Lewiston MN Police Department

05/24/2024

We want to thank Chief Scott Yeiter for his 34 years of dedicated service in law enforcement and 9 years to the City of Lewiston

Chief Yeiter began his long career in law enforcement with the La Crescent Police Department as a Reserve Officer in 1988. He then graduated from RCTC in 1994 and in addition to the Lewiston Police Department, Chief Yeiter has served the La Crescent Police Department, Spring Grove Police Department, and the Houston County Sheriff Department. Chief Yeiter has been a Chief of police, Chief Deputy, investigator, union president and police officer.

In 2015, Chief Yeiter came to the Lewiston Police Department where he has been an invaluable leader to both the department and city. On behalf of the Lewiston Police Department and City of Lewiston, we want to thank you for honorably and selflessly serving our community.

We are sad to see you go but wish you well in your future endeavors and hope that you enjoy your much deserved retirement!!!

05/24/2024

The day is here, my last. I want to thank all of the citizens of Lewiston for working with me for the past 9+ years. There were a lot of positives and I have enjoyed my time here.

I am sure that you will still see me around from time to time, just not working. The police department is in good hands, and I hope you continue to support them as you supported me.

There will be a get together that will be open to the public if you'd like to come by, see the attached flyer.

Thanks

Chief Scott Yeiter
Retired.....

05/24/2024

Scam Alert!

It appears the scammers are back at it again:

PLEASE SHARE: REPORTS OF SCAMMER IMPERSONATING SHERIFF’S OFFICE STAFF
We have received several reports from residents receiving calls from somebody claiming to be a Deputy/Lieutenant from the Winona County Sheriff’s Office.
These calls are part of a scam effort to intimidate people into providing personal information and/or send money to resolve a phony issue of some sort and/or to avoid being arrested or given a citation.
The Winona County Sheriff’s Office is not making these calls and would never demand financial or personal information such as Social Security numbers over the phone.
If you suspect you have received a call from a scammer, do not return their call. If you are unsure, you can contact non-emergency dispatch at 507-457-6492 and confirm if somebody from our office has called you.
You do not need to report additional calls if they are received - only if you are a victim of a scam.

05/22/2024

I thought I would share information regarding our weather sirens, again. I think this post comes about every year, but it’s a good reminder.

Our siren is located at City Hall. I have personally checked every corner of the City during siren tests and it can clearly be heard throughout the City when you are OUTSIDE. It can be heard from many areas outside of the City.

Weather sirens are intended to warn people outside. It is assumed that if you’re inside, you have other ways to monitor severe weather. Such as, but not limited to, watching TV, listening to the radio, signing up for weather alerts on your mobile device, buying a weather alert radio, or a call from your concerned relative making sure you’re ok.

While many people will hear the siren from inside their home, that is not what they are intended for. There’s no way for a weather siren system to be designed to guarantee being heard inside each home. There will be some people in their basement, playing music loud, sleeping with ear plugs, etc. It’s kind of expected that residents in their home will take some personal responsibility to protect themselves. The easiest way is to buy a weather alert radio.

While City emergency personnel can request the siren be activated, it generally is left to the National Weather Service to tell us when to do so. After all, they have the equipment and education to monitor and predict weather. The County Emergency Manager also monitors weather and along with dispatch, they activate sirens as conditions and policy dictate.

This always seems to be a topic that comes up after a weather event. Hopefully this clears up the confusion on not hearing the siren when you’re inside your home. I’m glad there were no injuries and most damage appears to be tree related.

Thanks.

Chief Scott Yeiter

05/21/2024

The Lewiston Altura elementary School Basement is available to take shelter in during the tornado warning

Located at 115 S Fremont St, Lewiston MN 55952

05/21/2024

⚠️ Severe storms are expected this afternoon and evening with damaging winds, tornadoes, and large hail all possible. Locally heavy rain is also expected and could lead flooding in some spots. Be sure to keep up to date with the latest forecast today!

05/19/2024

05/15/2024

TRAINING ANNOUNCEMENT:

Lewiston Emergency services and some of our other Public Safety partners will be conducting a TRAINING exercise tonight (May 15th) from 6pm-8pm. The training will be conducted on Homestead Dr (just south of Lewiston). The road will remain open but please use caution as there will be a large presence of emergency vehicles.

05/15/2024

EMS Week Open House happening this Sunday (May 19th) from 11am-1pm at the Fire Station. We will have a free will donation brat/hot dog meal, truck/equipment displays, and activities for the kids! Fun for the whole family!

05/13/2024

In 1962, it was proclaimed that May 15 would be National Peace Officers’ Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week.

National Police Week offers honor, remembrance, and peer support while allowing law enforcement, survivors, and citizens to gather and pay homage to those who gave their lives in the line of duty. During National Police Week, the Lewiston Police Department expresses our respect and heartfelt gratitude to our fallen brothers and sisters for their heroic sacrifice. Thank you to our country's officers for your dedication and service to our communities. We are grateful for the selflessness you display daily by putting your lives on the line to protect the citizens.

05/09/2024

Registration can be accessed via this link:

https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=riversideinc

05/07/2024

Lights On!
The Lewiston Police Department joined a statewide program called Lights On! that allows officers to give vouchers to motorists instead of citations if they have a broken headlight, taillight, brake light or turn signal light. The driver can then take the voucher to a participating repair shop.

The program is funded by MicroGrants Minneapolis, a nonprofit that raises money from individuals and foundations to pay for Lights On. Voucher recipients can use any of the partner shops, not just those located in the city where they received the voucher.

The purpose of the program is to increase safety by making sure vehicle lights are properly illuminated. In addition, the program gives officers the opportunity to offer motorists a solution that is restorative rather than punitive and it helps local businesses.

Vouchers will not be issued to motorists who receive a citation for another offense during the course of the stop.