The Cherry County Commissioners meeting addressed the continued efforts to make the north Kilgore Road safer. Tonya Huber updated the commissioners about the RAISE grant request, stating that if the project moves forward, it may be completed in three to four years. The general consensus of the commissioners seemed to be a desire to get a wider road, possibly with better shoulders and some guard rails at certain points, but did not wish to re-route the road, which may be a problem for some property owners along the route.
The Valentine Children and Families Coalition Director Jill Austin updated the commissioners on the status of the proposed daycare facility at the St. John’s Church on Main Street in Valentine. The county had pledged $50,000 contingent upon the coalition raising the additional moneys needed to proceed with the project. Austin stated that as of two weeks ago, the money had been committed and the coalition signed an agreement with the church to rent the space for $1/year for 10 years. Austin surprised many stating that they should be able to have daycare operations started as early as February 1st, allowing up to 8 children at that time. With the hiring of additional staff, it was hoped to increase that number to 12 in the spring, with an ultimate goal of 30 children cared for at the facitliy.
And as reported earlier on KVSH Radio, Clerk of the District Court Lorana Eggert submitted her resignation from that position effective January 17th. Eggert has served in the District Court office since 2012, and elected to the Clerk of the District Court Office in 2014. This follows the resignation of two other elected officials in Cherry County. County Clerk Brittny Longcor, who resigned this fall, and County Assessor Jackie Moreland whose last day was September 10th.