With a heavy heart, Allen County commissioners began Tuesday’s meeting by honoring the passing of former Sheriff Ron Moore, who Jerry Daniels said was “one of the main reasons [he] became a law enforcement officer.”
Moore, who served as sheriff for 20 years before retiring in 2000, died Saturday at age 69.
The Commission then heard from Jessica Sager of CDL Electric Company, which provides heating and air services to the region, including out of their new office in Humboldt.
She outlined some projects the group does in connection with local business and industry, and invited commissioners to reach out if the county needed any contract work done in the future.
At this juncture, commissioners paused to honor the careers of three employees.
Don Solander has worked for the county eight years as a landfill equipment operator.
Jimmy Skaggs has worked for the county 16 years as a trackhoe driver.
And Heath Womack has worked for the county 16 years running road-graders and other equipment.
They were each presented certificates of achievement by commissioner Bill King.
During his weekly update, public works director Mitch Garner said the county’s rock crusher is down again but that needed parts have been ordered.
Garner then presented four competing bids on tires for use on county vehicles.
The Commission ultimately voted to approve the lowest bid provided by J-D’s Automotive in Iola for $18,037.20.
Garner also confirmed that the public works team is currently patching potholes throughout the county.
Debbie Bearden and Calvin Parker of the Allen County Farmers’ Market approached the commission to again request use of the southeast corner of the Iola square during the upcoming market season.
Parker said that “every time we’ve had visitors in [town] they’re very impressed with the local market, and for a community this size how well it goes over.”
Bearden also thanked the Commission for serving as a fiduciary partner on the grant the market received from Health Forward Foundation, saying “we couldn’t do it without you.”
