Conservation center construction project on schedule

by Charlie Comfort

Oskaloosa, Iowa- At Monday’s Mahaska County Supervisor meeting, the supervisors heard a report from Conservation Director Dave Sedivec, who reported that construction on the new environmental learning center at Caldwell Park is making progress, and is considered to be on schedule.

“I’m a little skeptical depends on weather,” Sedivec said of the status of the project.

Precast walls will be set in early to mid-January for the project.

“I’m getting kind of antsy to be honest,” Sedivec said.

It is expected that sometime next summer the new environmental learning center will be ready to be moved into. Sedivec said that that is all dependent on weather.

The Supervisors also recognized jail staff for a recent inspection that found the jail to be exceptionally managed. Supervisor Chairman Mark Doland recognized jail administrator Larry Septer for the inspection, which occurred on October 27. Doland also read a letter from the Iowa Department of Corrections.

“Mahaska County Jail is a well-managed facility,” the letter read.

In other business, the supervisors:

Received the MCARD report from MCARD Director Deann DeGroot.

Authorized signatures for an engagement letter from Mahaska County, joining a lawsuit against pharmasuitical companies relating to the Opioid epidemic.

The next regular Mahaska County Supervisors meeting will be held on January 2 at 9 am in the Supervisors meeting room.