Schmieder, County Commission Consider Final Paving Projects
By MARK EVANS
STE. GENEVIEVE HERALD
County road and bridge foreman Scott Schmieder and Ste. Genevieve County commissioners evaluated paving priorities for the remainder of 2021 during last Thursday’s commission meeting.
Schmieder reported that work on Blum Road was being wrapped up and that the paving of Cave Road should start this Tuesday. About 6/10 or 7/10 of a mile of Cave Road was to be paved, plus a separate 210 mile section.
Presiding Commissioner Garry Nelson stressed to Schmieder that he needed to get a footage figure that was “close to exact” to send out with bid requests for the paving.
Schmieder would also like to widen the intersection of Cave Road and Highway P. He will talk to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) about that aspect of the project.
Patching of previously paved roads must continue, as well. This realistically leaves time for one or possibly two more paving projects this year.
They compared Charter Church road and Saline Creek Road, the next two on the list.
It was agreed that while Saline Creek Road will take a long time to prepare for paving, Charter Church could take up to twice as long to do.
It was agreed that Saline Creek Road will be done first, then prep work can begin on Charter Church. If time runs out, the prepping can be finished in the spring and it can be the top paving priority for 2022.
They agreed that they definitely do not want to do a chip-and-seal project well into the fall. Falling leaves can play havoc with the paving and cool temperatures also affect the materials.
Meanwhile, Schmieder reported that his equipment is running OK. The leased backhoe and skid steer that the county will be using for a month, arrived on Monday, he said.
SHRINER POKER RUN WILL COME INTO COUNTY
Steve Zaitz told the commissioners about a TV ride that will cross into Ste. Genevieve County on August 7.
The Joshua Gates Memorial UTV and Jeep Poker Run originated in St. Francois County last year, supported by the East Central Missouri Shrine Club of Bonne Terre, is named for Zaitz’s son who died at age 21 in 2019.
Zaitz said that the event is being expanded. Last year it totaled 60 miles and stayed in St. Francois County. He planned to come into Ste Genevieve County, ending with about a mile on Highway Y, after taking Roth Road.
He said local wineries will be the first stop. He said a waiver by drivers and passengers must be signed during registration and that proof of insurance and drivers license is required.
Nelson urged him to remind the participants to be thoughtful of other drivers. Zaitz said that had not been a single issue during last year’s run.
“We appreciate you letting us know,” Second District Commissioner Randy Ruzicka said.