Moritz

NEW ULM — Brown County Public Health Director Karen Moritz told Brown County commissioners Tuesday that her department is seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases among school age children.

“Since school started, we’re seeing an increase in (student) cases, especially those 14-19 years of age,” Moritz said. “Most of the transmission appears to be outside of the school building, upon investigation. We have not seen a significant amount of direct transmission in schools or with school activities. Our schools remain in the educational model they started in for that reason.”

All but two Brown County schools have everyday in-person learning, Moritz said.

“(COVID-19) testing is getting much better,” Moritz said in her update. She said saliva and drive-through testing is becoming more common.

“The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) website lists schools with more than five COVID cases on its website,” Moritz said.

Regarding indoor mask enforcement, Moritz said Public Health receives phone call complaints and will visit a business if two complaints are received.

“We’re discreet about it,” Moritz said. “We’ll give printed material to businesses. We won’t do this in front of customers or employees. Usually, it’s just educating people about it. People can call the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office about it, too.”

In another matter, Moritz said she’s excited about the MDH working on a process that allows the public to access their own immunization records.

“That will be very helpful for the public and reduces the need for our office to provide the public with their immunization record upon request,” said Moritz.

Commissioners unanimously approved:

• A five-year curbside recycling contract with River View Sanitation (RVS) with a 2.5% service fee hike in the third year of the contract, on a motion by Commissioner Dean Simonsen, seconded by Commissioner Jeff Veerkamp.

Dumpster type and size will change, allowing RVS to pick up dumpsters with their recycling trucks instead of making an additional trip with a rolloff truck. The service cost will be $38 a year for each resident in 2021.

Brown County produced more than 3,664 tons of recycled material in 2019. As of Aug. 1, the county reported more than 2,000 tons of recycled material.

• A community resource grant of up to $75,000, on a motion by Commissioner Scott Windschitl, seconded by Commissioner Dave Borchert. Funds would support organizations that help provide the needy with housing services, food, childcare, employment, and access to social and health services, mitigating the demand on Brown County social service and public health programs. The program would be an eligible use of CARES Act funds.

“I think it’s a very good idea for struggling non-profit organizations,” said Windschitl.

• Continuing Heartland Express free fares through Dec. 31; on a motion by Windschitl, seconded by Berg.

“I’ve heard many good comments from people on the free fares,” Windschitl said.

According to a Minnesota Department of Transportation report, Brown County gives back the biggest return on rural and small urban transit services with $7.20 coming back for every dollar spent on transit. It’s the biggest return in the region.

Neighboring system returns are $6.79 in St. Peter and Le Sueur, $2.56 in Watonwan County, and $1.77 in eight western counties. The state average is $2.51.

“Brown County transit is sure a good deal,” said Heartland Express Transit Manager Pat LaCourse.

CARES Act funding is covering all Heartland Express expenses for the rest of the year and until March 1, 2021.

Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.