AUSTIN, Minn. – The courthouse buzz about what’s up with Sheriff Steve Sandvik has an answer of sorts but uncertainty continues. This much is clear: He is taking a leave because of an alcohol issue. Here’s a rough sequence of what’s happened:
> November 16: The county administrator, Trish Harren, received a complaint that Sandvik smelled of alcohol on duty. A deputy drove him home.
> November 17: Harren announced that Sandvic was taking a temporary leave.
> November 18: Sandvic issued a statement that he was continuing as sheriff albeit with a reduced work and continuing to have communication with sheriff’s office leadership and remaining apprised of operations.
> November 19: Herren confirmed having engaged outside legal counsel on how to proceed. As an elected official, a sheriff, cannot be fired. Sheriffs have no specified or scheduled work hours. Removal is possible only by voters in an election.
> November: 30: Sandvic issued this statement:
“As the elected sheriff, I serve the citizens of Mower County. I take this responsibility seriously. In order to continue serving the residents with the expectations I put on myself, I need to step away to handle a variety of medical issues. Please understand, these types of medical decisions are personal. During my brief absence, I ask for privacy needed so I can get back soon. The team we have assembled at the Mower County Sheriff’s Office will continue to provide uninterrupted services during my absence.”
Sandvik. Sheriff of Mower County, population 40,000. County seat is Austin.
Sheriff profile
Sandik is 12-year veteran of the sheriff’s office. He was elected sheriff jn 2018. This November he was re-elected easily with 83% of the vote. The incident that triggered the departure of this popular sheriff wasless than weeks after hee was re-elected to a new four-year term