Brown County Probation has a number of prevention/ accountability programs for probationers. One of these programs is called Project Nighthawk, which was started in 2005. This program partners law enforcement with probation officers to target high risk clients on active probation. The program is designed to hold probationers accountable for violations but more importantly praise them for compliance.

In completing Project Nighthawk, probation agents set up a time with local law enforcement agencies to ride along with one of their officers. This is an opportunity to collaborate with local agencies and continue positive relationships between the probation department and law enforcement. Prior to starting Project Nighthawk, the probation agent assembles a list of medium to high risk probationers to be checked. Clients can be checked for multiple reasons, such as; have been ordered to abstain from mood-altering chemicals (client is asked to provide a breath test), have been ordered to comply with a curfew, or have no contact with victim(s) or minors.

If a probationer is found to be in violation of their probation conditions the probation agent has a number of sanctions that can be imposed. Consequences can range from a verbal warning all the way up to being taken into custody and placed in jail or detox depending on severity of the violation. The most positive part of Project Nighthawk is the opportunity to “catch them being good.” When the probationer is in compliance with conditions this program provides a great opportunity for positive interactions.

Project Nighthawk has been a positive program for Brown County. The main goals for probation are to work with probationers to improve their lives and maintain public safety. This program has been meeting both of the these goals for the past 13 years.

Election update

From the office of the

Brwon County

Auditor-Treasurer

Less than one week to the election and plans are underway to ensure a great voting experience for all of our voters.

The polling locations within the City of New Ulm are as follows:

• Ward 1 – Precinct 1 & 2, Redeemer Church, 700 South Broadway

• Ward 2 – Precinct 1 & 2, NU Community Center, 600 North German

• Ward 3 – Precinct 1 & 2, NU Civic Center, 1212 North Franklin

• Ward 4 – Precinct 1 & 2, Harman Park Shelter, 101 North Garden

Direct balloting is now occurring at the county Auditor-Treasurer’s office. Voters can come into the office during regular business hours and cast their ballot directly into the vote tabulator. Results will not be printed until after the polls close on Election Day, Nov. 6. If you have concerns about your polling location and/or weather conditions, feel free to utilize the opportunity to vote securely at your convenience.

It is anticipated that well over 30 percent of the votes in Brown County will be cast prior to Election Day by either mail ballot or absentee voting.

The Auditor-Treasurer is required to be open for voting on Saturday Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. We will also be able to accept voters until 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 5.