2006 Al Reker Award
Reno Wells, Cass County Probation Director
Reno Wells, Cass County Court Services Director was given the 2006 Al Reker
Award at the MACPO Spring Conference in Alexandria, MN. This
is MACPO's highest award and given to a member who has shown
professionalism and is dedicated to the field of corrections.
Reno has worked in corrections since 1974 where he worked as
a jailer/dispatcher in Beltrami County. Reno also worked as
a juvenile counselor at Northwest Juvenile Training Center.
In 1979 he became a part-time deputy and a probation officer
for Cass County. In 1992 he was appointed as the Director of
Court Services. Reno currently serves on the Governor's Juvenile
Justice Advisory Board, Pre-placement Screening Team, Wellness
Court and Personnel Committee. Reno is very committed to his
family and has been married for 36 years and has two children
and four grandchildren. Reno's nomination said it best, "Reno
leads by example and continously stresses the importance of
taking care of your family....family always comes first."
All of us at MACPO congratulate Reno on being this year's Al
Reker Award Winner!
Pictured is Reno Wells (left) and Cass County Judge John P.
Smith
2006
Excellence in Corrections Award
MN River Valley Juvenile Detention Center
MACPO was excited this year to give the 2006 Excellence
in Corrections Award to the MN River Valley Juvenile Detention
Center (MRVJDC) in New Ulm Minnesota. This award is given
to recognize programs that have shown leadership and development
in corrections. The MRVJDC began operation in New Ulm
in 1991. Since that date, they have expanded multiple
times and added education and programming to over 6,300
adolescents. This facility is overseen by Sharon Rhoades,
Executive Director and Dennis Macklanburg, Detention Supervisor.
Pictured is Dennis and Melissa Reiger, Asst. Detention
Supervisor.
Pictured is Dennis and Melissa Reiger, Asst. Detention
Supervisor.
2006
Outstanding Performance Award
Rhonda Van Schoonhoven, Career Agent
Goodhue County Court Services
On May 24, 2006 Ronda Van Schoonhoven was awarded
the 2006 Outstanding Performance Award. Rhonda has
been a probation officer with Goodhue County since
1990. She has both a Bachelor's and a Master's a
degree in Criminal Justice.
Rhonda has been active with many MACPO groups including
Secretary 1995-1996, Training and Education 1991-2000
and served for one year on the Legislative Committee.
Rhonda helped and facilitates the Independent Living
Skills Program, a gender specific group and a large
variety of local committees. Rhonda is a classic
example of what a probation officer is and should
be, dedicated, hardworking and professional. MACPO
Salutes Rhonda for winning this well deserved award!
Pictured is Rhonda Van Schoonhaven and Traci Green,
MACPO President Elect.
2006
Memorial Scholarship Award
Derik Michael Johnson, Concordia University
The 2006 Memorial Scholarship Award was
given to Derik Johnson who currently attends
Concordia University and majoring in Corrections.
Derik is currently interning with the
New Ulm Police Department and will be
a Senior next year. Derik is considering
a career in probation and/or law enforcement.
We at MACPO wish Derik well!
Outgoing President Recognition
Award
Warren Liepitz, Director of Mille Lacs County Court
Services
Warren receives a plaque as outgoing president of MACPO for
the 2005-2006 year. Warren worked hard this past
year and lead the Board to a major change in the
conference location and setup. Warren did an outstanding
job for the members!
Outgoing
Secretary Recognition Award
Margaret Munson, Wright County Court Services
Margaret Muson was given a recognition plaque
for her four years as secretary for MACPO.
Margaret worked hard at keeping track of the
formal minutes for the association. Margaret
never missed a meeting and did an outstanding
job using the computer, emailing minutes,
etc. We at MACPO are glad that Margaret isn't
leaving the Board, simply moving over a few
chairs into the President Elect position.
Thank you and congratulations Margaret.
The "Option 60" sub-committee of the MACPO Legislative Committee looked into an early retirement option for probation officers funded by increased employee contributions to PERA. PERA conducted an actuarial study in 2008, and the findings are in PDF format. Here is an informational newsletter explaining how it works in PDF format.
Criminal Justice Information Users Conference
September 28-29, 2010 St. Cloud Civic Center
Life Space Crisis Intervention
September 17th , and the 20th through the 23rd
Woodland Hills in Duluth, MN
$595 for full course, includes materials and lunch.
