'Beware phone scams,' says deputy

Don’t trust every phone call from an unfamiliar number. That was the message Carlton County Sheriff’s Office deputy Randy Roberts had for Thomson Township residents and the board of supervisors at the board meeting Thursday, Feb 3.

According to Roberts, phone scams were a “big issue” in Thomson Township last month. He said one instance in January had him stopping some residents from withdrawing money at the bank for a business they had never heard of that called and asked for money.

“Legitimate businesses don’t ask for money over the phone. If someone is, call me, and I will sort it out,” Roberts said.

With those few close calls in January, Roberts and board members did not want to see any residents fall for phone scams, and hope that residents are able to recognize when something seems suspicious or call the police for help.

In other business, the board welcomed three new firefighters to the Thomson Township volunteer fire department. Adam Carroll, Thomas Rogers and Kayla Balcer all joined the department last month. Chief Kyle Gustafson said, “We are lucky to have them.”

After reading a letter from the Esko post-graduation party committee, the board decided to once again donate $150 to the annual event for Esko seniors. The all-night grad party was started in 1989. This year’s event is set to be held on June 3, immediately following the graduation ceremony.

The next Thomson Township board meeting is Feb. 18.