County Commissioners hear another bridge is historic

Putnam County Commissioners heard that Bridge 137 (Crowe's Bridge) has been named eligible for placement on the National Register of Historic Places under the historic bridge category.


"Despite damages, bridge 137 maintains its integrity and is eligible for the National Register of Historic Bridges," read Commissioner Gene Beck.

He added that the county paid $8,000 to someone from there to come down and evaluate the bridge.

"I guess we just threw away that money. She told us she didn't believe it was eligible and now it is," he added.

Placement of county bridges on the historic register can cause financial issues for the county as evidenced by bridge 159 in Reelsville that recently cost the county thousands of dollars in preservation.

The group also heard a report that bridge 199 is close to being finished. Several delays have been encountered due to flooding and weather related issues. Commissioners expect work on the bridge to be completed this week.

A request from some of the incorporated towns asking for help with roadwork was denied.

"We're trying to take care of the roads we've got with patch unless there is an emergency. The towns get all the money from the state's road and street funds. We just don't have any money to do anything for them," said Beck.

Roads damaged by trucks and equipment from the REX Pipeline project were discussed by Beck and Bruce Olson from REX. An estimate of $1,367,000 for repairs for road damages was given.

Beck asked REX to take care of the road and was told the company would be back in touch in a few weeks. They do not want to fix the roads until they are completely out of the area.

Beck commented he felt they would make good on their promise to replace roads to the previous condition following the project. He also asked for dust control for about two miles of road used by the trucks.

"I know they want to have good relations with the community and I think they will make good," he said.

Randall Jones with Headley's Hardware offered the commissioners an across the board 20 percent discount over his costs for any commercial or industrial supplies purchased at the store.

"We want to save you money. For 22 years, we've been offering discounts on commercial and industrial products. Today, you had guys buy 25 gallons of paint. They saved $150 with this discount," explained Jones.

"I should have come here sooner to talk about this. We've been doing commercial and industrial supplies for over two decades. This offer stands with you whether you buy anything or not," he added.

Commissioners also interviewed Lynn Rahmey and Beth Newton Waston for a position on the Putnam County Library Board. Both women are interested in serving on the board. Commissioners will make a decision within the next several days as to who will serve on the board.

The next meeting of the Putnam County Commissioners is at 9 a.m. on July 6 in the courthouse annex.