By Allison Peck
Listen to the full interview recap of October meetings with Commissioner Kent Weems.
North Platte, Neb - Lincoln County Commissioners met Monday, October 27, to address key county operations, public safety, and community planning matters.
Emergency Management Vehicle Replacement
The board approved the purchase of a used pickup for Region 51 Emergency Management. Commissioner Kent Weems explained the need: “This vehicle is a secondary unit for responding to wildfires, hazardous material incidents, and other emergencies. It’s essential for transporting volunteers, materials, and water to fire crews.”
The vehicle, purchased for $24,000 using $8,000 from an insurance settlement and $16,000 from the emergency management budget, replaced one that had been totaled in a winter accident. Weems noted, “We were able to get this under budget, and it didn’t require a formal bid. It’s a good deal for the county and keeps our response capabilities strong.”
Quarterly Emergency Management Report
Region 51 provided a quarterly report highlighting ongoing training and collaboration with local fire departments, including federally funded HAZMAT programs. Funding delays due to the federal government shutdown were noted, but Weems reassured the board: “Even though reimbursements are delayed, operations continue, and we’re ready to respond to any emergencies.”
County-Wide Public Safety Training
The commissioners also discussed a courthouse-focused public safety exercise scheduled for January. “This is about proactive preparedness,” Weems said. “Even if there isn’t an immediate threat, we want staff to know how to respond if something happens.”
Text My Gov Alert System Expansion
The board addressed a gap in the Text My Gov alert system, which currently does not automatically share controlled burn notifications from smaller fire departments. Weems explained, “We want residents to have timely information on all controlled burns, not just the big ones. We’re working to expand the system to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.”
Tenderhearts Veterinary Center Update
Weems clarified a longstanding concern regarding an injured dog at the Tenderhearts Veterinary Center. “The county wasn’t involved in this incident. There was some miscommunication, but the owner has been located, and we’re updating our agreements to prevent confusion in the future,” he said.
Conditional Use Permit for Family Cemetery
Finally, the board approved a conditional use permit for a family cemetery east of North Platte. Weems emphasized the importance of careful planning: “We want to make sure this cemetery is protected for future generations. Access, care, and protections from livestock are all key considerations.”
The October 27 meeting highlighted the commissioners’ ongoing focus on public safety, responsible budgeting, and community planning.