The Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office is among eight Minnesota law enforcement agencies being recognized for outstanding efforts to promote traffic safety.
The award, given by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Office of Traffic Safety, includes a prize of four portable breath-testing devices.
"We are dedicated to keeping Blue Earth County roads safe and working toward fewer traffic-related deaths and injuries," said Sheriff Brad Peterson. "Each life matters, and it's an honor to be recognized for the protection of people on the roads that we all share."
The sheriff's office was particularly praised for its performance during two special safety efforts in 2016: a focus on distracted driving and a "click it or ticket" campaign.
The agency will receive its award Tuesday in a 9 a.m. ceremony at the Blue Earth County Historic Courthouse in Mankato.
JOHN REINAN
St. Cloud
Uber follows Lyft into three Minnesota cities
Rochester, St. Cloud and Mankato are getting a bigger share of the ride-hailing business.
The ride-hailing service Uber last week announced launching operations in all three cities. The company is celebrating by offering free rides — up to $15 each way — to passengers through midnight Sunday. New and existing customers can use the promotion code RIDEROCHESTER, RIDESTCLOUD or RIDEMANKATO in the respective cities.
Uber's arrival comes a week after its rival, Lyft, expanded to those cities.
