A subject that got a lot of attention early this year in Pottawatomie County came up again at Monday’s Commission meeting in Westmoreland. Commission Chair Pat Weixelman tells KMAN plans are being made for Westar’s planned re-routing of a high transmission line, which generated considerable discussion several months ago…
Weixelman adds affected property owners will soon be made aware via letters. Although the construction of the new line is necessary to fill a regional need for more reliable electric services, many Pottawatomie County land owners had expressed their distaste for a complete overhaul of the route through dozens of letters to the county commission early in the year.
Commissioners also heard from Assistant Public Works Director Jim Jenkins about a GPS system that was purchased recently. Weixelman says it’s surprising what all can be monitored such as who starts the vehicle, speeding, braking, and turning, and whether a vehicle leaves the county.
The group also opened a bid on an off system bridge for Rockingham with Ebert Construction the low bidder. and were meeting with B-G Consultants about space needs for the county.
Commissioners also heard from clerk Nancy McCarter about new election machines. The county had budgeted for $150,000, but the new ones will be purchased for $88,000 for the entire county.
Commissioners also heard from the county extension office that Director Austin Sexton has left and a replacement needs to be found.
A health-related survey being taken in Pottawatomie County is NOT a scam. That’s according to Health Director Leslie Campbell, who indicates letters have been sent out–but now the surveys are being conducted at random households in the county. Campbell adds it’s actually an honor for Pottawatomie County to be included in this survey…
Campbell says she’s had several calls and emails from county residents double-checking that the national survey is legitimate.
The surveys started August 14th.
Campbell also talked to commissioners about recent diarrheal type illnesses and she says there’s been a pertussis case reported. She reminds listeners all seventh graders are required to have a T-DAP vaccination. Pottawatomie County dealt with an outbreak last year about this time. Now Reno county currently is dealing with a number of pertussis cases–also known as whooping cough.
Campbell, Weixelman, and County Clerk Nancy McCarter will be guest on KMAN’s “In Focus” Tuesday.
