BOB spend the rest of eternity in Jesus never said it was wrong hell. to have material wealth, but VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4 PAGE 5

IN THE JAIL By Sgt. Tom Busch

Judicial Determination Friday, when the courts are in nesota Rules of Criminal Pro- session, is not a problem. cedure, “The defendant must One of the questions correc- Most offenders are brought to be brought before a judge tions officers are often asked a bail hearing within 48 hours without unnecessary delay, by an arrestee is: “How long of their arrest. However, and not more than 36 hours am I going to be here?” For when the courts are not in after the arrest, exclusive of those who are jailed for cer- session during weekends and the day of arrest, Sundays, tain misdemeanor offenses, holidays, those arrested dur- and legal holidays, or as soon such at 4th Degree DWI, the ing those time periods can as the judge is available.” answer is easy; they will be potentially be incarcerated Gross misdemeanors, felo- released once they “sober up.” beyond 48 hours before hav- nies, and most misdemeanor For those charged with as- ing the opportunity for a bail offenses fall under this saults, gross misdemeanors, hearing. rule. or felonies, the answer is not as clear. However, correc- Judicial determination of Corrections officers are tions officers can try to ex- probable cause becomes a vigilant to ensure that plain the process of when and cooperative effort between these rules of criminal why the arrestee will make the arresting officer, prosecu- procedure are followed. their appearance before a tor, and the jail. In most At the beginning of each judge. cases, the arresting officer and shift, the booking officer the prosecutor contact a and the duty sergeant Whether an inmate appears in judge and explain the circum- review a roster of in- front of a judge for a bail stance of the arrest. Once the mates who are awaiting hearing, or is released prior arresting officer receives judi- their first appearance to that hearing is based on a cial determination of probable and make sure that no judicial determination of cause, it is forwarded in writ- inmate has been held probable cause. One of the ing to the jail. The Judicial longer than 48 hours tenets of the 5th Amendment Determination form provides without judicial determina- is that no person shall be de- jail staff with the circum- tion of probable cause, or 36 prived of their liberty without stances of the arrest, the hours in the case of those who due process. Corrections name of the judge who deter- already have judicial determi- officers work hard to ensure mined probable cause, and nation. that no inmate is held without conditions of release, if any. judicial determination, which So, although corrections offi- If an inmate’s 48 hours is due is an important step in due cers cannot always tell an to expire prior to a bail hear- process. inmate how long they will be ing and judicial determination incarcerated, they can confi- According to the Minnesota of probable cause has not dently explain the rules of Rules of Criminal Procedure, been received by the jail, cor- criminal procedure as they any person arrested without a rections officers will notify relate to the inmate’s due warrant must have a judge the arresting authority and process rights. make a judicial determination inquire if judicial determina- of probable cause within 48 tion will be sought, or if the hours from the time of arrest, inmate should be released including the day of arrest, upon the conclusion of the 48 Saturdays, Sundays, and legal hours. holidays. Once judicial determination Judicial determination of of probable cause is made, the probable cause during regular 36 hour rule is then calcu- business hours, Monday thru lated. According to the Min- PAGE 6 FIVE POINTS OF THE STAR

CRIME PREVENTION By Deputy Mary Hensel

What Is Suspicious? ridiculously low prices vandalism. could mean stolen prop- Persons loitering around Basically anything that seems erty. schools, parks, secluded even slightly “out of Anyone removing acces- areas or in the neighbor- place” or that is occurring sories, license plates or hood could be predatory at an unusual time of day gasoline from a car offenders. or place could be crimi- should be reported. nal activity. Some of the Persons around the most obvious things to Anyone peering into neighborhood who do watch for and report parked cars may be look- not live there could be include: ing for a car to steal or burglars A stranger entering your for valuables in the car. Not every stranger who neighbor’s home when it Persons entering or leav- comes into your neighbor- is unoccupied may be a ing a business place after hood is by any means a crimi- burglar. hours could be burglars. nal. There are many perfectly legitimate persons who may A scream heard any- The sound of breaking come to your door, including where might mean rob- glass or loud explosive delivery persons, repair and bery or assault. noises could mean an accident, burglary or servicemen. But criminals do Offers of merchandise at (Continued on page 10)

CIVIL PROCESS/WARRANTS By Deputy Mary Hensel

Redemption Period applicable costs that stat- homeowners insurance in ute allows. The past due place. The term “redemption pe- payments of a mortgage riod” refers to the period of The redemption period loan cannot be “caught time after a foreclosure sale can be shortened to 5 up” after the sheriff’s (sheriff’s sale) has been held. weeks if a judge deter- sale. For residential property in mines that the property Minnesota, the redemption The owner has the right has been ”abandoned” and period is typically six months, to sell the home and re- is no longer occupied or but in some cases twelve tain any equity that may maintained. exist. If there is equity, months. The length of the At the end of the redemption selling the home is always redemption period is listed on period: the sheriff’s sale notice. preferable to losing the equity at the end of the Whoever holds the sher- During the redemption pe- redemption period. iff’s sale certificate riod: After the sheriff’s sale (usually a bank) becomes The homeowner can date, interest continues the rightful owner of the continue to live in the to accrue daily at the property. home until the end of the note rate, which in- The original owner should redemption period. creases the outstanding vacate the property. They If the homeowner wants loan balance. cannot legally remain in to keep their house, the The owner has the re- the residence. If the pre- homeowner must pay the sponsibility to pay utili- vious owner chooses to amount that was bid at ties and keep the prop- move out prior to the end sheriff’s sale, and interest erty maintained. of the redemption period, The owner should keep per diem plus any other (Continued on page 8) VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4 PAGE 7

RECREATIONAL SAFETY By Deputy Todd Beck

Preparing for a safe boat- ers, the season ended after see that you still have ing season next year the Labor Day Weekend. enough life jackets on The water has dropped from board and they are the Fall means the kids are back the 80's into the 70's and all right size and in good in school, the temperature is those kids being towed condition. I put them starting to drop, and less around the lakes have home- in a storage container boats are on the lakes of Scott work and sports. in the boat over win- County. I enjoy fall fishing ter to make sure mice because the boat traffic is light The time to think about boat- or moisture doesn't and the fish are biting. I re- ing safety for next year is damage them. cently spent a morning fishing when you are putting away and the parking lot was nearly the boat this season. By the Fire extinguisher: Check empty at the access. I time winter is over, people to see that your fire ex- counted eleven other fisher- are so excited to get out on tinguisher is on board man enjoying the day. I plan the water some safety items and charged. to keep my fishing boat ready might get overlooked. The to go until Halloween this following are some basic Throwable PFD: Look year so I can squeeze out as items to check before you for your life-ring or much late season fishing as park the boat for winter. whatever you have to possible. throw to a person who Safety Items: has gone overboard. For most recreational boat- (Continued on page 10) Life jackets : Check to

FROM THE CHIEF DEPUTY By Chief Deputy Dean Opatz

Leadership Legacy and dedicated staff, effective Leadership Legacy: Leader- leadership, accountability, ship styles, Leadership The- Since 2007, the Sheriff’s Of- and providing the highest ory Basics, Communication, fice began and continues with level of public safety for all. Creativity in Leadership, and a program called “Leadership Problem Solving and Decision Legacy.” This program fo- The next class will be held Making. cuses in on key leadership Oct 4-6, 2010. Our facilita- values and promotes Sheriff tor, Tia Picard, helped create When this next class is com- Studnicka’s philosophy of a the program from its begin- pleted, we will have had over participatory style of leader- ning. She is a very energetic, 70 staff graduate from the ship. This style and philoso- creative, and talented profes- program. This program phy adhere to our mission and sional who presents an enjoy- touches all divisions and all vision statement. able three days of classroom ranks of our Office. Our goal learning. is to build leaders Mission Statement: Our for today and for mission is to protect people, Staff partake in several per- the future. property and the rights of all: sonality and leadership assess- With dignity, honor, cour- ments. These assessments age, and integrity. help in understanding who they are as leaders, assist in Dean Opatz Vision Statement: Our building on leadership focus is on citizen safety and Chief Deputy strengths, and also identify trust: Through Partnership, areas where weaknesses may Community Commitment be lurking. and Service. We will achieve this by means of a professional Some of the focal points in PAGE 8 FIVE POINTS OF THE STAR

HOMELAND SECURITY By Homeland Security Manager Chris Weldon

Hotel and Motel Fire others around you more Count the number of Safety safe. doors between your Are you planning a vacation The following tips and infor- room and the exits. soon or do you travel as part mation below are from the This will assist you in of your job? If so, you most United States Fire Admini- case of an emergency likely will be staying in a stration (USFA). They are evacuation. hotel or motel while away urging people to be aware of Locate the fire alarms from home. their surroundings when on your floor. traveling and to review the Many times the traveling following safety tips to assist Never smoke in bed. public assumes they will be when preparing for fire safe safe while staying in these Life Safety Steps traveling. types of accommodations, If the fire is in your and for the most part, they Plan Ahead room, get out quickly. are right. When making your Close the door, sound However, accidents, includ- reservations, ask if the the alarm and notify the ing fires, can happen any- hotel or motel has front desk. where at any time. Building smoke detectors and Always use the stair- codes have helped ensure fire sprinklers. well, never an elevator. fire safety and many of these When traveling, take a The elevator could stop fine facilities have taken at the floor of the fire. extra steps to protect their flashlight with you. customers. Make sure the batteries If the fire is not in your are fresh and you can room, leave if it is safe Sprinklers in buildings have find it easily if the to do so. Be sure to shown to be most helpful in power goes out. take your room key stopping small fires from with you in case fire becoming big fires and extra Read the fire evacuation blocks your escape and or back up lighting will help plan carefully. If one is you need to re-enter you get out of unfamiliar not posted in your your room. structures. As with other room, request one from areas of personal prepared- the front desk. To check the hallway ness, there are steps you can Locate the two exits for fire, touch the door take to help keep you and from your room. (Continued on page 13)

CIVIL PROCESS/WARRANTS

he or she should lock all cate the premises by a will sell the property. If keys in the home and specific date. If they do the house sells for more secure the property as not comply, the new than what was owed, the best as possible to pre- owner can evict them by mortgage company will vent burglary or vandal- filing an “unlawful de- keep any excess pro- ism. tainer”, which goes on ceeds. record and can negatively If the owner has not moved out by the end of affect future credit. the redemption period, If the mortgage company they will be asked to va- is the new owner, they VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4 PAGE 9

CAPTAIN’S CORNER By Captain Greg Muelken

As the Captain of the Opera- tions in temperatures in our law”. tions Division of the Sheriff’s climate and were not reliable. In-car cameras not only protect Office, I am always looking at In April 2010, Sheriff Studnicka the public but also the deputies ways that I can obtain needed learned that the Minnesota Dept by providing documented, fac- equipment in our fleet of pa- of Public Safety, Office of Traf- tual representation of the inter- trol cars. Technology fic Safety, had funds available actions between deputies and changes rapidly and it is im- for agencies to apply (through a citizens at traffic portant to not fall too far be- grant process) to receive in- stops. The use of hind technology-wise in law squad camera systems. The recorded interac- enforcement. Because of the Sheriff’s Office completed the tions often results in economic issues facing the grant paperwork and this past settling cases before County, finding available August we were notified that they go to trial grant money is the best op- we were chosen to receive 10 of which, in turn, re- tion to provide needed equip- the 17 camera systems that we duces costs to the ment at little or no cost. One requested. county and state. specific item high on my list has been digital squad cam- We have received these cameras The intent of provid- eras. and they will be installed in our ing these cameras to fleet soon. The retail value of law enforcement in The use of a camera in a each complete camera system is Minnesota, and here in Scott squad car is definitely not $5,295! Thus the value of the County, is to strengthen rela- new. Often the nightly news- grant we received exceeded tionships between law enforce- casts will show video clips $52,000! Once installed and ment and the community. from dash cams. A quick the deputies receive training, search of YouTube will list The cameras we received are the cameras will be operational. numerous clips. manufactured by L3 Mobile As stated in Minnesota State Vision Technologies. The cam- In the 1990’s, our first cam- Statute § 626.8471; subd 1: era has 12x optical and 144x eras were regular 8 mm video digital zoom capabilities. The cameras that were crudely “ The legislature finds that the monitor has a 3.5’ LCD screen. mounted on the dashes of our reality or public perception of It utilizes compact flash card cars. The audio was poor racial profiling alienates people technology from 8-32 GB which quality, and the resolution of from police, hinders community allows up to 32 hours of re- the picture was poor at best policing efforts, and causes law cording time. in low light conditions. In enforcement to lose credibility bright sunlight, the image was and trust among the people law It has been many years since the often overexposed. These enforcement is sworn to protect Sheriff’s Office has had in-squad cameras, although perfect for and serve. No stop initiated by a cameras and we are excited to the recreational user, were peace officer should be made have this new technology avail- simply not designed for use in without a legitimate reason; able to our staff. a patrol car. The next phase race, ethnicity, or national ori- in this technology was cam- gin alone should never provide a eras that recorded on VHS sufficient reason. Law enforce- tapes. While they were a vast ment policies and training pro- improvement, even these did grams must emphasize the need not meet all of the needs of to respect the balance between the Sheriff’s Office. There the rights of all persons to be was an improvement in qual- free from unreasonable govern- ity, but they too were sensi- mental intrusions and law en- tive to the extreme fluctua- forcement's need to enforce the PAGE 10 FIVE POINTS OF THE STAR

CRIME PREVENTION

(Continued from page 6) side. A person running if inap- propriately dressed, es- take advantage of this by mak- Someone going door-to- pecially if carrying some- ing themselves appear to be door in your neighbor- thing of value, or if they legitimate business represen- hood. Watch for a while, appear to be looking be- tatives. After all, if a criminal if after a few homes are hind them. looked like a criminal, no one visited, one or more of Someone carrying prop- would have any trouble spot- the persons tries a door erty, if it’s at an unusual ting them. to see if it is locked or hour or in an unusual goes into a back or side place, or if the property Here are some situations in- yard, it could be a bur- is not wrapped as if just volving people you might see glar. Such action is even purchased. and what their action might more suspicious if one mean: person remains in a car A person exhibiting un- following a few houses usual mental or physical Someone waiting in front away. Call 911 immedi- symptoms may be in- of a house or business if ately; do not wait for the jured, under the influ- the owners are absent, or person to leave. ence of drugs, or other- if it’s a business and the wise needing medical or Anyone forcing entrance psychiatric assistance. business is closed. This to or tampering with a might be a lookout for a residence, business or (Continued on page 12) burglary in progress in- vehicle.

RECREATIONAL SAFETY

(Continued from page 7) motor noise, check the Gas tanks: Some people like hoses that moves the gas to drain all of the fuel out of Lights: Check your navi- fumes and put your hand the tanks and the engine to gation lights (red and over the outside vent to keep it from gumming up. I green on the bow) and make sure that you feel like to fill them to full with your anchor light at the air being pushed by the fresh gasoline and add a fuel stern. Also check to see fan. stabilizer like Sta-Bil or Sea Foam. Gasoline will not last if your white anchor light Maintenance Items: is tall enough to be seen over the winter and will leave from any angle. There are really two ways to varnish as it solidifies clogging prepare your boat for winter; lines and carb jets. Blower: If you have an do it yourself or pay a boat Lower units: The gears that inboard/outboard in- mechanic to do it for you. turn the propeller are sub- stead of an outboard mo- Either way you need to pre- merged in gear oil to keep tor you need to have a pare your boat for winter to them from overheating and working system to move make sure it will run reliably rusting. Sometimes small gas fumes away from the next year and won't leave you amounts of lake water or con- engine. My boat has two stranded on the lake. If you densation get in over the blowers and I noticed last do it yourself the following is boating season. The water year that only one of a short list of what needs to contaminates the gear oil and them was working. be done. Don't just listen for the will freeze in the winter pos- sibly cracking the lower unit. VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4 PAGE 11

9-1-1 By 911 Sgt. Ashley Sames

Alternative Methods to they will hear a set of tones taker/caller) will have a dif- Reach 911 which tell them that it’s a ferent font color and size rep- TDD call. On the phones in resenting them. It will also be Most of us know just how our dispatch center, we click noted in the call information easy it is to reach a 911 dis- on the TTY button. We will that it was a TDD call. This patcher. You simply dial 9-1- then click the appropriate way the responders know the 1 on your telephone and the response from a selection of caller is either hearing or dispatcher answers, right? messages. There is also a free speech impaired. What happens when you’re form box where messages can not able to speak due to a Minnesota Relay be manually typed. When speech impediment or you’re using the free form method, This service provides hearing impaired? For some- it’s important for the dis- telecommunications one with a disability such as patcher to remember to use access for people liv- that, the 911 system operates codes which tell the caller it’s ing in Minnesota who a little differently. Listed be- their turn to talk/type or if are deaf, hard of hear- low are some other methods it’s a question or a statement. ing, speech impaired, to reach help for those with For example: “What is your deaf-blind and/or disabilities. name Q GA.” The Q tells the mobility impaired. Using TDD (Telecommunication Device caller that the dispatcher is specialized equipment, com- for the Deaf) asking a question and the GA munications assistants can communicate with users who Most users of this system are tells the caller to go ahead and have one of these disabilities deaf, but it can also be used take their turn to talk/type. on a standard telephone. It’s by the hard of hearing and Other codes are HD/Hold similar to a translator. Either speech impaired. and SK/stop keying, the con- versation is being terminated. party (communication assis- This system routes the caller The entire conversation will tant or the user) can initiate a to the dispatch center who be typed and displayed in a call through Minnesota Relay. will answer the phone call. box to the left on our phone When dispatch receives a call When the dispatcher answers, screen. Each speaker (call- (Continued on page 12)

LITTLE KNOWN LAWS By Deputy Mary Hensel

MN Statute 169.301 S1 (b) cle, maintenance equip- an authorized emergency and S2 - U-turns an Back- ment, or construction vehicle in the course of ing on Controlled Access equipment including con- performing duties, no Highway* tractor's and state-owned driver of a vehicle shall equipment when operating back the same upon the S1 (b): When special within a marked construc- roadway or shoulder of crossovers between the tion zone, to use such any controlled-access main roadways of a con- crossover. For the purposes highway. trolled-access highway are of this clause "emergency provided for emergency vehicle" includes a tow vehicles or maintenance truck or towing vehicle if it equipment and such cross- is on the way to the loca- overs are signed to prohibit tion of an accident or a dis- "U" turns, it shall be abled vehicle. *An example of a controlled unlawful for any vehicle, access highway would be I35. except an emergency vehi- S2: Except for a driver of PAGE 12 FIVE POINTS OF THE STAR 9-1-1

(Continued from page 11) dial 7-1-1 or 1-800-627- 3529. from Minnesota Relay, they Our 9-1-1 center is here to will identify themselves and help all of our citizens in relay information from the Scott County. By keeping up caller to the dispatcher. It’s with technology, we can pro- then the responsibility of the vide the best service to all of dispatcher to communicate our users: law enforcement, with the caller through the fire, EMS, and the public. Minnesota Relay Communi- cation Assistant and handle the call as normal. To place a call through Minnesota Relay,

CRIME PREVENTION

(Continued from page 10) Vehicles being loaded gunshots, screaming, with valuables if parked sounds of fighting, ab- Most human traffic to and in front of a closed busi- normally barking dogs- from a certain residence is not ness or unattended resi- anything suggestive of suspicious unless it occurs on dence, even if the vehicle foul play or danger of a daily or very regular basis, is a legitimate commer- illegal activity. especially during late or un- cial vehicle. usual hours. This could be a Apparent business trans- Don’t ever be afraid to call sign of drug activity. actions being conducted law enforcement because of

from a vehicle, especially your suspicions! Things To Watch For Involving around schools or parks. Vehicles Any vehicle moving Persons being forced into slowly and without lights vehicles may mean a pos- or following a course that sible abduction. appears aimless or repeti- A “delivery man” with an tive in any location, but alleged wrong address, particularly so in areas of or asking if someone else schools, parks and play- lives there. grounds. Occupants may Other Unusual Situations You be looking for places to Should Report: rob or burglarize. Open or broken doors Parked, occupied vehi- and/or windows at a cles containing one or closed business or resi- more persons if it is an dence whose owners are unusual hour. They could absent could mean a bur- be possible lookouts for a glary in progress, or one burglary in progress, already completed. even if the occupants Unusual noises, such as appear to be legitimate. VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4 PAGE 13

RECREATIONAL SAFETY

(Continued from page 10) moisture and dirt out over the time or will to do all of the winter. this you can find a mechanic Drain out the old gear oil and to get your boat ready for Anti Freeze: There is a non- replace it before winter. storage. toxic antifreeze designed for That way when you take it winterizing RV's and boats out of storage you are ready that can be run through the to go. A clean, organized, and prop- boat engine. I will usually erly winterized boat will Fogging the engine: You can warm up my engine using a greatly increase your odds of coat the inside of the engine water hose from my house having a safe and fun 2011 with "fogging oil" a few dif- connected to the engine and boating season. ferent ways. Some engines then turn off the engine. have an attachment for the Now with the help of my bottle to squirt oil in while it family, I will set out a few is running. Others require gallons of the pink antifreeze you to spray into a running and a funnel. I start the mo- carburetor to get the oil into tor again and let it run until I the upper cylinders. After see the pink color coming out this is done I usually remove the boat exhaust. That way I the spark plugs and coat each know the antifreeze has made cylinder, rotate the engine by its way through the entire hand, and spray again. Then I cooling system. replace the plugs to keep Once again, if you don't have

HOMELAND SECURITY

(Continued from page 8) tioners. Call the fire is three or more stories, the department to give property must have an ade- with the back of your your location. Signal quate sprinkler system. hand to test the tem- from your window. The USFA maintains a list perature. If the door is In 1990, Congress passed for federal agencies or em- cool, get low to the the Hotel and Motel Fire ployees to use when travel- floor, brace your shoul- Safety Act (P.L. 101-391), ing. The public is also en- der against the door and which requires that federal couraged to use this list. It open it slowly. Be employees on travel must can be found on line at ready to close it quickly stay in public accommoda- if there are flames on http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/ tions that adhere to the life the other side. Crawl applications/hotel safety requirements in the low in the smoke to the legislation guidelines. This Even if the hotel or motel nearest exit; the fresh- means that federal employ- you prefer is not listed on est air is near the floor. ees traveling and all federal this site, just ask some sim- If your room door is meetings must be at “fire ple questions and do a little hot, do not open it. safe” properties. pre-planning. It could mean your time away from home Instead, seal the door To meet the requirements might be a little more enjoy- with wet towels or of the Act, a hotel must able, as well as more safe! sheets. Turn off the have hard wired smoke de- fans and the air condi- tectors, and if the property Mailing Address Line 1 Mailing Address Line 2 SCOTT COUNTY SHERIFF'S Mailing Address Line 3 OFFICE Mailing Address Line 4 301 S. Fuller St. Mailing Address Line 5 Shakopee, MN 55379 Administration: 952-496-8300 Dispatch: 952-445-1411 Emergency: 9-1-1 Kevin Studnicka - Sheriff

WORKING WITH YOU TO MAKE W E’ RE ON THE WEB! SCOTT COUNTY WWW.CO. SCOTT.MN. US A SAFE PLACE TO LIVE , WORK AND PLAY..

FROM THE SHERIFF

(Continued from page 1) a successful farm. In addi- might be bawling: sickness, applied to land according to tion, many of the typical loss of a calf, late milking plant needs and in a way that legal and safe to do so. complaints have an equally due to broken equipment, prevents movement into When passing, be cau- negative impact, if not more, and/or injury. Would you surface water and ground tious as farm equipment, on the farmer than the rather hear heavy traffic waters. Manure provides especially implements neighbors. For instance, the sounds instead? essential crop nutrients and being towed, tend to late night use of machinery is increases the organic matter What about the smell? Hon- weave. often necessary only when in the soil. estly, which came first – the there’s a dramatic shift in the farm or the residential devel- Scott County is a diverse Watch for debris on the weather forecast. “Make hay opment? Scott County was rural/suburban county en- roadway, especially dur- when the sun shines” isn’t almost exclusively agricul- joying a growing mix of ing planting and harvest just an expression. If the tural when first incorporated commercial, industrial, and seasons. corn is ready, getting it in and is still largely agricultural housing developments while When one considers noise before the first snowstorm or today. Don’t get angry with still maintaining a rural flair. complaints, we commonly a late autumn downpour can the farmer because the wind The sight of Holstein cows think about barking dogs, be the difference between a is blowing in the wrong di- grazing on the hillside and stereos at high volume and devastating loss and a suc- rection. He or she isn’t the smell of fresh cut hay large parties. In Scott cessful harvest. spreading manure out of laying in the fields is part of County, however, we fre- Noise complaints regarding spite. It’s just something the reason the majority of us quently get noise complaints animal sounds are an issue that needs to be done. Land love living and working in about farm machinery. Many too. Before you pick up the application provides one of Scott County. people don’t realize the phone and call 9-1-1 because the best alternatives for util- 24/7, 365-days-a-year com- Regards, Kevin Studnicka of the bellowing cow, con- izing manure from livestock. mitment required to operate sider some reasons why she Manure is not harmful when