Monday May 1st Mitchell County Commissioners Meeting

 

Mitchell County Commissioners

 

Monday, May 1, 2017

 

By Terry Bailey

 


 

The Mitchell County Commissioners spent the morning of May Day overseeing the business of Mitchel County. The Commissioners met at the Mitchell County Courthouse. All Commissioners were present as well as the County Clerk. Also in attendance were Jason Rabe, Beloit City Administrator and Heather Hartman Solomon Valley Economic Director.

 

The Commissioners spent some time discussing the spring blizzard that struck Western Kansas over the weekend. The general consensus was that everyone was happy that it did not happen in Mitchell County.

 

A Neighborhood Revitalization Grant application from Landon and Nicki Cleveland was approved. The application was for a 30’ x 40’ garage in the amount of $19,110.

 

Heather Hartman reported on a visit last week she took to Clay Center. One stop was the Wardcraft Home Factory. Wardcraft builds home in their location in Clay Center and then moves them to the homeowner’s site. Hartman also told about her visit to G-T (Gilmore-Tatge) Manufacturing. G-T fabricates grain drying equipment. In addition to the US market, they supply grain drying equipment to 80 countries around the world. 80% of their business is outside of the U.S.

 

Mark Noah was present at the request of the Commissioners. He had been asked by the Commissioners to check into an autopsy recently performed. It seems as if nobody was aware of who ordered the autopsy. There were no supporting documents to verify the person who ordered the $2,000 plus medical procedure. The Commissioners discussed in what instances an autopsy is required by law. While an autopsy may have been required, there is no definitive evidence of exactly who made the decision. Further investigation will take place to determine the responsible party.

 

Kathy Webster, one of the Mitchell County representatives on the Pawnee Mental Health Board of Directors, appeared before the Commissioners requesting they sign a proclamation declaring the month of May as Mental Health Awareness month in Mitchell County. Webster pointed out that unfortunately, there still exists a stigma regarding those who seek assistance for mental health issues. While people do not hesitate to seek medical care for a broken arm or a heart attack, that still feel self-conscious about consulting with a mental health professional.

 


 


 


 


 

The Proclamation said, in part:

 

Whereas mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well-being, and

 

Whereas mental health conditions are real and prevalent in our nation, and

 

Whereas stigma and fear of discrimination keep many who would benefit from mental health services from seeking help, and

 

Whereas prevention is an effective way to reduce the burden of mental health conditions, and

 

Whereas with early and effective treatment those individuals with mental health conditions can recover and lead full, productive lives.

 

The Commissioners each signed the Proclamation thus designating May as Mental Health Awareness month in Mitchell County.

 

Monday, May 29th is the fifth Monday of the month. The Commissioner voted to NOT meet that day which is usual protocol for the fifth Monday of a month.

 

The Commissioners also directed all departments to “hold the line” on their budgets. Most likely, health care costs will see a ten percent increase which will call for belt tightening all around.

 

Having addressed all the items on the published agenda, the meeting was adjourned.