Minnesota Lake Police Department

05/25/2026

05/21/2026

Did your childs hat blow off? A hat has been left at the Old Mill Park. If your farmer in training is missing their hat, it is hanging out at the playground in the park.

05/09/2026

I have received multiple questions from folks who have received a text or email similar to the images I have posted. You will never receive a text or email to pay a fine from any City, County, State or Federal Government. They will never request via phone, text or email for any money transfers, crypto currency, gift cards, cash, gold or asking you to bring anything to in a parking lot to pay a fine for someones bail.

It is best to believe Government is stuck 50 years behind everyone else, Government agencies from the IRS to your local police will send notices via the US postal Service using a official envelope on official letterhead, addressed to you and explaining what is going on. If it is a traffic/parking matter you may see information such as a vehicle make, model, license plate number, VIN and vehicles registered owner.

If you're unsure, look up the phone number to the Government agency yourself, call that number and ask questions. Do not call the number someone gives you on a phone call a text or email.

If you recieve a text or email, do not click on any links or scan any QR codes.

For more information on scams check out https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams

05/08/2026

With the strange weather we have had this year, along with some other stuff going on I kinda slacked off on my spring informational social media post. So I thought since AI has started its US takeover tour, why not embrace it. I will show the AI that I am not one of the humans who thought this one movie made in 1984 called Terminator, sorta warned us whats gonna happen. Anyways, after I gave the AI some prompts, it created my Spring informational social media posts in less than a minute and then it told me everyone would either enjoy them or get upset, and most likely the upset ones haven't mowed their lawns, licensed their dog or got a permit for their golf cart. In closing, the AI makes certain things super easy and I don't know why anyone would have any sort of concern.

Have a safe weekend

Chief Standahl

04/23/2026

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued across portions of central and southern MN and portions of western WI. Cloud cover and our 18z special sounding shows some hinderance in reaching our maximum severe potential however there is enough instability present to where damaging wind gusts along with large hail could still occur with any better organized cells initially. Theses scattered cells will congeal into a QLCS which will transition to mainly a wind threat. TORs cannot be ruled out today as our cloud ceilings are quite low so sufficient low-level shear could make a quick/weak spin up or two. This watch is out until 8 PM tonight.

04/22/2026

Frank and his friends have returned to Old Mill Park. The Coyotes are well trained and will not cause any harm to humans or other animals. Their job is to stand still, let their tail blow in the wind and do their best to dissuade the geese from entering the playground area. Frank does ask parents remind their children to be nice to them and not tug at their ears or tails. They do appreciate it when people stop by to say hi. If you wish to help dissuade the geese in the park, it is recommended when you're out walking your leashed dog, take a walk around the park and pond area.

Have a great day,

Chief Standahl

03/15/2026

Public Works has been out diligently clearing the streets of this wet and heavy snow. We are in a Blizzard Warning until tomorrow at 7am. Public works will continue snow removal operations after midnight and will continue until this Blizzard warning ends. The Snow Emergency Remains in Effect until public works is done plowing tomorrow. On street parking may resume tomorrow, Monday March 16th after 7 am and the snow is cleared off the street, curb to curb.

According to mn511 travel is not advised, if you're one who needs to be doing something during a Blizzard and you're tired of streaming shows. May I suggest checking out the fish doorbell. It's fun for the whole family and not as mind numbing like doom scrolling reels. When you see a fish you ring the doorbell, the fish gets to continue on its journey and you get to feel like you're the Fish ambassador to the Netherlands from the comfort of your couch. To learn more click the link. https://visdeurbel.nl/en/

Stay Warm & Stay Safe,

Chief Standahl

03/15/2026

The city of Minnesota Lake is declaring a snow emergency.

03/12/2026

If you haven't seen, NWS has sent out some information covering today's wind to snow this weekend. When you get home today, check to see if your garbage can is where you left it. I have attatched a few of the NWS handouts. My favorite is "Driving during strong winds". I contemplated on this one for a bit, telling myself to be nice. So here it goes, this is a great reminder that in the day of "self driving cars" or cars with drivers assist, that whomever is sitting behind the steering wheel is the one responsible for the vehicles operation, from holding onto the steering wheel to turning on the vehicles headlights.

Depending on which weather app you look at, they predict anywhere between 2 and 20 inches of snow this weekend. A reminder that 2 or more inches of snow activates the Snow Emergency. All vehicles must be off the streets until the street is cleared curb to curb. However with a multi-day storm dropping a lot of snow, the plows will be out several times. If the snow hasn't stopped falling, the snow emergency will still be in effect, even if you see a plow go by. A post will go put once more information from the weather psychics becomes available.

If you're planning traveling this weekend turn on your headlights or you may want to adjust your plans. If the weather looks bad from your living room window, there is no need to drive around without your headlights on to see how bad the roads are. There's an app for that, Its called mn511. You can check road conditions, weather cameras and even see what the state plows see all from your warm house, without getting stuck.

Have a good day,

Chief Standahl