POTPOURRI

$500 fine
Did you know that if your septic system is hooked into a tile line or drains to the surface, a new law as of August 1, 2006 allows local authorities to apply a fine of $500? If the system is not upgraded within 10 months the fine can be applied every month thereafter. At the present time Nicollet County has three low interest loan programs available to help landowners upgrade their systems. Call the Nicollet County Environmental Services office. 931-6800.
Governmental Units Working Together
Nicollet County and the city of New Ulm have had a cooperative agreement for many years in regard to snow removal on County State Aid Highway 37. This is the road located on the south east side of New Ulm near the Holiday Inn. It connects the city of New Ulm with State Highway 14. The agreement is that the city maintains snow removal and ice control on the road and the county agrees to pay the city four hundred dollars per month for the months of December, January, February, and March. This agreement has worked well for both parties for many years.
County is Vehicle for Child Support Payments
The county Social Services Department is charged with the collection of Child Support money at the time of divorce. In 2005, the county had 1548 current cases. Almost every divorce that takes place in our county and where child support is ordered; the social services department administers the collection and disbursement of the payments. This method allows for credibility on both sides and the county has the ability to go after wages and obligators may end up in jail for failure to pay. Social Services Director Joan Tesdahl says that we get 20-30 new cases every month and the word is out that obligators need to pay their child support in Nicollet County!
Pig Manure is Valuable Commodity
Wayne Shoper, Nicollet County Extension Agent reported to the county board that hog manure applied at the rate of 4,500 to 5,000 gallons per acre is bringing prices between $75 to $95 an acre (that includes the application costs). Dwindling Dairy Farm Numbers: Shoper said that Nicollet County now has 56 dairy farms.
Weed Problem in Ditches
At our board meeting this week, we approved the payment of a bill for $10,690.42 for spray to control thistles. The pesky weed has moved into road ditches since so many fields today are planted using Round Up Ready crop genetics. As all farmers know, thistles are very hard to control.
$1400 in Donations
Our Sentence to Serve crews spend lots of time at the 7 Mile Creek Park, cutting wood. Park users are free to use the wood and a donation is requested. This past season brought in the tidy sum of $1400. Thanks to all who felt compelled to leave a donation!
Bald Eagles Sited
Last week the county board toured the county to view the road construction projects completed during the past season. Driving along County Road 21 (one of the most beautiful drives in Southern Minnesota) we observed two bald eagles in a field that had been recently tilled. Amazing sight - for sure! end