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Visitor Center Director Resigns, Commissioners Approve Changes to Mental Health Services

Cheyenne County Visitor Center Director Heather Hausmann submitted her resignation.

Hausmann has been the Visitor Center director for more than two years.

Her last day on the job will be no later than May 25.

“I thank you for the opportunity to work for the county,” she said. “I have learned so much in the last two years.”

The Cheyenne County Commissioners accepted her resignation, reluctantly. Hausmann said it is time for the next chapter.

In other business, the commissioners approved changes in delivery of mental health services.

In 1966, Cheyenne County entered an Interlocal Cooperation Act for the “Formation of the Panhandle Mental Health Center and Mental Retardation Facility.”

Cheyenne County also signed an agreement in 1974 for the “Formation of the Region One Community Health Program under the Interlocal Cooperation Act,” according to a resolution brought before the commissioners Monday. In 2002, the agreements were amended to form the Panhandle Mental Health Center. The Center was formed, according to the resolution, to “jointly continue the purposes of the 1966 agreement and the 1974 agreement. 

The agreement signed Monday forms the Region 1 Behavioral Health Authority and dissolves the Panhandle Mental Health Center and Mental Retardation Facility, effective July 1, 2018.

The commissioners also set a time for a public hearing regarding the county’s one-year and six-year road improvement plan. The public hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. May 7. The plans are required by the State of Nebraska.

The board also met with Building and Grounds Superintendent Roger Conley. The discussion included the water system at the fairgrounds and if four hydrants are still necessary. Commissioner Randal Miller said with new firefighter technology, four hydrants may not be necessary. Additionally, officials suspect there may be a leak in the water system at the fairgrounds. Miller suggested that in researching the leak the county should consider rebuilding the system with new PVC pipe.

“Lets develop a game plan and see where we’re going to go,” he said.

He said hopefully the system can be redone in stages.

The commissioners also approved a motion for separate metering for irrigation.

The commissioners also met as the Board of Equalization, reviewing with County Treasurer Diane Scott vehicles owned by nonprofit agency Sidney Regional Medical Center and Regional West Medical Center. The board also met with County Assessor Sybil Prosser to review a list of personal property for Wieser Construction.

The board also consented to Plains West CASA placing pinwheels at the county building in recognition of April as Child Abuse Awareness Month.

 

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