Wayne White
Managing Editor

Typically in Kansas, when repairing a roof in August, it is a safe bet that rain will not interfere with the job. Unfortunately for the Osage County Courthouse, this summer has not been typical.

Osage County commissioners were notified Monday that Friday’s rainstorm leaked through the courthouse roof, which is currently being re-roofed as part of an ongoing energy-saving renovation project.

During Monday’s meeting, commissioners met with Nathan Whitney, project manager for Trane, the company that is overseeing the project, to discuss the water damage that occurred due to the leak.

Damage was found on three floors of the courthouse, including in the judge’s office, treasurer’s office and appraiser’s office. Damaged were paperwork, carpeting, ceilings, and two copy machines, possibly totaling several thousand dollars in damages.

Representatives of the roofing company, Dale Poe Commercial Roofing, of Quenemo, were at the courthouse over the weekend, cleaning and mopping up the water.

Commissioners decided to submit a claim to the county’s insurance company.

At the meeting, commissioners also heard from department heads, who discussed the stress caused to employees by the ongoing renovations. This week, with holes being cut in floors and ceilings for installation of ductwork, offices are being required to cover desks, computers and equipment to protect them from dust and grit. Employees were reminded the inconveniences will be temporary, with the goal of the project to provide a more comfortable work environment.

Commissioners were also notified the courthouse will be closed Thursday, Sept. 4 while new electrical service is connected. In case of rain, the work will be done on Friday, Sept. 5. It is also possible the courthouse might be required to be closed both days, depending on how long the work takes to complete. Anyone needing to conduct business at the courthouse during that time is encouraged to call the county clerk’s office to see if the courthouse is open.

In other business, commissioners:

• met with Anne Gray, health department director, who presented the state’s contract for the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) public health program. Gray also reported receipt of a bioterrorism grant in the amount of $20,007.

• discussed with road and bridge supervisor Glenn Tyson the availability of asphalt, following the bankruptcy of the company that previously provided materials to the county. Commissioners also approved Tyson’s request to give a six-month wage increase to road and bridge employee John Carroll.

• heard that new aerial photographs obtained by the Osage County Sheriff’s Office will be shared with the county’s geographical information systems and mapping department.

• viewed a fence near Burlingame.