Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office

10/13/2026

Update to the 10-12-26 media release below:
The female injured in the crash on County Road 10 yesterday morning is 31-year-old Brittany Sadie Mae Wiederhoeft of Amboy. Wiederhoeft remains hospitalized with serious injuries. Although the incident remains under investigation, preliminary information suggests James Harris was driving the Eclipse when the crash occurred. No additional information is available.

On 10-12-26 at 4:47am deputies were dispatched to a motor vehicle crash on County Road 10 just west of County Road 32 in Ceresco Township. The 911 caller reported a Mitsubishi Eclipse in the ditch with an injured female nearby and a deceased male in the general vicinity.

Preliminary investigation determined the Eclipse was traveling west on County Road 10 and rolled into the ditch after crossing the oncoming lane of traffic. It is believed both occupants were ejected from the vehicle.

The deceased male was identified as 28-year-old James Andrew Harris of Amboy. The female was transported from the scene by ambulance with serious injuries. Her name is being withheld pending additional notifications by family.

The incident remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the MN State Patrol and the Ramsey County Medical Examiner. No additional information is available at this time.

10/12/2026

Last Friday, 70+ officials from Blue Earth & Nicollet County, City of Mankato and North Mankato gathered for the tri-annual Integrated Preparedness and Planning Workshop (IPPW) at the Mayo Clinic Event Center. The purpose of the workshop is to develop an emergency preparedness document that addresses hazards in our communities and what plans, trainings, and exercises should we consider implementing. The discussion and outcomes will continue to drive our emergency management programs for the next 3 years.

10/12/2026

On 10-12-26 at 4:47am deputies were dispatched to a motor vehicle crash on County Road 10 just west of County Road 32 in Ceresco Township. The 911 caller reported a Mitsubishi Eclipse in the ditch with an injured female nearby and a deceased male in the general vicinity.

Preliminary investigation determined the Eclipse was traveling west on County Road 10 and rolled into the ditch after crossing the oncoming lane of traffic. It is believed both occupants were ejected from the vehicle.

The deceased male was identified as 28-year-old James Andrew Harris of Amboy. The female was transported from the scene by ambulance with serious injuries. Her name is being withheld pending additional notifications by family.

The incident remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the MN State Patrol and the Ramsey County Medical Examiner. No additional information is available at this time.

10/11/2026

The burn ban for Blue Earth County is still in place today - Sunday, October 11.

Fire Weather Advisory for Blue Earth County: Due to critical fire weather conditions forecast for Saturday, October 10, and dry vegetation, the DNR has set burn permit restrictions beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, October 10. Small recreational and cooking campfires are allowed but strongly discouraged.

If you burned brush piles this week, check them carefully for lingering heat that could reignite.

Please help prevent wildfires and stay fire-safe!

10/10/2026

Fire Weather Advisory for Blue Earth County: Due to critical fire weather conditions forecast for Saturday, October 10, and dry vegetation, the DNR has set burn permit restrictions beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, October 10. Small recreational and cooking campfires are allowed but strongly discouraged.

If you burned brush piles this week, check them carefully for lingering heat that could reignite.

Please help prevent wildfires and stay fire-safe!

10/07/2026

On Saturday, the Eagle Lake Fire Department hosted a mock crash and demonstration for community members at the start of Fire Prevention Week. Other responding partners included the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office; Mayo Clinic Ambulance and Mayo One. We congratulate the Eagle Lake Volunteer Fire Department on its 75th anniversary.

09/21/2026

Jessi Hornick is the Blue Earth County Jail's Social Worker. She was honored with an award by the MN Sheriff's Association for Jail Support Person of the Year. The award is given to non-custody or specialized support staff who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the operations of county jails and the wellbeing of incarcerated individuals. Congratulations Jessi!

Pictured L to R: Sergeant Jamie Thiesse, Sheriff Jeff Wersal, Hornick, Jail Administrator Joslyn Lachmiller, and Assistant Jail Administrator Darrin Ewert.

09/19/2026

K9 Jocko turns FOUR today! His birthday wish list is pretty simple: extra playtime, his favorite ball, and birthday love from the community he serves. 🧡

Over the years, Jocko has become an important part of our K9 Unit and a valued member of the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office family. Whether he’s working a call, searching for evidence, or putting his skills to work in the community alongside his handler, Deputy Gehrke, Jocko is always ready to do his job.

We’re proud of his dedication and hard work, and today we’re celebrating his playful side, too. Help us wish Jocko a happy 4th birthday!

Insist on getting Jocko something special? The Mankato Area Foundation has established a Friends of the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Program fund. The Fund supports training, equipment, and care for Jocko and his K9 teammates. No wrapping paper required!
https://mankato.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=4410

09/17/2026

Looking for a career where every day brings a new challenge and your work makes a difference in the community? The Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a Deputy Sheriff to join the team.

This is an opportunity to serve your community, work alongside dedicated professionals, and build a rewarding career in law enforcement.

Learn more about the position and apply at https://ow.ly/JJKx50ZOTgw

09/11/2026

The Sheriff’s Office wishes to inform the public of a Level 3 predatory offender moving to Eagle Lake on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

The Sheriff’s Office is responsible for public notification but does not control or regulate whether or not an offender is allowed to move within our jurisdiction. Oversight of placement and supervision is through the Minnesota Department of Corrections.

For additional information and details regarding this notification, please reference the fact sheet below and watch the Notification & Education Presentation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOPMgFBFHms&t=56s

Questions should be directed to the MN Department of Corrections or the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office.