Emergency Management Facebook is official county site for coronavirus updates

At the regular meeting of the Rooks County Commission, held on Tuesday, March 17th, the commissioners met with the county department heads dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. Health nurse Lori Eichman and emergency management director Butch Post gave them an overview and updates as noted to date. Those present discussed plans for the courthouse during this time, and the commissioners will keep the public updated through the emergency management Facebook page.

The commissioners later met with elected officials, city entities and police/sheriff/ambulance departments, so everyone in the county is connected and receiving updated information about the virus. They also noted that everyone will send updates dealing with their cities or departments so it can be shared on the official county site. Anyone having questions can go to that site for answers and updates as they are received at the County from KDHE, CDC and national directives.

Road and bridge supervisor Rich Bouchey was at the meeting and gave the commissioners a repair update on a motor grader that had rolled over on its side. He also informed them that the transmission on his pickup went out and is being replaced. Repair work is also being done to the Dusan loader. The 1996 Kenworth truck needs repair work, but it is hard to find parts, so Bouchey will get bids for another truck to present to the commissioners.

Bouchey noted that the crew is hauling material on S Road between 26 and 28 Roads. Spencer Hilbrink was at the meeting to request if the County could spread sand or crushed concrete down in that area since there is so much semi traffic. This would help keep down the wear and tear on the road.

Commissioners John Ruder, Corky Hagan and Greg Balthazor then discussed old business, and reviewed and signed vouchers as presented.