By HOLLY GASKILL
Four road sections have been outlined as the first priority for summer paving by the Wells County Highway Department.
Highway Supervisor Shawn Bonar could not attend Monday’s County Commissioner meeting on Monday but sent an organized list of county road conversion projects for review. The four first priority projects listed on the form were CR 450S from 200E to State Road 1, 100N from 500W to 600W, 450E from 250S to 300S, and 625S from S.R. 3 to Willow Road.
The commissioners plan to discuss and approve the list of projects with Bonar at their next meeting, July 15.
Over 20 other projects have 100% property owners petitioning for the conversion. The roads were prioritized due to their traffic and project specifications.
Steve Kabel, who lives over the county line on Adams County Road 700 West in Decatur, advocated for paving Wells CR 800E, telling the commissioners the road receives high traffic which kicks up a significant amount of dust and dirt. The dust is carried by the breeze into Kabel’s yard, so much so that it looks “almost like snow,” he said. The mile, 800E from U.S. 224 to CR 750N, was included in a second priority group of road sections.
The commissioners — with Commissioner Jeff Stringer attending via Zoom — recognized the request but said they were limited by available funding.
“We have the list, now we have to have all the things lined up for funding,” said Commissioner Blake Gerber.
Meanwhile, the commissioners approved a Community Crossings Matching Grant application for Bridge 65 on Jeff Road over the Salamonie River.
Also during the meeting, the commissioners approved $16,500 for the Wells County Historical Society for the upcoming year. This increased from $12,500 in 2023, but President Jim Sturgeon said the museum has experienced increased insurance and utility costs. In approving the request, Gerber complimented the group’s frugalness over the years.
Sturgeon said the group was also planning to complete a series of repairs for the museum, estimated at $30,000, and they plan to fundraise for the cost.
“We work real hard at preservation and education and hope to continue to do that,” said Lynn Elliot of the Historical Society. “And we appreciate the fact that you’re working with us to make that happen.”
The Wells County Historical Museum will also host their annual ice cream social from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, July 21.
holly@news-banner.com
