County board approves jail settlement

A settlement agreement by the Cloud County Public Building Commission and an agreement with NCK CASA for the use of funds awarded from the 2023 Wind Farm Grant were some of the items discussed at the weekly meeting of the Cloud County board of commissioners on Monday.

In December of 2022, county commissioners voted to proceed with a lawsuit against Westchester Fire Insurance Company for repair costs at the Cloud County Law Enforcement Center. In September of this year, the commission voted to accept a settlement of $350,000 from Westchester Fire Insurance Company. On October 16, Cloud County Public Building Commission members Joshua Meyer, Brad Berk, and Charles Johnson formally approved the agreement.

In other action, commissioners approved a request from North Central Kansas CASA Executive Director Kim Springer to reallocate $4,000 in grant funds received from the 2023 Wind Farm Grant. NCK CASA has an urgent need for two laptop computers to be used at their facility and by their CASA Advocate. Any leftover funds would be used to replace two broken office desk chairs.

Commissioners also approved an agreement with Performance Irrigation and Landscaping in the amount of $405.68 for lawn repair and grass seeding at the site of the old jail at the corner of 7th and Broadway.

Cloud County Health Department director Tonya Sulanka reported that the annual Health Fair was a success, with 40 flu shots and numerous tetanus and pneumonia shots being administered. Sulanka also stated that the Health Department has still only received a small allotment of COVID-19 vaccines.

Cloud County Clerk Shella Thoman reported that the 2023 Cloud County Pumpkin Contest would begin October 18 at 8 a.m., and run until October 30th. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners. To see the full contest rules and guidelines, visit the cloudcountyks.org website.