Retirements Lead to Leadership Shakeup in Wabasha County Sheriff’s Office

Wabasha, MN (KROC-AM News)- A southeastern Minnesota Sheriff’s Office will undergo a leadership shakeup in the coming weeks. 

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Earlier this year, Wabasha County Sheriff Rodney Bartsh announced that he will not seek re-election.

He joined Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson and Winona County Sheriff Ron Ganrude as long-time southeast Minnesota sheriffs to announce retirements this year. 

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Wabasha County Sheriff Rodney Bartsh Announces Early Retirement, Chief Deputy Also Set to Retire

In his retirement announcement, which was issued in February, Bartsh indicated he would serve the remainder of his term, however a statement he issued on Wednesday says he has changed his mind. 

Read More: Wabasha County Sheriff Rodney Bartsh Announces Retirement 

The sheriff wrote on the Wabasha County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page that he and his wife Denise have “made the decision recently to leave a little earlier than planned.  Our last day will be May 31st.” 

In announcing his early retirement, Bartsh also shared that Wabasha County Chief Deputy Sheriff Jim Warren will retire on April 30. 

Wabasha County Sheriff's Office Succession Plan

In a statement shared with KROC News, Wabasha County Administrator Michael Plante shared that the county has “not made a final determination regarding the process to fill the upcoming vacancy in the Office of Sheriff.” 

Plante says the Wabasha County Board of Commissioners is “considering its options” and could appoint an interim sheriff to fill the remainder of Bartsh’s term. 

See Also: Olmsted County Board Chair Discusses Possible Fate of $1.5 Million in Over-billed Property Taxes 

The statement also thanks Bartsh and Warren for their years of service. 

Plante says Captain Curt Struwe has been appointed to serve as Chief Deputy for the remainder of the year. 

Officials say the transition will not interrupt public safety service. 

“Wabasha County is proud of the experienced and dedicated staff within the Sheriff’s Office. We are confident that their professionalism, commitment to public service, and steady leadership will ensure continued high-quality service to our residents,” the statement says.

Full Statement below:

Wabasha County Statement on Sheriff Transition

Wabasha County extends its sincere appreciation to Sheriff Bartsh for his more than 20 years of dedicated service to our community. His tenure has had a lasting and positive impact on our organization, our staff, and the residents we serve.

 

At this time, Wabasha County has not made a final determination regarding the process to fill the upcoming vacancy in the Office of Sheriff. The County Board is considering its options, which may include an interim appointment to serve the remainder of the term. The Board will take the necessary time to thoughtfully review the process and ensure continuity of leadership and service.

 

The County has taken steps to address leadership transition within the Sheriff’s Office with the upcoming retirement of Chief Deputy Jim Warren, who has also served our community with distinction for more than 20 years.

 

Captain Curt Struwe has been appointed to serve as Chief Deputy through the remainder of the year. Curt brings extensive experience, professionalism, and strong working relationships across the organization and community. We are fortunate to have his leadership during this transition.

 

There will be no interruption to public safety services during this transition. Wabasha County is proud of the experienced and dedicated staff within the Sheriff’s Office. We are confident that their professionalism, commitment to public service, and steady leadership will ensure continued high-quality service to our residents.