Gage County

By Don Schuller 8/21/23 Committee meeting:The county board discussed the contents of the letter to be sent to the Planning & Zoning Commission requesting they review the county Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) regulations.Highway Superintendent Mark Kuhnke informed the board of letters sent to three landowners: one on trees that have been removed, one calling a with tree plan, and one certified letter that was signed by the recipient. The certified letter states that the county will remove the trees from the road easement and assess the cost to the landowner’s taxes.8/23/23 Regular meetingPatty Barnard of rural Liberty spoke during public comment bringing to the attention of the board an error in the location of the proposed Island Grove Summit Pork swine operation, which is planned for property adjoining hers. Mrs. Barnard asked if the public hearing would be postponed due to the error. Chairman Erich Tiemann advised her to speak with Planning and Zoning Administrator Lisa Wiegand. I learned later that County Attorney Roger Harris informed Wiegand that it will not be necessary to reschedule the public hearing. The meeting starts at 6:30 pm, public hearing at 6:45, Tuesday, August 29th, Supervisors room, Courthouse.Chairman Tiemann announced the highway department is running leaner and more efficiently. The department staff is down to five people from the six that was needed due to impending retirements. The department previously had crews do certain jobs such as bridge crew, asphalt crew, dirt crew, etc. This has been changed to all employees working where needed, which allows all employees to get experience in all areas. Superintendent Kuhnke says this strategy has been working well.The county board, unanimously, approved a nearly $230,000 restoration project of the exterior of the court house. The county has been working on the overall restoration of the exterior for several years. This project is the final and most expensive step toward completion. The clock tower is $213,313 of this project.Sheriff Millard Gustafson announced that he hired a new deputy. This brings the department to full staff until the end of the month when he loses another deputy. Gage Area Growth Enterprise (NGAGE) Director Rachel Kreikenmeier gave the board her office’s quarterly report. NGAGE has been focused on county child care and housing issues. Director Kreikenmeier said there is a meeting August 29th addressing child development, and a meeting November 3rd with a speaker talking about how to encourage our young people. Go to their website for more details: www.ngagegroup.org.Brian Koch, Reemployment Coordinator for the Nebraska Department of Labor located in Beatrice, said he connects local people to employment by networking with community employers. Coordinator Koch said there are state programs to provide employers and employees with assistance in training, transportation costs, etc. The state will provide 50% of the employee’s wage when an employer hires an unskilled worker who needs training.This highlights the parts of the county meetings I feel are most relevant to my constituents. Use the link below to view the actual minutes and hear audio of the board meeting, when posted. https://gagecountynebraska.us/board_meetings/enhanced_minutes.aspxCheck out my Facebook page Don Schuller – Public Servant.

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