Mitch Garner, Allen County’s director of Public Works, promised his crew would have several miles of old U.S. 169 spiffed up well ahead of this year’s 60th anniversary Biblesta in Humboldt.
Ken Lott mentioned to commissioners, ahead of Garner arriving, Johnson grass and other vegetation, tall and thick, were crowding the road in an unsightly manner.
Garner said mowing crews were working elsewhere, but “they’ll be there this week or next.”
Lott, a Humboldt resident, also asked about progress to remove trees, limbs and other debris from the upstream side of the Marsh Arch bridge that spans the Neosho at the west edge of Humboldt.
Commissioners assured, as did Garner, the county was eager to help Joe Weiner, the only contractor willing to tackle the task, with removal. The mess is a sore point for many in the Humboldt area who want to ensure the bridge, opened 85 years ago, continues to carry traffic in a safe manner across the river.
Mention has been made of putting the bridge on a register of historic places. Commissioners agreed with County Counselor Alan Weber the county was not interested of pursuing such designation. If it were to occur, costly restoration might be in line and what could be done with the bridge would be limited.
Commissioners approved spending $6,500 for a radio repeater to enhance coverage of emergency messages originating at the 911 center on North State Street. They did not buy into spending $18,000 to replace radio hardware on the 911 center tower, which itself will be replaced. Weber said what is there might last “two years, or maybe 10.”
County crews will take care of unsightly vegetation
