Commissioners agreed to pay the election board an extra $150 for travel money that was not included in their regular budget.

The County authorized the City of Greenfield to apply for a community development block grant to install the new water line from Watonga.

Commissioners tabled action on the 6-month and 12-month bids for one week.

The Courthouse will be closed, December 25 and 26 for Christmas.

December 8, 2003
Blaine County Commissioners authorized the Geary EMS to apply for a reap grant of $2400 to purchase a new cot for their ambulance.

In other business Monday, Commissioners issued a bid notice for lease purchase of a 'tractor-crawler' for the south district which may include the sale or trade-in of a 1988 John Deere 750 dozer.

The County appointed Mary Ann Lawson to a 5-year-term on the Geary EMS Board; Tabitha Keener was appointed to a 6-month term.

The also appointed David Ennen to the Blaine County Industrial Trust Authority replacing Carl Bode.

Commissioners also declared an emergency situation with the courtroom ceiling and hired Mid-Continent Restoration Company to remove the old ceiling, replace the light fixtures, insulate the area and re-install the ceiling.

December 1, 2003
Blaine County Commissioners heard the emergency operations plan from coordinator Anita Cowan at their meeting Monday and it was approved.

Commissioners also issued 6-month and 12-month bid notices for printing of ballots for the election board.

They continued to discuss the repair of the ceiling in the courtroom and it was decided after recommendation by the Fire Marshall, that the room should be closed until repairs are made for the safety of the public and for the county's liability. Commissioners are waiting on a quote from one source on the cost of repairs. Meanwhile, court will be held at City Hall.

November 3, 2003
At their meeting Monday, Blaine County Commissioners approved a bid notice for the Central District to least-purchase 2 or more motor graders. The bids will be opened November 17.

The County will furnish an invoice to the State Department of Transportation asking for reimbursement for $25,000 paid for inspecting 176 bridges.

Blaine County's Emergency Management Director Anita Cowan discussed the grants she has participated in writing; totaling over $100,000.

The Courthouse will be closed November 11 for Veterans Day.

October 27, 2003
Blaine County Commissioners heard from the Department of Transportation who authorized a bridge over Spring Creek 2 miles east of Okeene. The estimated cost is $223,000.

The Board also authorized the Geary EMS to apply for "Reap" Grant Funds for a new cot for their ambulance. No cost estimate was available.

Commissioners certified a bridge 4 miles south of Watonga that has been posted with the proper weight limits.

The County signed a letter certifying that all deficiencies found by the Labor Department during their inspection last week had been corrected. Most of the violations were minor.

Commissioners authorized the publication of a notice of election December 9th for liquor-by-the-drink.

October 20, 2003
At their meeting Monday, Blaine County Commissioners signed a letter from the Northern Oklahoma Development Agency requesting $15,000 in grant funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to pay for the hazard mitigation program. The total amount of the grant is $20,000.

Sheriff Rick Ainsworth told the Commissioners about a stubborn water leak in the jail that can't be located. The problem may be underground.

Safety Director Melba Nance will send a letter to the State Department of Labor to answer discrepancies found in their inspection. The 10-page report talked about defective electrical cords, exit signs needing repair, replacing batteries in emergency lights, replacing smoke detectors, and other items.

October 14, 2003
Blaine County Commissioners, at their meeting Tuesday, gave their approval to the Hazard Mitigation Plan prepared by the Northern Oklahoma Development Agency. The plan will now be submitted to the Federal Emergency management Agency for their approval.

In other business, Commissioners approved paying the annual dues to the "National Association of Counties" of $360 which will be divided up between the 3 highway districts.

The County gave final approval to the election for a 5 per cent motel tax to be used for maintenance of the fairgrounds. The election will be February 24. Commissioners decided that the gates at the fairgrounds will now be locked when it is not being used.

October 6, 2003
At their meeting Monday, Blaine County Commissioners heard the financial report from Jim Chapman which was gloomy; but it appears that some figures have not been counted. County Clerk Sharon Gates said some of the expenses included $14,000 in medical bills for one inmate and a transfer of $10,000 to pay for the emergency management director.

Commissioners agreed to pay $1500 for a new copier for the election board.

The County signed an agreement with the OSU Extension Office that assigns Joy Rhodes as half time. She will spend the rest of her time working for Kingfisher County.

No action was taken on repair of the courtroom by the Restoratin Corporation. Some of the cost estimates for third party work were not available.

Commissioners authorized the special election for a 5 per cent motel tax to be used for maintenance of the fairgrounds; but the item will not be on the ballot until February.

Septenber 29, 2003
At their meeting Monday, Blaine County Commissioners made their quarterly payment to Opportunities Inc. for administration of the Emergency Management Agency and the Food Plain. The amount was $5200.

No action was taken on repair of the "concrete" ceiling in the courtroom. The company failed to bring a quote for an estimate of repair.

A resolution calling for a 5 per cent motel tax to support the Blaine County Fairgrounds was tabled again. Commissioners have until next Monday to sign the document in order to get it on the ballot this fall.

September 22, 2003
At their meeting Monday, Blaine County Commissioners signed an agreement with the Department of Transportation saying the County will secure all rights-of-way and easements for a bridge project located 5 miles northwest of Okeene.

The County also authorized a resolution calling for an election on liquor-by-the-drink expected to cost at least $3,000; but the county will not bear the cost. The election is schedule for December 9th.

Commissioners tabled a resolution calling for another election on a 5-per cent motel tax to be used to improve the fairgrounds.

The County held more discussion on the smoking policy; but took no action. The Sheriff will get an opinion from the District Attorney whether the jail can be designated as the smoking area.

September 15, 2003
At their meeting Monday, Blaine County Commissioners agreed to send a letter to the Department of Civil Emergency management asking for an 90-day extension for the Northern Oklahoma Development Agency to complete their "Hazard Mitigation Plan". The report was due November 1st.

In other business, Commissioners took no action on the smoking policy at the courthouse.

The Board authorized a tax-exempt certificate for the Sheriff's Office who has begun using the "Fuelman" Credit Cards and that requires the certificate.

The County accepted a bid from Summit Land Company of Fairview for an oil and gas lease on 1 1/2 acres northeast of Southard. The bid was $10 per acres with a 1/4 royalty for 3 years.

September 8, 2003
At their meeting Monday, Blaine County Commissioners heard plans for a emergency exercise planned for Saturday at 8 am. The County's Emergency Director Anita Cowan and Canton Emergency Response Coordinator Steve Driskoll told the Commissioners who will cook the lunch afterwards that officials from Watonga, Canton, Okeene, Eagle City, Hitchcock, and Longdale will participate along with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Blaine County Sheriff's Officers and the Corps of Engineers. Both hospitals in Watonga and Okeene will also be involved in the exercise.

September 2, 2003
At their meeting Tuesday, Blaine County Commissioners were in Executive Session for almost an hour discussing the lawsuit filed by Mark Boston for wrongful termination that was filed nearly a year ago; but no announcement was made.

In other business, Commissioners paid $3,000 to the Community Intervention Center in Clinton which houses juveniles for the County.

Commissioners had to transfer $12,000 from the Sheriff's Office back to the General Fund because that money had already been paid by the Commissioners for medical bills for a prisoner.

Commissioners finally decided on the smoking policy which no longer allows smoking anywhere on County Property including the jail.

The County approved the corrected contract for Restoration Corporation for repairs to the law library of $10,400. The work is expected to begin September 11.

Commissioners awarded bids for a 1 1/2 ton truck to Dobrinski Chevrolet of Okeene for $29,000.

August 25, 2003
At their meeting, Monday, Blaine County Commissioners rejected a contract from restoration corporation because of a discrepancy in the contract; however, Commissioners allowed the work to begin as soon as a corrected contract arrives. The cost for repair of the law library will be $10,000.

No action was taken on an oil and gas lease, since the item must be advertised first.

There have been new developments in the road-closing decision made last week. Commissioners were told by a citizen and her attorney that the legal notice had only been published once, instead of twice as the law allows. So, Commissioners retracted their decision to close the road south of American Horse Lake and the item apparently will stay in limbo since the Board rejected a motion to proceed after seeking advice from the District Attorney.

Commissioners still have not passed their smoking policy to conform with state regulations set to take effect September 1st. There are still questions about permitting smoking on the second floor of the jail.

The Courthouse will be closed September 1st for Labor Day.

August 18, 2003
At a public hearing Monday, residents of an area south of American Horse Lake argued their point about closing a road there and there was no opposition to the move. Blaine County Commissioners will vote on the matter next week.

Commissioners accepted the resignation of Monte Compton from the Fair Board. No reason was given.

911 Coordinator Jim Dixon with Pioneer Telephone explained to the Commissioners what the cost would likely be for enhanced 911 service estimated to be $750,000.

Commissioners issued a bid notice for a 1 1/2 ton truck for the north district. Those bids will be opened September 2nd.

Commissioners continue to discuss the smoking policy at the courthouse; but no action was taken. Final action is expected next week when the new state regulations take effect.

August 11, 2003
At their meeting Monday, Blaine County Commissioners approved the budget for next year. It will get final approval from the excise board on September 2nd.

Commissioners okayed 3 new lease-purchase agreements with Kirby Smith Machinery for 3 road graders for the N. District. Total cost is $472,000.

The Board okayed Two Brothers Construction Company to do sealing work and repairs to the Foley Building at the fairground for $4,500. The repairs will be paid through the Watonga Lions fund raising efforts.

Emergency Management Director Anita Cowan told the Board that Watonga, Canton, and Blaine County have all applied for Homeland Security grants to install a repeater at the Wheeler Brothers Elevator.

Cowan also told the Commissioners that Blaine county had been re-admitted to the Flood Insurance Program.

August 4, 2003
At their meeting Monday, Blaine County Commissioners scheduled a public hearing for August 18 to discuss closing a road 10 miles west of Geary. The hearing will start at 9 am and all interested parties are welcome.

Commissioners approved a contract with the Oklahoma Juvenile Authority to use a $40,000 grant for delinquency prevention.

Fire Departments throughout the county received checks of $2300 each from the Northern Oklahoma Development Agency Monday morning.

The Blaine County Court Conference had their 'fun day' on the courthouse lawn Monday, also.

July 28, 2003
At their meeting Monday, Blaine County Commissioners authorized a contract between the County and Opportunities Incorporated for an emergency operatin plan. Opportunities has already received a $4300 grant for software to complete the plan.

The Board appointed Sankey Evey to the Geary 522 EMS Board.

The County was able to enter into an agreement with the City of Watonga for housing of their prisoners.

Representatives of NODA will be in Watonga next Monday to present checks to all Fire Department in the County. Each Department will received at least $2300.

July 21, 2003
At their meeting Monday, Blaine county Commissioners tabled action on a contract with the city of Watonga on the housing of prisoners because no contract was available.

Commissioners agreed to pay an inmates medical bill of $16,500 from the OU Medical Center, less $1,750 that the Hospital agreed to forego. The total includes the medical center costs, plus physicians fees, Watonga Hospital charges, and the EMS response. The female inmate reportedly has a heart condition.

A small group of people attended the meeting asking for their road to be fixed southeast of Watonga. The Commissioners responded by saying they would 'get to it' possible next week.

July 14, 2003
At their meeting Monday, Blaine County Commissioners signed a quit blaim deed for property in the Geary City Limits that had been advertised for sale; but there were no buyers. Since Geary had several liens on the property for mowing, the County deeded it to them.

Commissioners tabled action on the smoking policy on county property. They are concerned that the policy may not conform with the new state laws set to take effect in September.

The County extended their lease-purchase agreement for a postal meter and copier for the Assessor.

Commissioners established a road crossing permit fund which will be used for the emergency management director.

The County decided to ask for a refund from the State Transportation Department for funds accumulated through the road and bridge accounts. The amount is $5,000.

On the advice of the auditors, Commissioners deleted any equipment in the inventory of the County Clerks Office and the Election Board that was worth less than $250.

July 7, 2003
At their meeting Monday, Blaine County Comnmissioners appointed Dr. Curtis Schenk to the Blaine County Board of Health.

They okayed a request for payment from Opportunities Inc. for Emergency Management and Flood Plain Board Administration.

Commissioners discussed; but took no action on the new account created for road crossing fees.

The County accepted 6 month bids for paving materials from Dolese Brothers of Enid and T.J. Campbell of Oklahoma City.

June 30, 2003
At their meeting Tuesday, Blaine County Commissioners approved the tentative budget for next year; but the final figures were not available. A new account will be set up using the utility permits fees to finance the emergency operations director.

In their regular duties for the beginning of the fiscal year, Commissioners approved mutual aid agreements for the Sheriffs Office and Major County, the City of Enid, Dewey County, Custer County, Caddo County, Canadian County, Kingfisher County, Woodward County and the City of Weatherford.

They extended agreements with the City of Watonga for storage in the Airport Hangars pending approval by the City.

The extended agreements for housing prisoners with the City of Geary and the City of Watonga.

The Commissioners extended their agreement with Ever-Com for phone service for prisoners.

They extended their agreement with Watonga Hospital for treatment of prisoners.

The County extended their agreement with Buck Nease as their local insurance reprsentative for the association of County Commissioners. They continued their agreement with the town of Okeene for dispatching.

The Commissioners extended their lease-purchase agreements for 6 motor-graders, 2 Kenworth trucks and excavator, a copier and a postage machine.

June 24, 2003
At their meeting Monday, Blaine County Commissioners approved a bid notice for road rock. The bids will be opened July 7.

In other business, the Board approved a contract with Garfield County to house their prisoners in Watonga. They approved an animal control program with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services. Commissioners authorized the use of the courthouse lawn for a Judges Youth Conference August 4th. They sent a letter to the Department of Civil Emergency Management asking for an extension to allow the Northern Oklahoma Development Agency to prepare Blaine County's Natural Hazard Mitigation Planning Project.

Commissioners also heard from Watonga Lions' Representative Alvin Woodruff who said the latest total of funds raised for repair of the roof of the Foley Building at their fairgrounds stand at $7900. June 10, 2003
At their meeting Monday, Blaine County Commissioners heard the revenue report from auditor Jim Chapman who said, as of May 31st, the county had taken in $6,000 more revenue than last year; but the warrants issued totaled about $6,000 more than last year also.

In other business Commissioners authorized the transfer of $200 from the Sheriff's Office Canton Lake account to maintenance and another $400 from the Sheriff's service fee account to pay for a new washer.

Commissioners accepted the new contract with the Department of Corrections for next year.

The Commissioners will be meeting with County Officers soon to go over budget details for next year; then, the Excise Board will meet July 1st. Their usual practice is to authorize 50% of the budget estimate to operate the county. The budget probably will not be finalized until last August.

May 27, 2003
At their meeting Tuesday, Blaine County Commissioners appointed Sheree Forrest and Laquita Espy as receiving officers for the Health Department, Jay Smith and Billy Henderson were appointed requisitions officers. In other business, Commissioners authorized the transfer of $1100 for the District Attorneys Office to correct their budget figures. Commissioners signed a contract for juvenile detention with Cleveland County.

The County passed 19 resolutions disposing of equipment that had already been sold at the John Ridenhour Auction in April.

A road crossing was authorized for Duke Energy Field Services located 7 miles east of Hitchcock. May 19, 2003
At their meeting Monday, Blaine County Commissioners heard a presentation from the National Teacher Associates about supplemental benefits for the employees; however, nothing can be done until the current cafeteria plan expires next January.

Commissioners authorized the transfer of $5200 for the Assessors office to their maintenance account and a transfer of $1,000 for the south district to their travel account.

Emergency Preparations Director Anita Cowan told the Board about the application for a $3500 grant that is being submitted.

The Board signed a contract with Consumer Textile Corporation of Clinton for cleaning supplies and door mat service. They also signed a contract for alcohol and drug testing of highway district employees and the Sheriff's Department.

The courthouse will be closed next Monday for Memorial Day.

May 12, 2003
Blaine County Commissioners heard their 10-month financial report from Auditor Jim Chapman at their meeting Monday. It says that revenue is down by $25,000 from last year and expenses were up by $5,000; but there will be enough money to get through the fiscal year.

Commissioners signed the title sheet on a bridge project 8 miles east of Hitchcock; but there was no start date available.

The County scheduled a public hearing for June 2 to determine if a one-half mile section of road should be opened 5 miles east of Watonga. The hearing will begin at 10 am.

Commissioners tabled action on an agreement with Okeene Police which asked for deputizing for their officers when their duties take them out of the city limits.

May 6, 2003
Blaine County Commissioners agreed to more contracts for Juvenile Detention Services at their meeting Monday in Oklahoma County and Beckham County. The Board tabled action on an inter-local agreement with Okeene for law enforcement. Reports indicate that Okeene Police Officers wish to be authorized as Sheriff's Deputies when their duties take them out of Sheriff's Deputies when their duties take them out of the city limits. The contract will be examined by the District Attorney for his opinion.

Commissioners sent their letters to the Federal Emergency Management Agency describing their cleanup of debris that might potentially cause a flooding problem. Commissioners also requested Blaine County be put back on the list of towns covered by the National Flood Insurance Program. The debris had been caused by last years' ice storm.

The County took no action on a request to re-join the Community Service Sentencing Program. Representatives of the Department of Corrections had urged the Commissioners to get back in the program which they were agreeable to; however, they believe that the judges and district attorney's had not shown an interest in the program under the agreement, Sheriff Rick Ainsworth would handle the paperwork and scheduling and receive $10 per house per violator for the work.

Children age 4-12 are invited to join Watonga's summer recreation program beginning June 2 through August 1. Children age 4 to 7 can participate in story time and craft days. Children 8 to 12 can participate in day camp with activities that include golf, tennis, slip n'slide, basketball, and beautification projects.

Ameri-Corps Youth Coordinator Dewayne Baldwin is seeking donations of used youth golf clubs, tennis rackets, craft items, baseball bats and gloves, balls, Frisbees, and other types of outdoor equipment. Call 623-7263 for information.

April 7, 2003
At their meeting Monday, Blaine County Commissioners heard from auditor Jim Chapman who said the County was doing much better than last month. The second half of the property taxes had come in; but they still need to curb expenses.

Commissioners authorized a transfer of $2000 for the Sheriff's Office from the travel account to maintenance.

The Board decided to start the Equalization Board meetings at 9:30 am each Monday through May 19 instead of 10 o'clock.

They tabled bids for a hydraulic detachable gooseneck trailer. Bids ranged from $39,000 to $49,000.

The courthouse will be closed April 18 for Good Friday.

March 24, 1003
Blaine County Commissioners approved a bid notice for the south district to purchase a hydraulic detachable gooseneck trailer. The bids will be opened April 7.

Also, at their Monday meeting, they approved publication of a notice for the surplus auction to be conducted by John Ridenhour, April 16.

They approved publication of the equalization board meetings to be conducted each Monday at 10 am from April 7 through May 27.

The Board approved applying for a grant from Homeland Security contingent upon the approval of the Emergency Services Director, Anita Cowan.

Commissioners took no action on the lease-purchase of a John Deere Tractor for the Central District.

The County approved a bridge project over Cooper Creek 9 miles southeast of Hitchcock.

The Board approved a notice of disposal of surplus equipment for the Sheriff's Office.

March 17, 2003
At their meeting this week, Blaine County Commissioners signed an amendment to the Flood Plain Insurance Contract which says they will use the insurance maps that were drawn in 1995.

Commissioners tabled action on a lease-purchase of a tractor for the Central District and the County authorized 2 natural gas pipelines for Duke energy; one located 9 miles northeast of Hitchcock and the other is 11 miles northeast of Watonga.

March 10, 2003
At their meeting Monday, Blaine County Commissioners decided to send a letter to the legislature asking them to not pass House Bill 1730 which would prohibit the Commissiners from posting weight limit signs in the county. The Commissiners resolution is modeled after a similar one passed in Payne County recently.

The County also authorized a gas pipeline to be located 4 miles northeast of Watonga for Continental Gas.

February 18, 2003
Blaine County Commissioners agreed to transfer $100,000 from their FEMA Account back to their general operating funds. The money had already been spent on FEMA Projects; but had not been taken out of that account.

Commissioners also transferred $8,000 for the north district to help pay for the motor graders that were also purchased Tuesday. They awarded a bid for 3 or more of them to Kirby Smith Machinery of Oklahoma City for a total cost of $165,000.

The County will apply for a grant for 'surface transportation program' through the Association of County Commissioners which will allow them to improved the Southard blacktop from 4 miles South of Okeene to the Town of Southard.

Commissioners also awarded a bid for construction of the addition to the County Shop in Watonga to Wills Welding of Watonga for $27,000.

February 10, 2003
At their meeting Monday, Blaine County Commissioners authorized an election notice for the Fair Board. Bill Lookabaugh was the only candidate in the South District. Rick Syzemore wa the only person to file in the North District. The race will be in the Central District between Georgia Forthum and Russell Ivins February 28 at the County Shop at the fairgrounds from 8 - 4. Commissioners signed a mutual assistance agreement with Woodward County pledging each others emergency managers to help the other in case of crisis.

The County signed the contract with the OSU Extension Office for this year. The cost will be $19,800.

Commissioners tabled any decision on the lease-purchase of 3 new motor graders for one more week.

They also tabled action on bids for construction of an addition to the Central District County Shop.

February 3, 2003
At their meeting Monday, Blaine County Commissioners approved a letter of support for Opportunities, Inc. to file for a Title-5 "Fast" Grant; although there was no information about the grant available.

Board Members tables any decision on bids for lease-purchase of 3 more new motor graders, only 2 valid bids were received.

The filling period continues this week for Fair Board positions. Monday, Bill Lookabaugh was the only filee in the South District.

January 27, 2003
Blaine County Commissioners agreed to transfer $10,000 for the Sheriff's Office for jail expenses. The Sheriff has been hit hard by Medical expenses this fiscal year.

The Board signed a title sheet agreeing to a bridge project over Salt Creek north of Hitchcock; but no other information on the project was available.

George Russell, representing the Watonga Lions, received authorization to raise funds to improve the Blaine County Fairgrounds. The County will publish the annual list of salaries for the courthouse employees next week.

Police Chief Gary Clyden was authorized to use the antenna on top of the water tower that belongs to the Sheriff; bus is no longer used by his office.

The auditors finished their work and suggested that the county list their fixed assets in a manner consistent with the auditor's methods. They also asked about the financial statement for the Blaine County Industrial Trust Authority and they had some questions about taking cash from citizens at the Assessor's Office, Election Board and County Clerk.

January 20, 2003
At their meeting, Blaine County Commissioners approved a proclamation declaring February 9-15 as Emergency Management Week.

Commissioners also issued a bid notice for lease-purchase of 3 more new motor graders for the North District. Bids will be opened February 3.

The County approved a donation of $1,000 to the Opportunities Incorporated State-Appropriated "Anti-Poverty Fund" providing assistance to those in need.

They accepted bids for GYP Rock for the Central District from both U.S. Gypsum and Diamond Gypsum.

Commissioners also approved the filing period for the Fair Board Election to be February 3 through 7. The election will be February 28. Candidates who terms are expiring include John Barringer in the South District, Rick Syzemore in the North District and Georgia Forthum in the Central District.

January 13, 2003
At their meeting Monday, Blaine County Commissiners heard the first half-year financial report from auditor Jim Chapman who said net income was down $150,000 from last year while expenses were $26,000 higher.

Commissioners tabled a request for a $1500 donation to the Opportunities Incorporated 'State Appropriated Anti-poverty Fund' for emergency assistance to those in need. Commissioners asked if they could perform in-kind services.

A bid notice was issued for construction of a 150x25 foot addition to the district 3 County Shop at Watonga. The bids will be opened February 10 at 9:30 am.

Commissioners will draw up a contract for work performed by Carl Woolard who 'takes care of the floors when necessary'. The auditors recommended the change.

A group called Leadership Okeene toured the Courthouse Monday learning about the various aspects of County Government. Many are preparing for careers in public service.

The courthouse will be closed Monday for Martin Luther King Day.

January 7, 2003
At their meeting Monday, Blaine County Commissioners elected Farrol Boyd as chairman and Jonathan Cross as vice-chairman.

Commissioners authorized requisitioning officer Brenda Boyd for the assessors office, Kay Hanes ad Rhonda Greer will be receiving officers.

The District Attorney reported on the controlled dangerous substance revolving fund and the bogus check restitution fund.

The Commissioners approved various 6 month and 12-month bids; however, they rejected all bids for Gypsum Rock for District 3 and issued a new bid notice for that item. Those bids will be opened January 21st.

They also rejected both bids for labor and materials to build an addition to the District 3 County Barn because it was not advertised correctly. The item will be re-bid.

The commissioners adjourned for their annual jail inspection.