Human Services Director Search Update

Rich Kammerud's retirement after decades of public service has left Polk County with an opening for a new Human Services Department director.  On Tuesday, May 12, an ad hoc search committee consisting of Andrea Jerrick, Rich Kammerud and myself will recommend an interim director to the full Human Services Committee.  The interim Human Services Director will serve only until a permanent replacement is found.

Interested candidates should submit their name and resume to Andrea Jerrick at Polk County Employee Relations, (715) 485-9270.

Charges Against Deputy Arling Olson Dismissed

The tortured history of felony charges against Polk County Deputy Arling Olson has finally come to a close.  St. Croix County Circuit Judge Eric Lundell decided that there was no evidence presented at the probable cause hearing in February and March of this year that would support a conclusion that Olson had done anything wrong.  

Consequently, Judge Lundell ordered the case against Olson dismissed.

Reading the court's order, one has to wonder what the prosecution was thinking.   This case was beyond thin; it was non-existent.   

Here's an excerpt from Judge Lundell's Order that will give you an idea of what the judge thought of the government's case against Deputy Olson:

While it is uncertain exactly when Olson learned about the existence of the videotape, it is crystal clear that he was unaware of it at the tiem it was recorded and had nothing to do with the recording.  Olson testified truthfully in this regard at Johnson's sentencing hearing and was candid and honest at all times with Agent Pulver in the course of the federal investigation.  The State's interpretation of the chain of custody evidence and its importance to Olson's veracity hinges on semantics and is unpersuasive and lacking in plausibility.  While Olson was adamant in his denial of wrongdoing and always has been, neither Sheriff Moore nor Deputy Joy denied making the recording.  They simply told Agent Sogla that they "didn't remember."  As to Olson's statements in the investigation, Agent Sogla aptly summarized this entire case by conceding that "nothing Arling Olson did obstructed [his] investigation."  There can be no other conclusion at this time."

Thankfully, Deputy Olson can put this behind him.  We wish him well.  It is truly unfortunate that he was forced to defend himself against serious charges when there never was anything to them.