Wyoming Police share in this year's Trudeau Award for youth outreach

Retired Washington County Sheriff Jim Trudeau worked many years ago with community activists to create the non-profit Youth Service Bureau, based in Forest Lake. The organization carved a reputation for providing programs aimed at helping youth and their parents or guardians deal with the outcomes of illegal activities, but also offers a host of events, programs and counseling that pro-actively help juveniles to avoid getting in trouble in the first place. Youth Service Bureau has annually recognized local law enforcement personnel since 2000 who have made great contributions to area youth, with an award named for Trudeau. Last week the award was presented to two Wyoming Police personnel-- Scott Dexter and Rachel Columbus. Youth Service Bureau Board Chair Erin Turner said they were nominated for their “compassion, generosity and leadership” in working with area youth. The two have worked extensively in the schools and through the DARE program but also-- as one parent noted in nomination forms-- the two have always been there when her son needed help and they were “calm, fair, patient and firm” and treated her family and troubled son with respect.

Trudeau told the crowd attending the awards ceremony at Wyoming City Hall, that in providing preventive and supportive services for youth at formative times in their lives, society reduces expenses later for incarceration and restorative justice. Trudeau also applauded the Wyoming Police department for great strides in recent years evolving from basically a one-cop shop, into a professional exemplary department. Wyoming Chief Paul Hoppe also received a plaque saluting the entire agency. How to support YSB The Youth Service Bureau’s very popular “Taste” fundraiser event is at Stars & Strikes in Wyoming, Thursday, July 19. The evening lets you sample area menu treats made on-site just for the festivities. Items include: walleye, pizza, artisan breads, soups, chicken and parmesan crepes, mushrooms stuffed with sausage, cream puffs, and even fried pickles. Doors open at 5:30 and the event goes until about 8 p.m. Tickets are available on line at ysblakesarea.org or at Chisago Lakes Chamber of Commerce (Lindstrom), North Branch Chamber, Big Apple Bagels, Friar Tucks Pub, the Jennings Dewan Law Firm (North Branch) or at the Bureau offices in Forest Lake. Tickets are $25. They will be $30 at the door. Proceeds help fund Youth Service Bureau enrichment and mentoring and other programs.