Morrison County honors dispatchers and deputies after Amber Alert arrest; sheriff reports steady jail counts

Sheriff Sean Larson and the Board of Commissioners on Aug. 26 recognized dispatchers and deputies who assisted with a Nov. 1 Amber Alert and subsequent high-risk traffic stop that led to the arrest of a suspect, the safe recovery of a pregnant woman and her four children, and the discovery of multiple weapons in the vehicle. Larson said dispatchers Peggy and Heather Ray and responding officers including Trooper Matt Anderson and Deputy Jordan Geisty (awarded by the county) relayed information from residents, coordinated with multiple agencies and helped take the suspect into custody without incident. "They're kind of our lifeline. They're the eyes and ears for us," Larson said while presenting certificates of appreciation. "If it wasn't for them, this could have gone sideways fast." The board presented certificates to the two dispatchers and to Deputy Geisty and named Geisty the county27s second-quarter Employee of Excellence. Sheriff27s report: Larson told commissioners Morrison County averaged 17 inmates in July, Beltrami County averaged 18 under a jailing contract that began April 1, 2025, and the combined population averaged 36. Revenue from outside inmates for the month totaled $34,935, he said. Larson said the county will continue to seek contracts with other counties as Beltrami builds a new jail. Mental-health outreach: Commissioners and the administrator noted recent sheriff social-media posts about suicide prevention; the board plans additional outreach during National Suicide Prevention Month in September, including lighting the government center in purple and a Health & Human Services presentation in upcoming weeks. No board action was required; awards and reports were presented for recognition and information.