A few weeks back, law enforcement got involved in a report of vandalism at the Santiago Township Hall, fire station and sheriff’s station.

 

At Wednesday’s Santiago Twp. meeting, board members, fire officials and visitors talked of what steps to take to fix the damage and how to prevent future similar situations.

 

Matt Weber of the Becker Fire Dept. assessed the damage to the fire station to the board Wednesday. He said the culprit “left a mess”, but fortunately there wasn’t too much extensive damage. Weber said he and fellow firefighters quickly skimmed over the fire trucks and didn’t notice any issues — however, they plan to do a more extensive examination of the interiors and exteriors in the next couple days.

 

Weber said there was exterior damage to a door where it appeared a knife or screwdriver was used to disable the door. The criminal apparently entered through the large fire doors and spent excessive time in the radar room where a computer screen was smashed. Doors and windows were smashed also.

 

In addition to the damage to the buildings, the perpetrator also attacked and damaged a power pole and poles in the park with a machete — chopping away at the wood “like a beaver”.

 

Weber said he and fellow officers will be working with the insurance company to provide estimates for repair and replacement. The township has a $1,000 deductible with their policy.

 

The board voted to approve the replacement of doors and windows in the buildings, not to exceed $500.

 

A 16 year old juvenile suspect was located a short distance from the scene. He was taken into custody and faces charges of burglary and criminal damage to property. The case remains under investigation.

 

Weber reported there were 36 calls for service in September with 29 being for medical, one for a fire, two for fire alarms, two for gas leaks and one for a vehicle accident.

 

The Santiago Lions will be hosting a pancake and french toast breakfast at town hall Sun., Oct. 23 from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for all to enjoy.

 

The breakfast will also feature scrambled eggs, sausage, orange juice, milk and coffee. Homemade bread and sweet treats will also be on sale as part of a bake sale. The suggested donation for the breakfast is $8 for adults, $5 for senior citizens and children ages five and under.

 

All proceeds go to the local fire department.

 

• A toppled tree on cemetery road was removed last week and an approach near a culvert on 41st Street will be looked at later this week;

 

• Unexpected expenditures were noted on the budget report but the board was reassured the township is still on budget with expenditures;

 

• No zoning commission meeting was held and no new business was discussed.

 

The meeting adjourned in 40 minutes.

 

The next Santiago Twp. Board meeting is Nov. 9 at 7 p.m.