County Commission: Technology proves helpful for law enforcement

Eddy County Sheriff Paul Lies reported to the Eddy County Commission that he and his deputies have seen the benefits of using technology and social media in their day to day tasks. This extends well beyond the humorous and informative posts we have come to see and expect from the department's Facebook page.

Sheriff Lies explained how the new computers in squad cars can retrieve extensive information from just the entry of a license plate number. This includes the presumed driver's status, outstanding warrants and with just a few extra steps, a photograph. He explained how this allows law enforcement to check any suspicious vehicles moving through or sitting idly in town with incredible ease. In terms of social media, the Sheriff's Department has found Facebook useful in crime prevention and detection. Facebook posts have alerted them to illegal activities, documented the sale (or attempted sale) of stolen goods and also helped them in identifying individuals.

Other technologies often associated with big city law enforcement, such as dash-cams, body-cams, and audio recording equipment have also made their way into the Eddy County Sheriff's Department. Deputy Ward Hilger spent a few minutes with Transcript staff and explained how the computer and database technology help create efficiencies every day. Also docked within the squad cars are scanners and printers that make issuing tickets a smooth process.

Commissioner Dave Gehrtz reported on a meeting and tour he attended at the Lake Region Law Enforcement Center, noting a fair turn around in operations. Currently the facility is holding about 70 inmates, a number that is quite close to their break even point of 76.

The legal process just got easier for those navigating small claims or family courts. County Recorder and Clerk of Court Patty Hilbert shared an online resource available to the public via the North Dakota Court System Legal Self Help Center. The website serves as a general guide to the court process, but is not a substitute for legal advice. The self help website has answers to questions residents may have about court processes, court rules, and legal terms and provides available forms and step-by-step instructions. Residents can also access forms necessary to start a small claims court action, district court civil action, power of attorney, guardianship, eviction, name change, adoption, divorce and much more. More information is available at https://www.ndcourts.gov/legal-self-help.

Access Elevator and Lifts, the company responsible for building and installing a custom elevator in the courthouse, seems to be dragging their feet. Company representatives had stated they would begin installation in mid-November, but have yet to reply to one of County Auditor Patty William's persistent emails. The commission paid the company 75% of the total project in April. Pursuing the project in the middle of winter will pose heat loss challenges for the building. The commission will ask representatives from Access Elevator and Lifts to come to the next meeting.

State's Attorney Ashley Lies reported that from a legal standpoint the Mill Pump property is ready to sell. The commissioners will discuss the details at the next meeting.

Superintendent of Roads Todd Weber said, "We lucked out," when referring to the recent storm that offered little more than high winds and a dusting of snow. Even in the eastern portion of the county, road conditions remained good. A quick update on equipment lead to a discussion regarding abnormal wear patterns on the tires of the plow truck. Weber is also finishing the process of submitting disaster relief documentation for the recent storm damage to County Road 1, County Road 6 and County Road 3.

Contractor Randy Lindermann reported to the commission regarding the Hamar Shop. His first suggestion was to use a light gray steel for the building’s interior walls. He also added that the commission may want to consider an upgrade to the lighting. The commission agreed LED lighting would be beneficial and will contact an electrician for a quote. Lindermann said he doesn’t expect to get started on the project until late January or early February.

Commissioner Dave Gehrtz reported on a Nov. 27 conference call held with North Dakota National Guard representatives from Camp Grafton South. Major Jay Sheldon provided follow up notes in which Major General Alan Dohrmann stated the NDNG is looking to purchase 6,000 additional acres and 250 acres where the range complex is located. The NDNG staff have made contact to this point with 11 of 17 landowners south of N.D. Hwy. 15m and have arranged follow-up meetings with six of them. Dohrmann noted that the NDNG is committed to keeping as much of the land as possible in agricultural production. Currently 95% of the nearly 9,000 acres at Camp Grafton South are used to graze cattle or produce hay.

In new business, the commission approved a gaming application submitted by Rick Swenson on behalf of the New Rockford Lions Club.

The precincts, polling places, and polling hours for the 2020 election year are set. There will be two precincts: Precinct 1- City of New Rockford and Precinct 2- Rural Eddy County (which includes all townships and the City of Sheyenne.) The polling location for both precincts will be the Brown Memorial in downtown New Rockford. Voting hours will run from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. This year commissioners took into consideration many public comments stating a preference to open the polls earlier.

A new chairperson has been elected for 2020. Commissioner Dave Gehrtz will serve as the new chairperson. Commissioner Neal Rud accepted the position of vice-chairperson.

The next meeting will be Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 8:30 a.m. in the Eddy County Courthouse meeting room.