Gove County Commissioners Recap — March 10, 2025: Road Hearings, Community Projects, and Health Department Progress

by Derek White

The Gove County Commissioners convened on March 10 for a full day of discussion and decision-making on local infrastructure, staffing, and community services. The meeting, held at the Gove County Office Building, included Commissioners Chuck Kuntz, Adam Teeter, and Joe Schmidtberger, along with County Attorney Steve Hirsch and several department leaders and citizens.

Key Decisions and Actions

• Shared County Secretary Approved: The Commission approved an agreement with Sheridan and Graham counties to share a secretary for County Attorney Steve Hirsch, a move expected to streamline administrative operations.

• Road Closure Tabled for Further Review: A public hearing on the proposed closure of County Road CC drew significant community turnout. Pioneer Feedyard, which initiated the request, cited safety concerns and pledged support for alternative route improvements. After public discussion, commissioners voted to table the decision for further review.

• Road Right-of-Way Violation Raised: Drew Tuttle alerted the Commission to a fence built in the right of way on County Road 68. He also reported on airport surveying plans and plans to auction off equipment, including seven pickups and one dozer, on Purple Wave.

• Economic Development Progress: Roger Ringer and Nick Zerr presented a draft job description for a new Economic Development Director and discussed next steps in the hiring process.

Infrastructure and Operations Updates

• Solid Waste Department: Matt Wolf reported the installation of new loader tires and requested approval to extend the warranty on a key compactor. He also plans to hire seasonal help, with job postings coming soon. An executive session was held to discuss non-elected personnel.

• Health Department Milestones: Brenda Orr shared exciting news from the Gove County Health Department, including new certifications earned by staff in breastfeeding and child car seat safety. The department also launched a Facebook group to better connect with residents.

• Use of County Gym for Classes: Cindy Davis proposed hosting gymnastics classes in the county gym. The commissioners will check with their insurance provider before making a final decision.

Afternoon Sessions: Prairie Dogs and Medical Partnerships

• Prairie Dog Control Discussions: Township board members joined the commissioners after lunch to talk about prairie dog infestations and responsibilities for management and control, a recurring concern in western Kansas counties.

• Open Meetings Training: Steve Hirsch led a session on the Kansas Governmental Open Meetings and Records Act, helping township officials understand transparency laws.

• HaysMed Affiliation and Dental Office Updates: Representatives from Gove County Medical Clinic and HaysMed discussed a potential partnership, while further conversations addressed dental office contracts and infrastructure maintenance.

Wrap-Up Actions

• The Commission approved a series of add and abate transactions and amended minutes.

• The meeting officially adjourned at 4:50 p.m., closing out a productive session focused on community engagement, infrastructure planning, and administrative clarity.

Stay connected for more updates on Gove County’s ongoing projects and decisions shaping the future of the community. The next commission meeting promises continued discussion on road improvements, economic development, and rural health services.