Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
The governor's statewide mask mandate announced Friday, Nov. 13 seems to have everyone covered when it comes to slowing the infectious spread of COVID-19.
But what about the people who refuse to comply with the mandate? This is the question county commissioners had for Sheriff Paul Lies at the regular commission meeting held on Tuesday, November 17.
A visible grin of hesitation made it clear that Lies had mulled over this topic more than once. "In all honesty," Lies began, "this is a lot like the seat belt issue. I don't want to stop anyone just because they aren't wearing one."
Lies continued, citing uncertainty about infringements on the constitution, but also added, "Technically non-compliance in the mandate is an infraction punishable by a $1,000 fine."
In further explanation, Lies stated that businesses have the right to refuse someone service if he or she is not properly masked. In such a case that the individual refuses to leave the premises, the business owner may call the sheriff's office for assistance.
These types of scenarios will be handled case by case, according to Lies. If someone is charged with an infraction of non-compliance on the mask mandate, it will likely follow the additional charges of criminal trespass and/or disorderly conduct.
The topic came to a close when Lies added, "We just aren't equipped to be patrolling and stopping people for not wearing a mask." Commissioners not only understood, but also agreed.
With Sheriff Paul Lies still present, the commissioners reviewed the contract with Stutsman County Correctional Center. Lies explained that while the cost has gone up from $70 to $75 a day, he has a good solid working relationship with the facility. In this arrangement, Stutsman County Jail serves as a stopover for inmates being transported to the state penitentiary or other locales.
One caveat of this situation has changed since the onset of COVID-19. As the state penitentiary has had restrictions on its population, inmates are spending a longer time waiting at Stutsman County. Due to COVID-19, the state penitentiary has had restrictions on its population. As a result inmates are spending more time in Stutsman County waiting for transfer to the state penitentiary.
This is the time of year that Sheriff Lies and his staff are looking forward to hosting the annual Shop with the Sheriff event. Lies noted that the event will look different this year, but will likely take place with gift cards or Chamber bucks. He expects the program will once again benefit 30-50 of the area's youth. Details will be published in the Transcript. Donations are welcome and encouraged, as the program is run entirely through contributions from the community.
In other new business, the county commissioners approved liquor licenses for the New Rockford Golf Course as well as the newly re-opened Hamar Bar.
The annual Deliquent Tax Sale was held at 10 a.m., with three properties up for auction. All three had buyers, with a house on Third Avenue South in New Rockford bringing in over $10,000. A second house on 13th Street garnered $3,100, while three lots in Hamar sold for $1,500.
The Court Facilities Grant for improvements to the courthouse has a deadline of December 31. County commissioners will talk with courthouse staff to identify any areas of need.
A new sign at the Eddy County NDSU Extension Office makes the location all the more noticeable. Extension agents Donna Anderson and Chandy Howard submitted their annual 4-H report, which highlighted this year's 4-H clubs and their participation in Achievement Days.
