Rice County Sheriff's Office

07/16/2026

Rice County Public Health and Rice County Emergency Management remind residents breathing wildfire smoke is harmful to everyone, but people in sensitive groups are at higher risk and should take extra steps to protect themselves.

• Sensitive groups include all children; adults 65 and older; pregnant people and those with diabetes or heart and lung conditions.

•Wildfire smoke damage is cumulative. Some might not feel the effects after a day of exposure, but repeated exposure can lead to serious long-term health problems.
• When possible, stay indoors with windows and doors closed, and filter the air.

• Go to an air-conditioned public space like a library or community center.

If you must go outside when air quality is unhealthy, try to limit or reduce outdoor activity.

LEARN MORE: www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/emergency/natural/wildfires.html
Find a Rice County cooling center: www.ricecountymn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9289/Rice-County-Warming-and-Cooling-Center-locations


LEARN MORE: www.health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/emergency/natural/wildfires.html

07/15/2026

Thank you, MPR News, for inviting Community Corrections Manager Angela Brewer to discuss the county's recently launched Mental Health Court, a treatment court program specifically for justice-involved residents diagnosed with a serious and persistent mental illness as defined by state statute.

Rice County’s mental health court joins five other courts like it around the state.

07/11/2026

Join us for a Benefit for Brynlee Bemis
2-6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16 at the Moose Lodge 2098 Faribault , 1810 4th St NW.

This March, 3-month-old Brynlee, daughter of Rice County staff members, Nick and Sarah Bemis, was admitted to Children's Minnesota and diagnosed with NTRK1 fusion high-grade glioma.

Brynlee is currently receiving daily oral treatment along with regular physical, occupational and speech therapy at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, a leader in treating this rare cancer.

Join us Aug. 16 for a day of giving and fun! All proceeds directly support Brynlee Bemis.

Free will donations accepted. Food & drinks available. Auction items include guns, meat, fishing/spearing gear, woodworking equipment and tickets to sporting events.

07/06/2026

CONGRATULATIONS to Deputy William Dopp on being named RCSO's newest K-9 handler. Dopp, who picked the dog up late last week, named the 15-month-old German Shepherd born in Slovakia Blitz.

Next week, the two begin four months of training in which Blitz will be schooled in narcotics detection and take lessons in working as a patrol dog while the two will develop an all-important bond and learn to work together as a team.

Blitz's arrival returns the number of K-9s at RCSO to two. Deputy Ben Borash and Moose are the other K-9 team.

07/04/2026

Happy birthday, America!

07/01/2026

Thank you, Faribault Parks and Recreation for inviting our Water Patrol deputies to help spread the message about water safety.

07/01/2026

Given the likelihood of severe weather today and on the advice of the US National Weather Service Twin Cities Minnesota, Rice County will NOT conduct its monthly outdoor emergency warning siren test.

If you hear sirens today, take appropriate safety precautions.

Faribault Fire Department City of Faribault, Minnesota - City Government City of Northfield, Minnesota Northfield Police Department, MN Lonsdale Police Department City of Morristown, MN Nerstrand Fire & Rescue

06/30/2026

Rice County offices will be closed Friday, July 3 for the Independence Day holiday.

06/29/2026

Celebrate your Fourth of July weekend by planning for a sober ride. Even one drink could derail your weekend — or your life. 🎇🚘 Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.