The Cherry County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on April 11 in the Commissioners Meeting Room of the Cherry County Courthouse.
Edward Heinert was reappointed to the Cherry County Extension Board – District 6 for a term set to expire December 31, 2025. The Board reviewed a list of people from which the Extension Board would like to make its recommendation for filling the District 3 vacancy.
The board entered closed session for the purpose of updating and discussing current and future litigation and strategy regarding the Snake River/EPA matter with the Board, County Attorney Eric Scott, and Superintendent Smith. After returning to an open meeting, the board voted to enter into an agreement with Mainelli Wagner Associates, Inc. Consultant Contract for phases 1-3 on the project. Regarding the alleged EPA violation, Mr. Scott. stated that hopefully both parties will come to an agreement to avoid court, but the legal process cannot be avoided.Cherry County Hospital Board of Trustees member, Deanna Scott updated the Board regarding their most recent meeting and special meeting.
The Board met with Valentine City Council President Kyle Arganbright, Cherry County Visitors Promotion Board, and Cherry County Tourism Director Regina Osburn to discuss a collaboration between the City of Valentine and Cherry County/Cherry County Visitors Promotion concerning the idea of a joint project for a wellness & convention center. The project would involve a feasibility study engaging an architect and a contractor; to include clear design & cost estimates, a financing plan, and community input prior to any further commitments from either subdivision. At about 1:30 PM the board entered closed session for the purpose of discussing potential real estate purchases and/or strategy regarding potential real estate purchases. The commissioners moved that Cherry County Visitors Promotion Board proceed with partnering on a project feasibility study with the City of Valentine.
There was no Emergency Management update due to the McCann Canyon Fire which was initially reported that day around 1pm Central Time.