County OKs Railroad Crossing Agreement

A safety measure at a railroad crossing moved forward when Roosevelt County commissioners approved an agreement with BNSF during a meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 5.

The railroad crossing being addressed is on Road 1013. The site is where Richland County farmer Rocky Norby was killed when an Amtrak train struck his tractor on May 29.

Commissioner Gordern Oelkers explained that originally the thought was that an easement was required from the county, but it turned out that a right-of-way agreement was needed instead.

“They agreed to pay for the arms and lights, and we will put in the culvert,” Oelkers said.

There’s no solid timeframe for completion of the project. A 30-day window is needed for construction.

“It will probably be in the spring, but we’re still pushing to get everything done,” Oelkers said.

Also during the meeting, commissioners accepted the resignation of health nurse Karla Thompson, effective on Friday, Oct. 30.

Commissioners wished to publicly thank Thompson for our service.

After some discussion, commissioners approved using up to $5,000 from a grant for moving expenses for a new health nurse from Springfield, Mo.

“I’m a little concerned about setting a precedent,” MacDonald said. “But it’s grant money.”

Oelkers added, “We don’t want to start a tradition. But this is a COVID relief grant set up for recruitment.”

Commissioners approved the purchase of a 2021 Ford Explorer and a 2021 Dodge Ram full-size pickup for the sheriff’s office.