Sheriff says he'll focus on county, despite requests to cover reservation

At the regular county commission meeting on Tuesday, May 3, Eddy County Sheriff Paul Lies discussed his talks with local law enforcement agencies and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) regarding expectations for a recently signed deputation agreement.

“The tribe is really open to having us working the reservation right now,” said Sheriff Lies. He noted the BIA currently has just three people to enforce laws on the entire Spirit Lake Reservation.

However, Lies told commissioners that, while the Eddy County Sheriff’s Department will continue to patrol tribal land that coincides with Eddy County, they won’t enter tribal land elsewhere unless requested.

“They obviously need help and we’re willing to help them, but actively going up and working on the reservation, instead of our own areas, is not something we’re quite comfortable with doing right now,” said Lies.

Also discussed was a renewed effort to help missing and exploited Indigenous people.

Lies explained that, currently, the BIA doesn’t enter runaways or missing kids into the state system, meaning no other law enforcement agency will know when an indigenous person is reported missing.

“That’s one of the things that came out in this discussion that they need to change,” recalled Lies. “Because we could run into people and not even know that they’re missing.”

Afterwards, Lies also told commissioners he’s ordered a new Ford Interceptor to replace one of their older Dodge Chargers.

Sheriff Lies explained that the vehicle, a crossover SUV, should help deputies avoid issues caused by the low profile of their Chargers.

“They can’t get around in the winter time, and they're so low to the ground we’ve had to replace two oil pans already,” said Lies. “One of them, ... at that dip by the Eagles, was going a little too fast trying to catch up to a car, and he hit that dip and tore the oil pan right off.”

The new interceptor will replace one of the department’s older Dodge Chargers, which has had multiple issues according to Lies.

Lies added that an Interceptor the department already owns has more than 100,000 miles on it, but is still in good shape.

“We haven’t had a single issue with the darn thing,” he told commissioners.

Lies went on to give commissioners a rundown of the department’s recent activities, which included training, having K-9 units from Benson County search the NR-S Public School, and a drug bust that led to the seizure of “four or five bags of marijuana.”

Kris and Doug Skadberg were once again in attendance at the county commission meeting, asking for an update on culverts at the Oak Creek crossing.

Eddy County State’s Attorney Ashley Lies reported that some misunderstandings between Apex Engineering Group, Inc. and Interstate Engineering, Inc. have been clarified, but that a disagreement regarding what size culverts are necessary at the Oak Creek crossing still persists.

She added that there are two paths the county and Interstate Engineering can take moving forward.

“The issue that we’re dealing with now is what size culverts will meet that water passage, and that’s where Intersate is saying they don’t agree with Apex’s determination,” said Lies. “... So either Interstate can work with Apex and discuss and modify this, or Interstate can make their own technical memorandum.”

Commissioner Neal Rud said, “Well I think [Interstate] should talk to Apex, see where they’re at and go from there. That’d be the first step.”

After a brief discussion, Lies said she would continue talks with Interstate Engineering with the intention of answering any questions before the county commissioners’ next meeting in June.

Next, Road Superintendent Todd Weber discussed the expiring Challenger tractor lease with commissioners, and it was decided to purchase the tractor once the lease expires on June 1.

“We had a good thing going with the lease, and maybe that’ll happen again, but right now the best thing is just to buy this so we have it,” said Commissioner Rud, “and we’ll get through this fall and ... see what comes.”

Weber also discussed rising prices, and that he may do less graveling on county roads this summer to offset the rising price of fuel and other expenses. Raising rates for townships was also discussed, and a motion was carried to even the rates for snow removal and road maintenance.

Previously, the rate was $65 per hour for snow removal and $70 per hour for road maintenance. Following the motion, both rates are now at $70 per hour.

Before adjourning, commissioners also selected Interstate Engineering, Inc. to perform the preliminary and design engineering for the rehabilitation of the Munster Bridge.

Commissioners also awarded a contract to Border States Paving, Inc. to do overlay and chip sealing of the Lake Washing Road. Border States Paving submitted the low bid at $753,843.24. Selected to do pavement marking on the road was J&J Striping, whose bid of $44,791.40 was the only bid submitted for the work.

Commissioners approved a local raffle permit for Circle Trail Riders, as well as a Fairgrounds Lease Agreement for Roger Duda.

Election Board wages were also updated, commissioners accepted a funding agreement for Clerk of District Court Services, as well as a request from the North Central Planning Council for $2,000 to support the Devils Lake Small Business Development Center.

Finally, the commissioners discussed wages for courthouse staff, and agreed to increase the cost of living adjustment from 5.9 to 7.5 percent in an effort to “take care of” and retain staff at the Eddy County Courthouse.

The next county commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 7 at 8:30 a.m. in the courthouse.