(BEDFORD) – Veterans Affairs Officer Brad Bough addressed the commissioners Tuesday morning wanting to stress the importance that disabled veterans who have not yet filed for their property tax exemption need to do so by December 31, 2019.
Any disabled veteran or widow of a veteran who severed during a time of war can file. The deductions vary.
“If a veteran has already filed they do not need to refile. But if they have never filed they need to before the first of the year, or if they have moved to a new property they must refile. A widow of a veteran who was receiving the deduction must refile after their death so the exemption is in their name. If they need help filling we are happy to help.”
The Veterans Administration is supportive of female veterans deciding when motherhood is right for them.
Bough says the MISSION Act gives veterans greater access to health care in VA facilities and the community, expands benefits for caregivers, and improves VA’s ability to recruit and retain the best medical providers.
“Expecting mothers or those wanting to start a family need no longer to go to Bloomington for treatment,” says Bough. “They can now be treated locally. All they need to do is come and get signed up in the VA health care system. Even if they are planning a family the need to get signed up in advance.”
Bough told the commissioners he will remain the Lawrence County Veterans Affairs officer for Lawrence County and has no plans in leaving his office. Bough was elected on Nov. 4th to serve on the Bedford City Council representing District 3.
Highway Superintendent David Holmes advised the commissioners that a portion of the $1 million Community Crossing grant will be used to repair Bridge 122 over Indian Creek on Williams-Silverville Road. The road will be closed until further notice.
Another portion of the grant will be used to mill, pave and stripe roads in District 3. Those roads are Old State Road 37, Old State Road 60 and Leesville Road.
Holmes is seeking federal funding to repair Bridge 172 on Slaughter House Road. But before that can be done the county will need to do an alternative analysis report. Holmes says this will be done sometime next year.
The Highway Department still Bridge crews are working on the maintenance of various bridges throughout the county.
The commissioners opened several bids this morning for diesel fuel, salt, oil, and stone. Those bids were taken under advisement.
Lawrence County Emergency Management Director Valerie Luchauer was not at the commissioner’s meeting this morning. She was participating in a highly infectious disease training exercise at St. Vincent Dunn Hospital.
Sheriff Mike Branham reported the department was swamped with calls requesting information on road conditions.
“This happens during every time we get snow,” he added.
Sheriff Branham reported work is progressing on the front ramps at the jail.
“I had a hard time finding someone to fabricate the rails and hardware for the rails,” he added. “But we found someone and they are doing the bases now. Hopefully, the project will be done by the end of the year.”
Work will begin on the upper-level ramp and then the lower one.
“We will continue to be ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant,” says Sheriff Branham. “If someone needs assistance while ramp construction is taking place all they need to do is call and ask for assistance.”
Sheriff Branham reported there were 150 inmates in the jail this morning. Of those 118 were males, 32 females, eight Level 6 felons and one Department of Correction hold
