by April Scheinoha
Reporter

Pennington County Crime Victim Services stands with victims as they go through the court process and move forward after being victimized. Operating through the Pennington County Attorney’s Office, Crime Victim Services is again seeking grant funding for its work.

At its meeting Tuesday, March 14, the Pennington County Board approved seeking $87,000 in state and federal grants for the Oct. 1, 2023, through Sept. 30, 2024, funding year. The grant application is due in April.

Crime Victim Services provides assistance with the criminal justice system; personally advocates for victims; provides safety and emotional support; and provides information and referrals.

Tami Pautzke works in Crime Victim Services, which served 432 victims in 2021 and 2022. Most of those victims – 128 – were the victims of thefts and financial crimes. Other notable categories included domestic or family violence victims (101), stalking/harassment victims (42) and burglary victims (42).

Pautzke indicated there was an increase in burglary cases, which tend to leave more than one victim since burglars will often target multiple properties.

Pautzke also served 20 survivors of homicide victims in 2021 and 2022. Those individuals included those affected by the murder of Lissette Reinbold and unrelated fatal drug overdoses.

Sexual assault cases are also under the purview of Crime Victim Services; however, Pautzke said she refers many of those cases to Violence Intervention Project, which has advocates who are trained to assist individuals who have suffered from a sexual assault.

Pautzke informed commissioners that she is seeking $87,000 in grant funding. Of that amount, $85,000 would be a federal grant while the remainder would be a state grant. The majority of the funding will cover Pautzke’s salary and benefits while another substantial portion, $11,000, is expected to cover direct client assistance. That assistance includes such things as Visa cards or gas cards to provide emergency transportation or personal items for crime victims. Office and program expenses, training and contract services make up the remainder of the budget.

Commissioners authorized staff to execute documents related to additional settlement agreements with opioid distributors and manufacturers. So far, the county has received $138,418.27 in opioid settlement money from the state.

Commissioner Bruce Lawrence sits on the county’s opioid settlement committee. He said the committee hasn’t yet allocated any money, but it has met with the Thief River Falls School District and plans to focus on prevention efforts at the middle school and high school levels. The committee hopes that Sanford Health or another provider will offer such services on the county’s behalf.

County Coordinator Kevin Erickson provided an update on the remodeling project occurring on the third floor of the Government Center. He said walls were removed and revealed some venting and plumbing that conflicted with some architectural plans. Those plans were expected to be changed. As of a March 6 construction meeting, Erickson said that plumbing and electrical work was about to begin.

The third floor is being gutted and remodeled to house the Pennington County Human Services Department, which is currently spread out between its building on Knight Avenue and some offices on the second floor of the Government Center.

County Board scheduled the public hearing for the Five-Year Road and Bridge Plan. The public hearing will be held Tuesday, April 25 at 9 a.m. at the Justice Center.

Resident Jared Schaefer appeared before commissioners to seek permission to hunt on county-owned land in Sanders Township. Schaefer would like to bow hunt in a gravel pit. Commissioners took the request under advisement.

Several times over the past few years, the county has been asked whether it would allow people to hunt on county-owned property. “We will come up with a policy here before spring – whenever that will be,” said Chairperson Neil Peterson, who noted commissioners were concerned about liability issues.

The next County Board meeting is scheduled Tuesday, March 28 at 10 a.m. at the Justice Center.