Commissioners make decisions on roads

Several discussions were held concerning county roads at the Sept. 13 Chase County Commissioners’ meeting.
In an effort to find more road shop employees and keep the ones they have, the commissioners approved a $1 per hour raise for all road shop employees. The county will continue to look for more help. The board will also review grader routes and miles per operator to make sure everything is equal between shops.
The commissioners approved an agreement with Brad Foote and Imperial Beef, giving Foote permission to lay millings on 749 Road adjacent to the feedlot.
Highway Superintendent Toney Krajewski was on hand to update the commissioners on work on the Champion and Wauneta road projects.
Krajewski was also part of discussions about the Spring Creek bridge north of Wauneta. Krajewski suggested a hydraulic study to determine if culverts could replace the current bridge, which is stuggling with semi traffic.
The board will also begin the search for a new highway superintendent. Krajewski took over for Jeff Tidyman in January with the intention of only holding the position for a year or two.
After months of discussion, the commissioners approved exchanging property in Champion with Roger and Debbie Teply. The well for the Teply’s home sits on county property, while the Champion Museum uses land owned by the Teplys. County Attorney Arlan Wine will prepare deeds to complete the transfer.
The board appointed Tim Pore to the Chase County Community Hospital Board of Trustees to replace Kim Kunnemann and also appointed Larry Carpenter to the Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department to replace Char Wallin.
The next meeting of the commissioners will be Sept. 27 at 8 a.m.