News Story

Sheriff’s Office Deputy Recognized as ‘Officer of the Year’

Anoka County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Tanner Shipman was recently recognized by the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association as its officer of the year, for the heroic actions he performed while off duty at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota last year. Shipman aided a South Dakota state trooper, who was being shot at by a suspect. Shipman retrieved a family member’s handgun and helped the trooper, who had fallen to the ground. The suspect got into the trooper’s vehicle, and a shootout ensued. The suspect was injured, and Shipman provided medical care. The suspect was then taken into custody, and later pled guilty to charges related to the incident. Shipman has worked for the Sheriff’s Office for 18 years. The board commended him on his bravery and congratulated him on receiving the Officer of the Year Award. To watch the video on this item, click HERE. 

Anoka County Fair is July 23-28

Mike Gamache, chair, Anoka County Board of Commissioners, noted the Anoka County Fair will run July 23 to 28 this year. Mike Ahlers, president of the Anoka County Fair, and Michaela Liebl, Anoka County Fair manager, talked to the board about this year’s events. Commissioner Julie Jeppson noted on Senior Day, Wednesday, July 24, there will be a Momentum Refresh trailer available to visitors, which was funded by an Anoka County Statewide Health Improvement Program grant. The trailers are clean, safe, and comfortable adaptive restrooms designed for individuals (and their caregivers) who struggle with or are unable to use standard public restrooms. For more information about the Anoka County Fair, click HERE. For more information about Momentum Refresh trailers, click HERE. To watch the video on this item, click HERE. 

Bridge Over Seelye Brook to be Replaced 

The board adopted a resolution authorizing Anoka County to enter into a contract with MnDOT for the replacement of the Highway 28 bridge over Seelye Brook, in Saint Francis. Construction is scheduled to occur in fall of this year. For more information on this item, click HERE. 

Several Trucks Purchased for County Use

The board authorized the county engineer to place an order for three tandem-axel plow trucks, two sign trucks, two foreman trucks, one parks truck and one John Deere tractor. These vehicles are part of the Highway Department’s fleet replacement program. For more information on this item, click HERE. 

Resolution Adopted Regarding Veterans Death Certificates

The board adopted a resolution of support and a request for action to enact a policy authorizing medical examiners/coroners to issue death certificates and seek reimbursement from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for the issuance of these certificates. For more information, click HERE. To watch the video on this item, click HERE. 

Grant Awarded for Replacement of Forensic Laboratory Equipment

The Midwest Regional Laboratory applied for and will receive a grant of $71,388 to replace its 14-year-old GC-FID instrument within the lab’s toxicology section. This new instrument is more sensitive than the lab’s current equipment and is able to detect samples at lower concentrations. For more information on this item, click HERE. 

County Moving Forward with New Jail

The board adopted a resolution to move forward with the new Anoka County Jail facilities. The proposed site of the new jail is between Third and Fourth avenues in Anoka. For more information on this item, click HERE. To watch the video, click HERE. 

To watch the full board meeting, click HERE.