歪歪漫画

ST. CLOUD 鈥� Now that Minnesota has a new state flag and seal, state agencies are starting the process to replace the old ones.

For sheriff's offices in Central Minnesota, that means changes to badges, uniform patches and sheriff's vehicle decals that show the old state seal. But area law enforcement agencies are waiting on word from state leaders before estimating the expenses of such a change.

The Benton County and Sherburne County sheriff鈥檚 offices are looking for guidance from the Minnesota Legislature on the best way to proceed.

鈥淲e have yet to research the costs,鈥� said David Unze, communications specialist for Sherburne County Sheriff鈥檚 Office. 鈥淲e are waiting for the Legislature to act on the recommendations of the committees that selected the new seal and flag and whether they give any guidance on the process of replacing the current seal and flag.鈥�

The state seal is on Benton County badges, uniform patches, vehicles, stationary and more, according to Benton County Sheriff Troy Heck. The seal is featured on badges of Sherburne County sheriff鈥檚 office employees.

The Stearns County Sheriff's Office also features the state seal prominently on its badges and uniform patches.

Contributed / State of Minnesota

The state Legislature passed a bill in May of 2023 to redesign the state seal and the flag. The old state seal of Minnesota depicts a white farmer tilling the soil, with a gun leaning against a nearby stump as a Native American riding a horse nearby looks in his direction. The old flag depicts the state seal against a blue background.

The new flag has the abstract outline of the state in dark blue along with an eight-point North Star and a light blue block to the other side. The star is the design used on the state Capitol rotunda floor. The new state seal depicts a loon as its centerpiece element.

State Emblems Redesign Commission

Contributed

Any state agencies and departments using the seal should put forth significant effort to update it by Jan. 1, 2025, according to state statute.

Heck said Benton County is also waiting for clarification from state lawmakers if local government will be required to adopt the new state seal, what timeline is recommended and if the state will provide any funding to assist in the seal transition.

鈥淭ransitioning to a new state seal will require a substantial investment of time and money,鈥� Heck said in an email to St. Cloud LIVE. 鈥淥nce we have answers to these questions, we will develop a transition plan that will include cost estimates."

Sartell Police Chief Brandon Silgjord that it could cost $20,000 to $30,000 to replace the seal on everything for the city鈥檚 25-person department