Lancaster County Commissioners approved a major culvert replacement project and nearly $267,000 in community-service grants Tuesday, while also welcoming a new four-legged member of the county’s corrections staff.
The meeting also included approval of a special designated liquor license for a youth-oriented rodeo and concert near Denton.
Valor joins the corrections team
Valor
Lancaster County Corrections Director Brad Johnson introduced Valor, a facility dog whose primary responsibility is supporting the mental health and well-being of corrections employees.
Johnson told commissioners the department had been working on the initiative for approximately three years before partnering with Guide Dogs of America, which covered the cost of Valor, staff training and travel.
Valor arrived in Nebraska July 28 and is currently assigned to the night shift, accompanying his handlers as they move throughout the corrections facility.
Johnson hopes to eventually expand the program to daytime operations, when more employees would have opportunities to interact with Valor. He also envisions a future role for the dog in inmate programming.
Staff members described employees visiting Valor during their shifts, including some who sit or lie on the floor with him. One handler recalled an incarcerated man becoming emotional during a visit because he had not seen his own dog since entering custody.
Sergeant Jon Lewis and Officer Dylan Ribble were introduced as Valor’s handlers.
$317,000 approved for culvert replacement
Commissioners unanimously approved a contract with Nemaha Infrastructure to replace Box Culvert D-121 at a cost not to exceed $317,275.54.
County Engineer Pam Dingman said the project involves a drainage way directly downstream of Branched Oak Dam, where the road is already closed.
The county has been coordinating with the contractor in hopes of beginning construction soon. Dingman said favorable weather could allow crews to install the replacement culvert before winter and reopen the road.
No firm completion or reopening date was announced. The affected road was not identified by name during the meeting.
Nearly $267,000 in community-service grants
Commissioners also approved four agreements supporting education, behavioral health, domestic violence response and substance-use treatment.
The funding includes $100,038 for St. Monica’s Home to provide substance-use treatment and peer support services, and $75,000 for Family Service Lincoln’s School-Based Therapeutic Services Program.
The Clyde Malone Community Center will receive up to $61,950 for its Education Advocate Program. Friendship Home will receive $30,000 for its Coordinated Community Response to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program.
The four agreements total $266,988 and are funded through state and federal grants. They were approved as part of the commission’s consent agenda without substantive discussion.
Rodeo and concert planned near Denton
Commissioners approved a special designated liquor license for an October 9 rodeo and concert in a pasture near 8091 West Old Cheney Road.
The organizer told commissioners the event is intended primarily to encourage young rodeo competitors, with peewee and junior divisions as well as adult riders.
The event had originally been planned for the preceding Saturday but was rescheduled because of anticipated rainfall. Commissioners questioned the organizer about weather-related concerns because the property is in a floodplain.
The organizer expressed confidence that conditions would improve before the event, although weather remains a consideration.
Upcoming road and bridge hearing
The commission will hold a public hearing on its One- and Six-Year Road and Bridge Improvement Program on Tuesday, October 6, at 6:30 p.m. in Room 112 of the County-City Building, 555 South 10th Street.
The hearing provides an opportunity for residents to comment on the county’s planned transportation infrastructure improvements.
The next regular commission meeting is scheduled for October 6 at 9 a.m.
For additional information, see the Lancaster County website and its meeting agendas.