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Barneston Man Shot In Alleged Self Defense Act

By
Derek Nester
-

Gage County Sheriff Millard Gustafson says that a 25-year-old Barneston man was shot in what appears to be a self-defense situation last evening in Barneston. First responders were alerted at approximately 5:13 p.m. Tuesday.

Julius Bruner was transported via medical helicopter to Lincoln with a non-life threatening gunshot wound. Brunner was allegedly shot by his father, Delbert Bruner, 54, of Barneston.

According to Gustafson, Delbert Bruner was fearful of being assaulted, and pointed a handgun at Julius Bruner, who kept advancing towards Delbert.

Delbert Bruner was questioned by the Gage County Sheriff’s’ Office, and released from custody. The younger Julius Bruner is still in a Lincoln hospital.

The investigation is continuing.

Jewell County Commissioners – January 30, 2017

By
Derek Nester
-

The Jewell County Commissioners met January 30, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. with Commissioners, Steve Greene, Mark Fleming and Keith Roe present. Carla J. Waugh, County Clerk was present for the meeting.

The following were present for office head meeting: Travis Garst, Solid Waste Director; Anna Standley, Register of Deeds; Joel Elkins, General Superintendent; Don Jacobs, Sheriff; Shannon Meier, Ambulance Director; Anna Porter, County Appraiser and Gail Bartley, Noxious Weed Director, Emergency Preparedness Director and 911 Coordinator. The following were absent: Angela Murray, Health Nurse; Chris Petet, Custodian; Jenae Ryan, District Extension Agent; and Brenda Eakins, Treasurer.

Travis Garst said they have been busy with tree clean up after the ice storm. He said that he hired a new employee.

Joel Elkins said they started rocking in the Dispatch Area. They also have been working on cutting brush.

Gail Bartley said he attended the Weather Service meeting at Lyons Kansas, the Homeland Security Regional meeting and a chemical meeting.

Anna Standley reported normal business for her department.

Anna Porter said she has been working to finalize values for notices to be sent out.

Shannon Meier said he has been rewriting numerous protocols. He has also attended several meetings. He is working with others to set up a mass casualty drill.

Don Jacobs said they have been busy as normal.

Carla Waugh thanked everyone for their cooperation with getting payroll approved. She said they have been working on the back log of real estate name changes and combination/splits.

Keith Roe reported that he attended the New County Commissioner’s seminar provided by KAC. He also attended the JJA board meeting.

Steve Greene said he attended the Economic Development meeting which they announced that $184,000 grants had been awarded in Jewell County last year. He also attended the KAC New Commissioner seminar, Juvenile Detention Center meeting and the Jewell County Hospital Board meeting.

Mark Fleming thanked everyone for attending the Christmas dinner. He said that he attended the North Central Regional Planning Commission meeting. Mark also was at the Community Meeting in Burr Oak with Sheriff Jacobs. This concluded office head meeting.

The minutes of the January 23, 2017 County Commissioners meeting were approved.

The Commissioners reviewed abatement numbers 2279 and 2280. Steve Greene moved and Keith Roe seconded that the proper officers sign abatements 2279 and 2280. Motion passed unanimously.

Curt Unrein, Knipp Services, discussed services that they provide including energy audits.

Skyler Wise, SMC Concrete Construction, was here for a pre bid evaluation of the first floor in the courthouse.

Joel Elkins, General Superintendent, discussed road maintenance. He also discussed maintenance on the fuel pumps and equipment.

Gail Bartley, Noxious Weed Director, reviewed the Annual Noxious Weed Eradication Progress Report 2017. Steve Greene moved that the proper officers sign the Annual Noxious Weed Eradication Progress Report 2017. Keith Roe seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Gail Bartley also reviewed the weed management report. Mark Fleming moved that the proper officer sign the Annual Noxious Weed Management Plan for 2017. Steve Greene seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:10 a.m.

Osborne County Commissioners – January 23, 2017

By
Derek Nester
-

Osborne County Commissioners – Minutes for January 23, 2017

Present: Alfred Reif, Craig Pottberg, C.W. “Bill” Seaman, and Vienna Janis, County Clerk.

Alfred Reif called the meeting to order at 8:52 a.m.

Pat Carlin met with commissioners and presented his 2016 annual progress noxious weed report. Commissioners reviewed the report. Alfred Reif moved to approve the 2016 annual noxious weed progress report as presented, C.W. Seaman second. Vote: all motion carried.

Pat Carlin presented the five year plan for noxious weed control through 2018. C.W. Seaman moved to approve the five year plan to control noxious weed through 2018, Alfred Reif second. Vote: all motion carried.

Pat Carlin presented the annual contract with State of Kansas to control and spray noxious weeds on highways. C.W. Seaman moved to approve the state contact to spray noxious weeds on highway, Alfred Reif second. Vote: all motion carried.

Pat Carlin stated that he had listed the old fork lift with purple wave auction and it will come up for auction on February 7, 2017.

Kenton Lyon met with commissioners to inform them that he discovered a mistake on Osborne Industries properties. One of the lots was listed a vacant but it has a building on it.  They have not been taxed on this property for 22 years. He stated that the building was built back in 1994 and has never been put on the tax roll. Kenton stated that he has talked to Paul Gregory on how to proceed and will be visiting with Osborne Industries. Vienna Janis stated that she received a complaint from Eric Rose regarding Kenton Lyon. Discussion was held.

Commissioners received the annual and financial report from Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas.

Commissioners read the minutes from January 17, 2017. C.W. Seaman moved to approve the minutes as amended for January 17, 2017 meeting, Craig Pottberg second. Vote: all motion carried.

Renee Henke-Magistrate Judge met with commissioners to discuss their appointment of Alfred Reif to the Juvenile Justice and community corrections board. She explained she currently held the appointment.  Alfred Reif stated he was not aware and commissioners would rescind the motion for that appointment. Craig Pottberg moved to rescind the commissioner’s appointment of Alfred Reif to Juvenile Justice Board and keep the appointment Renee Henke to the Juvenile Justice Board and Community Corrections Board, Alfred Reif second. Vote: all motion carried.

Commissioners review information received from KAPE Roofing & Gutters.

Vienna Janis presented 2016 annual report for Valley Township. Commissioners reviewed the report. Craig Pottberg moved to approve the 2016 annual report for Valley Township, C.W. Seaman second. Vote: all motion carried.

Commissioners approved the following change orders for 2016 tax roll: 2016-147, 2016-148, 2016-149, 2016-150, 2016-151, 2016-152, 2016-153, 2016-154, 2016-155, and 2016-156.

Brent “Bo” French met with commissions to explain that property owned by Raymond Schneider for the airport hangar still had landfill fees on it but the hanger was blown away in a storm and should be abated. Alfred Reif moved to change the landfill fee to zero for property owned Raymond Schneider for tax ID#1-219020040, Craig Pottberg second. Vote: all motion carried.

Bo French continued meeting with commissioners on the following: working on roads, lift, and fuel contract with Bob’s Inc.  Bo stated that Dylan Herold has expressed an interest in being on the bridge crew. Bo stated he will be hiring a third person to work at the landfill. Bo presented quotes for putting an engine in a truck. He had quotes from three companies. C.W. Seaman moved to approve the new engine be installed in the truck from Lee Summit for $10,353.91, Craig Pottberg second. Vote: all motion carried.

Bo French asked commissioners to go into executive session for 15 minutes for non-elected personnel. C.W. Seaman moved to go into executive session for 15 minutes for non-elected personnel, Alfred Reif second. Vote: all motion carried. Executive session started at 10:20 a.m. with commissioners and Bo French and ended at 10:34 a.m.

Sarah LaRosh met commissioners and gave an update on Osborne Community Foundation Board and upcoming meetings.

Tom Bowler met with commissioners to see if they had heard back from Heineken Electric and commissioners stated they had not. Tom stated that he did not need the Jeep if commissioners wanted to sell it. He also mentioned to commissioners that two windows should be bricked up in case of a disaster. One window is the computer room and the other is in Register of Deeds. He discussed the five year capital outlay plan for the courthouse.

Vienna Janis presented the 2016 annual report for Ross Township. Commissioners reviewed the report. C. W. Seaman moved to approve the 2016 annual report for Ross Township, Craig Pottberg second. Vote: all motion carried.

NW Development Services contract was presented. Craig Pottberg moved to approve and sign the contract for services for 2017 with NW Development Services, C.W. Seaman second. Vote: all motion carried.

Janice Boland met with commissioners and gave an update on repairs to Ford Expedition. She stated she is still having problems with it. They had to have OB-5 repaired and it is finished. Alfred Reif reported that the Equinox was returned with trash and cigarettes left in a pop bottle. Janice stated she had discussed the matter with employees. Janice asked to go into executive session for non-elected personnel for ten minutes. C.W Seaman moved to go into executive session for ten minutes for non-elected personnel, Craig Pottberg second. Vote: all motion carried. Executive session started at 11:18 a.m. with commissioners and Janice Boland and ended at 11:30 a.m.

C.W. Seaman moved to give Carry Burroughs a 50 cent raise effective January 22, 2017 for six months, Craig Pottberg second. Vote: all motion carried.

Alfred Reif moved to adjourn the meeting, Craig Pottberg second. Vote: all motion carried. Meeting ended at 12:10 p.m.

 

 

Washington County Commission Meeting Minutes – Jan. 30, 2017

By
Derek Nester
-

The Board of Washington County Commission met in regular session on Monday January 30, 2017 in the commission room at the Washington County Courthouse. Members present: Tim Mueller, 1st District Commissioner, David Willbrant 2nd District Commissioner, Gary Ouellette 3rd District Commissioner, and Kathy Fritz, Deputy County Clerk to record minutes.

Tiffany Hayman, County Health Administrator, called the board to discuss computer equipment she wished to purchase from a grant she is applying for.

Ann Hawk, County Treasurer, met with the board to have them sign signature information for First National Bank for both checking accounts and the safety deposit box.

Commissioner Ouellette reported that he had received a question concerning fire board elections.

Commissioner Willbrant moved to approve the consent agenda which included payroll and bills in the amount of $305,801,92; 2017 wage adjustment for Gloria Moore; approved the Haddam and Logan Township Annual Reports; and change orders 2016 – 43-45, 47-50. Commissioner Ouellette seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Commissioner Willbrant reported that he had received a call from Leslie Bruna, Little Blue Township Clerk requesting the board to appoint Chris Bruna Little Blue Township Treasurer. Commissioner Willbrant moved to appoint Chris Bruna Little Blue Township Treasurer. Commissioner Ouellette seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Justin Novak, Road and Bridge Supervisor, presented fuel bids. Commissioner Willbrant moved to accept the low bid of Sapp Bros. for 4,000 gallons of unleaded fuel and 3,500 gallons of diesel fuel. Commissioner Ouellette seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Road materials were discussed.

Duane Bruna, Environmental Science Director, spoke with the board about well test sites for the landfill and the possibility of obtaining more land.

Randy Hubbard, Emergency Management Coordinator, met with the board. Commissioner Willbrant moved to go into executive session for 10 minutes under personnel exception. Commissioner Ouellette seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. No action was taken upon returning to regular session. The board approved travel vouchers for Hubbard for February 9th and May 2nd – May 4th.

Dave White, Communications Specialists for Worldnet Solutions, spoke with the board about the county phone system and future needs. The board asked White to update them quarterly.

Mary White, Hanover, stopped to ask the commissioners to place more road signs on 19th Road.

Justin Cordry, Sheriff, and Sheila Ouellette, Communications Director, met with the board to present statistics on their budget, crime numbers and inmate count as previously requested. Cordry reported that he had received a grant for equipment involving data extraction.

At 12:05 P.M. Commissioner Willbrant made the motion to adjourn. Commissioner Ouellette seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

Nemaha County Commission Meeting Minutes – Jan. 30, 2017

By
Derek Nester
-

UNOFFICIAL MINUTES

These minutes are unofficial until approved by the Board of Commissioners at their next meeting.

January 30, 2017 Unofficial

The Board of Nemaha County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, January 30, 2017 in the Commissioner’s Room of the Nemaha County Courthouse. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Tim Burdiek leading the flag salute. Present also were Commissioners Dennis Henry and Gary Scoby, Road and Bridge/Solid Waste Supervisor Dennis Ronnebaum and Office Manager Kathy Haverkamp, and County Clerk Mary Kay Schultejans recording the minutes.

Road and Bridge/Solid Waste Report:

Road and Bridge/Solid Waste Supervisor Dennis Ronnebaum advised the board that:
• Wichman Road will be repaired by the contractor soon and the county will double seal the road following this repair work.
• he is considering adding concrete to the base of Fidelity Road as was done to Wichman Road last year.
• the guys are still hauling rock following the recent wet weather the county experienced.
• he would like to widen out 56th Road southwest of Centralia.
• the guys will be working on a tube replacement project this week on a drive for Loren Sudbeck.

Bruce Rinkes from King and Associates Engineering and Kenny Blair from Cook, Flatt, & Strobel came before the board to speak to Commissioners about possible watershed improvements in the county and about their company representing Nemaha County to insure the quality of the county’s roads and bridges if a wind farm project is constructed in Nemaha County.

Noxious Weed/Emergency Preparedness Report:

Noxious Weed/Emergency Preparedness Director Todd Swart advised the board that:
• he has prepared the 2016 Annual Noxious Weed Eradication Report for the Commissioners to review. Following review, Commissioners signed the report as presented. Todd will submit this report to the State of Kansas.
• he also prepared the Noxious Weed Management Plan for 2017-2018 for Commissioners to review.
• he is willing to treat township roadsides in the county if requested.

Sheriff’s Report:

Sheriff Rich Vernon advised the board that:
• he received car bids for 2017 to share with Commissioners. Rich sent bid requests out for two new patrol cars for the Sheriff’s Office for 2017. All bids include trade in of a 2013 Dodge Charger. Nemaha Valley Motors bid $18,000 for an all-wheel drive 2017

Dodge Charger and $18,000 for a second all-wheel drive 2017 Dodge Charger. Aberle Ford bid $23,100 for an all-wheel drive 2017 Ford Taurus and $22,600 for a second all- wheel drive 2017 Ford Taurus. Honeyman Ford bid $24,075 for an all-wheel drive 2017 Ford Taurus and $22,975 for a second all-wheel drive 2017 Ford Taurus. Following discussion, Dennis Henry moved to approve the two car bids from Nemaha Valley Motors for 2017 Dodge Chargers. Gary Scoby seconded the motion. The motion carried with all voting aye.
• they booked in ten individuals into the jail this past week.
• they are currently holding ten inmates in the jail.

Senior Services/Public Transit Director Diane Yunghans came before the board to request the purchase of a new copier. Diane presented a quote from Century Business Technologies in the amount of $2,520 for the purchase of a new Savin copier that has AirPrint capability. The new copier will be installed in the Senior Services/Public Transit Office at the courthouse and the copier from the courthouse office will be moved to the Seneca Nutrition Center. Following discussion, Gary Scoby moved to approve the purchase of the copier from Century Business Technologies. Dennis Henry seconded the motion. The motion carried with all voting aye.

Commissioners agreed to appropriate $100 to after-prom party committees requesting a donation from Nemaha County for 2017.

The board reviewed vouchers submitted by the different departments to be paid at the end of January.

County Attorney Brad Lippert came before the board. Commissioners spoke to Brad about the formation of Rural Fire Districts in Nemaha County and about granting an easement to another entity within Nemaha County.

The board reviewed the minutes from the January 23, 2017 meeting. Gary Scoby moved to approve the minutes as presented. Dennis Henry seconded the motion. The motion carried with all voting aye.

Road and Bridge/Solid Waste Supervisor Dennis Ronnebaum came back before the board to let Commissioners know that the skid loader at the landfill needs new tires on it. Commissioners advised Dennis to speak to Bruna Implement about this issue.

Gary Scoby moved to approve an appropriation of $10,000 to Northeast Kansas Environmental Services for 2017. Dennis Henry seconded the motion. The motion carried with all voting aye.

Dennis Henry moved to approve an appropriation of $3,000 to Northeast Kansas Enterprise Facilitation for 2017. Gary Scoby seconded the motion. The motion carried with all voting aye.

Dennis Henry moved to approve an appropriation of $2,500 to Glacial Hills RC&D. Gary Scoby seconded the motion. The motion carried with all voting aye.

Dennis Henry moved to approve an appropriation of $6,100 to the Northeast Kansas Multi- County Health Department for 2017. Gary Scoby seconded the motion. The motion carried with all voting aye.

With no further county business coming before the board, Chairman Tim Burdiek adjourned the meeting at 1:45 pm. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be held on Monday, February 6, 2017 at 9:00 am.

Mitchell County Commissioners – January 30, 2017 (AUDIO)

By
Derek Nester
-

The Mitchell County Commissioners met on Monday. The group discussed potential upgrades to the exterior of the courthouse. Commissioner Tom Claussen said he met with a representative of the Kansas Historical Society last week. He received more information which will require the county to rebid the job with different stipulations needed to meet the historical society requirements to be eligible for an 80/20 matching grant with the county providing 20 percent of the funds. This includes what materials must be used to perform the work as well as processes and materials may not be used.

Director of Public Works Larry Emerson appeared to present bridge inspections and proposals from Schwab-Eaton. The contract for engineering fees for the bridge inspections this year are $35,545. Stuart Porter of Schwab-Eaton said the state is now requiring photos of inspected bridges be submitted every other inspection cycle. Bridges are inspected every two years unless they are considered “fracture critical” in which case they are inspected annually. Fracture critical does not mean the bridge is in danger of collapse. It simply refers to the manner in how the bridge is constructed and supported by the girder or bracing system it uses. The commissioners approved the contracts for bridge inspections for 2017.

The commissioners also had an update on the upcoming federal project which will upgrade the causeway over Waconda Lake at Cawker City. There have been changes and inconsistencies in the proposed work scope. Particularly, the type of guard rail which would be used between the option of metal “W” rails or steel cables. The commissioners and Emerson agreed that they will ask the project manager to come here from Colorado to look over the project scope in person. The plan is for work to begin after harvest in July.

Emerson also presented funds transfers through the federal funds exchange where money is filtered through the state which allows more options for eligible projects which could be completed using those funds. The commissioners moved to transfer $200,000 from Road and Bridge to the Special Machinery and Equipment Fund as well as $280,000 from the Road and Bridge Fund to the Road and Bridge Capital Improvement fund.

Beloit City Administrator Jason Rabe said the East Main Project in Beloit is starting this week. The expected completion date has been pushed into July. The initial hope was to have the project finished by Memorial Day weekend, but delays in the start of the project due to preliminary work on gas lines took longer than expected.

An 20 minute executive session was held for attorney client privilege for discussions with Emerson, Karm Princ, Dale Housh, Clerk Chris Treaster, County Attorney Mark Noah and the commissioners. No decisions were made as a result of the session.

The commissioners then discussed other fund transfers with Clerk Treaster out of a total available $656,677 from the General Fund. Not all of the money will be transferred out of the General Fund to allow for a suitable cash balance to carry forward into the next fiscal year. Some of the funds will go to Courthouse Renovation in the amount of $100,000. They also transferred $50,000 to the Courthouse Technology Fund.

The commissioners are next scheduled to meet on Monday, February 6 at 8:30 a.m. at the Mitchell County Courthouse in Beloit.

KS Rep. Jenkins Eventual Departure Could Impact State Political Scene

By
Derek Nester
-

Kansas Rep. Lynn Jenkins’ announcement that she has no plans to seek office in two years shakes up the Republican gubernatorial race in which she had been expected to run.

Kansas Republican Party executive director Clay Barker says Jenkins’ decision to return to the private sector when her term ends came as somewhat of a surprise. Barker says the decision could set up wide-open primaries up and down the ballot in 2018.

Although no one has made any announcement, names mentioned on the Republican side, either for governor or Congress, have included Attorney General Derek Schmidt and Secretary of State Kris Kobach.

If either of those opt to run for another office, that would set up open primaries for those seats.

Janet Sunderland Coming Back Home

By
Derek Nester
-

Janet Sunderland’s roots are in Marshall County – she grew up on a farm in the northeastern part of the county, but drifted like a cottonseed throughout the United States, Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean before moving to her current home in Kansas City.

The Marshall County Arts Cooperative, the Marysville Public Library, and the Marshall County Historical Society are bringing Sunderland back to her roots Saturday, February 18, to lead a writing workshop at the Lee Dam Center for Fine Art, Marysville.

Sunderland said that she’s looking forward for this “hometown girl to come home.”

The workshop, “Saving Grandpa’s Stories (and Grandma’s too!),” is from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. There is a $10 fee that covers the cost of lunch. To register people should contact Hannah Malotte at 785-713-1641 or mhmalotte@sbcglobal.net by February 15.

“Most of us have old family stories we wished we’d written down,” Sunderland said. “I will help participants decide the purpose of saving their stories whether that’s in the format of a family memento, personal memoir, or a cookbook with stories.”

Sunderland will give writing tips on how to find an opening line, and how to build details by adding description. She will have suggestions on how to get published or how to verbally present stories. Participants will receive information on e-books and traditional publishing. She will also give tips on how to jog stories from parents or grandparents who may have memory loss.

Sunderland will show how to use simple tools like a digital recorder or a smart phone to capture those stories. There will be time for writing practice in organization and structure.

Sunderland is a memoirist and a poet. Her work has appeared in variety of journals as well as three recent anthologies, When Last on the Mountain, Love Over 60, and Journey to Crone. Her collection of poetry, At the Boundary, was published by Finishing Line Press, and recently completed a memoir, Written on the Reverse. She serves on the executive board of Whispering Prairie Press. She’s also a professional actress, a member of SAG/AFTRA, and teaches Public Speaking and Writing.

To register or for more information people should contact Malotte at mhmalotte@sbcglobal.net.

Smith County Collision Hospitalizes Three

By
Derek Nester
-

Three people were injured in an accident just before 5 p.m. on Friday in Smith County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford Taurus driven by Ray E. Hunter, age 39 of Kensington, collided with a 2004 Chevy Silverado that was crossing Hwy. 36 on O Road driven by 42 year old Thomas R. Boxum of Lebanon.

Mr. Hunter and passengers in the Ford Taurus including Cherokee N. Marsh, 25, and Nathan Hunter, 16, both of Kensington, were transported to the Smith County hospital.

Boxum and two passengers in the Silverado were not injured.

Lincoln County Commissioners – January 23, 2017

By
Derek Nester
-

The regular meeting of the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners was held in the commission meeting room of the courthouse Monday, January 23, 2017. Chairman Al Joe Wallace called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. with Vice-Chairman Terry Finch and Member Alexis Pflugh present. County Clerk Dawn Harlow was in attendance.

Others present for portions of the meeting: Steve Schneider, Dustin Florence, Kelly Larson, Michel O’Hare, Robert Howe, Ladonna Reinert, Mary Powell and Dwight Heller.

Steve Schneider requested that the county gravel a portion of N 50th Rd in Cedron Township. The board related that the current policy is that when a landowner requests improvements to an existing road dirt road that the landowner will be responsible to purchase and haul materials and that the county will shape the road and lay the materials. Alexis Pflugh moved to talk to Director of Public Works Michel O’Hare to look at Cedron Township’s roads and give an assessment of the needs for the Township. The motion died for a lack of a second.

Undersheriff Dustin Florence showed the board a level 4 body armour, which the department would like to purchase, and explained need for and the difference between this body armour and the current ones that officers will continue to wear. Terry Finch moved to purchase nine level 4 body armour kits from 911 Custom in the amount of $3,429.91, seconded by Alexis Pflugh. Motion carried. Florence related that they are also considering replacing the current side arm weapons with a different model and that estimated cost would be around $1,700 after trade-in of the current weapons. Florence reported that Michael Dail is currently attending the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center Academy and should graduate April 21.

Economic Development Director Kelly Larson reminded the board of the upcoming historic preservation workshop on January 30 at 7 p.m. Larson related that Kansas Historical Society members have agreed to visit with commissioners at 1:00 p.m. on Monday January 30 to discuss courthouse improvement needs. Larson discussed economic development activities, noting that the organization is working on identifying alternatives to fund additional Rural Opportunity Zone students.

Al Joe Wallace moved to approve longevity gross payroll run in the amount of $14,576.34, seconded by Terry Finch. Motion carried.

Terry Finch moved to allow tax abatement 2016-12 in the amount of $464.86, seconded by Al Joe Wallace. Motion carried.

The board forwarded Steve Schneider’s request and board response to Director of Public Works Michel O’Hare and Road and Bridge Supervisor Robert Howe. The group discussed current policies regarding the improvement of existing infrastructures.

O’Hare reported on a meeting that he attended concerning proposed legislation to increase the weight allowed for commercial truck traffic on local road surfaces; provided pictures of county road right-of-way that was bladed by a private individual; requested approval of the modified bridge replacement policy; related that he has been visiting with another county about renting their chip spreader; has requested bids to crush rocks and the concrete pile at the landfill. O’Hare related that Foley Equipment will hold the used loader through the week.

After discussion, Terry Finch moved to purchase a used 2013 938K caterpillar wheel loader from Foley Equipment in the amount of $139,600, seconded by Al Joe Wallace. Motion carried. O’Hare requested approval to attend a conference in Cincinnati, Ohio as a member of the Kansas State Highway Officials Association, the association will pay for the conference, lodging and transportation costs. The board approved the request. Alexis Pflugh moved to approve the Bridge Replacement Policy as presented, seconded by Terry Finch. Motion carried.

The chairman recessed the meeting for lunch at 12:18 p.m.

The chairman reconvened the meeting to regular session at 1:15 p.m.

Health Nurse/Administrator Ladonna Reinert presented the Health Department’s 2016 insurance write-off’s. Reinert provided a list of services that the department offers and reported on activities.

Mary Powell provided written documentation and presented a power point presentation with pictures of her concerns regarding the infrastructure of Lincoln County.

With no further business to come before the board the chairman adjourned the meeting at 2:33 p.m. until 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 30, 2017 in the commission meeting room of the courthouse.

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