Osage County Road and Bridge Foreman Ron Kempker is enjoying a stretch of favorable weather that is allowing his crew to get a lot of work done. "The weather's been really nice and we're finally making some progress again," he said.

"I've had a couple of complaints about CR 274B," said Osage County Eastern District Commissioner John Trenshaw. "There's not enough rock on the road."

"Our rock budget has bit the dust," Kempker responded, "but we'll do what we can do." 

He estimated the department had spent $15,000 more than budgeted for this time of the year. One relief might be a truck the department hopes to purchase. There’s a matching grant that would not require an expense until next year. Kempker could tap those funds, once he finds out. The news should be coming soon.

Osage County Western District Commissioner Larry Kliethermes has received a complaint about CR 521 being graded too narrowly. A constituent with a livestock trailer said it's hard to get equipment around a curve near his home. 

"I'll talk to him about that and we'll see what we can do," Kempker answered. "Ideally [the road width] would be 20 feet."

"We were told to pull some of those roads in," said Kliethermes, understanding the need for balance.

"When they're 30 feet wide, we're putting more gravel on the road than necessary," Osage County Presiding Commissioner Darryl Griffin agreed.

Department employees hauled rock on CRs 313, 318, 322, and 751; crew members performed service on Truck #26, Grader #03, and Whipper #43; crews repaired culverts on CRs 322 and 423; workers removed trees on CR 318 and stabilized the creek bank near a low water crossing on CR 313; and graders worked on CRs 210, 314, 317, 322, 416, 421, 423, 424, 506, 512, 525, 612, 634, 635, 637, 638, 751, 802, 803, 804, 805, 806, 807, 809, and 811.

SHERIFF

Osage County Sheriff Mike Bonham provided copies of three fully executed contracts between his office and the Missouri Safety and Traffic Division. They all provide grants to pay overtime to deputies willing to work on special safety and enforcement campaigns or for equipment to enhance them. Bonham is pleased with the help and is enthusiastic about expanding their scope. Some of these programs have been spotted at specific times of the calendar year. With this aid, they can be expanded. "We have officers right now who want to work all the overtime they can get," said Bonham. "We can do these campaigns throughout the year."

The state of Missouri is providing all the funds, so there is no county money spent. One is $6,000 for impaired driving enforcement. A second is $15,600 for heavy motor vehicle (HMV) enforcement. The third provides $6,623.37 for electronic ticketing equipment to allow officers to enter violation information directly to traffic courts instead of writing tickets manually and having them processed on paper.

Griffin asked Bonham to comment about the Junior Deputy Graduation ceremony Monday, Oct. 18. "We had a phenomenal time," said Bonham. "I think it's important they get to see this system."

He and Griffin were especially complimentary of Osage County Circuit Clerk Beth Billington for stepping in for the judge who was unavailable for the ceremony. 

"She explained the court very well," said Griffin.

Bonham said there are few duties he enjoys more than working with local school students.

OCHD

Osage County Health Department (OCHD) Administrator Kim Sallin announced 12 active COVID-19 cases in the county, bringing the pandemic total to 2,295. "Twelve is twelve too many," she said, "but it's still down from what we (had).” 

There are no additional deaths and no current cases in children under 12 years of age. Three current cases are "breakthrough" illnesses in individuals who have been vaccinated. It brings that total to 70, which remains a very low percentage of vaccinated citizens.

Most COVID vaccines now being given are booster shots although the county vaccination percentage continues to rise. "I think it's fantastic," said Sallin.

OCHD has now administered 290 doses of influenza vaccine. There have been two cases of flu this season, but none were active.

Sallin briefed commissioners on the new sight-screening unit purchased with grant money. It's from Welch Allyn, Inc., Skaneateles Falls, N.Y. Most sight screening depends on the use of charts that toddlers yet unable to read can't use. This machine can accurately screen even the youngest pupils. 

"It's not been in our county at all," said Sallin, speaking of sight screening for preschool children. "We can offer this service for years and years to come at no cost to us."

Commissioners were impressed with her efforts and the OCHD production of service. 

"We're trying," said Sallin.

"You're not just trying," said Griffin. "You're doing a good job."

Commissioners voted to place ads for architects to bid on remodeling the OCHD building.

MISCELLANEOUS

Osage County 911/EMA Director Ron Hoffman sent a grant application for $31,500, asking commissioners to sign it. The funds will be earmarked for hazard preparation. Commissioners approved and signed. 

The purchase of the OCHD building is scheduled to close on Tuesday, Nov. 9.

All County offices will be closed Thursday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day, and Thursday, Nov 25, in observance of Thanksgiving.