Endorsements

November elections seem like a long way off, but we all know how fast spring and summer go around Northwest Minnesota.

Here in Clearwater County, we will have a Sheriff’s election and have some good candidates, with one really good candidate. I’m putting my support and help behind Chief Deputy Vern Wittenberg. He has quite an extensive resume and a lot of experience! Below are a few of his qualifications.

24 years of experience in Law Enforcement. In 2017, Vern was appointed by Sheriff Darin Halverson as the Chief Deputy. He has maintained that position since. The Chief Deputy is second in command and acts for the Sheriff in his absence. Vern has been part of the startup and building of the Clearwater County Mobile Command Unit. The Mobile Command Unit is used for remote search and rescue operations and any event that would require remote outreach. This command unit can be seen at the Clearwater County Fair in August. Vern has also been instrumental in the set up and activation of the Drone Program. He is one of the certified drone pilots at the Sheriff’s Office. He also works with the ATV, boat, & snowmobile patrol and rescue units. He has extensive knowledge of the Sheriff’s office, jail, and budgets.

Vern is involved in the Clearwater County DWI Treatment Court Program for the Sheriff’s Office and oversees Clearwater County Volunteer Sheriff’s Reserve. He helps run the fundraiser that will occur on 4/19/26 at the Bagley American Legion. This fundraiser helps to keep the Sheriff’s Reserve funded for equipment and training needed in search and rescues and other missions they do.

I know Vern best through his work with me on the Clearwater County Veteran’s Memorial Ride for the Stones. He has been involved in the ride, both as a motorcycle enthusiast and in official capacity in helping with the road guard. Vern has had the opportunity to lead the ride one year as well! He will be at this year’s ride once again. Please feel free to say hello or ask him questions or both.

The Sheriff’s office is nonpartisan but I know Vern to be a strong supporter of the Republican Party and a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. Vern supports the Veterans and is an advocate of Veterans’ mental health, the mental health of law enforcement officers, as well as the public they serve.

As a final note, this man is very Pro Clearwater County. On Fridays, you can find him alongside Sheriff Halverson to deliver meals on wheels. He attends local fundraisers, supporting our community. Vern is a born-and-raised Clearwater County resident. He is one of the most approachable and knowledgeable law enforcement officers I know. Vern is fair and consistent. We all know that law enforcement isn’t a popularity contest. You are going to make some enemies out there and you are going to have some people who stand behind you if you are doing your job correctly.

Feel free to leave comments & questions underneath, positive or negative, so Vern will have an opportunity to read and respond. You can also visit his website or approach him on the street. I am sure there will be opportunities to meet Vern in the upcoming months leading up to the primary election in August and the general election in November.

I stand behind him 100%!