Worth County Planning Disaster Exercise in April

Economic Developer and Emergency Management Director Gene Auten reported that the county would be doing a disaster exercise with Gentry and DeKalb Counties sometime in April. Date and time have not been set, but the location will likely be in Gentry County. He said that he also plans to attend a Region H meeting. Auten also reported that paperwork for all 2017 disasters has been closed out.

On the economic development side, Auten reported that he has found a funding source for the potential SSM clinic in the current Worth County Care & Rehab Activity Room. He said that he was taking it to the Worth County Progress Organization and the WCCC, and that the next step was up to them.

The Worth County Head Start building across the street from the school is for sale. The Head Start School has a lease on the building which is still good for several years and the program is currently full.

Grant City Public Works Director Carl Staton came to the meeting. The city and county agreed to have the city attorney draw up an agreement for the city to use the county’s wood chipper rather than the city seeking to use its own chipper, which would be a duplication of resources.

Prosecuting Attorney Brett Hurst reported to the county that since the county falls within the population standards set out by the state, there was nothing in state statutes that prevent the county from enforcing the brush ordinance that was passed by voters. Furthermore, he said that the County Clerk can attest to business conducted by the commissioners.

Hurst also reported that a major law firm was planning to sue major pharmaceutical companies over the nationwide Opioid epidemic in a class action. The commissioners agreed to join the lawsuit.

Linda Mattson and Meghann Kosman of the Children & Family Center in Maryville came to introduce themselves. They provide a temporary shelter for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault; they serve Nodaway, Atchison, Worth, Holt, and Gentry Counties. They have a 24 hour crisis line in the event of domestic violence; the number is (660) 562-2320 or (866) 382-7867. They serve both men and women and provide services that do not require shelter, such as advocacy and support, support groups, and school and community education.