Commissioners cancel contract for road project

Chase County Commissioners Kurt Bernhardt, Jacci Brown and Billie Muhlenkamp thought the end was in site for road improvements on 347 Avenue north of Wauneta.
Brown and Bernhardt, along with former District 1 Commissioner Duane Dinnel, approved a contract in late February with Kokes Construction for the Spring Creek Bridge project. Kokes Construction submitted bids to replace the bridge with culverts and rebuild and reestablish ditches.
Highway Superintendent Toney Krajeski was at the July 25 commissioners meeting and said he’s had no communication with Kokes Construction despite leaving numerous messages.
With the project’s start date of mid-May long past and no communication, the current commissioners elected to cancel the contract with Kokes.
While discussing road projects, Krajewski walked the commissioners through the various steps needed to preserve Old Highway 6.
Krajewski remained at the meeting while the commissioners interviewed Dick DeWester of Benkelman for the county highway superintendent position that Krajewski plans to vacate, as well as the county road foreman position.
The commissioners met for their first meeting of August on Tuesday.
Following their regular meeting Aug. 22, the commissioners will hold their annual budget workshop. The public hearing for the budget will be held Sept. 12.