Benton County lifts bridge embargo

VINTON — The Benton County Board of Supervisors approved a certificate of compliance for Community Development Block Grant Procurement Standards during its regular meeting last week.

The board approved changes to the handbook as presented by Shelby Williams, of Benton County Conservation. The changes are not drastic, according to Williams. They deal with e-cigarettes and smoking, sick leave and wording for donated leave.

The board approved a Class C Retail Alcohol License for Walnut Ridge Venue LLC.

County Engineer Myron Parizek received approval from supervisors to remove the embargo on a bridge on 17th Ave. in Big Grove Township.

Supervisors conducted reviews with Ben Turnis, with information technology, and Grace Schmidt, public health director. Both reviews were in open session.

Turnis said one goal for next year is get the sheriff’s department looped in with all of the county’s departments. Supervisors also talked about space needs.

Schmidt said she has completed her review with the board of health. Supervisor Gary Bierschenk asked about the vaccine program, and Schmidt said the vaccines for children have officially been approved.

Participation numbers have been good working with schools, said Schmidt.

Supervisor Richard Primmer said he’d like to see the health department get involved with the county’s wellness program on simple things like blood pressure and heart rate checks.

Wellness helps with getting health insurance discounts, Primmer said.