Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First

Air Force Updates Commissioners About Missile Project

Commissioners Approve Termination Agreement Between County, Kimball Health Services And Regional West

Temporary construction easements, new permanent easements for utility corridors, and fee acquisitions for towers sites were the topics of discussion when Lt. Col. Eric Green from the U.S. Air Force was before the Kimball County Commissioners at their regular meeting on Nov. 15.

In January, landowners should be aware that the Army Corps of Engineers will begin negotiations, appraisals and surveying for the missile project. Currently, the Air Force has a 16½ feet easement for utility lines, but they may need up to 100 feet for temporary construction.

A cautionary note from the Air Force: All information presented is pre-decisional and of course can or will change.

In other county business, Highway Superintendent Randy Bymer provided an update. He said, “The guys out blading and the mowing is done.”

Bridge inspections are also completed. Andrew Barrett is in his fourth year of bridge inspection, has one more year and then can attend the bridge school in Lincoln to get his certification.

Bymer also said he was looking for another person as one quit.

Repairs are needed on a truck and the work is going to be done at Floyd’s. The 1990 mower appears to been on it last leg with engine trouble. Bymer suggest putting a new mower on the budget for next year.

The commissioners and Bymer discussed the washboard roads, but there isn’t much to do about them with the lack of moisture.

Building and Grounds Superintendent Steve Warner and Assistant Building and Grounds Superintendent Zeb Brown met with the commissioners. They provided a list of contractors and provided a list of the work they have completed.

Kimball Health Services CEO Ken Hunter spoke briefly and the commissioners approved the signature of the chairman on the mutual termination agreements between Kimball County, KHS and Regional West.

A question arose about the titles for the ambulances, and the titles for the ambulances will be transferred to the hospital.

According to Cassie Gasseling, the CFO of the hospital, clinic visits are up. She said Dr. Wyatt did 20-21 surgeries last month, and the ER visits are solid.

In discussion/action items, $517.50 was transfer to the Welcome Center Bond account to pay for interest on the Welcome Center.

Cindy Rahmig, Kimball County treasurer, presented and reviewed the 2022 Distress Warrants, which were given to the sheriff for collection. Rahmig certified 53 Distress Warrants amounting to $14,316.03 on Nov. 1, 2022 to the sheriff.

The new Kimball County Manor administrator Kyle Camarata introduced himself. Both Assisted Living and the manor are full or potentially full. Assisted Living has 16 of 18 units occupied and the manor has 47 of 49 beds occupied with a waiting list.

The afternoon session of the commissioners meeting was all about Kimball County Transit. (See next week’s Observer’s for details.)