Passports issued in county show decline

Tragic national events may have played a role in the number of people who bought passports in September in Crow Wing County.

Fifty-five passports were bought in September compared to 75 in September 2000. Passport purchases increased to 88 in October. In 2000, 948 passports were issued in the county compared to 804 in the first 10 months this year.

Laureen Borden, county treasurer, reviewed vital statistic information with the county board Tuesday.

On average, more copies of birth certificates have been issued this year compared to last year. This year's monthly average is 250 compared to last year's average of 213.

More marriage licenses have been issued this year. The monthly average this year is 47 compared to last year's monthly average of 40.

The number of notary registrations has decreased tremendously from last year. Borden said many of the notary registrations expired last year, which resulted in more renewals. In 2000, there were 311 registrations. Through October this year, there have been 63.