Commission Remembers Jones

    At the Tuesday meeting of the Marshall County Commissioners, the board took time to remember the recently passed Kevin Jones. Jones, who had served as the district 3 commissioner since 2019, died last weekend. He was the sitting vice chairman for the group. The board thanked Jones for his service to Marshall County and sent condolences to his family. 
    After a closed session later in the meeting, the board decided to begin advertising for the applicants for the District 3 Commissioner position. They will consider applications and then appoint someone to serve the remainder of the year. The petition period will also soon be advertised for people to run for that position to serve the next two years and finish Jones’s term. 
    In Jones’s absence, Doug Medhaug was appointed to serve as vice chairman and to serve on the courthouse project board.
    In other commission business, the board approved the creation of a capital projects fund to track expenses and eventual bond revenues for the courthouse project. Bills for the project will also be paid out of that fund. 
    Load limits were approved for paved county roads starting March 1. Gravel road load limits will be approved as the need arises. Six gravel pit mining rights in the county were renewed for the next ten years. 
    Representatives from the Marshall County Prayer Rock Museum were in attendance. They asked the commission to consider a larger contribution to the museum. They annually receive $1,000. An additional $2,500 donation was approved. A $2,000 donation for the 4-H Archery Club was also approved. 
    The board approved advertising the sale of three tax-deed properties in Veblen and okayed the annual report to be submitted for the legislative audit. 
    In zoning matters, the Planning & Zoning Administrator, Erin Collins-Miles, read the first notice for the proposed Zoning Regulations. The board voted to recommend Ordinance No. 64 to the County Commission.  
    The first reading was subsequently held and approved during the regular portion of the meeting. The second reading will be held at the next scheduled regular session meeting. A copy of the proposed zoning revision is available in its entirety for public review during normal business hours in the offices of the County Zoning Director, Erin Collins-Miles and the County Auditor, Megan Biel. 
    Building permits were accepted for BDM Rural Water Systems, Inc. in Pleasant Valley Township (variance also approved).  A drainage matter in White Township was followed up on and discussed. No action was taken.