Highway superintendent reports permits, paver breakdown and multiple paving and bridge projects

Dirk Rogers, Brown County highway superintendent, briefed the commission on a string of highway and infrastructure items, including right‑of‑way permits, a telecom fiber installation permit, paving schedules and bridge work.

Rogers recommended approval of right‑of‑way work for Northern Electric on Prairiewood (south side of the road between Roosevelt and Dakota streets). He also reviewed a permit application from LTS Telecommunication Services to run fiber optics across county right‑of‑way; he noted the permit excludes a township road (385th) and flagged recurring concerns about how utilities interact with township road jurisdictions.

Rogers said the county's paver broke during a high‑temperature week, delaying paving; crews are doing hauling and will resume paving when parts are available. He outlined upcoming projects: milling already completed in places and plans to pave about 3.7 miles in segments using Spink County's bid (about $113 per ton). He also described Bridge 350 procurement and plans to reuse existing beams, with construction expected later this season.

Rogers reported variable water gauge readings after recent storms and said some areas saw rapid drops and surges in flow; he provided local context for water and drainage conditions.

Why it matters: The highway program affects county transportation safety and maintenance schedules; utility permits and equipment downtime can change project timing and costs.

What’s next: Highway staff will proceed with scheduled preconstruction meetings, obtain parts for the paver, and finalize contractor dates for bridge and paving work.