County rescinds mask mandate in courthouse; revises burn ban

Masks are now “recommended,” not mandated, in the Eddy County Courthouse. The county commission acted upon a request from Auditor Patty Williams, who suggested that the mask mandate in the courthouse be lifted.

The county commission also took up several other matters at their May 4 meeting, including a revision to the county’s Burn Ban Proclamation as proposed by Emergency Manager Lisa Thompson. Neighboring counties had slightly different language, specifically including the “high” fire danger rating as a trigger for the ban. Eddy County’s ordinance had only “very high” and “extreme” ratings, as well as red flag warnings, triggering the ban. The commission made the change, effectively outlawing burning on any day the fire danger is rated “high.” The fire emergency and burn ban will remain in effect until further notice.

Thompson also prepared revised mutual aid agreements with surrounding counties. These agreements outline the process for requesting and conducting mutual aid during emergency situations. State’s Attorney Lies asked that she have time to review the agreements, so the matter was tabled until the next meeting.

Lake Region Law Enforcement Center has convened a meeting to review the Genre house fire. LRLEC Director Rob Johnson, 911 Coordinator Starr Klemetsrud and representatives from local agencies will all meet on Thursday, May 13 at 7:00 p.m. in Ostby Hall to review the incident and identify how to improve emergency response. Commissioner Glenda Collier noted that the severe weather sirens were effectively activated and did sound in Sheyenne during Severe Summer Weather Awareness Week on Wednesday, April 28. She also confirmed that each city is responsible for testing their own alarms and recommended that all sirens undergo testing quarterly, at a minimum. Commissioner Dave Gehrtz added that he would like to see regular testing conducted from the 911 dispatch center as well.

Commissioners also reviewed a proposed revision to the Joint Powers Agreement between LRLEC and Eddy County. State’s Attorney Ashley Lies said she had reviewed the agreement, and that all appeared to be in order. The commission will act upon the agreement at a future meeting.

Lies opened two bids for three new motor graders. RDO Equipment and Butler Machinery each bid the new equipment for use by the county road department. Lies and Road Superintendent Todd Weber will review the bids, and the commission will hold a special meeting to vote on which bid to accept on Tuesday, May 11 at 8:30 a.m. The mutual aid agreements proposed by Thompson will also be acted upon at the meeting.