Photo Courtesy of Ryan Duey
Topics discussed during the Clay County Commissioners’ weekly meeting on June 2nd included: repairs, law enforcement coverage, small business grants, and more.
Bobby Shomper, Highway Administrator, reported that the second new motor grader was delivered to the shop, but will be going back to Caterpillar to have some cosmetic repairs done to it. The damages were made before it was delivered to Clay County. On Thursday, there will be a Motorola Representative coming to the Highway Department to present the different radios that they have available through their Company. Shomper stated that when they decide which radios they want to purchase, they will need 12 portables and 20 truck mounts. Shomper also provided the Board with a document that lists each of the Townships and how much rock has been purchased as of April 30th, 2025. Those figures can be found in the Commission minutes online.
Jim Bogart, Emergency Manager, asked permission to purchase a power washer to replace one that is no longer working. The Board granted permission to purchase a Honda Power Washer from Wall’s True Value. Bogart also informed the Board that he has had the Tower Light serviced so that it is ready to use if needed. The large Electronic Sign is working and can be programmed with different messages.
Alan Benninga, Sheriff, reported that it was a busy weekend for the Department, working several different incidents. They are still waiting on parts to be able to finish the bathroom project in the jail. Benninga stated that he attended a meeting last week with the Mayor and Councilman of the City of Wakefield to discuss the options of possibly contracting with the Sheriff’s Department for Law Enforcement coverage compared to hiring another Chief of Police for Wakefield. A decision will be made by the Wakefield Mayor and Councilman in the near future.
Natalie Muruato, Director of Grow Clay County, gave the monthly Grow Clay County Executive Directors Report to the Board with the list of activities, meetings, business visits, and upcoming training that Grow Clay County has been involved in for the last month. Muruato informed the Board that she had attended the Age in Action Conference in Washington, DC, this past week. As of the report, there have been 5 Small Business Grants awarded to business owners throughout Clay County.
Tracey Sweem contacted the Board by phone to express how much they appreciate Chuck Arnold and his wife, Gwen, at the Clay County Park. They are doing a wonderful job. Sweem stated that all you hear is the negative, and she wanted the Commissioners and others to hear the positive about Mr. Arnold, also. They have camped at the park for around 15 years, and they will keep coming back if Mr. Arnold is the Park Manager.