The Superior Express -

The Jewell County Commissioners met Jan. 29. Commissioners Keith Roe, Ed Duskie, and Brent Beck were present. Carla Waugh, county clerk, was present for the meeting.

The following were present for the office head meeting and provided an update for their department: Shannon Meier, ambulance director; Don Jacobs, sheriff; Chris Petet, custodian; Scott Wright, county attorney; Cindy Becker, health administrator; Carla J Waugh, county clerk; and Kevin Peroutek, noxious weed director, emergency preparedness director and 911 coordinator. Those absent: Amanda Davis, register of deeds; Joel Elkins, general superintendent; Nora Rhoades, Post Rock extension district director; Brenda Eakins, treasurer; Alexandria Pierce, county attorney; Anna Porter, county appraiser; PJ Garst, solid waste director.

Chairman Roe opened the meeting with the flag salute in honor of  Kansas Day.

Cindy Becker, health administrator, said they have been working on training. They are providing Covid-19 testing with the state reimbursing. She said KDHE is planning to provide a commissioners’ seminar explaining what services public health provides. 

Shannon Meier discussed calls with inclement weather and snow packed roads. He said they will be providing CPR training at the high school. He is updating the protocols with Dr. Walker. 

Chris Petet thanked road and bridge for helping with snow removal at the courthouse. 

Kevin Peroutek reported for the emergency preparedness that he attended the wildfire evacuation training in Clay Center. He planned to attend the Regional Homeland Security meeting. He is sponsoring a response dinner and meeting for radio and communications planning. He said the Kansas Pipeline Safety meeting is Tuesday Feb. 13. Kevin said the annual storm spotter’s meeting is at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 2 at the Mankato Community Center. Kevin said the noxious weed association has an upcoming basic training for new employees and also the annual conference. 

Don Jacobs said they are interviewing for a dispatcher. He said currently one deputy is at the training academy. Don said he needed to repair the siren in one of the patrol vehicles. He attended training in Topeka. 

Scott Wright introduced himself. He reported the state court is returning to the e-filing system. 

Carla Waugh said her office has sent out all 1099 and W-2’s and is working to electronically submit to the IRS. She said they are preparing for the Tuesday, March 19 Presidential Preference Primary election.

Brent Beck said he attended the hospital board meeting. He has been checking into road complaints. He discussed the 4 percent raise to all employees. 

Ed Duskie said he attended the first LEPG meeting and was elected president. He has been checking out road and snow complaints. 

Keith Roe said he attended the North Central  Regional Planning Commission meeting in Beloit. He said they decided to change to quarterly meetings. 

Don Jacobs, sheriff, had a quote for a new control box for the siren in the patrol car. The commissioners gave their approval for the repairs. 

Rick Peters discussed a dispute of a fence placed on a road.

Joel Elkins, general superintendent, discussed equipment repairs. Brent discussed a road complaint in the Salem Bell area. The commissioners went into executive session to discuss non-elected personnel with Joel Elkins present. Regular session resumed with no action taken. 

Kyra Lampe, Jewell County Community Development director, provided a general overview of projects and programs provided in 2023. Some of the projects and programs were: The Big Kansas Road Trip, museum, kiosk at the lake, Echo Dell, BCBS pathways grant; Foundation raised money. Kyra is at the museum 9 to 5 each Monday and Wednesday and from 9 to 3 each Friday.

The commissioners approved Steven Melnick, Colonial Insurance, to provide $10,000 of group life for full-time employees.