The Mahaska County Sheriff’s Department plans to add a new officer next spring—a K-9 officer.  Mahaska County Sheriff Russ Van Renterghem tells the No Coast Network he’s grateful that Oskaloosa Police allow his department to use their K-9 officer, but sometimes the area needs two K-9 officers.

“We need two in the county because we’re just that busy.  There are times when we’ve needed a K-9 and the city’s hasn’t been available.  They’re always very quick to help when he is available.  There are just a number of times…things that we need.”

VanRenterghem says Deputy David Wilke has been selected as handler for the new K-9 officer.  A fundraising campaign for the K-9 officer is underway.  You can send a donation to:

Mahaska County K-9 project

c/o Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office

214 High Avenue East

Oskaloosa, IA 52577