County Road Crew Busy Dealing With Storm Damage
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By MARK EVANS
STE. GENEVIEVE HERALD
Some heavy storm damage was reported in the western end of the county from storms that ripped through the area mid-week last week.
Presiding Commissioner Randy Ruzicka reported that road and bridge crew personnel had been at work since about 3 a.m., last Thursday, clearing off roads. Downed trees, limbs and other debris blocked a number of roads.
In fact, Second District Commissioner Mark Marberry was unable to get to town to attend the meeting because of downed limbs.
Sheriff Gary Stolzer reported that a low-water slab on Highway C was under water and that Sheriff’s Department personnel remained at the site from 5:30 a.m., until the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) could block off the road at about 10 a.m.
On Saturday, Ruzicka posted a warning about bridges and slabs in Facebook. “As a result of the extraordinary storm activity in the region were are experiencing unprecedented road and bridge damage and blockages,” he posted. “Low water crossings are extremely dangerous right now.”
LITTLE OPTIMISM ON OZORA SITE
Some hope had been expressed about a potential buyer for the old motel at the Ozora exit. However, that hope has diminished.
Ruzicka reported that he had talked with Mark Spykerman, the tax increment financing (TIF) attorney from the Gilmore Bell law firm, about the situation. Spykerman, Ruzicka said, did not come away from his meeting with the prospective buyer with much optimism.
The commissioners for years have bemoaned the deteriorated condition of the motel and former gas station. The opinion has been expressed several times that the property would probably need to be razed and new structures built before it could begin fulfilling its potential.
However, Spykerman indicated the would-be buyer only intended to spend enough to do a basic remodeling on the motel. Ruzicka indicated Spykerman was not optimistic, since the building would at least need major renovations to reopen.
“It’s not encouraging,” Ruzicka said.
RESOURCES TO RECOVERY
First District Commissioner Karen Stuppy reported on the Resources to Recovery’s Third Annual Substance Use Disorder Conference on Maternal and Childhood Health, at the Progress Sports Center the day before.
She said she got “a lot of great information” at the conference, which included personal stories from those impacted by opioid and other drug abuse. Stuppy said one speaker had battled addictions, at one time having 14 warrants out for her arrest, before turning her life around.
The conference also included the feature, “Inside a Teenager’s Bedroom” Exhibit by Hidden in Plain View. Two speakers shared how easily teens can hide drug use and paraphernalia from their parents.
Stuppy said it was “eye-opening.”
Notes
• Stolzer said two of the department’s older vehicles had been listed on the Purple Wave auction site.
• A caller asked Ruzicka about Missouri Senate Bill 190, which would reduce property tax on senior citizens, beginning in 2024, if passed. He answered questions on the bill. She also complained about cars speeding at Ozora.
• The commission received an estimate for the windshield and bodywork from the damage allegedly done to a vehicle by chips fro a county truck. Although it came in higher than they had anticipated, they agreed it would be paid.
• Ruzicka said Ward 3 Alderman Joe Steiger had invited them to attend the Aug. 10 board of aldermen work session, to share input on
• Ruzicka visited the community center that morning and said there were no signs of leaks, following the heavy storms the night before.
• Derek Welker of S. McCoy Construction & Forestry delivered the county’s new 2023 John Deere grader.
• The idea of purchasing a new tractor was tabled for the time being.
• MFA Oil was awarded the month’s road and bridge fuel contract. MFA bid $3.003 per gallon for on-road fuel, $2.876 for off road fuel ad $2.925 for gasoline.
• At the Monday, July 31 meeting, a resident called, expressing concern about the removal of the Franklin Bridge and wondering when a new bridge might be put up. The county has submitted an Off-system Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation (BRO) grant request for the project.
• Also on Monday, Marberry expressed that GWS Contractors had done “a great job” replacing roof drains at the community center. There were still two drains remaining to be replaced.
• On Monday the commissioners approved a request by Stolzer to give pay raises to employees at the jail. Stolzer expressed confidence that his budget could cover the cost.
• Carolyn Bach, president of the Sainte Genevieve Art guild, gave the group’s quarterly update.