June 2026 Newsletter (Volume 12, Issue 6)

June 2026 Newsletter (Volume 12, Issue 6)

Headlines are provided below. Click to read each story in the newsletter.

Note from Sheriff Torgerson

This month we have more comings and goings. The clock doesn't stop ticking, so as the saying goes, live each day to its fullest, cherish your family, friendships, and the moments that matter to you most.  

This is one of the hardest notes I've had to write in eleven-plus years in this role. As you can see in this issue, we are losing a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge with the retirement of Detention Deputy Katie Refsland.  

But now this…Executive Support Specialist Laura Collins retired on May 29th. Laura began her career with Olmsted County twenty-nine years ago on August 8, 1997. She was hired by then-Sheriff Steve Borchardt to replace Joan Hall, another long-time Sheriff's Office executive support staff member. The position she held all these years is very key to the behind-the-scenes workings of our office. Laura has filled that role expertly. For me personally, she has been a confidant, a resource for many questions, procedural insight, and just plain good advice. Any successful organization has a Laura; we’ve been blessed with the genuine article.  As we do in our profession, we move on quickly because our communities expect us to be of service and ready 24/7. Even though her position was not a night, weekend, or holiday position, her presence and support were always felt.  But, with Laura leaving, this will take some work to fill, and as they say, she is leaving big shoes to fill.  

We will all miss you, Laura. We give you our best wishes in all that you do in retirement.  

Welcome to the Team, Molly!

Deputy Sheriff Rian Jones

We are thrilled to officially introduce the newest member of our organization, Molly, our dedicated Wellness K9! Molly is a specially trained comfort dog joining us to support the mental health, morale, and overall well-being of our entire agency.  Molly was rescued from Paws and Claws in Rochester.  We partnered with     Soldier’s Six, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Minnesota. Soldier’s Six provides honorably discharged veterans, police officers, firefighters, paramedics,      correctional officers, and 911 dispatchers with specially trained K-9's. These special dogs will become their Battle Buddy and help guide them through the difficult days in life.  Molly received her certification as a crisis K9 in April and is dedicated member of the wellness team.  Molly and her team (Deputy Jones, Thompson, and Kassel) met with Greg (Soldier’s Six trainer) weekly working toward our certification.

Molly's Mission

• Reduce Stress: Providing a calming presence during high-pressure days.
• Boost Morale: Bringing joy and companionship to our workspaces.
• Support Wellness: Offering emotional comfort after difficult incidents.
• Build Connection: Serving as a friendly bridge between divisions.

Where to Find Her

• Daily Rounds: Molly will visit various departments throughout the week.
• De-stress Sessions: Bop on by for some Molly time second floor screening station.
  Guidelines for Interaction

To keep Molly focused, and effective, please follow these simple rules:

• Respect Boundaries: Let her handler know if you have allergies or dog anxieties.
• Think ahead: Plan early for availability if you have events you would like to have Molly attend.

Olmsted resource: Molly is for us!! We’re holding on tight for now keeping her available for employees.

Please join us in giving Molly and her handlers a warm, enthusiastic welcome!

Detention Deputy Refsland has retired

Captain Dave Adams

After 21 years of dedicated service, Katie Refsland retired from the 
Sheriff’s Office Adult Detention division on Sunday, March 17th.  Katie joined our office in 2005 coming from Stearns County where she started her career in the corrections field.  Katie served our office well, not only 
in a detention deputy capacity but in multiple specialized areas as well.  She served as a Field Training Officer, mentoring and training newly hired correctional staff as they began their careers in corrections. She was also a member of the Crisis Intervention and Peer Support Teams, providing support and assistance to citizens, detainees, and staff during times of stress or crisis. In addition, she worked as a Work Release Deputy, supervising detainees participating in approved work and treatment release programs and was responsible for processing firearm permit renewals.  

While this chapter in Katie’s life has ended, a new and exciting one is only beginning.  This new 
adventure will allow her to learn new skills (in the medical field) and the opportunity to support her 
parents in their next stages of life.  

We wish Katie well … her positive and caring nature will be missed. 

Staff Longevity Recognition 2026

Congratulations and thank you to our staff recognized for years of service with Olmsted County this year:

Monthly Snapshot: 2026 Security/Screening Activity Summary

As we approach the midpoint of 2026, we reviewed activity at the Government Center security screening station and compared it to the same period in 2025. We have seen a slight increase in the number of people screened this year. At the same time, the number of bags screened has declined compared to last year. Additionally, the number of contraband items seized during the screening process has decreased by approximately 25 percent. We hope this downward trend continues as visitors become more familiar with the rules regarding items permitted inside the Government Center and Courthouse.

Dates of Interest

June 1

Oronoco Township Meeting

Pleasant Grove Township Meeting

Quincy Township Meeting

Rochester City Council Meeting

June 2

Elmira Township Meeting

High Forest Township Meeting

Olmsted County Board Meeting

June 3

Salem Township Meeting

June 4

Dover City Council Meeting

June 8

Cascade Township Meeting

Chatfield City Council Meeting

Orion Township Meeting

Rock Dell Township Meeting

June 9

Byron City Council Meeting

Marion Township Meeting

New Haven Township Meeting

Stewartville City Council Meeting

June 11

Eyota City Council Meeting

Rochester Township Meeting

June 15

Eyota Township Meeting

Kalmar Township Meeting

Oronoco City Council Meeting

Rochester City Council Meeting

June 16

Farmington Township Meeting

Olmsted County Board Meeting

Pine Island City Council Meeting

June 17

Haverhill Township Meeting

June 18

Special Olympics Torch Run

June 22

Chatfield City Council Meeting

Viola Township Meeting

June 23

Stewartville City Council Meeting

Storm Spotter Training

June 25

Eyota City Council Meeting

Olmsted County Fire Meeting

Olmsted County Township Association Meeting

June 29

Dover Township Meeting

Senior Administration

Sheriff

Kevin Torgerson

Chief Deputy - LEC

James Schueller 

Captains

Jon Jacobson

Kelly Lee

Ryan Mangan

Tim Parkin

Chris Wallace
 

Executive Assistant

Laura Collins

Director - ADC

Samantha Reps

Captains

David Adams

Andy Danielson

Luke Wrubel