Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Tuesday, November 13, 2018
(BEDFORD) - High-speed internet is being billed as just as necessary to modern life as electricity.
The rural members of Jackson County REMC are underserved regarding high-speed internet, but the Lawrence County Commissioners voted today to help Jackson Connect to take a step closer to bringing broadband to parts of Lawrence County.
The Co-op's Board of Directors voted to form Jackson Connect, the fiber division of the co-op, to provide a true high-speed internet connection to the members of Jackson County REMC.
Today the commissioner signed a data agreement contract to allow Jackson County REMC to access WTH Technology, to provide GIS map-centric tools to the company.
Lance Adams, a field engineer for REMC says the information will allow the company to access correct 911 addresses and property owners.
"It will also allow our crew to respond quickly to emergency situations more quickly," he added.
Jackson County REMC currently serves more than 2,200 members in Lawrence County.
---
The commissioners opened a number of bids for stone, fuel and oil and bids for the sewer grinder project at the Lawrence County Jail.
Bids were also opened for the county's Southern Indiana Development Commission owner occupied home rehabilitation program.
All of those bids were taken under advisement.
---
Highway Superintendent David Holmes reported all paving for the season is completed but crews will do some patching and culvert replacement, weather permitting.
Crews are preparing equipment for snow, which could arrive here as soon at Thursday.
Holmes says he was disappointed the county was not awarded Community Crossing Funds.
"We were not awarded any funds," he added. "We were kind of left out in the cold...it is what it is...they will call for applications again in January and we will try again. We didn't do anything wrong. INDOT only had 1 million dollars to award and more than 240 million in applications."
Work continues on bridge 170 on Stove Road.
Holmes is currently working with designers for repairs on Bridge 121 on Williams Silversville Road over Indian Creek and Bridge 172 on Cement Plant or Slaughterhouse Road.
Holmes will seek Federal Aid to repair Bridge 139 at Otis Park, but crews are going to make repairs so they can get the bridge back open to motorist.
---
Sheriff Mike Branham reported that there were 190 inmates in the jail this morning. Of those 46 are females, 7 are Level 6 offenders and there were two parole violation offenders.
Sheriff Branham also presented the commissioners with his salary contract which was approved by the county council during budget hearings. The sheriff will be paid $105,000 a year for the term.
---
Emergency Management Director Valerie Luchauer reported she is finishing up year end reports and getting ready to kick off a new year.
She is also keeping an eye on an incoming weather system.
"We are monitoring an incoming system and keeping our eyes open on Thursday for some snow and ice," she added. "It's still early and it could all change."
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.