WHEATLAND — The new year came in timidly as we have not seen snow, let alone snow plows as we typically do this time of year. The lack of snow fall, however, allows the Platte County Road & Bridge crew to handle needed road repairs, address vehicle maintenance, and finish up life-cycle estimations for equipment. According to Road & Bridge department head Chris Bookout, he is establishing a 10-year plan for maintenance and replacement of county vehicles.

“With the decent weather we have been able to haul gravel and address certain spots on the roads that can get very muddy if it ever snows,” Bookout said.

There were also road signs “taken out” on Kennedy and Oak that were reinstalled. “[It] looks as if a big truck or trailer with a wide turn took down a road sign and stop sign that were laid over on the side of the road, so we got those reinstalled,” Bookout explained.

The Sybille Creek culvert is in bad shape and is still being investigated for the best resolution. “We are still looking at a few options but can’t do much of anything until it warms up, and we’ll still need to speak with landowners as there will be a lot of material and work once we have a plan,” Bookout told the commissioners.

A county employee living in Glendo was appropriated a free-standing fuel tank and fuel card to help mitigate fueling issues that were pervasive last winter, according to Bookout. “This way fuel can be pumped right there in Glendo and the fuel card helps eliminate out-of-pocket expenses that then need reimbursement.”

The fuel cards are limited to gas and fuel purchases only.

“It’s a much better scenario that having to reimburse personal card use,” County Clerk Malcolm Ervin added.

Bookout plans to survey and address any issues that may be remaining in Glendo and Guernsey, and prioritize road maintenance in those locations.

New Wendy’s in Wheatland

Tracy DeRyk, Platte County Economic Development director explained that the Wendy’s™ deal is now closed, meaning that there will be a Wendy’s™ location in Wheatland. Platinum Health Club has also relocated from their location on 9th Street to 2020 South Street where expansion of space and services will be offered.

County Clerk commends transparency

County Clerk Malcolm Ervin took a moment to commend the commissioners for their continued transparency and interaction with the public. “Thank you for allowing public comment and not squelching it,” he said.

“The requirement is that your business is conducted in public, but you’re always willing to hear input from those attending, even if there is not a public hearing on the agenda. It is a hot button issue throughout the state right now,” he added.  

It was a quiet session after having Congresswoman Harriet Hageman on the premises last month. The public is always welcome to attend county commissioner sessions, the first and third Tuesday of each month.