Benton supervisors hear update on lighting of intersection

VINTON — Benton County Supervisor Gary Bierschenk is trying to solve a lighting problem at the Blairstown corner on Highway 30.

Bierschenk said during the Oct. 22 county board meeting that there is only one light at the and the Department of Transportation had lost funding to add more.

“There are a lot of people that are missing that corner,” Bierschenk said.

The amount of traffic at the intersection creates a hazard for trucks trying to make a left-hand turn from the east, said Bierschenk, and there’s a problem for people coming from Van Horne, turning left onto Highway 30, as well as flashing lights.

Any new lights need to be approved by the DOT, Bierschenk said, but money has to come from the county. The corner needs six lights, he said. The Benton County Engineer Myron Parizek is working it.

The board approved a law enforcement contract with the City of Garrison for $5,070 a year for three hours a week.

A land use hearing was held for Morgan and Matthew Ollinger, for land in Section 9, Big Grove Township. The residence is about two miles south of Garrison.

Supervisors approved the change, because it will not have a negative impact on surrounding farm operations, according to Matt Even, land use administrator.

The board discussed putting signs on the rights of way of rural properties.

The board approved the following American Rescue Plan Act claims: Ralston Construction, $59,240 for Wildcat Bluff improvements; Arca Search, $85,980.56, $16,094 and $1,129.63 for the scanning projects for the county auditor and recorder; New Century FS, $200 for Wildcat Bluff improvements; Schminke Excavating, $24,850 for a Wildcat sand filter; and True North Consulting Group, $2,952 for the radio project.