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Shortly after announcing he looked forward to a third term and would run again for Chisago County Sheriff, Rick Duncan announced late last week he changed his mind. Due to “medical reasons.” he will retire officially as of Friday this week.  Chief Deputy Brandon Thyen,  has been acting in a sheriff’s capacity and is expected to do so until the election in November determines a successor.

The County Board was scheduled to put the official blessing on all these developments at its regular meeting yesterday (May 2.)

Chisago County Attorney Janet Reiter told the Press there has been an investigation which is complete, based on a complaint the county received about Sheriff Duncan.  At this time, results of the investigation are not considered public data. She said outside legal counsel was called on to determine if the investigation data can be made public, and there would be no further comment now.

Duncan posted his decision not to run and retire on Facebook updates reporting on his foot surgery, his second procedure in recent months. He lauded the department for continuing to provide service to the county.   Duncan said on his Facebook post he has confidence that Thyen will do a great job in the upcoming months remaining before the sheriff term expires at the end of 2018.

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