Things were pretty hairy at the Wright Co. Law Enforcement Center during the month of December, with 91 deputies, correctional staff and sheriff’s office employees taking part in the Wright Co. Sheriff’s Office Beard Challenge.

The challenge was given by Sheriff Sean Deringer to raise money for Rivers of Hope, an organization that helps victims of family violence that the Wright and Sherburne Sheriff’s Offices work closely with.

The participants donated or raised a minimum of $100 each for the opportunity to show off their impressive (and not so impressive) facial hair. Numerous others, male and female, donated to the cause as well.

The beards were judged last Thursday, with Deputy Jason Oltmanns named the champion of this year’s Wright Co. Sheriff’s Office Beard Challenge, outgrowing all the other contenders. 

Not to be outdone by the most impressive beard, Deputy Nick Eldred was crowned with the least impressive beard. The sheriff’s office gave him a shout out for sticking with it, as most of his competitors shaved or altered their beard once the lack of growth was evident.

Wright Co. also extended a challenge to participate to the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office, who accepted and grew a lot of facial hair over on their side of the Mississippi, too.

The sheriff’s office extended a thank you to everyone who donated to and took part in the very successful competition.

The sheriff’s office extended a thank you to everyone who donated to and took part in the competition.

Rivers of Hope is a non-profit organization serving Sherburne and Wright counties. The organization is currently the sole provider of adult community advocacy and support services for victims of domestic violence. Rivers of Hope offers general and legal advocacy, education, support group, information and referrals.

They can be reached at 763-295-3433.