Photo Courtesy of Ryan Duey
Joe Wietharn and Bobby Wietharn met with the Board to discuss applying for a State Cost Sharing Program grant to help fund the asphalt project on Kiowa Road. The grant, which supports business retention and economic development projects, allows requests up to $1 million and is awarded in the spring and fall. The Board agreed it would be worthwhile to pursue the opportunity. Joe Wietharn will complete as much of the application as possible before working with Mr. Shomper at the Highway Department to finalize it.
County Attorney Brenda Jordan met with the Board to review fence viewing laws and procedures. The Board decided to send the requesting landowner an application and informational pamphlet.
County Treasurer Christine Swaim discussed a recent incident involving a County vehicle, and the Board assured her the matter would be handled.
Highway Administrator Bobby Shomper provided his weekly report to the Board and received a copy of the State Cost Sharing grant application to review and supply the necessary county information. The Board also asked about procedures for accidents involving county equipment, as two reports were on the agenda. Shomper explained that each incident is handled individually, depending on the circumstances and cost. Crews attended countywide training on recognizing and responding to persons with mental illness. The Board unanimously approved paying the $700 annual ArcGIS mapping subscription renewal with Esri.
EMS Director Alec Trembath reported the department is on run number 129 for 2026 and continues to stay busy with emergency calls and transfers, including its first coverage call to Miltonvale for Cloud County. EMS will offer CPR classes in Wakefield and for daycare providers. The Board approved purchasing eight AED units with trauma kits from Zoll Medical and approved a $13,632 annual warranty contract for four Z Vents and monitors from the EMS Fund.
Vernon McGee met with the Board regarding the July 4th of July Fireworks Display, explaining that Grow Clay County had lost funding and would not participate this year. McGee asked if the County would continue its usual support and handle the required paperwork if he moved forward with the event. The Board unanimously approved a $2,000 donation. McGee said he will handle fundraising and cover the remaining costs.
County Health Director Dana Rickley provided her weekly report and discussed concerns about properties being used solely for storage that may qualify as nuisances. She noted further research is needed before action can be taken.
Sheriff Alan Benninga reported he has transferred a replacement Dodge Ram pickup to the Highway Department and is still awaiting plumbing estimates for work needed in the Computer Room.
Emergency Management Director Jim Bogart reported that the Rapid Tag Computer has been updated with virus protection. He also noted that Clay County is under High Fire Danger for the next few days and informed the Board that Blue Stem Electric will host a High Voltage Power Line Class on March 29th. The Board made attendance mandatory for the Highway Department.
Fairboard President Mike Argo and member Robert Knitter presented quotes for a new utility vehicle to replace aging Cub Cadets. The Board approved purchasing a 2025 Polaris 570 Ranger from Bruna Implement for $10,500.
