Photo Courtesy of Ryan Duey
Commissioners Thurlow, Carlson, and Mayo reviewed and approved $2,920.80 in jury pay.
Commissioners approved an event request for a Noxious Weed Department employee to attend a conference in Topeka.
The Board unanimously passed Resolution 2026-05, confirming Clay County’s participation in the 2026 Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ) student loan repayment program. The county will offer up to $4,500 per year for eligible participants.
Commissioners also signed an agreement adding Lora Ingels to the Clay County Indigent Contract. Under the agreement, Ingels will provide court-appointed legal representation to indigent individuals in misdemeanor cases, juvenile matters, child in need of care cases, mental health and alcohol commitments, child support enforcement, guardian ad litem appointments in certain paternity cases, and related appeals. Felony cases funded through the state indigent defense system are excluded.
Bobby Shomper, Highway Administrator, provided the Board with his weekly report. The department received a new belly dump trailer and two new motor graders, and recently installed tube heaters are working well. Shomper also addressed landfill concerns after Commissioner Mayo contacted him about operational issues. Shomper said he reached out to KDHE and reviewed landfill regulations. Commissioner Carlson questioned why the matter was pursued without full Board discussion.
The Board opened bids for metal culverts. Bids were submitted by J & J Drainage Products, Metal Culvert, Inc., and Contech Engineered Solutions. Commissioners unanimously approved the bid from J & J Drainage Products.
Jim and Arlyss Vathauer of Vathauer Catering spoke about lowering the speed limit on Highway 24 near their venue, citing safety concerns. The Board noted the highway is under KDOT authority, but could request a traffic study.
Alec Trembath, EMS Director, reported the department is currently on run number 147, compared to 163 at this time in 2025. He noted EMS will host a Heart Saver class this weekend. When new AED units arrive and are placed in smaller communities, EMS will also provide training for local residents on how to use them.
Susie Mall, Register of Deeds, requested approval to purchase three new 24-inch rotating monitors. Bids included from Central Office Service & Supply with a three-year warranty and from Amazon. Mall recommended purchasing from Central Office Service & Supply and paying from the Register of Deeds Tech Fund. The Board approved the request. Mall also received approval to have CIC create a custom report that will reduce a 47-page document to 14 pages, eliminating duplicate information.
Dana Rickley, County Health Director, reported that Community Gardens plots are now being reserved, with four plots already taken. She also shared that the Clay County Improvement Foundation has reached out about partnering on grant opportunities, and she expects to have grant applications ready for Board approval next week.
Sheriff Alan Benninga informed the Board that several steel shower stalls at the Law Enforcement Center need replacement due to age and condition. The Board asked him to research replacement options and costs before returning for approval.
Paul Bishop, Clay County Grievance Officer, requested an executive session. Commissioners entered a 15-minute session under the Non-Elected Personnel Exception to discuss job responsibilities. No action was taken.
Museum representatives provided the Board with an update on upcoming events, including a History Camp scheduled for June 8–11 for local youth. The camp will feature activities at various locations, with estimated costs of $1411.99 depending on enrollment. The Board unanimously approved a $1,400 donation for the camp.
Landfill Director Rhonda Carroll met with the Board to discuss a recent KDHE inspection held on February 16. The Board questioned her absence, and the County Attorney confirmed Carroll had scheduled the inspection but did not attend. The Board issued a written reprimand and directed Carroll to address all inspection findings by March 16, when commissioners plan to tour the facility. Commissioners also approved up to $4,000 for the purchase of a skid steer rake to assist with trash cleanup. Additionally, the Board approved donating 68 hours from the County Sick Leave Pool to a landfill employee.
Deb Ohlde, Executive Director of the North Central Regional Planning Commission, updated the Board on available programs and services. She thanked the County for its membership and recognized Commissioner Thurlow for his years of service on the NCRPC Board. Ohlde highlighted programs offered to residents and municipalities, noting that NCRPC also assists businesses and individuals with grant writing and applications.
