Posted: 3/27/07
HCWR vows to reach out to state women
By Jane Palen
Managing Editor
The new director of the Houston County Womenís Resources was introduced to the Houston County Board on Tuesday. Robin Yagge Tschumper, who is married to state representative Ken Tschumper, gave a brief presentation to commissioners. She said her major goals are to focus more on helping Minnesota residents and to reach out to female veterans.
Houston County Womenís Resources provides support for women victims of domestic abuse.
"I want to work cooperatively with the community," said Tschumper. "I know we need to strengthen our image."
Commissioner Larry Graf said that HCWR has a reputation for providing assistance to victims of abuse from large cities, just to have the abuser follow a short while later. Problems then arise such as domestic disturbance calls and even the teen children continuing the pattern of abuse.
"I canít argue with that ñ it does happen," said Tschumper.
However, she disputes the myth in the county that HCWR has placed billboards in the Chicago area to attract victims of abuse to relocate in Houston County. "Iíve been all through the books over the past few years and find no record, no receipts of that," said Tschumper. "But whatís happened is that victims have found out that our area is a great place to live. They tell others. The word spreads and other victims of abuse move here."
Graf also questioned the effectiveness of moving abuse victims to Houston County. "Iíve heard from law enforcement that we just donít have the support amenities that metropolitan areas can provide, such as public transportation so the women can get to jobs," said Graf.
"I agree," said Tschumper. "Transportation is a very real problem. A lot of our residents donít even have driverís licenses."
"Weíre glad you see that things have to change," said commissioner Ann Thompson.
Drug enforcement efforts may get additional funds
Sheriff Doug Ely told commissioners that funds may be available for the county to increase its drug enforcement efforts. Houston County is a member of The Southeast Minnesota Narcotics and Gang Task Force. Ely said the task force is pushing for the county to have one officer who specializes in drug enforcement, and the task force may provide money to make that happen, including a car and gas card.
Ely also told commissioners that numerous community groups have approached him offering to provide funds for a sheriffís department canine. He also has a lead on getting used equipment ñ such as a portable kennel to fit a patrol car ñ from another community.
While thereís much more research to be done, Ely said heís talked with numerous communities who have had positive experiences with police dogs, such as Winona, Fillmore and Hennepin counties. One of the biggest issues is compensation for the officer who has to live with the police dog 24 hours a day/7 days a week. The City of Caledonia police department had an unfortunate experience when they had a police dog because of contract issues. The canine officer was recently awarded back wages of almost $3,500 for care of the dog, who is now retired.
"Weíll certainly dot all our "iís" and cross all our "tís" before we come to the board with a proposal," said Ely. "I just want to keep you posted on the progress."
Mobile home taxes go unpaid
Commissioners voted to write off $16,436 in unpaid mobile home taxes over the past 10 years. Amounts ranged from $10 up to $486. Auditor Peter Johnson said the taxes were deemed "uncollectible" after ongoing attempts to collect.
Road project approved
Beaver Creek Valley State Park in Caledonia will get a new access road this spring when an 850-foot section of County Highway #1 is redone. Road Constructors of Rochester submitted the low bid of $187,270. The project will involve re-grading, re-paving, creating a turn-around at the park, and minor landscaping. Construction is to start in May and be completed by the end of June. Funding will come from the Department of Natural Resourcesí state park road account.
County refunded for medical examiner expenses
The county will receive a $2,925 refund from the regional medical examinerís office because actual expenses were lower than what was estimated. Houston County, along with six other counties, are members of the Minnesota Regional Medical Examinerís Office and contract for medical examiner (coroner) services with the Regina Medical Center in Hastings, Minn. The county pays a monthly fee for these services, but is reimbursed if actual expenses are less than expectations. For 2006, the MRMEO investigated 61 deaths, approved 46 cremations and performed six postmortem exams. The county pays $3,612 per month for 2007 services.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com