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A computerized thermostat apparently failed to turn on the air conditioning as temperatures soared into the 90s over Memorial Day weekend. Mike Krage, Winona County maintenance superintendent, said he ordered a $15,000 computerized controller to fix the problem, and workers will begin installing it today.
“I don’t know what the temperature is in here, but it’s ridiculous,” Thompson said. “I’m not wearing my robe until we get this fixed.”
It was 89 degrees in one back office Tuesday.
Thompson relaxed rules of attire for the county district court, encouraging people to shed jackets and loosen ties to remain comfortable. He wore a white shirt and tie.
Throughout the courthouse, fans hummed and doors stood ajar, in blatant disregard for normal security rules.
Mark Anderson, Winona County information technology director, checked to make sure the heat and humidity would not harm office computers. Most computers operate best at 85 and below, he said.
“I have the equipment set to automatically report if they go into a trouble situation,” Anderson said.
Court security supervisor Chad Ready was as displeased as the judge was about work conditions.
“You can’t print what I have to say about it,” he said.
