Barton County officials approved spending almost $4,000 on a sidewalk replacement project at one of the county office buildings, and also moved ahead on other recent projects.
County Administrator Richard Boeckman reported to the Barton County Commission this week that his office had “recently accepted proposals for cement work at the Barton County Office Building, 1806 12th.
This is the building that was once the grocery store.
“The proposed work on the approximate 61-foot by 14.5-foot area on the west side of the building must be completed by Dec. 16,” according to his information.
Concrete Buildings was awarded the bid for $3,734.
Barton County also continues to be active in the recycling effort, according to a recent report from Landfill Manager Mark Witt.
Witt reported that “2.78 tons of E-waste — electronics — were shipped to the Rice County E-waste Facility for recycling.”
Also, 100 tires were received from customers for “reclamation disposal,” Witt reported.
Another recycling program the county continues to promote also promotes cycling, as well as improved health.
Witt reported earlier that the landfill staff continue to be involved in the state bicycle recycling program.
“The bicycles are refurbished by inmates and then provided free of charge to individuals and organizations.”
Some of the bicycles are saved out of trash, and others are dropped off by patrons who know about the recycling program, Witt added. Anyone can donate a bike for the effort, no matter the condition, because even bikes that can’t be ridden in their current condition can be used for part. “The Landfill accepts bicycles free of charge from the public for this program,” Witt noted.
Witt explained earlier that the bikes are hauled to ECF where they go through a rigorous process to make sure they will be safe to use.
In some cases, Witt explained, the bikes are in almost new condition. Others are in worse shape. The refurbishers make sure the frame is straight and safe and then begin to fix up the bike. That may include repainting it, replacing parts, putting on a new seat or doing other work. If the bike is not in good enough condition to renovate, Witt explained, it will still be used in the project and all good parts will be salvaged for use on other bikes.
Health Department Director Lily Akings recently reported that her department was successful in getting a grant for 24 bicycle helmets, which will be used at the county’s next event to give away to children.
In the past the county has also been able to provide some of the recycled bikes to give to children.
It’s a worthwhile effort, Akings commented, because bicycling continues to be an important exercise for children.