Sheriff's office reports uptick in calls, zero fatalities for year and steady jail population

A lieutenant presenting the sheriff's patrol report told the public-safety committee that call volume rose to 859 during the reporting period, following recent months of 723 and 714, and the county recorded 24 crashes (five with injury) and zero fatalities so far this year.

"You can see our call volume has increased from last month's report to 8 59," the lieutenant reported, adding the department issued 27 traffic citations, 13 DNR citations and 42 written warnings during the period. He also noted deputies' participation in community events and work with school districts on traffic and safety plans ahead of the school year.

On the jail report, staff said the average daily population in July was 69 (56 males and 13 females). The jail reported 40 probation incarcerations and 22 pre-sentence incarcerations with seven sentenced inmates; two people were on electronic monitoring at the time of the report. Staffing shortages have affected prior years' expenses, and filling positions is projected as part of the 2027 budget planning.

Committee members asked for clarification on DNR citations, and staff said some were UTV/ATV-related and potential boating violations. No formal actions were taken at the meeting on patrol or jail items.