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The Clay County Commissioners held their regular meeting on January 26. Minutes were approved, and two abatements totaling $39 were authorized.

The Board approved paying the 2026 North Central Regional Planning Commission membership dues of $3,500, citing the benefits of the regional partnership.

Highway Administrator Bobby Shomper reported on road maintenance and reviewed a request from Riverscreen owner Bob Wietharn for road improvements to handle heavy freight traffic. A preliminary asphalt quote of $933,840 was discussed, with Wietharn offering $500,000 toward the project. The Board will seek updated estimates before making a decision. Bids for tack and sealing oil were awarded to Ergon, and the Board approved $402,655.74 from the Sales Tax Fund for 2026 chip sealing projects.

Jim Bogart, Emergency Manager, met with the Board to provide his weekly report. He highlighted the county’s mandatory training for all employees on Recognizing and Responding to Persons with Mental Illness, emphasizing its importance for every department. The Board also approved an employee’s attendance at a training event in Salina, Kansas.

Dana Rickley, County Health Director, met with the Board to give her weekly report. She shared a brochure on LIFT’s Leadership Training Series, featuring the course Developing the Leader Within You 2.0. Rickley also noted she will attend a conference in May in Las Vegas with Clay County representatives focused on Drug Endangered Children.

Alan Benninga, Sheriff, met with the Board to provide his weekly report. He noted that the weekend’s snow and cold weather was managed fairly well. Sheriff Benninga also reported a challenging county fire, made more difficult by freezing water and extreme cold conditions.

The meeting adjourned at 11:50 a.m.