Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office

06/01/2026

Today, the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office began utilizing a new security checkpoint for court operations.

This checkpoint area was funded through the Minnesota Judicial Branch Safe and Secure Courthouse Initiative Grant Program and was awarded to the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office in 2025.

The grant was made possible through the support of Blue Earth County Sheriff Jeff Wersal's Office, Blue Earth County Attorney Pat McDermott's Office, the 5th District Judges serving Blue Earth County, the Public Defender’s Office, the Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners, and Blue Earth County Community Corrections.

If you are visiting the Blue Earth County Justice Center for court-related business, please plan accordingly and allow extra time for security screening as some personal items are not permitted beyond the checkpoint.

Thank you for your cooperation as we continue to enhance the safety and security of our courthouse for all visitors and staff.

06/01/2026

E-bikes and E-Scooters are becoming more popular across our community—and while they’re a great way to get around, we’re seeing an increase in unsafe and illegal use on our streets, sidewalks, and trails.

To keep everyone safe, the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office will be actively enforcing Minnesota’s e-bike laws in our communities. Riders who violate these laws could receive citations. This can include citations to both the children and parents of e-bike users.

Know the basics:

E-Bike Classes (max 750 watts):
• Class 1: Pedal-assist only, up to 20 mph
• Class 2: Throttle + pedal assist, up to 20 mph
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only, up to 28 mph (throttle limited to 20 mph)

Motorized bicycles (no pedals):
• Up to 30 mph
• Require a driver’s license or permit
• Helmets required if under 18

Key Rules:
Riders must be 15+ years old
Follow all traffic laws (signals, speed limits, etc.)
No modifying bikes to exceed speed limits
Yield to pedestrians and ride courteously
Helmets not yet required, but highly recommended

Violations can result in fines and the confiscation of bikes until an authorized, legal rider is available to pick up.

Let’s work together to keep communities safe for everyone—whether you’re walking, biking, or driving.

06/01/2026

If you are interested in public service and want to join the Skywarn® program, check this out! A training will be held in Mankato on June 15.

05/23/2026

As we appreciate the favorable weather, let us pay tribute to those who have served and given their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today. From Sheriff Jeff Wersal and the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office Happy Memorial Day. Have a safe holiday weekend!

05/21/2026

5-25-26 update: Information from the public has helped the Sheriff’s Office identify a person of interest in the fraudulent home equity banking activity. The subject is not believed to be local, and efforts are ongoing to confirm the identity and continue the investigation. Additional information will be released when available.

--------------------

The Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the person in the attached photographs related to fraudulent activity at local banks. Between May 7th and May 13th personal information of others was presented at banks in five different jurisdictions in Southern MN to withdraw funds out of existing home equity lines of credit.

Jurisdictions include Waldorf, St. Peter, Eagle Lake, Hutchinson, and Rochester with the overall loss exceeding $30,000. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office at (507) 304-4863 or their local law enforcement. Anonymous reports can also be submitted through Crimestoppersmn.org.

05/18/2026

The Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with Regroup to launch a new emergency mass notification system designed to keep the community informed during critical events.

The Regroup platform can deliver important messages through phone calls, text messages, and emails and includes social media and American Sign Language integration.

From customizable weather warnings to emergency and community alerts, the system provides real-time notifications that help safeguard families, businesses, and residents.

“We’re committed to keeping our community safe and informed,” said Sheriff Jeff Wersal. “This emergency notification system is another tool we can use to share critical information with the community, so everyone can take the right steps to protect themselves and their loved ones.”

On Wednesday, May 20th at 1:00 pm the Sheriff’s Office will send a test alert to our current Regroup database. Any/all messages from the Regroup notification system will come from the number 58339. Although we encourage everyone to remain subscribed, those wishing to opt out of the system can simply reply “STOP ALL” to the text message when they receive it.

The Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to register today to stay prepared and connected. Learn more about the notification system and enroll at https://www.blueearthcountymn.gov/1693/Regroup-Notification-System.

Additional assistance is available by calling (507) 304-4920 or through email at [email protected].

Your safety is our priority and together we can build a more resilient and informed community.

05/15/2026

Update we have left the Dunkin Mankato location but don’t be alarmed there is still time to donate online with the link below. The athletes appreciate all the support! It was great seeing everyone one that came out to see us!

We are all set up at Dunkin on Madison Avenue. Come see us and donate for the Special Olympics. If you can’t stop and see us you can still donate with the link! Hope to see you soon

Support our cause by donating to Dunkin Cop on a Rooftop.

05/15/2026

The Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office congratulates Kevin Schnorenberg on being recognized for outstanding DWI enforcement at a Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) banquet last night.

Kevin made 51 DWI arrests in 2025, helping keep our roads and community safer. Great work and well deserved recognition!

Photo: Deputy Schnorenberg on the left and Captain Paul Barta on the right.

05/15/2026

Start your day off right! Head to Dunkin' on Madison Avenue today between 6 AM and 11 AM to support Cop On A Rooftop, a Law Enforcement fundraising event benefitting Special Olympics
Minnesota athletes.

05/14/2026

On May 13, 2026 deputies responded to the area of 211th Street and Maple Lane in Eagle Lake for a call that a child was hit by a vehicle. Deputies identified the child as 7-year-old Merik Slaba of Eagle Lake and the driver of the vehicle as 71-year-old Dennis Allen Terrell of rural Eagle Lake.

Preliminary investigation determined Dennis Terrell was driving his 2017 Chevrolet pickup west on 211th Street and Merik Slaba was attempting to cross 211th Street to the south after getting off the school bus on Maple Lane. Merik Slaba was transported to MCHS Mankato by Mayo Ambulance with minor injuries. Dennis Terrell was uninjured.

The crash was not stop-arm-related because the school bus was stopped on Maple Lane perpendicular to 211th Street. There is no crosswalk at the intersection and witnesses reported the truck was traveling 5 to 10 miles per hour prior to the crash. The investigation is ongoing.