To the editor:

I am writing this letter to express my full support for Trevir Michehl as the next sheriff.

I want to address my previous endorsement of Luke Fleener for Webster County sheriff in 2020. Unfortunately, I now regret that decision as Sheriff Fleener has not shown a genuine commitment to the best interests of our community.

While I understand that the sheriff is not required to be present in the office or within the county at all times, it is expected that the majority of their time is spent in Webster County, excluding vacation periods. One particular concern I have is Sheriff Fleener’s apparent lack of cooperation with the Fort Dodge Police Department, as he tends to exclude them from important matters.

In 2003, I hired Trevir Michehl as a correctional officer, and he also served on our reserve unit. He has since worked as a patrolman for the Webster City PD, where he achieved the rank of acting sergeant. Trevir then joined the Okoboji Police Department as an officer. Notably, he also served on the Northwest Iowa Drug Task Force, actively participating in narcotics operations and was a member of the Iowa/Minnesota multi-state SWAT team known as the HEAT team. Trevir has gained extensive experience and training in various areas, including instructing ALERT classes throughout the state of Iowa.

Trevir and his wife, Jodi, have expressed their desire to return to the Fort Dodge area, and he was subsequently hired by Sheriff Stubbs as a deputy. I have no doubt that Trevir will dedicate his time and energy to providing the best possible services to the citizens of Webster County. I firmly believe that Trevir will make a sheriff we can all take pride in.

Brian Mickelson

Former Webster County Sheriff