The details are still sketchy as to when work will begin, but officials with the Iowa Department of Transportation have indicated to Cass County Engineer Charles Marker, they have a construction project planned for the County Road M-56 bridge over Interstate 80 (north of Marne), which is expected to create heavier traffic flow on nearby roads. Marker says the DOT will be refurbishing the bridge deck. He says he doesn’t know if they will be closing the entrance and exit ramps to accomplish the work, but if the do, it will have a major effect on traffic in the area.

He says if the entrance and exits ramps are left open, it could mean heavier traffic on Boston Road. Marker says traffic would likely travel on Boston Road, one-mile east, under I-80 and coming back on the county-line road north, if they wish to travel to Omaha.

Marker says when a numbered State route is closed, the Elk Horn road (Highway 173), or Highway 83 west to Omaha, could be major thoroughfares when work begins. No time frame has been established as of yet, so it’s unclear how soon traffic in the area will be disrupted, or to what extent.

The Cass County Board of Supervisors, acting on a recommendation by the County Conference Board and Iowa Counties Information Technology group (ICIT), approved the hiring of a person to handle the County’s GIS (Geographic Information System). A committee comprised of Supervisor Gaylord Schelling, Assessor Brenda Nelson, Treasurer Tracey Marshall and Engineer Charles Marker, will be responsible for advertising the position and interviewing prospective candidates.

Assessor Brenda Nelson requested the Supervisors approve the new hire, based on a report by ICIT, which she says also recommended the County hire an IT (Information Technology) specialist. But their main priority right now, is for a GIS specialist. Nelson said she has the money in this year’s budget for that person’s salary and benefits. In subsequent years, other departments within the County that heavily utilize GIS, would chip in to cover the salary and benefits.

Nelson said she would hope that less than 50-percent of the funds necessary to pay for a GIS person’s salary will come out of her budget for the next fiscal year, so that the Conference Board won’t have a controlling interest in the GIS position. She said the money she has set aside for this year (about $50,000) would more than cover a GIS person’s salary.

Nelson, Marker and Marshall all agreed, having a GIS specialist in-house, instead of outsourcing the position, would be a time-saver for them, and a great benefit to the taxpayers. Charles Marker said “GIS is the way of the future.” Auditor Dale Sunderman agreed. He said its use “Is so broad and can do so many things, and makes the information needed readily, and speedily available.”

Nelson said some work may still need to be outsourced, but the majority of it can be done in house. Sunderman agreed, saying “No one person can do it….The system was built to incorporate the assistance of an outside vendor,” for some aspects and functions.” The committee tasked with hiring a GIS specialist hopes to have the position filled within a couple of months.

Clarinda Police Chief Keith Brothers today (Wednesday), released a cumulative report on recent arrests and incidents. The Chief says two male juveniles were arrested last Friday on charges of Criminal Mischief in the 4th degree. Additional details on the incident leading to their arrest and their names, was not provided.

On Sunday, a Clarinda woman reported an incident of alleged assault. That same day, another Clarinda woman reported a violation of a domestic protection order. On Saturday, a Clarinda woman reported an incident of trespassing and harassment. That same day, a Clarinda man reported a burglary and theft incident, while another resident reported the destruction of his property by means of vandalism.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office today (Wednesday), released additional details about a road rage incident which occurred Sunday night on Interstate 80. As we reported on our website Sunday night and during our news Monday morning, deputies responded to a report about a potential road rage incident having taken place at about the 60-mile marker (Highway 71). The caller reported a woman on a three-wheeled motorcycle pointed what appeared to be a gun at their vehicle as she passed them. The Sheriff’s Office located the motorcycle and driver on I-80 in Cass County and arrested 32-year old Jessica Ranell Jamison,  of Winterset. Jamison was taken into custody of a felony charge of Terrorism, and aggravated misdemeanor Possession of Weapon charge, and for Interference with Official Acts. Jamison was taken to the Cass County Jail where she posted bond and was released the following day on $27,000 bond.