MEDIA RELEASE   DATE OF RELEASE:          April 2, 2026   INCIDENT #:                         N/A   SUBJECT:                             FRAUD ALERT   AUTHORIZED BY:               Sheriff Kevin Bygd     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -----------------------------------------------------------------------   The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office has been notified by several people that they have received phone calls from someone claiming to be from the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office, Jail Division asking for money for family members that are currently in jail.   The Dunn County Jail will never call family members or friends of inmates to ask for money to pay for special programs or special housing for their loved one. On occasion, the jail staff may assist inmates in making phone calls to try to secure bond money to get out of jail, but you would be directed to our official website or our Sheriff’s Office App to deposit money into the inmates’ account.   If there is any question as to the validity of a phone call allegedly coming from our jail, you can always call the jail at 715-232-2220 to verify what you are being told. We do not have anyone that works here by the last name of Bradshaw.   It appears that these scammers are using our current inmate roster to target family members. Please don’t fall for these scams.   You can visit our official website at dunncountysheriff.com or download our app by going to the Google or Apple app store and searching Dunn County Sheriff, WI or even DUSO to find our app.   If you believe you have been a victim of a scam, you can call the Dunn County Communications Center to report it at 715-232-1348 to be connected with a deputy.     Sheriff Kevin Bygd

Dunn County Sheriff Kevin Bygd is excited to announce the release of a custom smartphone application. The app will serve as an innovative way for the Sheriff’s Office to connect with Dunn County residents and visitors, providing information quickly and efficiently to anyone with a smartphone. Sheriff Kevin Bygd said the app was designed to aid the sheriff’s office in staying connected to citizens quickly, accurately and conveniently. The Sheriff’s app provides addiction and substance use resources, mental health resources, news and updates from the agency, a live and searchable jail inmate roster, online reporting, and it also provides the ability to receive push notifications on a device regarding important news or emergencies. The new Sheriff’s app was paid for through grant funding. The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office app is available to download for free in the App Store and Google Play by searching “Dunn County Sheriff, WI” or by clicking the link or QR code below. Sheriff Kevin Bygd

An innovative program at the Dunn County Jail is giving inmates the chance to earn their High School Equivalency Diploma through a partnership with Literacy Chippewa Valley. The program, coordinated through the jail’s education services, allows inmates to work toward their HSED while incarcerated, said Heather Pyka, Jail Program Director, adding that Dunn County was one of first jails in the state to use a computerized equivalency testing program. Instruction is provided by Literacy Chippewa Valley, a nonprofit organization that delivers adult education programming throughout the region, with grants paying for the program. Participation varies based on inmate population and individual progress. At any given time, between two and six inmates may be actively working toward their HSED, Pyka said, adding that the program includes separate education groups for men and women. “We always have students working on their diploma, though participation can change from day to day,” she said. Pyka said earning a high school equivalency diploma carries huge benefits for incarcerated individuals once they are released. “Many jobs require a diploma or an equivalent, and you often need it to continue your education,” she said. “It also helps build confidence. Completing something like this, sometimes years after leaving school, is a significant achievement.” She added: “Many of our participants are parents. This kind of accomplishment is a strong example for their families.” Not all county jails are able to provide on-site educational services, she said, but Dunn County has prioritized access to education as part of its rehabilitation efforts. Inmates do not need to be sentenced for a specific length of time to participate. Even those with short stays are encouraged to begin coursework and are provided information on how to continue their education after release. In addition to HSED instruction, Literacy Chippewa Valley offers a variety of other educational opportunities inside the jail. Aleah Sauter, a Literacy Chippewa Valley educator, said she has helped about 25 inmates in the Dunn and Chippewa County jails achieve their equivalency diploma in the last 18 months. “We partner with the Chippewa Valley Technical College to process the testing and make sure we are meeting state requirements,” Sauter added. In addition, Pyka said, 12 inmates in April are scheduled to become certified in CPR, AED and first aid, and these credentials can improve job readiness and community outcomes after release. “These programs are about giving people tools they can use moving forward,” Pyka said. “Education and certification can make a real difference when someone is re-entering the community.”

Dunn County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Dan Westlund and Sergeant Jason Stalker have been selected to receive the Michael Vendola Death Investigator of the Year Award through the Wisconsin Association of Homicide Investigators (WAHI) and will be presented the award at the organizations April Conference. The Michael Vendola Death Investigator of the Year Award is awarded to the member that goes above and beyond normal duty in a death investigation or contributes greatly beyond the normal scope to the area of death investigations. Investigator Westlund and Sergeant Stalker were selected for this prestigious award based on their tireless efforts which were instrumental in leading to the closure of the 50-year-old homicide case of Mary Shlais and the successful conviction of her killer, Jon Miller, who pled to First-Degree Murder and was sentenced to life in prison. Investigator Westlund and Sergeant Stalker, along with Cairenn Binder of Ramapo College, have presented the details of their investigation nationwide and have been featured in "A Confession in Cold Blood" is an episode of the true-crime documentary series Bloodline Detectives (S6 E9) which highlights how investigative genetic genealogy and modern forensics are used to solve cold cases. https://therokuchannel.roku.com/watch/d4e6c7820f74abce5316b89b1f6eae1a

Based on legal advice from the attorney who represents Dunn County’s liability insurance carrier, Wisconsin County Mutual, Sheriff Kevin Bygd signed a Memorandum of Agreement to allow selected staff members to be trained as Warrant Service Officers. Under this program, Dunn County Sheriff’s Deputies are authorized only to serve federal detainers on individuals who are already in custody at the Dunn County Jail on local criminal charges. This agreement does not grant deputies authority to enforce federal immigration laws or to participate in immigration enforcement activities such as arresting individuals based solely on suspected immigration status. The purpose of the agreement is to provide limited liability protection when holding an individual in our custody for up to 48 hours on a federal detainer after local charges have been resolved. In instances where we have encountered individuals with federal detainers, those individuals typically had significant criminal histories, and the detainers were associated with serious offenses. Dunn County Deputies encounter non-citizens on a regular basis and, when appropriate, may arrest or cite individuals for violations of state or local law — just as they would with any other person. We do not contact federal authorities for every interaction involving a non-citizen, nor do we have authority to independently enforce federal immigration laws. On average, the Dunn County Jail encounters approximately one individual per year who has a federal detainer, despite regularly housing non-citizens. Last year, we encountered two individuals with federal detainers. One individual was sentenced to prison on local felony charges, and the detainer followed him to state prison. In the other case, the individual was arrested on local charges, and the federal detainer was withdrawn before those charges were resolved and he was released from jail once the local charges were resolved. I hope this clarifies any misinformation that may be circulating. Sheriff Kevin Bygd

Dunn County was highlighted this week at the Wisconsin Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriff’s Association (WSDSA) Annual Training Conference as investigators presented “The Long Road to Justice”, a training session about the growing role of genetic genealogy in solving cold cases, as well as the power of collaboration between law enforcement and academic institutions in pursuit of justice. The course was presented by Investigations Unit Sergeant Jason Stalker, Investigator Dan Westlund, and Cairenn Binder, Assistant Director of the Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center and Founding Partner, Coast to Coast Genetic Genealogy Service On November 5, 2024, 84-year-old-Jon K. Miller was arrested in Minnesota by Dunn County Sheriff’s Investigators and charged with murder in relation to the 1974 homicide of 26-year-old Mary Schlais after a 50-year investigation that spanned across several states, hundreds of interviews, and countless hours of investigation and collaboration with other agencies. Pictured at WSDSA (L to R) Sgt. Jason Stalker, Investigator Westlund, Cairenn Binder, and Dunn County Sheriff Kevin Bygd.

On December 24th, 2025 the Sheriff’s Office received a complaint of a burglary to a residence in the Township of Eau Galle. The homeowner advised that forced entry was made to his residence in a 2.5 hour time period when he was gone. During this investigation information was gathered of a suspicious vehicle entering the driveway of two other occupied residences in the area. On December 26th we received another report of a residential burglary to a residence in the Township of Spring Brook. It was determined that entry to this residence occurred on December 24th, 2025. During this time a suspect and suspect vehicle was developed in both burglaries. On December 27th, 2025 a Dunn County Deputy initiated a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle in the Township of Rock Creek, in Dunn County. As a result of this stop 61 year old William E. Ziemer of rural Pepin County was taken into custody on criminal traffic charges. He was operating a red 2016 Chrysler 300. During the stop property believed to be associated with one of the burglaries was observed in plain view. The vehicle was seized and transported to the Sheriff’s Office impound. During an inventory of the vehicles’ contents other items were identified from the previously known burglaries. Other items were also located that may not belong to the suspect. If anyone has observed any suspicious activity involving the suspect vehicle or is missing any items of value from the December 24th, 2025 time period please contact the Sheriff’s Office or anonymously through the Dunn County Crime Stoppers Program. Ziemer is currently being held at the Dunn County Jail on a $25,000 cash bond. He is also on Federal Probation out of the US Probation Office for the Western District of Wisconsin.

In the early evening hours of November 22, 2025 the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office advised of a vehicle pursuit entering Dunn County. Deputies were pursuing a suspect with an active Felony Arrest Warrant through the Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) who was on parole for Robbery. Deputies promptly responded to the vicinity to assist and attempt to contain the suspect. A Sheriff's K9 Sergeant successfully deployed a tire deflation device (TDD) on CTY TK Q outside of the Village of Knapp, disabling the vehicle. The suspect vehicle entered the ditch at a slow rate of speed and the operator fled on foot from law enforcement. The suspect was apprehended by deputies minutes later without further incident. There were no injuries or property damage related to the incident, other than the suspect's vehicle tires. The suspect was transported to the St. Croix County Jail.

Click here for application Deputy Sheriff in Dunn County, WI | GovernmentJobs.com Join Our Team at Dunn County At Dunn County, we're more than just a local government – we're a community of dedicated professionals united by our core values and committed to serving our residents. Our culture is built on five fundamental principles that guide everything we do: Our Core Values in Action Dedication  - We demonstrate unwavering commitment to those we serve, ensuring that every decision and action is focused on enhancing the quality of life for Dunn County residents. Professionalism  - Excellence is our standard. We maintain the highest levels of competence while fostering an environment of courtesy and respect in all our interactions and responsibilities. Ethics  - Integrity is non-negotiable. We pride ourselves on consistently acting with honesty and transparency, building trust through ethical decision-making in every aspect of our public service. Betterment  - Innovation drives us forward. We're committed to continuous improvement, constantly seeking ways to enhance our services and the value we deliver to our community. Collaboration  - Together we achieve more. We foster an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and teamwork is essential to achieving our shared goals. Job Summary Join the dynamic team at the Dunn County Sheriff's Office as we search for passionate and professional individuals to step into the role of Deputy Sheriff! As a vital member of our force, you'll work closely with our team to safeguard the community, uphold laws, and respond to emergencies. From protecting citizens to investigating crimes, your contributions will make a real difference. For experienced officers looking for a change, we consider lateral transfer options with competitive pay and vacation benefits.  Take the next step in your career with us at the Dunn County Sheriff's Office – where every day brings new challenges and rewards. To view the current Collective Bargaining Agreement,  click here (Download PDF reader) . Recruitment Timeline Recruitment Closes: November 28, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Written Exams: December 3, 2025, at 10: a.m. or 5:00 p.m. Physical Agility Testing: December 4, 2025, 12:30 p.m. Interviews: December 16, 2025 Primary Responsibilities The following duties are primarily performed and which are essential for this position.  Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily and successfully to be qualified for the position.  Other duties may be required and assigned. Provides for the protection of the life and safety of citizens, and the protection of property. Responds and reacts to emergency situations. Investigates crimes against persons and property, traffic law violations, accidents, substance abuse, etc. Testifies in court. Provides assistance by mediating disputes. Makes referrals to other agencies and community resources as appropriate. Issues citations and completes other documentation as required. Serves civil and criminal process. Participates in educational outreach activities. Coordinates activities with State and Federal law enforcement organizations, judicial units, etc. Provides specialized enforcement as required. Provides assistance to citizens including vehicle entry, escorts, legal questions, etc. Performs other duties of a comparable level/type, as required.  (e.g. Keeps abreast of changing technologies, trends and developments within the field; serves on various task forces; attends training sessions, seminars & certification courses.) Minimum Qualifications EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Associate’s Degree or 60 fully accredited college level degree credits in corrections, law enforcement, criminal justice, criminology, behavior/social science or related field upon offer of employment. This educational standard shall apply to applicants first employed as law enforcement or tribal law enforcement officers on or after February 1, 1993, pursuant to Wisconsin Administrative Code LES 2.01 (e). No previous law enforcement experience required. No felony convictions in any jurisdiction unless the judgment or conviction has been reversed or a complete pardon has been granted.   LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS Appointment will be conditional upon successful completion of the following pre-employment checks: Criminal background check Pre-employment physical examination Psychological examination Physical Agility testing Drug screening Valid driver’s license  Eligible for certification by the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board (LESB) upon hire. Successfully pass Civil Service testing and ordinance requirements.   MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES QUALIFICATIONS In order to perform the duties of the position (listed above) the following knowledge, skills, and abilities are essential for the Deputy Sheriff to possess. Ability to learn and apply police principles, practices, and procedures to the solution of law enforcement problems and situations. Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in dealing appropriately with offenders, suspects, and witnesses. Ability to make decisions independently and within the scope and authority of the job. Ability to operate motor vehicles, firearms, testing equipment, restraining devices, cameras, and communications equipment. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, department heads, officials, other law enforcement agencies, and the public. Ability to interpret and apply laws, policies and procedures appropriately. Ability to follow and carry out job assignments, instructions and activities in accordance with department policies and procedures. Ability to work independently in patrolling assigned areas of the County and enforcing laws. Ability to maintain and follow safety procedures and protocols. Ability to prepare investigative and incident reports. Ability to differentiate between colors, forms, sounds, tastes, odors, textures associates with materials, objects or ingredients. Ability to apply and follow departmental and county policies and procedures pertaining to confidentiality. Ability to maintain and assure a safe working environment and respond to emergencies quickly. Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other county personnel. Ability to work the allocated hours of the position, and be willing to report for duty on short notice at any hour of the day or night. Knowledge of investigative techniques used in data/evidence collection, analysis and preservation. Knowledge and ability to operate a computer and computer applications/software utilized within the Sheriff’s Office. Knowledge and ability to use basic first aid and CPR. Skilled in using firearms and defensive tactics and techniques.   MINIMUM LANGUAGE SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS   In order to perform the duties of the position (listed above) the following language skills are essential for the Deputy Sheriff to possess.   Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with other staff members, supervisors, and community members in written and verbal form.  English skills (oral, written and comprehension) sufficient to effectively communicate with all internal and external customers.   MINIMUM REASONING ABILITY QUALIFICATIONS In order to perform the duties of the position (listed above) the following reasoning abilities are essential for the Deputy Sheriff to possess. Ability to understand and effectively carry out verbal and written instructions. Must have ability to work accurately with attention to detail. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.   MINIMUM MATHEMATICAL ABILITY QUALIFICATIONS In order to perform the duties of the position (listed above) the following mathematical skills are essential for the Deputy Sheriff to possess. Ability to make arithmetic computations using whole numbers, fractions and decimals.   In evaluating candidates for this position, Dunn County may consider a combination of education, training, and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position. Physical and Work Environment The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law. Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee’s supervisor or Human Resources.     PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Physical effort will typically require prolonged and frequent exertion of objects weighing up to 25 pounds, regular, but not continuous, exertion of objects weighing up to 50 pounds, and/or infrequent exertion of objects weighing up to 100 pounds. Work requires sitting, standing, walking; continuously requires speaking or hearing, using hands to key, handle or feel and reaching with hands and arms, frequently requires stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and climbing or balancing, and occasionally requires the ability to taste or smell. Work has standard vision requirements as well as the need for distance, close and peripheral vision. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and detailed or loud talking to convey important spoken instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities.   WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is performed under various physical hazards or environmental conditions including extreme weather conditions, stress, and risks associated with potential life threatening situations. Subject to exposure to personal injury, physical violence, verbal abuse, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, blood & bodily fluids, work space restrictions, intense noise, and contagious diseases. Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).    Nothing in this job description limits management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.  The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement or affect the at-will nature of the employment arrangement between the employee and company, and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. Equal Opportunity Employer Dunn County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. By applying for this position, you acknowledge that you have read our job posting in its entirety and meet the basic requirements outlined above. Dunn County looks forward to reviewing your application.

On November 6, 2025, at 6:28 p.m., our office received information regarding suspects wanted for felony theft charges in the City of Eau Claire. A Dunn County Deputy positioned herself on I-94 in the Town of Lucas, Dunn County. At 6:39 p.m., she observed the suspect vehicle traveling westbound on the interstate. She monitored the vehicle and provided ongoing location updates until assisting units were in position to conduct a traffic stop. The vehicle was safely stopped by the Wisconsin State Patrol near Exit 19, with assistance from the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office, Baldwin Police Department, and Dunn County Sheriff’s Office. We commend all agencies involved for their outstanding teamwork and the successful resolution of this incident.

DATE OF RELEASE: October 16, 2025 INCIDENT #: D25-01491 SUBJECT: Fatal Structure Fire AUTHORIZED BY: Sheriff Kevin Bygd FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ----------------------------------------------------------------------- On October 16, 2025 at approximately 12:53 PM, the Dunn County Communication Center received a call from an individual who advised of a structure fire at a residence with a person still trapped in the residence. The person had mobility issues and was unable to get out. The Dunn County Sheriff’s Office and the Elk Mound Fire Department responded to scene at E9099 570th Ave in the Township of Elk Mound, Dunn County, Wisconsin. The Dunn County Communications Center received another call from a delivery driver that was passing by. He reported that the house was fully engulfed in flames and he attempted to make entry but had to turn around due to the flames and smoke. The residence was fully engulfed in fire upon the arrival of law enforcement and they were not able to make entry due to the flames. Elk Mound Fire Department along with Colfax Fire, Wheaton Fire, Eau Claire Township Fire, and Menomonie Fire Departments, worked for several hours to extinguish the fire. Colfax Ambulance along with Menomonie Ambulance, also responded to the scene. Once the fire was out the body of a female was located in the residence. She was pronounced deceased by The Dunn County Medical Examiner’s Office. The cause and origin remains under investigation. The case remains under investigation by the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office, Dunn County ME’s Office, and Elk Mound Fire. Names will be not be released at this time pending notification of family. Sheriff Kevin Bygd

DATE OF RELEASE: October 15th, 2025 INCIDENT #: D25-01482 SUBJECT: Motor vehicle thefts AUTHORIZED BY: Sheriff Kevin Bygd FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE On October 13th, 2025at 11:00 a.m. the Colfax Police Department assisted by the Sheriff’s Office was requested to check an address in the Village of Colfax for a vehicle stolen from Bloomer that was showing a GPS location in the village. The vehicle was located unoccupied. A search of the area located no suspects. On October 14th, 20025 at approximately 10:27 a.m. a vehicle was reported as stolen from a business in Colfax to the Colfax Police Department. Shortly thereafter a Dunn County Deputy reviewed his in-car camera records and observed the vehicle on CTH M at 10:07 a.m., before it had been reported stolen. A picture of the vehicle was shared with other deputies. At 11:04 a.m. a Dunn County Deputy observed the stolen vehicle on 670th Street just off STH 170 in the Township of Tainter. The deputy followed the vehicle until additional deputies could respond. At 11:13 a.m. a traffic stop was conducted, and the operator of the vehicle was taken into custody without incident. The operator, identified as Christopher P. Barr, 31 of Colorado, was linked to the stolen vehicle from Bloomer. It was also discovered that he had broken into the Synergy Gas Station and a camper in Colfax the previous evening. Chriostopher Barr has been charged in Dunn County with: • WI SS 943.23(2) Take and drive vehicle without consent • WI SS 943.10(1m)(a) Burglary Sheriff Kevin Bygd