County Addresses Prairie Dog Impact

It is said no man is an island. That is especially evident when managing weeds or rodents on the plains.

One of the topics addressed in Monday's Cheyenne County Commissioners meeting was the management of prairie dogs and what response can be taken when they are not managed. The prairie dog is actually a rodent known for its burrows that can have extensive underground networks. They are also known for spreading the plague and of carrying fleas. They are the natural target of the black-footed ferret, coyotes and predatory birds, according to http://www.humanesociety.org.

They are also among the factors a landowner is responsible for containing. In the commissioners meeting, county attorney Paul Schaub discussed options regarding the "prairie dog infestation on Don Cruise Property." Schaub said the county has two options: pursue criminal proceedings, a Class 3 offense, or take civil action. Commissioner Randy Miller said his concern is the health hazard and impact on neighbors property.

Schaub said a letter has been sent, so far with no reply. He suggested the sheriff's department investigate. He added presently the county cannot enforce control, possibly in the future.

The commissioners also approved a $10,000 grant to the Octoberfest Committee. Tourism Director Kevin Howard said the committee originally petitioned for $12,000.

"We decided that my office should be advertising outside Cheyenne County, and they (Octoberfest Committee) would advertise in Cheyenne County," Howard said.

He said the grant would come out of the Improvement Fund. He added it is the only source grants will be made from in the future.

Miller cautioned Howard on the use of the fund.

"My caution is we have not done it this way in the past," he said.

Howard said he wants to see the grant process change, but it will take some time to educate people and organizations. The new process will offer grants to reimburse documented expenses. The challenge, according to Howard and Miller, is local agencies are not accustomed to keeping a reserve for future events.

"It is going to take three to four years before we're ready for reimbursement grants," Howard said.

Howard said the Visitors Committee is working on rewriting the bylaws. The Committee has been operating under bylaws from 1988. He said there was an effort to update the bylaws in 2015 but they were not finalized.

The Visitors Committee is meeting with Blue SoHo tonight to continue evaluating how to promote Cheyenne County.

In other business, the commissioners approved a utility easment for Thomas Oil Field Service, LLC., and approved an agreement for Armor Coating of three streets in Gurley. The commissioners also conducted an executive session regarding personnel (Cheyenne County Road Department) and matters of proposed litigation.

The commissioners also met with Fair Board President Gerald Frerichs regarding use of the fairgrounds. The discussion focused on rental of the facilities recouping cost of electricity use. County Clerk Beth Fiegenschuh said the county cannot charge for electricity. The discussion refocused to a rental structure for people who need utilities compared to those who don't. Commissioner Darrell Johnson said he does not want to be renting fairground facilities to "cowboys passing through." According to Johnson, there are already facilities in Sidney for livestock.