On April 15, the Lake Region Public Health Board of Directors voted to place the administrator, Denton Heisler, on paid leave of absence. On Wednesday, May 27 that leave was lifted with some conditions.
Heisler was reportedly facing two felonies and several misdemeanors in connection with an incident on or about Nov. 21, 2025, during which he allegedly struck a parked, unattended vehicle while driving his own motor vehicle. The charging document stated the counts: “fraudulent insurance act (a class C felony), tampering with physical evidence (a class C felony), duty upon striking an unattended vehicle (a class A misdemeanor), and reckless driving (a class B misdemeanor).” Heisler was to appear April 27 at 9 a.m. to answer those charges, however that appearance was rescheduled to June 15. As he is a former North Dakota Highway Patrol Officer, it was indicated that the case would possibly be referred to someone outside Ramsey County for prosecution.
None of this, however, was discussed at the May 27 meeting of the Lake Region Public Health Board.
According to Blaine Volk, who presides over the Ramsey County Commission and the Lake Region Public Health Board of Directors, there was only one decision to be made but they had some choices, whether to continue Heisler’s leave as it was, or to continue his leave without pay, or to consider termination or reinstatement.
After considerable discussion of the options, Commissioner Doris Griffin of Benson County made the motion to reinstate Heisler with pay to his position. Discussion ensued as they considered the terms of Heisler’s reinstatement. The consensus of the board included going to treatment or counseling, working closely and meeting regularly with Human Resources (HR), possibly once a month, and continually evaluating the situation.
Volk admitted that this was a difficult situation and decision because of Heisler’s status as a director. “This has never happened before, there are no guidelines how this needs to be dealt with.”
Board member Elonda Nord of Ramsey County stated that she felt it important that because of Heisler’s position, he be held to a high standard, an example for those who work for the Counties.
The motion was changed to include six months probation, expectations in the workplace, counseling and regularly visiting with HR. Then it received a second from one of the other commission members and a roll call vote with six “Aye” votes in favor of the motion and two votes in opposition. The motion passed.
Volk adjourned the meeting.
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