Bartels elected County Bd. Chair

HARTINGTON — Craig Bartels will lead the Cedar County Board of Commissioners as chairman as the board reorganized in its first meeting of the year last week.

He was elected as chairman and David McGregor was elected as vice-chairman of the board.

Both McGregor and Chris Tramp are up for election this year and they have both filed for another term in office.

New this year, Justin Heikes was appointed as the new part-time county weed superintendent, replacing Dave Sudbeck in that position.

The county also added an additional holiday Juneteenth which will be observed on June 20, bringing the total countyobserved holidays to 12 1/2.

Commissioners also received the county’s one- and six-year road improvement plan which will be the subject of a public hearing Feb. 8.

At its meeting last week, commissioners also:

- Approved motor vehicle tax exemptions for Cedar Catholic High School, Hillcrest Care Center and East-West Catholic Elementary School.

- Approved tax corrections as presented by Assessor Jeff Curry.

- Reviewed building permits.

- Approved two variances and discussed the make-up of the variance board.

- Approved a special liquor license for St. John the Baptist Church in Fordyce for a March fish fry event.

- Approved a resolution for an interlocal agreement with the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District in Norfolk.