Polk County Sheriff's Office/Emergency Management

06/05/2026

Did someone say donuts? 🍩👮

Happy National Donut Day! 🎉🎉
Did you know the connection between law enforcement and donuts dates back decades? Many donut shops were among the few businesses open late at night, making them a convenient stop for folks working overnight shifts. Officers could grab a cup of coffee and complete paperwork while on patrol. Those delicious fried rings of happiness have kept us going for generations!
Today, we celebrate donuts — or power rings 🍩 as we like to call them. 🫶🏼 Chief Deputy Mike Norland and a few of our team started the day off right with some yummy treats. What a great way to start to another beautiful Polk County weekend!

06/04/2026

Please take a moment to view the message from Polk County Public Health below.

We’re planning for a safer, more walkable and bikeable future in Polk County — and we’d love your input! 🚶🚲

Whether you walk, bike, roll, drive, or simply care about safer streets and better connections in our community, your feedback can help guide future improvements.

Take a few minutes to complete the Active Transportation Plan survey and tell us what matters most to you.

👉 https://forms.office.com/g/Q7biLcXTw1

Thank you for helping shape the future of our community!

06/04/2026

Did you lose a work table on Hwy 102 south of Hwy 2 near Crookston? If so, call the Polk County Sheriff's Office at 218-281-0431.

05/25/2026

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind everyone to be safe today and to remember that our freedom wasn’t free.

05/24/2026

Deputies Neil and Gunderson spent the day patrolling the Maple Lake area. They enjoyed meeting a lot of new people and are still working in the area keeping us all safe. Be sure to say hello if you see them!

05/15/2026

🚨Media Release

Date: 05/15/26
From: Polk County Sheriff's Office
RE: Partial Building Collapse - McIntosh, MN

On May 15th, 2026, at approximately 1440 hours, the Polk County Sheriff's Office received a report that a portion of the old McIntosh School building had collapsed. This building is located at 140 2nd Street SE in McIntosh, Minnesota. No person was injured as a result of the collapse. Work is ongoing to secure the area.

The building and surrounding area are still highly unsafe and will be barricaded and not accessible to the public at this time. For your own safety, please stay away from the area. Under Minnesota Statute 160.2715 it is unlawful to drive over, through, or around any barricade, fence, or obstruction placed for an emergency closure of a roadway. Those found on property of the old McIntosh School without authorization will be charged with additional criminal offenses.

The McIntosh Fire Department and First Responders were also on scene.

05/14/2026

The Polk County Sheriff's Office participated in the Northern Valley Law Enforcement Memorial honoring our law enforcement heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities safe. Thank you to all who came out to pay tribute to our fallen peace officers.

05/13/2026

The Polk County Sheriff's Office will be participating in the 14th annual Northern Valley Police Week Memorial Service at Optimist Park Today, May 13th, 2026 at 2pm. This ceremony honors our fallen law enforcement officers and is a moving tribute to their sacrifice.

04/23/2026

Please see the information below from the Polk County Highway Department regarding the temporary closure of CSAH 1 east of Winger.

NEWS RELEASE 🚨

According to the Polk County Highway Department, CSAH 1, 4.0 miles east of Winger, MN will be
closed starting approximately Monday, May 11, 2026.

The closure will allow a contractor to replace a culvert through CSAH 1. Traffic will be detoured
to CSAH 31 and CR 204.
The closure is anticipated to last one week.

Anyone desiring further information should contact the Polk County Highway Department at
218-281-3952.

04/17/2026

Today's Severe Weather Awareness topic is: Extreme Heat

It is hard to imagine but summer will be here before we know it. Please take a moment to review this important safety information.

Never Leave Children, Disabled Adults or Pets in Parked Vehicles!
Each year, dozens of children and untold numbers of pets left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia. Hyperthermia is an acute condition that occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can handle. Hyperthermia can occur even on a mild day.

Studies have shown that the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rapidly rise to a dangerous level for children, pets and even adults. Leaving the windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate. The effects can be more severe on children because their bodies warm at a faster rate than adults.

Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness
Drink more fluids (non-alcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar–these cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
Stay indoors and, if possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library–even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Call your local health department or Red Cross chapter to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area.
Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on:
Infants and young children
People aged 65 or older
People who have a mental illness
Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure
Visit at-risk adults at least twice a day and watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent attention.
If you must be out in the heat:
Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours
Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two-to-four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage. Remember the warning in the first “tip” (above).
Try to rest often, in shady areas
Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).
This information provided by the Center for Disease Control, National Center for Environmental Health's Health Studies Branch.