Rural residents of Freeborn County are facing a trade-off this summer: They may be asked to give up the address they’ve used for years, but in exchange, they will be part of a system that is better able to protect them in case of emergency.

Thursday, July 26, 2001

Rural residents of Freeborn County are facing a trade-off this summer: They may be asked to give up the address they’ve used for years, but in exchange, they will be part of a system that is better able to protect them in case of emergency.

Rural counties across the state have been slowly moving toward better 911 systems that make it easier for personnel to find addresses. This system will give every residence a unique numbered address and will add names to roads where needed.

When parting with something that has been part of the area’s character for years, like street names or addresses, it’s easy to feel some loss. But the greater goal – a county with an easier-to-understand addressing system – is important as the county moves forward.

Also important is for any residents who want to voice their concerns to attend a public hearing on the matter Aug. 7 in the Freeborn County Commissioners’ room. This is everyone’s chance to have their ideas or grievances heard before the changes become law. It is the duty of county staff and elected leaders to listen at that time, and to take prudent action to address reasonable concerns.