New service center The Stearns County Board of Commissioners agreed to move ahead on the purchase of land that could eventually be the location for a new service center. The land is in Waite Park, on County Road 138, which is west of Mills Fleet Farm. The service center building would be designed to carry out county services that most people, especially those living in the western part of the County, have to travel into downtown St. Cloud to receive. That would possibly include license center services, public health, environmental services like building or feedlot permits and land records. Although the Board directed staff to go ahead with purchasing the land, it has not at this time been decided how the land will be used. Intentions at this point are to build the service center to make many of the County services more accessible to the public. If this plan moves forward, the timetable for construction of a service center facility has yet to be determined. ROCORI grant Stearns County is applying for a $222,750 grant to help the Cold Spring area recover after this fall’s school shooting. The federal agency, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, has funds available for communities who have experienced a disastrous event which resulted in an increased need for mental health and substance abuse services. September’s school shooting in Cold Spring qualifies as such an event. The trauma and impact of this school shooting on the people of Cold Spring and the surrounding communities have put pressure on the time, money and resources of mental health counselors in the area. While the immediate crisis was addressed, there continues to be increased mental health needs as they struggle with the aftermath of this tragedy. To meet those needs, the communities need additional funding. Fifteen representatives from Cold Spring, along with County staff, have been meeting to explore the needs of the community as well as identifying what resources are lacking. This group decided it was critical to continue crisis counseling and assure access to mental health services for everyone, even those who can’t afford it, provide training for school and community members on identifying and addressing risky behaviors and improving communication, and organizing support groups for community members. The needs of this community go far beyond the students and school staff. It also includes neighbors, friends, family members, city officials and law enforcement. “This grant will help us protect the quality of life for people we serve. It ensures a healthier future for the people of Stearns County,” said Roma Steil, human services administrator of the county agency that is applying for this grant. “It is people coming together to enhance the lives of people in the Cold Spring area.” Don’t leave children alone in cars Soon you will be seeing more messages reminding you not to leave children alone in vehicles. The Central Minnesota Kids and Cars Campaign is planning to start a television campaign. Public service announcements will be running on various stations telling people of the dangers of leaving children alone in cars. The same ads will also be used in schools. The Kids and Cars Campaign was launched at the beginning of this year, after a woman had left her child in a running van in a St. Cloud parking lot when someone stole the vehicle with the baby inside. Other parts of the campaign include a brochure for businesses, bumper stickers, window clings, air fresheners, grocery bag ads and informational flyers for the public.
