North Star Clients Growing in Worth County

North Star’s presence in Worth County has been growing over the past year. North Star provides services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and rape free of charge. All services are confidential and available to both men and women. They are available at (660) 562-2320. All services are provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Executive Director Linda Mattson gave a presentation Monday to the Worth County Commissioners updating them on how the organization was growing.

In 2020, North Star only served five clients from Worth County. But in 2021, they were able to get a grant for a full time advocate for Worth and Gentry Counties, and a local board member, Amy Jackson, was appointed to the board. In 2021, they served 13 clients. 

In addition, they offer education on what constitutes abuse as well as a support group. People can show up at their door at 1220 East 2nd in Maryville if necessary. They are funded through grants and through private donations. 

They have partnered with the Tri-County Health Department, Mission Possible, the Worth County Sheriff, and they have helped house people who needed a place to stay. If necessary, they can help financially and help clients fill out orders of protection. Mattson said that Sheriff Scott Sherer has gone out of his way to check on the wellbeing of clients. 

As an organization, North Star spent $50,000 on clients last year, and they have never turned anyone down.

Kim Mildward updated the commission on the progress with the broadband program, spent for with COVID relief money. The county voted to match $39,242 out of the $392,426 that United Fiber is spending to bring broadband to the county. Funds are paid for out of the ARPA funds that the county received. The county will not be on the hook until the program is officially funded. The county will also sign a letter of support for the United Fiber project. 

State construction needs were discussed by the commissioners. Among projects mentioned were Route M from 169 to Denver, Jay Creek just west of Grant City, and the Mullock bridge near Oxford. 

The county will be getting new equipment in December. Delivery of a new grader will take place around Christmas, while delivery of a new excavator will be around December 9th.