[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6565911,"mediaKeyId","3211941-cf992b1eb7b9ae927fa9809d3fcc49b4","parentId",3211941,"title","After‑action review: Emmons County fire response highlighted communications, training and equipment needs","audioSeconds",264,"startMs",6599000,"endMs",6863000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3211941-cf992b1eb7b9ae927fa9809d3fcc49b4&start=6599&end=6863","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3211941-cf992b1eb7b9ae927fa9809d3fcc49b4/thumbnail_6599000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6565911/Emmons-County/North-Dakota/Afteraction-review-Emmons-County-fire-response-highlighted-communications-training-and-equipment-needs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565911-db99d94b386e4f28fc7c7d764e5daaa5/orig.mp4?Expires=1775565158&Signature=O0Z6WqdDeVWRTAPdxHpZv9pnZE-eIoTffHh4bVcomTKs~YGoE477jijGT~h8CC7N0YctLN89tsWYsiPIl90mNZPNQhvrPFp~gs7sBO0Y-wFhQZ8YkQSRtYFPGiIFghMjSXXIDnkxf-Y-TGcCJTS6KAKUfOGB8o6EapUrF5jHlJrHQplyZ~CLVXGy0lYjpF4PQHZ-TYVt5D62yYdaSjHaq1vn4peOb7xaGORMsm6-1C4v3N1L3mmIKKWadTPzeebkGunLTauWNxUPeTLEY6ZvqNFtnAYH4aRconwcudfuJNI1XFFYMUZXjPAUp3FE7AmCZJFnNyyXvlV2g~Doqi6aWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Emmons County, KS","date","2025-05-07T13:01:12Z","article","Commissioners heard a briefing on a recent large grass fire response and an after‑action review that identified communication problems, resource coordination issues and opportunities for training and mutual aid.

Officials said the most important operational shortcoming during the incident was communication interoperability across multiple agencies and radio systems. The after‑action report noted competing radio bands and stressed the value of a common command post that can bridge different radios. County, volunteer and state responders also discussed logistics, staging and the challenge of accessing remote terrain with heavy equipment.

The review covered costs and aid: county staff said an emergency request for a Black Hawk helicopter was made and that final reconciled costs are still under review; a preliminary estimate for the helicopter response could be as much as $32,000 and may be subject to cost‑share or state review. County counsel has the after‑action file for legal review and to determine if any cost recovery or billing is applicable.

Training and next steps: Commissioners asked county highway staff to evaluate training county road crews on fire‑line work (creating machine‑made fire breaks with blades and discs) and to clarify liability and coverage — participants agreed that any county employees helping with fire suppression work should be covered by appropriate training and authority, preferably as part of volunteer fire department rosters where possible. The commission also directed staff to pursue equipment and communications training and to work with neighboring jurisdictions to refine joint response plans.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Emmons County Commission Meeting 5/6/25 pt 1","oneSentenceSummary","County officials reviewed the recent large grass fire after an after‑action meeting and discussed communications problems, potential Black Hawk cost exposure and training for road department staff to cut fire breaks.","taxTitle","Emmons County, North Dakota","taxId",77577,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6565916,"Emmons County commissioners criticize Association of Counties’ legislative work, consider joint action",545,2767000,3312000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3211941-cf992b1eb7b9ae927fa9809d3fcc49b4&start=2767&end=3312","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3211941-cf992b1eb7b9ae927fa9809d3fcc49b4/thumbnail_2767000.jpg","/articles/6565916/Emmons-County/North-Dakota/Emmons-County-commissioners-criticize-Association-of-Counties-legislative-work-consider-joint-action","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565916-a7bb7c136ca40f46b7d951a769328ec0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775565158&Signature=mT~e4CHIR2CwozAhqGquAIjVMx410gdt~hB9IwLUwT-jHP5UHglM9KfYPVsqM6zsmI1bEhZSN2FAsCCS9yQP~2BMY2cZbB9u-oPS5851AOoXpJxHzQyy3UEvGAQAFPf8FVpCNWNgXFZMfSg~K6ZKGkqVn0bxkACdBsYiOq27B0Z0zuIb4F1iuEVysPAH13gqLaLriqmbpNi4t0n17h5Fpp7nSpRbQWcXk7MI5kclPKk4ZV65R8QSLq0FoZBfzNn6h36EajYKcg3mlBiI4DXP~tdViB55dO60oGK4e3VcdTIRU7c7YtlUUFwope1GsjtJDDI1hrRPGexbWms~akIDMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners at the Emmons County meeting said they are dissatisfied with how the North Dakota Association of Counties represented local interests during recent legislative activity, and they discussed options ranging from a letter of concern to raising the issue at the next six‑county meeting.

Commissioners said the association failed to alert member counties in a timely manner about legislative amendments and bills that county officials viewed as threats to local authority — citing recent measures that would limit local regulation and attach conditions to state grants or insurance coverage. One commissioner told colleagues the association’s executive director was directly involved in presenting an amendment that counties viewed as punitive.

Why it matters: The association is the primary collective voice for counties at the state capitol. Commissioners argued that if the association’s legislative committee does not reflect the priorities of Emmons County and districts like it, counties should raise their concerns formally or explore alternate approaches to ensure local control interests are represented.

Discussion and proposed next steps: Commissioners proposed sending a formal county letter expressing dissatisfaction, raising the matter with neighboring counties at the six‑county meeting in June, and asking the association for a more transparent, timely communication process when legislative issues arise. No motion to resign membership was taken; commissioners discussed first seeking broader input from other counties and requesting the association’s leadership attend a future meeting to respond to concerns.

","Commissioners expressed frustration with the state Association of Counties’ handling of recent legislative measures and discussed sending a formal complaint or seeking broader county support at the upcoming six‑county meeting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6565920,"Emmons County accepts DOT SRF grant selection for Cattail Bay Road; commissioners authorize next steps",1877,7203000,9080000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3211941-cf992b1eb7b9ae927fa9809d3fcc49b4&start=7203&end=9080","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3211941-cf992b1eb7b9ae927fa9809d3fcc49b4/thumbnail_7203000.jpg","/articles/6565920/Emmons-County/North-Dakota/Emmons-County-accepts-DOT-SRF-grant-selection-for-Cattail-Bay-Road-commissioners-authorize-next-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565920-ac7ddb3d4bc78f115b0e9f19c448aeda/orig.mp4?Expires=1775565158&Signature=bTaqEFtRsh9i0qcc5eSFFp4H~qG6~21kZJi0llffqy5~rxytxR5h6DYUT988EuWzvTMuzvGI5ie1dCvmxLx1c7YuFtZEZm3nHjGUkGWM5KsxxH2skLXTEsxwst52weIRgTJgL3EP3kCqMpliVWfaZM24am-zQAdb4CNg-wGGWyDZEL~Fe-sBzho580fEdC6MMqXRZg1bhGInTsub05LK9vZnVgUYdpwTxv5B7VB2p52RNfZ2o-UiDenAStYOuPiz29j1Lmh0i8RMDW6yBE7Y8KxHJ-1ZWJIYpojG8PuqySP~kS9cem4GqRkyOavvXF1QAfL9vgpNs7UxBtS0qy7J0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Emmons County commissioners agreed on May 1 to accept selection for a State Department of Transportation (DOT) SRF reimbursement award to stabilize the first two miles of Cattail Bay Road near Cattail/Beaver Bay and to proceed with project planning.

Staff presented an SRF application that the DOT selected for funding; the program reimburses a percentage of eligible construction costs (a typical structure is a 60/40 split where the state portion covers up to 60 percent of eligible costs). County engineering estimates put the project in the mid‑$500,000 range to cement‑stabilize the roadway and place a gravel wearing surface; commissioners discussed grant conditions and potential local match obligations and reaffirmed the need to evaluate construction options including imported clay to build a stable base versus extensive shoulder excavation.

Why it matters: Cattail Bay Road serves residents, campgrounds and seasonal recreational users; it has recurring maintenance problems because underlying soils are poor and sections are frequently saturated. Commissioners concluded accepting the SRF award preserves an opportunity to secure up to the program cap for a reconstruction/ stabilization project that county staff said would provide a long‑lasting base and reduce recurring maintenance.

Commission action and next steps: The commission voted to accept the SRF selection and authorized staff to finalize project details, obtain quantity estimates (including clay‑import options), coordinate timing with landowners and stakeholders, and prepare bids. Commissioners discussed widening the finished roadway to a 32‑foot subgrade to preserve future options (such as eventual paving) and asked highway staff to prepare material‑quantity estimates and a draft schedule. The commission noted that if bids come in significantly higher than engineering estimates the county can decline the award; SRF funds are reimbursement‑based and must be used for eligible work.

Practical note: County staff and the contractor team said cement stabilization has worked on smaller test sections in the county and could be a cost‑effective remedy on poor soils; staff will return with granular estimates and a recommended construction approach before awarding any contract.

","Commissioners accepted selection of a DOT State Revolving Fund (SRF) reimbursement award for a multi‑hundred‑thousand‑dollar stabilization project on the first two miles of Cattail Bay Road and authorized staff to move forward with planning and bidding.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6565926,"Emmons County approves multiple permits, plats, appointments and policy updates; summary of votes",5389,182000,5571000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3211941-cf992b1eb7b9ae927fa9809d3fcc49b4&start=182&end=5571","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3211941-cf992b1eb7b9ae927fa9809d3fcc49b4/thumbnail_182000.jpg","/articles/6565926/Emmons-County/North-Dakota/Emmons-County-approves-multiple-permits-plats-appointments-and-policy-updates-summary-of-votes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565926-4e774e827365711f6649e178492d3a4c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775565158&Signature=Ql2Gy2NNKAzGJ2aUgUPKPcEajlBxhIj7EMV~by7PXsDnuop4EQjPjdv3d445LqhnEnlqP7sPebi3ADLf32GQjRWvEglJD3m4ssdDjOG7HWpZC1XxcpPF9eppae2gqyetw7gxqjpPTvidnwSC4rkVGi5j81jXkQbX7wHYlFFgF6GsLxSjjYYxDQK3fBQbgwYBhUgCUJ7OxyH6bmwTPU0Yw-JhjNWUrCckxa23ap3xW1ftQ1Ht-D14t9HDNrvnwaOwSrjo5ck7Bynfu0GtmiCzHHc1~lwMQ7BKJIqavxMLleEmNfAd4b6CppgKH0zw2X6ASX576J4XG9ZBhJBygWYY9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Emmons County Commission approved a series of routine but formal actions at its May meeting, including appointments, utility permits, plats and multiple building permits; it also approved updates to the county employee handbook recommended by county HR.

Key outcomes at a glance

- Emmons County appointed Kate Holzer to the Emmons County Housing Authority to fill a vacancy (term shown on the record as 2024–2029). The nomination was seconded and approved by roll call.

- The commission approved utility permits for South Central Regional Water and for Kim Electric to install primary cable and service lines at specified locations. A motion to approve both permits carried.

- The board approved multiple plats and related land‑use filings presented at the meeting. Motions approving plats for several tract subdivisions passed by voice vote.

- Building permits and similar land‑use approvals: the commission approved requests including a grain bin for DB Farms Inc.; a 52×48 residence for Lauren Battleworse; relocation of a 50×24 building for Dennis Benz; additions, storage buildings and a manufactured home (Justin Burgett) — several approvals were contingent on septic/onsite system inspections as noted in the permit file.

- Telecommunications: the board approved a request from T‑Mobile to replace three antenna panels on an existing tower at 7797 Highway 1804 SW (Linton). The motion passed.

- Gaming: the commission authorized a gaming site for American Legion Post 126 (electronic pull‑tab machines) at the river location. Motion approved.

- Employee handbook: commissioners approved technical language changes to the personnel policy recommended by HR attorney Tanya Weidler to clarify “at‑will” employment, timing of written authorizations for payroll deductions and related wording. The commission directed staff to notify employees of the changes.

Votes and procedure notes

Many of these items were approved by motion, second and either voice vote or roll call as recorded in the minutes. Several building permits were approved conditionally (for example, contingent on septic approval) as recorded on the permit applications.

Why it matters: These routine approvals clear property‑development requests, permit infrastructure work, and finalize personnel policy wording; collectively they represent routine county governance but include decisions that affect property owners, utility operators, and local nonprofits in the short term.

","At its meeting the Emmons County Commission approved a range of routine items — utility permits, plats, building permits, a housing‑authority appointment, T‑Mobile work on an existing tower, a gaming site authorization, and personnel policy updates — and accepted a staff recommendation to distribute park funds to municipalities.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6565930,"Emmons County Commissioners close damaged north–south section line after public hearing",1726,1998000,3724000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3211941-cf992b1eb7b9ae927fa9809d3fcc49b4&start=1998&end=3724","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3211941-cf992b1eb7b9ae927fa9809d3fcc49b4/thumbnail_1998000.jpg","/articles/6565930/Emmons-County/North-Dakota/Emmons-County-Commissioners-close-damaged-northsouth-section-line-after-public-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6565930-1654c45a1d062670d6d4b519448cc5ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1775565158&Signature=PE7bjioGhSmipc8rp78Jp2tQrhME2h8bzNxsKJcrDISUY6dz930sVQub1MzuuUNxsNg4mfymKTxd~0R85MHn5Os2FxST-xKg59RNegAHDNR7ipC9oiSo8egP8dYeFZptY8n5cJbrVUuOF3yohevbcks6du2U7mxBPqeaFzKHN1uODQ3~TTMMsp8HEji965EPcrabBHP74u0GYjlnFODi7yikfu6TBZokf6EhExjg4W8PlvS0ClDr88cwxmslG1ZT7J3wHHk~Hq9is449Q7wN5OEiG7zKs7JUYU2pEt0tuOp89eEpQpuzxXWmCAOfkBMmw3ZCqHiC1t~6zHW2GUiruQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Emmons County commissioners voted on May 1 to close a roughly one‑quarter‑mile stretch of a north–south section line after a public hearing in which adjacent landowners described the track as washed out and impassable.

Commissioners said the portion of section line being abandoned has been unmaintained for decades and is effectively impassable where Beaver Creek has washed through the corridor. Petitioner testimony said the road “hasn’t been driven since the late nineties” and that fence and brush growth make travel unsafe. County staff and several commissioners noted the closure would allow adjoining owners to fence to the section centerline. The motion to close passed on a roll‑call vote with five ayes.

Why it matters: Closing a section line abandons a public right‑of‑way and lets adjoining landowners fence to the centerline, which alters legal public access and future maintenance responsibility. Commissioners debated whether the east–west portion of the same section line should remain open because parts of it remain farmable and are actively used by sportsmen and neighbors.

During the hearing, county officials and petitioners described recurring washouts and broken culvert areas that make the north–south corridor hazardous; some commissioners said signs or barricades could be alternatives. Others said past experience shows summer rains and floods repeatedly undermine that stretch and that leaving it open creates an ongoing liability concern and repeated emergency responses.

The commission also considered a petition to close the longer east–west portion (approximately three‑quarters of a mile). After discussion and a second motion, the commission denied the east–west closure by roll call, leaving that portion open to public access but discussing options such as signage or temporary barricades to warn motorists where the route is impassable.

What happens next: The county will record the formal abandonment order and the adjoining landowners may place the agreed fence on the centerline for the closed north–south segment. The county did not direct immediate changes to public signage on the surviving east–west segment but discussed placing warning signs and working with landowners on seasonal access and fire‑safety issues.

","After a public hearing and testimony from adjacent landowners, the Emmons County Commission voted to abandon (close) the north–south portion of a quarter‑mile section line near Sections 27–28; commissioners denied a related east–west closure request.","actionData","errors"]

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Emmons County accepts DOT SRF grant selection for Cattail Bay Road; commissioners authorize next steps

Emmons County approves multiple permits, plats, appointments and policy updates; summary of votes

Emmons County Commissioners close damaged north–south section line after public hearing