Positive COVID-19 cases in Lincoln County have risen dramatically. Since last week’s newspaper, Lincoln County has added 85 positive cases, and the active cases have remained high, as of Tuesday, Aug. 4, they are at 87.
In an email from Lennox School District cheer coach, it was stated that there has been a confirmed case of coronavirus in the school district. She noted that extreme caution and safety measures would be taken during practice and tryouts.
Superintendent Dr. Chad Conaway confirmed that the District did receive news of a positive case.
“For the time being, we are postponing some programs associated with the positive case until the DOH completes their contact tracing,” Conaway said.
As of Aug. 4, Lincoln County’s total of positive COVID-19 cases is at 582.
Next up on Tuesday’s agenda was the discussion and possible referral for vote of the Lincoln County residents for a general obligations bond for repair, possible demolition, and reconstruction of the current Lincoln County Courthouse, and to purchase land for, design, and construction of a Public Safety Center estimate cost of 30 to 50 million dollars.
There was definite contention among the commissioners. With Arends and Gillespie voicing concern over having the repairs to the courthouse tied to the more controversial vote for a new public safety center.
Schmidt noted that the motion before them was to get the issue on the ballot and the specifics would be brought to the public prior to the November 3 election.
The motion ultimately passed with the 3 to 2 split again — Poppens, Schmidt and Landeen voting in favor and Gillespie and Arends voting against the Declaration of Necessity.
The verbiage passed stated, “It is hereby found, determined and declared that it is necessary and expedient for this County to borrow money by issuing its General Obligation Bonds in an amount not exceeding 50 million dollars payable from 1 and not to exceed 30 years from year of issuance, bearing interest payable at such times and at such rate or rates as may be determined by the Commission, for the purpose of constructing a new county Public Safety Center (jail) and renovations, improvements, demolition and reconstruction to the existing county courthouse (the “Improvements or Construction”), if so approved by the voters.”
Also in the July 28 meeting, commissioners discussed the budget and the need to make cuts, the discussion was to be continued at a future meeting.
The Lincoln County Commission meets at 8:30 a.m. on the first, second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Agendas are available online at www.lincolncountysd.org.