Lawrence County Commissioners Meet Tuesday Morning

(BEDFORD) – The Lawrence County Commissioners met Tuesday morning. Brian Skillman, Human Resources Director, was approved for the HR Systems for alcohol/drug testing. The cost of background checks will be $33.75, drug testing for $36.00 and driving histories $5.04. The majority of the testing is for new hires.

A contract with Kronos was approved by the commissioners with a contract for $11,412.60.

The Commissioners approved the IU Health Contract for Health Screenings. Screenings will take place for county employees from November 13th – 15th at the Courthouse Plaza at the former WorkOne location. Benefits of the screening will include $323 premium reductions and $30 co-pays.

Brad Bough Lawrence County Veterans Officer

Veterans Officer Brad Bough stated the meeting with Congressman Trey Hollingsworth on October 8th went very well and they will be working to get a VA clinic or hospital in the Bedford area.

Brad Bough also encourages veterans who may be losing or have lost their health care coverage to get in contact with his office as soon as possible. His office will help them file the necessary paperwork to get benefits restored.

Highway Superintendent David Holmes advised the commissioners regarding the One Million Dollar Community Crossing Grant awarded to the county. The grant will help repair bridge number 121, over Indian Creek. Bridge crews are working on the maintenance of various bridges throughout the county and chip and sealing is occurring throughout district three.

Valarie Lachuer advised the commissioners of several incidents of illegal burning in the county this past week including a five-acre field fire on South I Street. She noted the cooperation between all responding agencies such as Bedford Fire Department, Shawswick Fire Department, Marion Township, and United States Forest Service was a well-coordinated response.

People can be fined for illegal burning, however they are trying at this time to educate the public. Not everyone is aware of the ordinance enacted by the commissioners. Deliberately ignoring the Burn Ban Ordinance may result in property owners being billed by the fire department and possibly be given a penalty of up to $2,500.

Greg Taylor was not able to attend this morning’s meeting but reports there are a total of 147 inmates, 120 males, 27 females. Of those inmates, Level 6 inmates (9), Department of Corrections inmates (4), Parole inmate (1).