More work to continue on crossing to Champion Lake

Chase County Commissioners Jacci Brown, Duane Dinnel and Dennis Kunnemann approved more work on the new crossing over the Frenchman River to Champion Lake at the Aug. 23 commissioners’ meeting.
Over the summer, county employees removed the old bridge to the lake and put in a low water crossing that included side-by-side culverts. To make the road wide enough, the original plan called for two 24-foot culverts to be hooked together.
When put in, the culverts sunk and split in the middle because the river bed was soft. In July, Highway Superintendent Toney Krajewski approved using 24-foot culverts side-by-side only, but not hooked together.
Now the commissioners and Krajewski would like to tear out the crossing and re-do it, making it wider and with less of a slope. Greg Jantz was approved to do the work based on his estimate of $15,000-$17,000.
Members of the Imperial EMS squad attended the meeting to discuss Chase County auditor Don Wilson’s suggestion that EMS members become county employees.
A red flag arose during Wilson’s yearly audit when a check from the state was made out to Chase County EMS. When Wilson started digging, he brought his questions to the commissioners.
Imperial EMS members had concerns about their employers not wanting them to be county employees and “double dipping,” among other concerns. The Imperial EMS squad also doesn’t like that their bank account in which state and county funds are deposited is subject to audit.
The commissioners and Imperial EMS members agreed to sit down to look for a solution. Imperial EMS would like to include a lawyer from eastern Nebraska who represents fire departments and EMS crews. The county also planned a phone call to the Nebraska Intergovernmental Risk Management Association for their suggestions.
Imperial EMS president Craig Loeffler asked that the board keep him on the agenda in the coming months for a federal grant to purchase a new ambulance. Loeffler said when it happens, it will happen fast.
Loeffler also suggested making sure Wauneta EMS is aware that the $300,000 grant for a new ambulance is available.
The commissioners discussed five candidates to fill two positions on the Chase County Community Hospital Board. The commissioners were happy to have some candidates from the Wauneta area, but didn’t make any appointments.
The next meeting of the commissioners will be Sept. 13 at 8 a.m.