County commission approves agreement for road improvements

Several roads in Lake County will have new rumble strips, pavement markings, and signing this year as part of a statewide transportation improvement program.  Lake County Highway Superintendent Nels Nelson met with Lake County Commissioners Tuesday to discuss a joint powers Financial and Maintenance agreement with the state Department of Transportation.  

Nelson outlined to commissioners seventeen locations in the county where the improvements will be made.  He said the work will be done by the state and is all paid for through a federal grant, so there is no cost to the county.  Nelson said the county will only be responsible for maintenance.

Commissioners unanimously approved the Joint Powers agreement between the county and the state DOT for the Road Safety Improvement Project.  

Also during Tuesday’s meeting, Lake County Commissioners approved one new employee.  Dawn McKinney has been hired to work as a full-time Correctional Officer within the county’s Sheriff’s Office and Jail.  McKinney started in the position on Monday at a rate of $16.25 per hour.  

Commissioners Tuesday also agreed to allow county employees a full day holiday on Good Friday – April 10th.  Previously, county employees were given a half-day holiday on that day. Commissioners reviewed Governor Kristi Noem’s directive for state employees to receive administrative leave on both April 10th and 13th, but did not opt to also give county employees Easter Monday as a holiday.