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Ellsworth County authorizes pumping of landfill pit 13 to inspect spring-fed flooding
Summary
Commissioners approved a staff request to pump water from landfill pit 13 to inspect a spring that may be filling the pit; contractor rental was estimated at $5,000 and funding will be determined after further discussion.
Chairman Gregory C. Bender called for and the Ellsworth County Board of Commissioners approved an inspection of water-filled pit 13 at the county landfill on Feb. 17, 2026.
Teresa Shute and Daron Stevenson, representing the county’s Noxious Weed, Landfill & Recycling Department, told the board that pit 13 is filling with water from a spring. Contractor Mitch Kempke of Excavating and Water Well Services advised that the county should pump the pit to determine the source and scope of the problem and estimated $5,000 to rent a generator and pump the water out for inspection.
Commissioner Gregory C. Bender moved to authorize Teresa Shute to contact Mitch Kempke and proceed with pumping pit 13, with funding to be acquired after further discussion; Commissioner Dennis L. Rolfs seconded. The minutes record the motion as carried 2-0. Commissioner Thomas was noted as not present earlier in the meeting.
Shute also told the board she has three applicants to fill the landfill vacancy and will conduct interviews this week. The minutes do not specify a timeline for the pumping work, the precise funding source, or a contractor schedule.
Next steps, as recorded in county minutes, are for Shute to arrange the pumping operation and return with additional information on costs and needed repairs before funds are allocated.
