(Red Oak, Iowa) – Montgomery County Engineer Karen Albert, Tuesday, informed the Board of Supervisors and residents of the county, that concrete barricades are now in-place on J Avenue, between 215^th Street and 230^th. The road had originally been cordoned-off by a barricade and snow2 fence, following severe storms that took place in May, which undermined the road, and caused a metal culvert to curl-up. Albert said sometime last Friday, someone removed the barricades that were set in-place, making for a dangerous situation, and the potential for additional damage.

While understanding having the road closed is an inconvenience, Engineer Albert asked people to “Please not remove signs,” and please do not cross over that section of road with a damaged pipe. Supervisor Donna Robinson suggested trail cameras be hidden in the area to try and catch the person or persons responsible for removing the signs and barricades, in the future.

In other Secondary Roads Department-related news, the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors approved an agreement with Hungry Canyons for a project on G Avenue, north of 190^th. Karen Albert says the project involves a bridge replacement in that area.

The Board authorized the Stanton Community Development group to withdraw from Destination Iowa grant funds that were intended for the completion of a trails project. Jenna Ramsey is President of the group.

Stanton Community Development group President Jenna Ramsey speaks to the Montgomery County BOS (10-15-24)

At the end of the year – pending projects continuation – she says, almost one-million dollars will have been spent between different organization grants and people on the Stanton Trails Projects. But there have been some unexpected issues have come to the forefront.

The application was a joint effort between the County and City of Stanton. The Stanton City Council agreed to withdraw from the agreement during their meeting Monday evening. Ramsey said it’s hard to give the grant money up, but there’s too much at risk moving forward.

The Montgomery County Supervisors expressed regret in having to approve from the withdrawal agreement, but they understand the City’s fiscal responsibility in the matter and the inherent risks.