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Greetings! We hope our newsletter serves as a resource for
staying connected to Hennepin County activities and staying updated on county
news and services.
As always, please reach out with questions, comments, or to
learn more about how to get involved.
My best,
 Lindsay Arf celebrates her graduation from Drug Court in the county board room.
During a commencement ceremony in late March, Hennepin County Drug Court recognized graduates who overcame addiction and abstained from repeating the behaviors that brought them to court. “Drug Court really surrounded me with the love and care and acceptance of what was going on in my life,” said Lindsay Arf, drug court graduate. “I really mean this when I’m saying I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for Drug Court.”
Drug Court aims to increase public safety by quickly identifying and intervening to break the cycle of chemical dependency and crime. The voluntary program works with nonviolent adult offenders who are chemically dependent.
The court includes professionals from Hennepin County Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation, Hennepin County Health and Human Services, Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, Hennepin County Public Defender’s Office, Minneapolis Police Department, Fourth Judicial District Court, Hennepin County Medical Center, area treatment providers, and local partners.
Read Star Tribune coverage here: http://strib.mn/2CBn3LA
The board accepted funds from the Clean Water Legacy Fund to improve the water quality of Rush Creek and downstream waters, including Elm Creek and the Mississippi River.
Rush Creek flows through Corcoran and parts of Rogers, Medina and Maple Grove before merging with Elm Creek. In Dayton, Elm Creek flows into the Mississippi River. The state classifies both Rush and Elm creeks as impaired waters that do not meet water quality standards.
The county and the Elm Creek Watershed Management Commission will work with willing landowners on projects in key locations that will prevent pollutants from reaching Rush Creek.
This project is part of an effort to lessen the burden on local taxpayers; the county has prioritized projects where it can partner with other organizations to better compete for grant funding.
Read the full board action.
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Robert Allen
Chief of Staff to Hennepin County Sheriff Dave Hutchinson
Lynnhurst, Minneapolis
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Describe your work.
My job is to oversee the aspects of the sheriff’s office that are related to the sheriff’s initiatives, scheduling, working with other government entities, and internal and external communications.
What do you find most enjoyable?
I really enjoy working for a sheriff who is deeply committed to the public safety of all of the people in Hennepin County, and who cares deeply about the well-being of his employees and volunteers. I have to schedule extra time between meetings because Sheriff Hutchinson will never walk by an employee without greeting them and finding out how they are doing.
What part of your job do you find most challenging?
HCSO is an incredibly complex operation for a public safety agency, involving a wide array of duties. In addition to providing patrol and investigative services to one of the most populous counties in the United States, we run the largest jail in Minnesota, our agency is responsible for enforcing the orders of the courts in one of the busiest judicial districts in the country, we have jurisdiction for all bodies of water in the county (including investigation of drownings at pools and bathtubs), and we provide support to many of the dozens of police agencies in the county.
What is one thing everyone should know about the work you do?
While the sheriff is an elected official and changes from time to time, bringing in a few people to serve in administrative roles, the vast majority of the agency is staffed by professionals who continue to serve the citizens with incredible dedication and professionalism regardless of what happens in the election. In 30 years of law enforcement experience, I have worked with agencies internationally and in the United States I have seen very few agencies that operate with the level of service that Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office does.
You're invited. In addition to our regularly scheduled board meetings, the County Board often meets for updates on Thursday mornings. These are informal opportunities to discuss emerging issues. No decisions are made, and topics are subject to change. Board briefings occur in the board room on the 24th floor of the Hennepin County Government Center and are open to the public. Call my office to confirm briefing time and location.
Thursday, April 23
- 10:30am-11:30am: County Home School
Thursday, April 25
- 9:00am-10:00am Ordinance 21 (Retail Tobacco Sales)
- 1:00pm-3:00pm Shelter Revisioning
County will activate sirens during Severe Weather Awareness Week
As part of a statewide tornado drill, the county will activate outdoor warning sirens on Thursday, April 11, at 1:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. The drills are part of Minnesota Severe Weather Awareness Week, April 8-12. This week serves as a reminder to create, update and practice emergency plans.
Celebrate Earth Day by joining the Earth Action Challenge
This year, to celebrate Earth Day (coming up on Monday, April 22), Hennepin County invites you to participate in the Earth Action Challenge. Every day in the week leading up to Earth Day, we’ll focus on an action that you can take to protect the environment and we'll connect you with resources to help you take that action.
Step to it with your community this May
Build healthy habits this spring and compete to win prizes, including Minnesota Twins tickets. Join the Step to it challenge on behalf of your community, school, workplace or group home. The challenge is of no cost to participants. Track a variety of activities, such as cycling, dancing, yardwork and yoga. Find out more at steptoit.org.
Contact us
Marion Greene
Commissioner, 3rd District
612-348-7883
Elie Farhat
Principal Aide
612-348-7125
Laura Hoffman
District Aide
612-348-0863
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