Former Employee Charged with Felony Check forgery in kittson County
Julie Bergman
julie@wiktel.com
Adriaan Stephanes Engelbrecht of Hallock, a former employee of a Kittson County business, has been charged with two counts of felony check forgery in Kittson County District Court. The charges stem from allegations that Engelbrecht falsified checks from the business and the owner’s personal accounts, amounting to a total of $68,028.09. According to the complaint filed by Deputy Sheriff Kelly D. Gustafson, Engelbrecht was employed by the business from June 2024 to mid-July 2025. During this time, Engelbrecht allegedly forged checks by copying legitimate payroll amounts and handwriting, making it difficult to detect the fraudulent activity. The forged checks were deposited into Engelbrecht’s personal account, even after his employment had ended. The investigation began on August 12, 2025, when the business owner reported suspicious activity to the Kittson County Sheriff’s Office. The owner had noticed duplicate checks and unauthorized withdrawals from his accounts. Upon further review, he identified forged checks dating back to November 2024. The forged checks were made out for amounts matching previous payroll checks, but the check numbers and dates did not align with payroll records. The complaint lists numerous forged checks from the business and personal accounts, with amounts ranging from $866.09 to $3,059.89. The aggregated value of the forged checks within a six-month period allowed prosecutors to charge Engelbrecht under Minnesota Statute 609.631, subd. 4. Engelbrecht faces two felony charges: • Count I: Check forgery involving property or services valued at $35,000 or more, with a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment or a $100,000 fine, or both. • Count II: Check forgery involving property or services valued at more than $2,500, with a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment or a $20,000 fine, or both. Engelbrect is scheduled to appear in Kittson County District Court on Wednesday, September 17. The complaint was approved by Prosecuting Attorney Kaitlyn Bjornson and signed by District Court Judge Tamara Yon on August 28, 2025. A warrant has been issued for Engelbrecht’s arrest, and he is required to appear in court to answer the charges. If Engelbrecht fails to appear, a nationwide arrest warrant will be executed. The case remains under investigation, and Engelbrecht is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Northland Threshing Bee Celebrates Veterans and Community Heritage
Samantha Alme
This past weekend, the Northland Threshing Bee took place in the picturesque rural setting of Strathcona, paying tribute to the nation’s veterans. During the festivities, veterans were honored with special pins and recognized in parades, highlighting their invaluable contributions. The event is rooted in a tradition that commemorates the methods used by earlier generations in harvesting crops with threshing machines and other equipment now regarded as antiques. Attendees from the surrounding areas proudly showcased their vintage tractors and various farming implements. Each day at 1 p.m., a tractor parade captivated spectators, with the announcer sharing fascinating stories and intricate details about each featured vehicle or item. In addition to the parades, the organization excelled in illustrating the realities of life during those earlier times. Enthusiastic volunteers operated an antique kitchen, demonstrating traditional practices such as bread baking, butter churning, lefse making, rug weaving, yarn spinning, quilting, and broom crafting. Their tireless efforts truly brought history to life, allowing visitors to connect with the past in a meaningful way. The dedication of the organizational volunteers deserves special recognition, as they invest countless hours into making this annual tradition a success. Their passion and commitment are evident in every aspect of the event, creating an atmosphere rich with community spirit. The Northland Threshing Bee is more than just an event; it is a celebration of heritage and a reminder of the importance of preserving our past traditions. For those who have yet to experience this remarkable gathering, a visit to the Northland Threshing Bee is highly recommended. It promises to be a memorable journey into the history and culture of the region.