Commissioners hope to finalize bridge plans

Douglas County commissioners sent one more letter to Jefferson County on Monday in an attempt to finalize plans for repairing the Kansas River bridge at Lecompton.

The latest letter was a response to a letter last week from Jefferson County and reiterated Douglas County’s decision to take over the bridge repairs next year while expecting Jefferson County to help pay for the repainting of the bridge after repairs are completed.

Jefferson County Commissioners Lynn Luck and Dave Christy have opposed Douglas County’s plan to close the bridge during the repairs. Commissioner Francis Grollmes has said he thinks it should be closed.

Luck said Douglas County’s latest letter had been received and was being reviewed by the Jefferson County counselor.

In another matter, Douglas County commissioners Monday paid tribute to John T. Stewart IV, who is retiring at the end of the month after serving 12 years on the Board of Zoning Appeals.