Supervisors appoint new conservation board members

Chris Beeck and Troy V. Hemmelrick are the two newest members on the Plymouth County Conservation Board.

The Plymouth County Supervisors on Tuesday appointed Beeck and Hemmelrick to replace members Ron Wilmot, who died in June, and Eric Julstrol, who recently resigned.

While reviewing the eight applications received for the positions, Supervisor Craig Anderson said it was important that not all the members live in Le Mars.

"It would be nice if our conservation board members would be dispersed throughout the county," he said.

Wilmot lived in Akron and Julstrol lived in Le Mars. The three remaining board members, Phyllis Bates and Wayne Cruse, live in Le Mars, and David Klingensmith lives in Kingsley.

The new board members, Beeck and Hemmelrick, live in Hinton and Akron respectively.

During an open vote, the five supervisors chose their top two picks from the list of eight with Beeck and Hemmelrick both obtaining four votes each.

The supervisors said they based their decisions on candidates' interest in conservation, where they live, their professionalism and experience.

"I want to thank every one of them," Supervisor Don Kass said of the applicants.

The six other applicants were: Steven A. Tosnfeldt, Stuart Dekkenga, Mark Ellensohn, Clark Goodchild, Mrs. Leshawn Howard and Gary Junge.

The supervisors also:

* Heard that C-60 from K-49 east to K-64 will close Monday, July 21 for a bridge replacement. Traffic will be detoured on K-64, C-70 and K-49 for 12 to 13 weeks.

* Awarded two contracts, pending approval by the county engineer. One to Kooiker Inc., of Le Mars, for $58,551 to replace a bridge with a box culvert on 160th Street Section 1 of Johnson Township and one to Midwest Contracting, of Marshall, Minn., for $87,239 to replace a bridge with a box culvert on 180th Street in Section 12 and 13 in Marion Township.

* Learned that Concord Avenue from 180th Street North to Highway 3 closed Tuesday for a bridge replacement. It is expected to remain closed for about two weeks.

* Directed K. Kae Meyer, Plymouth County auditor, to contact Van's Sanitation and request the dumpster, in the courthouse parking lot intended for use by rural residents to place their recyclable items in, be emptied twice a week instead of the current once a week pickup.