The Marion County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Tuesday. They appointed Dr. Dale Lensing as a deputy medical examiner. Facilities and Maintenance Director Chris Nesteby shared a VA campus update. The demolition crew has discovered previously unknown tunnels, but has made progress in removing asbestos from buildings. He says there has been an uptick in trespassing on the property, and that fines for doing so will be enforced.

“I know it’s really tempting when you drive by and you see the west gate open and think ‘I used to work here,’ we totally understand that the place has a special meaning to a lot of folks. But do me a favor, and if you absolutely, positively just have to see it, reach out to me and give me a call. When there isn’t construction going on, I’ll see if I can hook something up. I understand it’s a touchy subject, but at the end of the day, we need to make sure we do not go on site. I would be more than happy, especially considering if someone has spent their life working there, they’ve got strong ties to it. I’d be more than happy to accommodate someone’s request in a safe and proper manner.”

The board approved the use of $1.85 million of America Rescue Plan funds for upgrades to the Law Enforcement Center. This was a consensus, with official action coming at the next meeting on December 14th.