The Daviess County Commissioners held a public hearing on the effects of closing of a section of County Road 350 N to accommodate the expansion of the runway at the Daviess County Airport. Airport Board President Bryan Walker said the airport had discussed either relocating the road or closing the road and said that the closure was the most cost effective option. Area farmer Jeremy Barber voiced concerns about safety and farm machinery meeting each other on a dead-end county road. Representatives from REMC asked about added costs in relocating or accessing lines. Commissioners Nathan Gabhart and Michael Taylor both voiced support for the closure as an expense saving option but voted to table consideration of the closure until the concerns could be addressed. The road closure will be on the agenda for the September 10, Commissioners meeting.
In his report on the status of the Daviess County Government Center, Project Owner’s Representative Mike Schapker, said the project is in the fact-finding phase after terminating the project’s general contractor. Termination for cause and stop-work notices have been sent to the project’s former general contractor. Schapker said a new general contractor will, hopefully, be on the job next week.
In other business, the Commissioners agreed to a new fee schedule for the Daviess County Health Department and gave approval to Sheriff Gary Allison’s request to apply for a Community Foundation Grant to help pay for Project Life Saver. The Sheriff said Project Life Saver provides tracking bracelets for families who have children who are autistic or adults suffering the affects of Alzheimer’s.
