By: Ryan Duey
Photo Courtesy of Ryan Duey
Clay County Commissioners Jerry Thurlow, Sonny Carlson, and Ben Mayo served as the Board of Canvassers for the March 3rd USD 379 Special Bond Election beginning at 8:00 a.m. Veronica Carmona, Yesenia Summerson, and Sierra Urban served as the Provisional Board. Ten provisional ballots were reviewed, with five counted. County Clerk Kayla Wang reviewed totals, documents, write-ins, and tally sheets with the Board before the official final results were presented.
During the regular commission meeting, Highway Administrator Bobby Shomper provided the weekly report. One of the department’s new Ford F-350 pickups has arrived, and pipes and bands ordered from J & J Drainage have been delivered. Shomper also updated commissioners on two county bridges currently under construction. The Board chose to keep the standard warranty on the new pickups rather than purchase an extended warranty.
Clay County EMS Director Alec Trembath reported the department has responded to 192 emergency runs so far in 2026. The past week included several emergency calls and out-of-town transfers. A paramedic student is preparing to begin a field internship, completing some hours locally while traveling elsewhere for additional experience. EMT students from Barton Community College will also complete internships with Clay County EMS. Trembath said the department recently underwent a surprise inspection from the Board of Pharmacy and, after making a few corrections, was found in full compliance. Commissioners also reviewed contracts for Clay County EMS to provide coverage for two Cloud County townships and agreed that a signed agreement is necessary outlining payment for the service.
Kathryn Doster-Tipsword of Grow Clay County received approval to use the Courthouse Square for the Easter Eggstravaganza on April 4 at 10 a.m.
County Health Director Dana Rickley reported the department is working with the Veterans Administration to assist local veterans and will attend a tabletop exercise in Beloit. Commissioners also approved sick leave pool hours for a Health Department employee.
Clay County Appraiser Danny Mesalles provided a department update, noting that change-of-value notices were mailed last week and have already generated several calls from property owners whose values increased. He also shared a line graph map showing average property sales prices from 2016 to 2025. Commissioners asked questions regarding building permits and the recent rise in property values.
Landowner Bob Wietharn also met with the Board to discuss the status of a road project affecting his residence and business. Commissioner Jerry Thurlow explained that the project is eligible for a grant application and that the county has hired an engineer to assist with the required paperwork and oversight. A survey of the area will also be needed for the application. Wietharn asked commissioners what feedback they had heard from residents, taxpayers, and businesses about the project. Commissioners shared both positive and negative comments they had received. Wietharn said he collected 130 signatures in support of the project in one morning and plans to gather additional support letters for the grant application.
The Board adjourned at 12:05 p.m. to go west of Morganville to view a property.
Greg Nelson, Landowner, met with the Board at the site of the drainage issue in Section 9, Township 7, and Range 2 in Sherman Township. Rick Kahrs, Landowner, Bobby Shomper, Highway Administrator, Jeff Germann, Assistant Highway Administrator, and Sam Tiemeyer were also present at the meeting. Nelson explained what has happened with the water and drainage in previous years and what he would like to see for the future drainage of the property. Each person in attendance expressed their opinion and gave their thoughts on how to solve this issue if it were to be fixed.
After much discussion, the Board of Commissioners authorized Mr. Shomper to contact NRCS about the permitting process for the placement of a tube in the specific location.
