SW Minnesota Today

Nobles County Commissioners took action and declared a state of emergency, which includes closing county buildings to the public. 

This comes after a coronavirus meeting that was held on March 18. There was an unanimous vote that sets in the documentation that pertains to the coronavirus emergency response.

Nobles County reported zero COVID-19 cases as of the morning of March 18. 

The documentation was explained by Nobles County Administrator Tom Johnson. Johnson said that the costs surrounding the emergency response plan would be paid for by the state and/or federal government. As more people get sick, there will be a higher need for medical supplies and these types of items could be purchased without prior authorization or bid processes.

After the state of emergency was declared, another temporary declaration was put in place by the Board Chairman Justin Ahlers. This declaration immediately closes off all county buildings to the public. 

These buildings include the Nobles County and Adrian branch libraries, Nobles County Public Works facility and the Nobles County Government Center that is located downtown. These buildings will remain closed until further notice. Employees are required to report to work although a relaxed dress code is suggested as there will be cleaning done during this time.

WPU Manager Scott Hain was concerned with the fact that residents still need to be able to make payments on their utility bills, stating that he was "caught off guard" by the county's decision, according to The Globe. What Hain was concerned with was that a handful of residents do not use credit cards or checking accounts and use a cash method to make their payments. With the buildings being closed, cash payments will not be accepted.

After discussion regarding the concerns that Hain addressed, a vote was cast and it had been decided that the Ninth Street entrance would re-open, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Nobles court, attorney office, and corrections center will remain open at this time, inside the Prairie Justice Center. This is required by the Minnesota Supreme Court. The court system will remain open for most felony cases that are high or super high priority cases.