Buffalo County Wisconsin Sheriff's Office

11/02/2026

🎃 Treats, costumes, and community smiles! 👻

Friday night, Sheriff Jake Laehn and Deputy Joslin Carothers attended Mondovi’s Trunk-or-Treat. On Saturday, Investigator Sheyann Wieczorek, Deputy Joslin Carothers and Deputy Emily Rybarczyk joined the festivities at Buffalo City’s Trunk-or-Treat!

From cowboys to superheroes, we loved seeing everyone’s costumes, handing out treats, and spending time with our community. Even K9 Ozzy dressed up for the occasion! 🐾🦇

Thank you to those who organized, the volunteers, and all of the families who made both events so much fun. We hope everyone had a safe and Happy Halloween! 🧡🖤

10/30/2026

The Buffalo County Sheriff's Office has been advised by BNSF that the railroad crossing project on Highway 25 in the Village of Nelson has been completed. The roadway is now open to normal traffic.

We appreciate the patience and cooperation of residents, businesses, and travelers during the duration of this project. Please continue to drive safely and remain alert for any workers or equipment that may still be present in the area.

10/29/2026

Thank you Skip Kaltenhauser and www.woundedvetswi.com for your continued support and donation on behalf of the Wounded Veterans Ride of Arcadia to the Sheriff’s Office!

10/22/2026

🎓 We had a great time at the Winona State University Career Fair! Investigator Sheyann Wieczorek and Lieutenant Emily Scholl enjoyed connecting with students and sharing career opportunities in our field. Pictured with them is our summer intern, Makenzie!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to learn more about our team and the opportunities available! 👏

10/22/2026

10/21/2026

Emergency access for all of our emergency services has been arranged with BNSF so our first responders can continue serving the community without interruption. However, the road will be completely shut down to all public vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

IMPORTANT TRAFFIC UPDATE: STH 25 NELSON BNSF RAIL CROSSING CLOSURE

As part of the upcoming rail crossing replacement project, STH 25 will be CLOSED at the base of the Wabasha Bridge beginning Monday, October 26 at 6:00 a.m. and will remain closed until Friday, October 30 at 4:00 p.m.

On the Wisconsin side, STH 25 will be closed at its intersection with STH 35 near the Handy Mart in Nelson, WI. No vehicle traffic will be permitted beyond this point to access the bridge area during the closure. Pedestrian traffic will not be allowed to cross the tracks either.

Motorists should plan ahead, as the nearest available Mississippi River crossings will be in Winona, MN, or Red Wing, MN. Travelers are encouraged to allow extra time and adjust routes accordingly.
The closure is necessary to allow crews to safely complete railroad crossing improvements. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as this important transportation project is completed.

BNSF has been working with county entities, WI DOT and MN stakeholders to ensure that continued emergency services will be available to those in our community and neighboring communities.

Please share this information with friends, family, and businesses that may be affected by the closure.

10/15/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE – BNSF RAILROAD PROJECT

As a reminder, this railroad project is not a Buffalo County or Sheriff’s Office project, nor is the Sheriff’s Office involved in its planning or ex*****on.

BNSF has made it clear that the railroad crossing will be completely closed to the public during the project. No vehicles or pedestrians will be permitted to cross the tracks during this time.

We understand this closure will cause significant inconvenience to the public. It will also impact our department and our partnering first responder agencies. However, these closures are determined by BNSF.

All questions, concerns, and complaints regarding this project should be directed to BNSF, not the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

10/13/2026

Public Advisory: Upcoming Road Closure on Nelson D**e Road

Our agency has received notification that permits have been approved for railroad maintenance on Nelson D**e Road from October 26th through October 30th.

During this period, the road will be completely closed to all traffic. Drivers are advised to utilize alternate routes and expect increased travel times.

BNSF Railroad Crossing on STH 25 in Nelson to Close October 26-30

The BNSF Railroad crossing on State Highway 25 (STH 25) in the Village of Nelson will be closed to all traffic beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026, and is expected to remain closed until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026.

Buffalo County was notified of the closure on a shortened timeline and is working diligently communicate impacts and minimize disruptions to residents, businesses, and emergency services.
The closure is being conducted at the request of BNSF Railway to allow crews to complete work at the crossing.

Under the current plan, emergency service vehicles will continue to have access through the crossing during the closure. However, the crossing will be closed to the general public, and motorists traveling between Wisconsin and Minnesota will need to use an alternate Mississippi River crossing.

The two nearest alternate river crossings are:
• Winona, Minnesota
• Red Wing, Minnesota

Motorists should plan ahead, expect significantly longer travel times, and adjust routes accordingly.

The Buffalo County Sheriff's Office and Buffalo County Emergency Management are working closely with local, state, and regional partners to help minimize disruptions to emergency services throughout the closure period. Agencies have been coordinating plans to ensure continued emergency response capability for residents and visitors.

"We recognize this closure will create an inconvenience for many travelers and businesses in the area. We appreciate the public's patience and understanding while this important work is completed."

Residents and travelers are encouraged to monitor local announcements and plan travel accordingly during the closure period. We will be providing updates related to this closure as we are notified.

10/09/2026

PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE

Today, the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Pepin County Sheriff’s Office and Pepin Police Department with a reported threat involving Pepin Area Schools. Law enforcement was also made aware of a separate threat involving the Durand-Arkansaw School District.

The preliminary investigation determined the threats were not credible and consistent with a “swatting” incident.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office notified school officials in Buffalo County and assigned deputies to area schools for the remainder of the day.

There has been no threat made toward any school in Buffalo County. The increased law enforcement presence was strictly precautionary.

The safety of our students, school staff, and communities remains our highest priority.

Send a message to learn more

10/03/2026

We mourn the tragic line-of-duty death of Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper Bradley Ritger, who passed away on October 2, 2026, at just 29 years old.

Trooper Ritger was critically injured on September 21 while deploying a tire deflation device during a traffic pursuit near the Dunn County and Eau Claire County line.

Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Trooper Ritger's family, friends, fellow troopers, and all who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside of him during this incredibly difficult time.

We honor Trooper Ritger for his dedicated service and the ultimate sacrifice he made in the line of duty. His service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

State Trooper Bradley Ritger passed away on Friday, October 2, according to the Wisconsin State Patrol.