It does not seem possible that just a few short weeks ago we were complaining about too much rain and now we could really use an inch or so of moisture. Although most of the crops have been planted, except in the wet holes and sidehill seeps, they are going to need frequent showers due to shallow rooting. We need to pray that the rain does not stop and hot dry winds begin blowing. We also are going to require a late frost this year for even a mediocre soybean harvest.

Construction on the Administrative Center is progressing but not as fast as we would probably like. Nearly all of the major structural parts are in place but it is taking, in my opinion, too long to get the decking installed. This is the material that is put down to pour the concrete floors upon. The erection company is slowly getting the second floor installed but still has all of the top floor to lay. Our local concrete contractor is anxiously waiting for this facet to be completed and he will then get the floors poured. We were optimistic that the prefabricated concrete wall contractor would be ready to start his portion of the job by the first of August but if we do not get the decks poured soon, that portion of the construction will be delayed. Even though we are in the "dog days" of summer, cold weather will be here before we realize it and we need have the structure enclosed.

I have been asked several times about the small addition on the east side of the structure. This small "room" will house the emergency electrical generating plant and has been planned and constructed according to schedule. It is not an "afterthought" but required building after other portions of the job were completed. All of the electrical, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and other utilities are "stubbed" into the structure. The commission is considering a recommendation from an expert to have the new structure properly protected from lightening. Our construction manager is getting input from those in that industry and will inform us concerning necessity and cost. The commission certainly wants to prevent any damage to structure and equipment from lightning and will take measures, if necessary, to safeguard and prevent it.

The commission authorized the road and bridge department to work five 10 hour days through the summer months in an attempt to get some of the flood issues, not only this year's, but some of those from the May 2007 flood resolved. These workers need commended for their efforts as they do not have an easy job. They work in conditions that many would find very difficult due to inclement weather.

I mentioned this past week that the northeast portion of the county, especially Independence Township, has numerous issues that need resolved including tube and culvert washouts, bridge approaches compromised, and several Honey Creek bridges need repaired. One crew spent this past week in the area and are currently addressing more problems. It will take several more days to get all of these issues fixed. A Honey Creek bridge on Road #196, near the intersection of 130th Street and Noble Road, was repaired earlier this week and Road #188, also on Noble Road and on 120th Street, has another Honey Creek bridge that is getting attention at this time. We will be needing some much needed dirt for fill for these projects and certainly appreciate the landowners in the immediate vicinity helping us.

The other crew is working in various parts of the county on several problems. Jackson Township has some Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issues that we have been working in conjunction with to get resolved. Several loads of fill dirt are required to build up Road #655 east of Missouri Route MM on 282 Street. The county is using our excavator and trucks to help raise the road for safer traffic use. We also have helped this township with several tube issues in the area and are working on another FEMA project east of Clyde on  Road #686 on 310th Street near Panther Road.

Several other projects are underway but I wish to use the remainder of my limited space to promote a need that affects all of us here in Nodaway County. Most all residents of the county have seen the downtown beautification and renovation project and can visually see the benefits received from those who devoted hours of their time and treasure to this effort. The courthouse grounds have been completely renovated with new walks, trees, shrubbery, and flowers making our courthouse and grounds very attractive and appealing. Landscaped areas were created with various shrubs and flowers but unfortunately a long-term comprehensive plan of maintenance and care was not implemented. The landscaped areas have weed and grass control issues and several citizens have voiced their concerns regarding the lack of maintenance and weeding. Bob Westfall and I have spent several evening and weekend hours weeding in these areas but do not have enough time to devote to the effort for proper care. Other concerned citizens have also devoted time weeding and caring for plants but there are several large areas that need attention.

Several suggestions have been received concerning how to address this problem including: using county inmates, getting our local civic organizations involved, working with the Missouri Department of Corrections, the court systems imposing community service sentences, or one that I adamantly refuse to recommend, using our road and bridge department or hiring a professional to take care of the areas. Our crews have more than they can handle right now and I believe that this is a gift to all of Nodaway County citizens and it would be unfair to use tax dollars to remedy this situation. We need good folk to volunteer some time for this problem. Issues with the use of incarcerated folk will need resolved but the suggestion that offenders be sentenced to hours of community service, that means weeding flower beds, is a good idea.

My father-in-law pointed out to me years ago that "the more you have, the more you have to take care of." I believe that this is succinct advice. Before we move forward with any more phases of the downtown project, we need a long-term comprehensive plan to take care of what we already have. I will report more on this important issue as it is discussed.

Please call or come by the commissioners' office with comments or concerns and if there are errors in this week's column, the fault is on the shoulders of one of my coffee shop advisors. He received the opportunity to correct prior to publication.