Bernice Scholer wasn't to be denied her $13.36.

That's the amount written on a warrant from Mower County to the citizen.

Unfortunately, when Scholer went to cash the warrant at a local bank, the Mower County check was "no good."

That's because the warrant was dated April 2, 1984 and soaked in coffee stains.

When the Mower County Commissioners heard that explanation of the request for a duplicate warrant from Craig Oscarson, county coordinator, there was a lot of skepticism expressed.

After a brief discussion, the commissioners agreed to issue Scholer a duplicate warrant.

In addition to the $13.36 payment, the county commissioners approved payment of $156,038 to Wagner Construction Company.

The latter is partial payment for the work being done on the new agricultural display building being constructed at the Mower County Fairgrounds.

In addition, the firm is going to put up three new livestock buildings around Crane Pavilion also on the fairgrounds.

Among the other bills approved Tuesday by the county commissioners was one for KKE, the consultant on a jail study, which received $6,911.

According to Oscarson, the firm's representatives will visit the Mower County Board meeting next Tuesday to report the results of their needs assessment for a Mower County Jail.

Mower County faces jail over-crowding considerations and is presently transporting prisoners to the Mitchell County Jail in Osage, Iowa, where it has contracted to house prisoners.

The much-anticipated jail study will give the county commissioners information needed to decide on an option to solve the over-crowding issues.

Also Tuesday, the county commissioners:

n Approved retaining the services of the engineering firm of Jones, Haugh and Smith to compile a parcel base map to be used for a variety of land use purposes by various local government units. The map was one of the recommendations of the long-range strategic planning task force.

n Appointed Margaret Kirchner, of Dexter, to fill a vacancy on the Mower County Planning Commission created by the resignation of Vance Larson, Sargeant.

n Acknowledged invitation from Richard Epley, president of Mower County Association of Townships, to attend a "Township Day at the State Capitol" March 4. Dodge and Mower counties' township officials will take their concerns to legislators for one-on-one meetings next week.

Lee Bonorden can be reached at 434-2232 or by e-mail at :mailto:lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com