Beard on job as new County Weed Superintendent

    Brandon Beard is the new Chase County Weed Superintendent, assuming the position from Randy Bartlett.
    Beard began his new position May 1 and spent that first month with Bartlett in training. Bartlett completed his duties June 1 after 10 and a half years in the position.
    Beard is a native of Champion, and grew up in the area, graduating from Chase County High School in 1999.
    He’s acquainted with many farmers and ranchers in the area after previous work experience in local irrigation and parts businesses. He feels that will serve him well in his new position as County Weed Superintendent.
    He just finished sending out letters to county landowners reviewing the laws on noxious weeds and keeping them under control. The county is responsible for weed control in the right-of-way along the roadsides, while landowners are responsible for control on their property, he noted.
    He encouraged landowners with questions to contact him, adding he looks forward to doing a thorough job for the county.
    Like Bartlett, Beard is a fulltime county employee, and will work in the off-season for the roads department.
    Before taking the county position, Beard worked for the city of Imperial in its public works department. Prior to that he was the counter man at Imperial NAPA for about eight years, and also worked six years in the Reinke Irrigation division at Midwest Farm Equipment.
    After high school, Beard earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree in agriculture at Southeast Community College in Beatrice.
Bartlett retires
    After more than 10 years on the job, Bartlett said he is now officially retired. He started as County Weed Superintendent in January 2007, finishing this year on June 1.
    Most enjoyable about the job, he said, was the chance to work with the farmers and ranchers of the county.
    He and wife, Deb, have three adult daughters, all who are married with children. Daughter Amanda Libra and family just moved back to Imperial. Their other two daughters and families live in Holdrege and Julesburg, Colo.