Mower County and Austin are getting a map makeover.

The county board approved a $7,600 payment to update electronic maps used in the Law Enforcement Center by dispatch and by police officers and sheriff’s deputies.

The software will include new housing developments and the Lansing annexation to the city of Austin.

The original maps were formed in 1998.

County coroner to move out of town

The county’s coroner services are shifting out of the county, but not by choice.

County Coroner David Strobel is leaving his post at Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin for a new job out of town, but he will stay on as coroner.

“For the interim, we really don’t have anything else,” County Attorney Kristen Nelsen said.

No one has expressed interest in filling the position. Most of Strobel’s duties include paper work that can be done from out of town.

“The big problem is we have no one to replace him,” Commissioner Ray Tucker said.

The county will buy or provide a laptop not to exceed $1,300. The board stipulated the laptop will belong to the county.

Strobel will be able to continue as coroner because more of the work is paper work and signatures. Three assistant coroners and Gold Cross ambulance drivers complete most of the in-person work.

County Coordinator Craig Oscarson said the county could look to find a local replacement when Strobel’s term is up, or they could look to share coroner services with a neighboring county.

County board drops tire services

Mower County is out of the tire business.

The county board voted to end the county’s tire services because commissioners said it’s no longer needed.

“To make that profitable for us, we’d have to raise our prices,” Commissioner Ray Tucker said.

County Coordinator Craig Oscarson estimated the county could spend up to $1,000 a year to provide the service.

Oscarson said the county originally began the service because the board didn’t believe certain things were available in the private sector.

“It’s a service the county doesn’t need to be into anymore,” Oscarson said.

Commissioner Tim Gabrielson said the county is currently competing with the private sector.