By Allison Peck
Lincoln County Commissioners on Monday approved a liquor license for Fast Stop in Hershey, authorized the purchase of a vehicle for the sheriff’s office and spent considerable time debating proposed courthouse lighting upgrades focused on security and aesthetics.
Commissioners approved the liquor license application for Fast Stop after tabling the matter last week to allow additional discussion regarding management oversight and operations. Commissioners had previously raised questions about staffing and management structure at the convenience store before voting Monday to approve the license.
The board also approved a special designated liquor permit for North 40 Chophouse for the Grape and Sizzle fundraiser scheduled June 12 at the Farmhouse Event Venue as part of Nebraskaland Days.
Commissioners authorized the purchase of a Jeep Grand Cherokee from Janssen GMC for civil process purposes for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at a cost of just over $29,000.
A substantial portion of the meeting centered on discussion of potential exterior lighting upgrades at the Lincoln County Courthouse. What began as a conversation focused on security lighting for employee and public safety expanded into broader discussion of decorative and architectural lighting options, including a system that would allow color changes for holidays and events.
Commissioners emphasized the proposal began with practical concerns. “What started this conversation wasn’t aesthetic lighting, it was for safety,” Commissioner Michaela Wuehler said during the discussion, pointing to employee safety concerns around the courthouse grounds after dark.
Commissioners discussed earlier estimates approaching $30,000 for security lighting concepts while also reviewing broader lighting options for the historic courthouse. Debate centered on whether portions of the proposal were necessary for safety or more aesthetic in nature, with Commissioner Chris Bruns acknowledging the decorative portion “definitely ventures into a want.”
Commissioners also discussed whether the project could be phased in and whether grant funding opportunities might be available to offset costs. No formal action was taken on the lighting proposal.
Commissioners approved a rezoning request for property near West State Farm Road from Transitional Agricultural District to Rural Estates Residential District to allow a family property split for a second home. The request had previously received unanimous support from the Lincoln County Planning Commission.
Earlier in the meeting, commissioners approved a preliminary engineering services agreement with JEO Consulting Group tied to the county’s Crossroads Study supported by federal grant funding. Commissioners said the study will help evaluate infrastructure needs tied to development activity in the county.
During committee reports, commissioners discussed concerns raised over a proposed interlocal agreement related to veteran service officer support between Lincoln and Logan counties, expressing hesitation about reimbursement agreements that could affect veterans’ access to services across county lines.
Additional committee reports included updates related to tourism grant requests, Mid-Nebraska Community Action Partnership programming and county benefit services.
The meeting ran just over two hours.