I did not think a week ago with 6 inches of snow, I would be writing about this but over the last few days we have had several out of control fires.  This usually happens when someone is burning a ditch or grass and it gets away from him or her.  It is extremely dry out there right now so if you do decide to burn, please give us a call and let us know when and where.  We currently are not in a burn ban but it is appreciated when you call your controlled burns in.  If you need assistance, please contact your local fire chief to get some recommendations or suggestions on what and where you plan to burn or maybe get their assistance.  Yesterday we actually had a controlled burn jump a road and start something on fire that was not intended to burn.  Please use caution.

           Farmers are running hard right now and we all need to be aware of them and pass safely.  Most farmers have slow moving equipment and you need to pass when it is safe, and not at an intersection.  This is in case they would happen to be turning.  Some farmers are wider than the road and giving them a little extra space is very appreciated.  Farmers please take your time and be safe this spring so no one gets hurt.  I have had a few complaints of anhydrous tanks running faster than 35 mph, which is the speed limit for them, but have not seen any myself.

           I have also received some phone calls about the IRS scam going on in our area.  We have a lot of scams going on right now and one of them is when criminals call people and advise them they are the IRS and you owe money for taxes or the local sheriff will be arresting you and picking you up.  This is not true. 

Note that the IRS does not:

• Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, the IRS will first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes.
• Demand that you pay taxes without the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe. You should also be advised of your rights as a taxpayer.
• Threaten to bring in local police, immigration officers or other law-enforcement to have you arrested for not paying. The IRS also cannot revoke your driver’s license, business licenses, or immigration status. Threats like these are common tactics scam artists use to trick victims into buying into their schemes.

             If you believe you were the victim of a scam or have a questions about a phone call you received, please give us a call. 

 If you have any questions, or comments, feel free to contact me anytime, e-mail me, or stop by to see me.

Thanks and be safe,

Sheriff Mike Tschirgi