Noxious weeds discussed again with County Commissioners

In the Cheyenne County Commissioners meeting Monday, the topic of Noxious weeds appeared on the agenda once more.

Noxious weeds first appeared on the agenda in a regular meeting on July 5. In that meeting area farmers brought concerns about noxious weeds before the Cheyenne County Board of Commissioners.

“Approximately five years ago, a group of farmers, some are here today, went to the agricultural office trying to get something done on noxious weeds, and out of that meeting nothing happened,”

said Cheyenne County resident Bob Lafler said at the first appearance about noxious weeds.

“I think its ridiculous that I have to go to the sheriff to get something done,” Lafler said.

In the July 5 meeting, County Commissioner Phillip Sanders said that this was the first time the topic of noxious weeds had come before the board.

In Monday's meeting, Lafler said he did not see a solution come out of the July 5 meeting and was not satisfied with it's outcome.

“We have all these regulations and we have zero results,” Lafler said.

With a possible time lapse of 60 to 90 days before anything can be done about the weeds, Sanders agreed with the frustrations, stating he would look into the legal aspect of the issue.

Reports and plans were also presented at the meeting, as Diane Scott, County Treasurer, gave a semi-annual report, Louella Pippitt, County Assessor, presented a three year plan of assessment that was approved by the Commissioners, and Randy Meininger, Regional West Medical Center, gave his annual ambulance report.

A public hearing was called and two applications were approved by the board, one submitted by Marlin K. and Cynthia Michaels and the other by Fred Johnston, III both requesting agricultural land to be re-zoned to residential.

Marvin Filsinger announced his resignation from the Cheyenne County fair board, followed by the appointment of Niki Rochlitz to the board.

Use of the Fairgrounds by Cabela's was tabled for the next meeting, when the board will know more about how the use of Sidney's new Pavilion building will be handled.

The next Board of Commissioners meeting will be held on August 1, at 8 a.m. inside the commissioners meeting room at the county courthouse located at 1000 10th Ave. in Sidney