Harwood to determine standing of public works superintendent at subsequent assembly – InForum

HARWOOD, N.D. — Metropolis officers conducting an inside investigation into the Harwood Public Works Superintendent who’s dealing with assault fees in Minnesota will hear from him about why he believes he ought to preserve his job earlier than the choice is turned over to the Metropolis Council.

Bernard Stasch, 60, was charged Monday, Might 2, in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, with second-degree assault with a harmful weapon, terroristic threats and home assault, a misdemeanor, in keeping with Minnesota courtroom information.

The costs stem from an incident the previous weekend when police had been known as to 32941 Pickerel Drive in Richville, Minnesota. Courtroom paperwork allege Stasch was ingesting closely, and he bought into an argument along with his fiancee, at one level throwing her to a sofa, damaging a vase and placing his arms round her throat earlier than standing off with legislation enforcement outdoors the house.

The Harwood Metropolis Council positioned Stasch on paid administrative depart at a particular assembly Friday, Might 6, and fashioned an inside committee together with Mayor Blake Hankey to conduct an investigation relating to Stasch’s standing as a metropolis worker.

On Tuesday, Might 24, the Metropolis Council once more held a particular assembly, at which period Hankey beneficial that the council both terminate Stasch or contemplate inserting him on unpaid depart pending the result of the felony fees.

“There was no suggestion he return to his present employment or keep on paid depart,” Hankey informed The Discussion board Wednesday.

Hankey mentioned the town is nearing the top of the inner investigation, having reviewed Stasch’s worker file and related paperwork. He additionally interviewed Stasch, the alleged sufferer, the town auditor, one other public works worker and Stasch’s protection lawyer.

Hankey additionally requested to talk with the Otter Tail County Legal professional’s Workplace, which is prosecuting the case, however the workplace didn’t converse on to the case.

He mentioned Stasch can be entitled to what’s often known as a “Loudermill” listening to, a part of the due course of for eradicating a public worker. Stasch could have the chance then to offer constructive attributes about his work to the investigating committee.

Stasch has labored for the town of Harwood for about 28 years.

Hankey mentioned the Metropolis Council voted unanimously Tuesday to carry the listening to between Stasch and the committee, then carry the standing of his employment to the council’s common assembly on Monday, June 6.

Stasch allegedly threatened to kill his fiancee through the incident. A member of the family known as authorities, and when deputies arrived, his fiancee escaped. Stasch then got here out of the home and fired his gun twice, in keeping with courtroom paperwork. A 3rd shot was additionally fired, however it was unclear who fired it in courtroom paperwork.

Deputies used an armored automobile to strategy the residence, making quite a few bulletins. Courtroom paperwork allege Stasch pointed the firearm on the armored automobile, held the gun to his head and walked out and in of the residence.

Hours later, he surrendered peacefully.

Stasch posted $50,000 bail on Might 6 and is scheduled to look in courtroom once more on July 7 for an omnibus listening to.

The assault cost carries a most sentence of seven years in jail and a $14,000 positive, and the terroristic menace cost carries a most sentence of 5 years in jail and a $10,000 positive.

Readers can attain West Fargo editor Wendy Reuer at

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