Criminal Justice Coordinating Council — Minutes

Minutes of the June 10, 2026 Meeting of the Sawyer County Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee of the Sawyer County Board of Supervisors Board Room; Sawyer County Voting Committee Members Present: Others Present: 1. Julia Lyons Liz Klein 2. Judge Elaine Smith Becky Barry- Virtual 3. Dave Dixon Aura Lea Carrell 4. Mike Markgren Kristi Kare 5. Mike Woller- Excused Sari Torstenson 6. Lorraine Gouge Kim Lambert 7. Doug Mrotek 8. Bruce Poquette 9. Katie Belanger- Virtual 10. Judge John Yackel- Absent 11. Marc Helwig 12. Judge Monica Isham 13. Marshal Savitski 14. Kathy McCoy 15. Bill Trepanier 16. Amanda Lokker- Absent Call to Order—Chair Lyons called the meeting to order at 12:02 pm. Certification of Compliance with the open meeting law was met. Roll Call was taken. Quorum was met. Meeting Agenda – Truancy & Diversion Lookback Report tabled to July Public Comments – None Community Presenter- Aura Lea Carrell spoke to the committee about grant-funded jail programs offered by Northwood Tech. Ms. Carrell works with inmates 10 hours a week on academics including GEDs, writing and math foundations for trade programs, financial literacy, employability, and computer skills leading to post-secondary education and jobs. In the past year, 18 of 40 participants completed GEDs; statewide, this program reduced recidivism by 47%. Ms. Carrell noted that the Sawyer County Jail staff are caring and supportive. Minutes from the previous meeting dated: May 13, 2026 Motion to approve made by: Mr. Savitski Second by: Mr. Helwig Motion carried without negative vote. CJCC Executive Committee Report— The Executive Committee met on May 26 and is working on a revision of the Bylaws to bring to the committee in July or August. Jail Report-- Chief Deyo reviewed a written jail report for May with arrest data by race and gender. There was an average of 51 inmates incarcerated with a 62% unemployment rate at the time of booking, 0 on electronic monitoring. Sheriff Mrotek observed that the decline in the jail population rate is tied to the decline in the unemployment rate and that local businesses seem open to hiring former inmates. Ms. McCoy discussed partnering with organizations like the Builders’ Association to provide jobs. Ms. Belanger stated that DOC has an employment director, Ben Natzke, who pursues job leads for inmates. Justice Point— Ms. Barry updated the committee on Justice Point. There were 114 active Pretrial clients, 10 Diversion clients, and 4 Treatment Court clients in May. Deflection is focused on community outreach with events and programs aimed at creating a stronger bond between law enforcement and citizens. Deflection received a $200 donation from First Lutheran Church toward programs. The TAD Grant request amount was revised to the maximum request. A Professional Visitor appreciation lunch will be offered at Shue’s Pont from 1-4PM June 11. Five staff members are attending AllRISE in Nashville in July. A list of jail programs was provided. HHS— Written reports were provided. The Truancy & Diversion Lookback report will be presented in July. The department is ready to start connecting on CCS and Recovery Court to build a wraparound MAT program at the jail. Judges Isham and Smith thanked the Truancy & Diversion team for their work and stated that most of their truancy cases were dismissed at the end of the school year. LCO had the largest-ever graduating class this year. Community Services Updates- Mr. Dixon reported that Timber Bay has had a successful first year and may soon outgrow the building on Main Street. They continue to offer summer programs with lots of volunteers and good participation. A focus on outdoor trust-building activities such as Boundary Waters canoe trips and a Sea Cave kayak trip keep the youth involved and inspired to follow a good path. Ms. McCoy reported on the summer reading program at Weiss Library and a Celebrate the Library event this Saturday. Outside Committee Reports – None Correspondence, reports from conferences and meetings – None Future Agenda Items – Diversion Lookback Meeting adjourned at 1:05 pm Next Meeting: July 8, 2026 Time: 12:00 pm Location: Board Room Minutes recorded by Liz Klein, County Clerk