Osage County Attorney Amanda Grellner has been in touch with Kevin Case of Case Linden P.C., Attorneys at Law, Kansas City. His firm is employed by Eldon C. Stutsman, Inc., Lassie Hills, Iowa. It is also contracted by that trucking company's insurance carrier. He assured Grellner a plan is being formulated to replace the Pentecostal Bridge. The first goal is to clear the wreckage from the Maries River by March 31. Getting the steel out of the water by that date is critical for more than one reason. Environmental concerns include the end of some species' hibernation. There's also concern for danger to recreational activity which will pick up in the spring.

Case intends to send his report and a proposal for the cleanup well before that date. Even if the county accepted the proposal immediately, getting the job done will take time. Case agrees with Grellner about the urgency. There's a list of people to talk to and contractors to hire. The job will require a crane. Using a crane on that riverbank may involve removing or accidentally damaging trees.

"I have to appreciate he's cognizant," Grellner told commissioners last week. "They understand they'll have to compensate these people."

Other issues include historical significance. There were historical signs at both ends of the bridge. One was recovered along with the wreckage of the truck and is now at the Westphalia Historical Society. The other is likely to be recovered soon. Citizens have asked about getting other artifacts but, "We don't want to get involved with selling souvenirs," asserted Osage County Presiding Commissioner Darryl Griffin. "We're opening Pandora's box to do that."

He wants the Historical Society involved. The commission urges anyone interested in that to work through them.

"Once they start taking it out, it's not ours anymore," Osage County Western District Commissioner Larry Kliethermes pointed out.

"You're just adding time and expense to something that's not in your wheelhouse," said Grellner.

"And liability," added Osage County Eastern District Commissioner John Trenshaw.

"Don't call us," concluded Griffin.

Anyone interested in the historical aspect of the bridge should call the Westphalia Historical Society.

The approach span to the west end of the bridge is still standing. It can't, though, be used in the reconstruction of a new bridge. A new bridge will likely be angled across the river. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) wants to eliminate the hard right turn leaving the bridge eastbound. MoDOT regulates such curves more strictly now. However, the county will be heavily involved. It will work in both the salvage of the old bridge and the construction of a new one. Case and Grellner both emphasize the role of the insurance company is to write a check. They are working with Allstate Consultants, LLC, Columbia, to formulate the plan. Once the county approves that plan, the insurance company will step back and the county will do the rest.

Grellner expects to get the plan soon. "At least we're not starting at ground zero," she said. "As soon as I get it, I'm just going to forward it to you."

Kliethermes will contact property owners who might be impacted. The salvage and construction operations will infringe and maybe damage their land.

"I'll get on that right away," he said. "We'll do anything we can to get something back," expecting some economic impact to occur, in addition to the damage already done.