Posted: 6/19/07
Chief Deputy Yeiter: ëOfficer is needed to fight drug problemí
By Charlie Warner
Argus News Editor
The use of illegal drugs is the most serious problem the Houston County Sheriffís Department faces, and Chief Deputy Scott Yeiter wants to do something about it.
While addressing the Houston County Board of Commissioners on June 12, Yeiter stated drug use in area schools has become a very serious problem.
"This is the single-biggest issue facing our department right now. We need to do something before it gets any worse," Yeiter said.
Yeiter asked for board approval to apply for a COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) grant to pay for a full-time officer, whose main objective would be to curb illegal drug use in the county.
The COPS grant is a two-year program that would pay an officerís salary, car, mileage, and other expenses involved in combating drugs. Many cities and counties in Minnesota have received funding through the program. When Yeiter was part of the La Crescent Police Department, he helped secure a COPS grant for that city.
"Itís not just the drug use, but also all the spin-off activities, like church, house, or cabin break-ins to get money to pay for these drugs," Yeiter continued. "Itís the assaults and fights.
"Weíve got kids as young as 13 years old using meth," the chief deputy added. "Theyíre making cherry-flavored meth. Itís a terrible situation, and itís going to continue to worsen, unless we do something about it now."
Yeiter explained the COPS grant is a one-shot deal, and would pay for a full-time officer for two years.
"Down the road, weíd like to have this person come on board and continue serving as a drug enforcement officer after the two years is up," Yeiter said. "Weíre really short one officer since Kurt (Security Officer/Emergency Services Director Kurt Kuhlers) has been spending so much more time with emergency management planning."
Commissioner Larry Connery asked Yeiter how another man would impact his budget. Yeiter replied he would have a better idea concerning his budget at the end of June.
"Ultimately, I would like to have the county board say ëhire someone and then apply for the grant,í" Yeiter said. "We need to fund this regardless if we get the grant or not."
Commissioner Dave Corcoran made a motion to give Yeiter permission to apply for the COPS grant. The motion was seconded by Connery and unanimously approved.
Swedberg request approved
Lt. Brian Swedberg of the Houston County Sheriffís Department was given board approval to attend the 10-week FBI training school at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
The board had denied Swedbergís original request in May when he asked to remain on active duty during the 10-week training and receive his full salary.
Commissioners noted they had approved training sessions up to two weeks for county employees, but felt granting Swedbergís request for the 10-week training would set a precedent.
At the June 12 board meeting, Swedberg said he discussed the matter with Sheriff Doug Ely and has decided to use his comp and vacation time, which would cover all but two of the weeks. He then asked if the board would be willing to pay for those two weeks. He added he missed the deadline to sign up for the fall training session, but would be applying for the spring training session in 2008.
"That would give me more time to build up my comp and vacation time and Sheriff Ely more time to line up personnel to fill in for me when Iím gone," Swedberg explained.
Swedberg was one of just three peace officers in the state selected to attend a 10-week training scheduled for this fall.
Swedberg had been nominated to the selection committee four years ago when Mike Lee served as county sheriff. According to Swedberg, the selection committee reviews many applications each year, and most applicants are not selected the first year they apply. Only one-half of one percent of the persons who apply for the school are accepted.
A total of 250 peace officers world-wide will be attending the school, which is different from classes taken by persons wishing to become FBI agents.
The costs involved in attending the school would be covered by the FBI, including transportation, lodging, food, and all education supplies.
Boat grant application
Yeiter also informed the board he had applied for a $47,000 federal grant to be used to purchase a new patrol boat. The current boat has mechanical problems, and according to Yeiter, is a "family boat," and not a commercial-grade patrol boat.
The grant does not require matching dollars. The purchase of a new fully-outfitted commercial-grade patrol boat, would be 100 percent funded through the grant.
Olson promoted
Mark Olson was promoted from jailer/dispatcher to lead jailer/dispatcher. The request had been made at the June 5 board meeting by Personnel Director Tim Comstock and Sheriff Doug Ely. The promotion will take effect in July when the change in responsibilities can be incorporated into the work schedules.
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