The Superior Express -

The Jewell County Commissioners met Feb. 22 with commissioners Brent Beck, Steve Greene and Keith Roe were present.

Carla Waugh, county clerk and the following were present for the office head meeting: Travis Garst, solid waste director; Nancy Marihugh,health administrator; Marilou Becker,deputy appraiser; AlexandriaCarabajal, county attorney; Amanda Davis, register of deeds; Don Jacobs, sheriff; Shannon Meier, ambulance director; Kevin Peroutek, noxious weed director, emergency preparedness director and 911 coordinator; Chris Petet, custodian. Those absent were Brenda Eakins, treasurer; and Joel Elkins, general superintendent.

Becker said the appraiser’s office will be sending out change of value notices on March 1.

Jacobs reported two deputies are currently attending the Law Enforcement Training Academy. His report included February stats: jail – 3; 911 calls – 33; accidents – 4; and phone calls - 479. He said the KBI and FBI are still actively working on the bank robbery. He reminded all courthouse employees they need to log in at the Sheriff’s Office if arriving before courthouse doors are unlocked.

Meier said it has been a steady month. He reported one heater in the bay area quit working.

Amanda Davis reported a normal month, but steady. She is planning for the spring district meeting with Jewell County as the Host.

Peroutek reported for EMP – the message boards were all delivered to the communities; all funds were spent on both grants. Report for the noxious weed - working on the annual report, annual conference is scheduled for the first week in March and the state board meeting as well. He said he assisted law enforcement this past month with the bank robbery investigation.

Marihugh said the COVID19 cases were 199 with 3 currently active with one hospitalized. She reported Becky Blair’s last day was Feb. 18. Carla Ost will work part time for Home Health as the RN until able to fill full time position. Marihugh said they have provided the following COVID19 Vaccines: phase 1 - 40, phase 2 - 380; for a total of 420 first doses, and 50 second doses. She said the hospital provided 40 COVID19 vaccines. The health department has vaccinated 14 percent percent of Jewell County with doses provided by the hospital that increases the total to 16 percent of Jewell County vaccinated. The state has paused Jewell County for receiving vaccines every week to every other week until further notice. She said the department continues to provide services for WIC, other vaccinations, and work on the Aid to Local grant which is due March 15.

Petet said he contacted BGreen Lawn Service about spraying for sand burrs.

Carabajal reported the following for February: 3 in need of care; 2 juvenile felonies; 1 adult felony; 2 DUI misdemeanors; and 2 firearms identified and returned to owner. She said she also aided FBI and KBI as well.

Garst said it has been a slow month because of weather. He completed the recertification for household hazardous waste.

Waugh completed the motor vehicle abstract, certified census boundaries, completed the BCBS 2020 survey and Kansas Bostwick Irrigation property owner verification.

Greene said he attended the detention center meeting.

Keith Roe attended the NCRPC zoom meeting.

Russell Dunstan requested the commissioners reconsider the mask mandate.

Meier had quotes for new an ambulance. Commissioners tabled decision until next meeting.

It was approved to adopt the change to the health department rules and regulations to include the position of part time RN.

Elkins, general superintendent, had bids for a new motor grader. Chairman Roe opened the bids for a new motor grader with trade-in of the 2006 and 2009 Komatsu motor graders. Michael Long, Murphy Tractor, and Casey Fraser, Foley Equipment, were present for the bid opening. Commissioners tabled decision until next meeting.

Tony Burnett, development director of Western Kansas Child Advocacy Center, said their organization fights child abuse. He presented the 2022 budget request of $3,000. Tony reviewed the services provided to the counties.

Dwight Frost telephoned with concerns about possible road closing that would land lock other owners.

Elkins had tire bids. Commissioners tabled decision until next meeting so Joel Elkins can review the bids.