ORIGINALLY WRITTEN BY BRIAN HUXMAN
Marion County commissioners Monday were challenged to place a bridge on the Kansas Historical Society Reserve list during their Monday meeting.
The bridge, referred to as the Amelia Park Bridge, was built in 1914 by the Topeka Bridge and Iron Company.
The project?s proponent, Judy Houdyshell of Lincolnville, did not attend the meeting, but said in her application: ?Historically, (the bridge) is significant partly due to its connection with Amelia Park, which was created by G. H. Wight, a large cattle rancher at the turn of the century. Architecturally, there are not many bridges of this design.?
Later in the afternoon, commissioners went to view the bridge but had already given their consent to Houdyshell?s request.
If placed on the Historical Reserve list, the bridge would be restored.
The bridge is made of stone, something Houdyshell and county clerk Carol Maggard both believe makes it unique.
?It is really a beautiful stone bridge,? Maggard said.
In other action from the meeting:
— Glen Unrau, rural Goessel, was nominated by commissioner Jack Bruner to serve on the Planning/ Zoning commission.
— Jan Moffitt, director of the county health department, asked for a new copy machine for her office. She said the old machine was purchased in 1994 and is wearing down.
Commissioners approved the concept, but will hear bids next week. Jack Bruner asked that Gene Schmill, Peabody, be invited to bid.
— Noreen Weems, director of the department for the elderly, showed the bids she had received for a new computer and printer. The commissioners approved the purchase of a Dell Dimension L computer for $1,640 and a Hewlett Packard Micro Warehouse 1220 printer for $470.
?I just want to again say thank you,? Weems told the commissioners. ?We are excited to be catching up. You should feel good that now all of your departments are caught up and on the same page.?
— JoAnn Knak, director of Marion County EMS, reported that 68 calls came in during January, including 21 medical emergencies. Of those, 28 calls were covered by Marion, 18 by Hillsboro, 15 by Peabody and seven by Tampa.
Knak also reported on upcoming projects, including an intermediate EMT class which will cost the county about $2,000. Commissioners approved the class.
?If we have people interested, we need to offer the class,? said Linda Peterson, commission chair.
— County Appraiser Clint Anderson reported a problem with addresses in the county. It was reported that some individuals currently have the same address, because U.S. Highway 56 joins with U.S. Highway 77 but is still addressed as ?56.?
The commissioners decided it would be best if those on Highway 77 would have their addresses changed back to Highway 77.
— Commissioners approved a transportation fuel bid from Cardie Oil of Tampa for $8,276.
