Anoka County
Board OKs panels for license counters
The Anoka County Board last week approved spending more than $100,000 for new glass panels at the counters of the county's five license centers to protect staffers working during the pandemic.
Board Chairman Scott Schulte said the panels will be permanent and improve safety at the centers during the flu season. The vote was 4-3.
The panels will cost $33,000 at the larger license center in Coon Rapids. The cost at each of the other sites in Blaine, Columbia Heights, Ham Lake and Ramsey will be $19,000.
The county will pay for the glass panels with its asset preservation fund and seek reimbursement through eligible COVID-19 response funds. If the sound components come in over budget, officials will find more affordable solutions.
KIM HYATT
Chaska
Seibert takes the oath as new police chief
Ryan Seibert was sworn in last week as Chaska's new police chief, replacing Scott Knight, who retired last fall.
Seibert spent 13 years with the Robbinsdale Police Department, the past two as captain. He also served as crime prevention liaison, detective, patrol sergeant and administrative sergeant.
The public couldn't attend the swearing-in at the fire station because of pandemic restrictions, but the ceremony is available for viewing on the Chaska Community Television YouTube channel.