SOUDAN — At their last meeting, Breitung Township welcomed new part-time officer Margaret Stauty with a short swearing-in ceremony. Officer Stauty has been a police officer on and off since 2017, working in varied positions including policing, security, and corrections while balancing family obligations.
“I’m happy to her have her on board. It will be good to have a female officer,” said Chief Dan Reing. “We’re expecting great things.”
Reing also noted that the new police cruiser just arrived but has yet to be outfitted. New badges have also been ordered. He also offered a reminder for Breitung residents that they are required to register their dogs with the township. A lifetime license is now available at $30 per animal or $20 if the animal has been spayed/neutered.
The board discussed an offer from Babbitt Police Department to collaborate.
Supervisor Matt Tuchel said that all options they looked at would be of higher cost than benefit to Breitung residents. Breitung Township noted that they do currently allow Cheif Reing to work extra shifts in Babbitt. Additionally, Babbitt and Breitung train together to save costs for both departments.

Projects
The township is working on preparing for the future with several projects, big and small. The township will be working with the city of Tower to create a joint-comprehensive plan to determine priorities in land use, infrastructure, housing, transportation, natural resources, and community development. At their meeting, the board applied to IRRR for grant funding to assist with the cost of planning.
The board paid for wetland credits and application fee for the Vermilion Loop Trail at a cost of $20,127. The funding comes from an IRRR grant.
The board hired Midway Builders to reroof the storage building behind the post office at a cost of $19,150. The company offered the lowest of three submitted quotes. The roof is leaking.
Supervisor Steve Tekautz noted that the township’s blight ordinance is outdated and will work on some updates to the language.
The township approved a job description for the newly hired assistant local weed inspector. The employee will be assessing public and private property within the township to identify dangerous and noxious weeds such as wild parsnip and common tansy for removal.
Township maintenance will work on brushing the brick pond near South St., in response to a request from a resident.
In other news, the board:
• Heard from new McKinley Park campground managers Randy Pratt and Julie Kranz, who introduced themselves and gave thanks to the township for the warm welcome and support in getting the campground set up. “It’s a blessing to have this kind of help,” Kranz said.
• Heard that Girl Scouts Troop 1302 will be assisting McKinley Park Campground with litter pick-up and beach raking.
• Heard that the new fire/rescue UTV will arrive in September or October.
• Accepted the resignation of Dianna Sunsdahl as deputy clerk, with regret.
• Passed a resolution to accept donations including, $600 from Tower Fireman’s Relief Association for BPD carrier vests, $150 from the Tower-Soudan Women’s Civic Club for flowers at the Timothy Tomsich Community Center and at the Soudan entrance sign. Barb Burgess donated her election judge wages of $144 back to the township.
• Will send out requests for propane bids.
• Set the date for the Breitung Community Picnic for Sunday, July 5 from 12-3 p.m.
• Discussed an offer from the city of Tower to create a joint airport zoning board, as some of the airport’s zoning is within Breitung Township. Supervisors Tekautz and Peitso said they would like to find out more information.
The next township meeting will be held Tuesday, May 19 at 6 p.m.

Breitung Police, Report, March 2026
Calls for Service: 56
It was a steady month of calls but still a lower-than-average number of incidents. A large amount of time was dedicated to the current missing person case.
Multiple searches were completed, statements obtained, and leads were investigated.
The new squad car is going to be arriving soon, it will hopefully be put into service in late May.
The weather is finally starting to warm, hopefully spring will finally arrive. A reminder also to register and license your dogs at the township office or you may be fined.