BROWN COUNTY Brown County commissioners unanimously approved local road improvement programs in Stark and Stately Townships Tuesday.
A resolution to sponsor, apply and administer Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP) funds for a realignment on 220th Street came on a motion by Commissioner Scott Windschitl, seconded by Jeff Veerkamp.
The project realigns 220th Street away from the eroding Cottonwood River banks. The street currently runs along the south side of the Cottonwood River for about 2,000 feet. The river turns north in the area, creating south bank erosion.
Over the years, bank sloughs resulted in the river nearing the right of way of 220th Street in several locations. The next big bank slough will get into the right of way or take part of the road. The river is nearly 50 feet below the road.
Dec 31, 2020
BROWN COUNTY Two more people have died of COVID-19 in Brown County, according to Brown County Public Health (BCPH). The two victims were between the ages of 80 and 84, according to the BCPH report for Dec. 30.
The agency also reported seven new laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19, continuing a stretch of single-digit increases at the end of the month. The county recorded nine new cases on Dec. 27, four on Dec. 28, and 6 on Dec. 29.
They bring the total number of confirmed cases in Brown County to 1,999. Sixty-two active cases in isolation are reported. There have been 32 COVID-19 related deaths, 21 in long-term care facilities in Brown County since the pandemic began.
fbusch@nujournal.com
BROWN COUNTY Commissioners will certify the 2021 Brown County Budget and Levy on Tuesday, Dec. 15.
The proposed $14,141,462 levy is 2.79% ($384,506) above the certified 2020 levy. The overall county budget would increase 7.26% in 2021, but total appropriations are 5.1% less than the 2020 budget.
There is a $100,000 contingency line item at this time. With the uncertainty in the 2021 legislative session, the assurance of aid Brown County receives from the State is questionable.
Commissioners will also consider:
⢠The sheriff’s office purchasing 15 Axon X26P tasers for $19,793 to replace existing tasers to be taken out of service, deemed surplus, and declared excess property for disposal/sale.
fbusch@nujournal.com
Staff photo by Fritz Busch
Free drive-through flu vaccines will be available at the Brown County Human Services Building, 1117 Center Street,
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19. Appointments are necessary and can be made by calling (507) 233-6820.
BROWN COUNTY The Minnesota Department of Health reported that Brown County had 30 new COVID-19 cases Thursday, bring the number of total cases to 1,760.
Brown County Public Health (BCPH) reported two additional deaths, bringing the county total to 21, 18 new laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases on Dec. 9 and 30 more on Dec. 10.
Cases ranged in age from teenagers to people in their 80s.