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Justice Center
Earlier this week, Martin County Commissioners approved 2021 representation on Capitol Bonding as they seek further funding for a new justice center. We’re glad the commissioners are continuing with this much-needed project. While some may question further spending after voting for a new addition to the high school and a new public works facility, the current justice center is woefully out of date.
Former commissioners were good about restraining their spending and keeping taxes low but the justice center can has been kicked down the road far enough, and now it’s time to deal with the issue.
jsorensen@fairmontsentinel.com
FAIRMONT Martin County Commissioners approved authorizing 2021 legislative representation on Capitol Bonding with Larkin Hoffman Tuesday, at a monthly fixed fee of $3,000 beginning Feb. 1, 2021, through July 31, 2021; plus any out-of-pocket disbursement such as mileage, parking, and related expenses. The County is looking to procure funding for a new Martin County Justice Center. Having been previously awarded $2 million to begin work on a new center from a bonding bill passed in 2020, that only helps with the predesign. Further state funding is a crucial key to any potential construction.
The fee from Larkin Hoffman is reduced from a fee of $5,000 previously paid by the County. Robert Long of Larkin Hoffman advised the board that the reduced price was due to a reduced workload and not being part of a full bonding session.
Staff Writers
jsorensen@fairmontsentinel.com
FAIRMONT Martin County Commissioners took care of several housekeeping measures on Tuesday. The board approved a motion designating the Truman Tribune as the official legal newspaper for 2021, after some intense discussion.
The board received three bids from three different newspapers, coming from the Truman Tribune, Fairmont Sentinel, and the Fairmont Photo Press. According to County Attorney Terry Viesselman, Minnesota statute states that the bid is to go to the lowest bidder but the board may reject any offer if, in its judgment, the public interest so requires.
Discussion centered around whether circulation numbers equated to transparency, along with comments from constituents on their preferences.
Man gives to needy
Kudos to Eric Leach for turning a personal negative into a group positive. Put out of work due to an injury, Leach chose to find a way to help others during his own time of hardship, by gathering donations and giving them to the elderly and families in need. As we approach the Christmas season, Leach serves as an example to all of us. While 2020 has been stressful and painful for many, let’s not forget that there are people still willing to help their fellow man.
Mental health aid
Human Services of Faribault and Martin counties will be offering free mental health first aid courses in the first three months of the new year. The courses teach people how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental illness and substance abuse disorders. The courses are sure to be a benefit to those who take them, as well as their friends and loved ones. Many people have struggled throughout this pandemic, losing businesses and suffering depression. We hope these course