Sheriff still unable to work full-time

Traill County sheriff Mike Crocker wants to return to work.

But his doctors are advising against it.

On medical leave since the March 10 accident on I-29 north of Hillsboro that claimed one life and injured the Traill sheriff, Crocker informed Traill county commissioners this week that he cannot return to full-time work for another two months.

“I want to come back to work,” Crocker told the commissioners. “But they (his doctors) won’t let me until after July 4.”

Crocker suffered a concussion in the March accident. 

Deputies Steve Hunt, Tony Ernst, Shawn Skager and

Conrad Steinhaus are filling in during the sheriff’s absence. Hillsboro police officers are also helping out in the interim, according to Crocker.

Crocker informed the commissioners this week of the possibility where the Federal government’s stimulus money can benefit the sheriff’s department.

Funds are available for counties to hire deputies for a period of 44 months. All expenses will be covered by stimulus money, according to Crocker.

The position, he said, “will be totally funded.”

Crocker would like the additional deputy to work with schools, especially. He or she can also assist in on-going investigations.

The commissioners encouraged the sheriff to start the paperwork.