Cass County Board: Sheriff’s office activity back to pre-pandemic levels

   WALKER—Calls to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office were back on the rise in 2021, Cass County Sheriff Tom Burch reported, which may be a signal of a return to pre-pandemic normal.

   Burch, presented the 2021 annual report to the county board Tuesday, March 1, said there were a total of 20,663 initial complaint reports filed in 2021, which was up over the 19,492 reports than the previous year. 

   Burch also said approximately 95% of all 911 calls are now being received from cellphones, with Saturday still being one of the busiest days for 911 calls and Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday all having the least number of calls. 

  The processing of gun permits continue to increase in 2021, with the department processing 971 permit-to-carry applications, compared to 945 applications processed in 2020. Another statistic that continues to increase was the amount of traffic crashes with injuries. There were 88 crash reports with injuries compared to 71 in 2020. Burch said that statewide crashes and increased speeds on highways are both currently high.

   Burch also mentioned there has been an increase in serious crimes which include weapon violations, drive by shootings involving younger offenders and in narcotic overdoses.

   Cass County contiues to see people getting out and enjoying the recreational opportunities all year round whether it be by watercraft or ATV, Burch said. 

   For a complete list of calls and to learn more about the sheriff’s programs, see the full sheriff’s report at www.co.cass.mn.us.

   Election Administrator Pamela Smith updated the board with the state redistricting plans and informed the board Cass County will remain seated solely within Congressional District Eight. Smith also requested the board motion and approve a resolution reestablishing precints and polling places of unorganized territories. The board also established a public hearing for the intent to consider plans for redistricting of county commissioner districts to be held Tuesday, April 5 during the regular board meeting.

   County Administrator Josh Stevenson presented for approval the summer “road show” meeting schedule with the following dates and locations: May 17 at Pillager City Hall; June 21 at Wilson Township; July 19 at Birch Lake Township; August 16 at Kego Township and Sept. 20 at Boy River City Hall with all meetings beginning at 6 p.m.

   In other business, the county board: 

   • Appointed Commissioner Rick Haaland as an alternate for Sourcewell Representative Assembly and Commissioner Neal Gaalswyk as alternate for the Land Commissioner search committee.

   • Approved American Rescue Plan Act Grant in the amount of $6,000 to Pine River Area Foundation to assist in expanding and improving accessibility to events at the Lakes Music and Events Park.

   • Approved committing up to $15,000 of Fund 73 funds to Shingobee Connection Trail Task Force to cover costs associated with soil borings required by Minnesota Department of Transportation.

   • Established a public hearing for the revocation of portions of County Roads 132, 133 and 134 and the vacation of a portion of County Road 134 to Lima Township to be held at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Apr. 12 in Lima Township, 7933 64th St. NE, Remer.

   The next meeting are as follows: Commissioner’s board meeting 9 a.m. Tuesday, Mar.15 at the Land Department meeting room in Backus; AMC Leadership Summit, beginning at Noon, Wednesday, Mar. 30 through Friday, Apr. 1 at Grand View Lodge, Nisswa and commissioner’s board meeting 9 a.m. Tuesday, Apr. 5 at the boardroom in the courthouse annex in Walker.