The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Micah Stewart-J-P Correspondent
Travis Duffy was appointed to fill the position of Hancock County Sheriff, during the county board meeting held May 18. Duffy was recommended for appointment by the county Republican Central Committee.
"With full support from our current sheriff, Scott Bentzinger, and Rachel Mast, state's attorney, the Hancock County Republican Central Committee recommends the appointment of Travis Duffy to the position of Hancock County Sheriff," said Kathy Sparrow, of Hancock County Republican Chair, in a statement.
Duffy will fill the remainder of the term vacated by Scott Bentzinger, who announced his plans to retire in April. He will officially retire on May 28.
"I have enjoyed working with all of the members of the county board and I appreciate all that you do," said Bentzinger in a statement. "I am sincerely honored to have been your sheriff."
Board chair, Delbert Kreps, informed the board that Bob Baxter contacted him to be appointed as county sheriff to fill out Bentzinger's term.
"Bob said that he wanted to be sheriff, but he doesn't want to run for it," said Kreps. "So he would fill the remaining year and a half on the term, then somebody else can run."
Highway, Road and Bridge Committee chair, Patsy Davis, reported to the board on the April 29 committee meeting.
"We had a good discussion about Connable Road," said Davis. "There are issues with the road deteriorating and Elgin Berry provided some recommendations on repairs and replacements."
Federal and state funding is now available for work done as pavement preservation or reconstructions.
The existing road is only 20 feet and nine inches wide wide with four foot shoulders, but the minimum recommended width for that road is 22 feet wide with six foot shoulders.
Berry proposes widening the road to comply with the recommendations, however this will require additional right-of-way access and a likely relocation of a water main that is on a private easement.
He estimates the costs at $14.1 million and be completed in two phases, lasting between 2023 and 2028.
A request was made by the circuit clerk to upgrade the digital technology in the courtroom to be in line with other counties in the district. The cost of continuing to use the outdated system is estimated at $250,000. The committee will research costs for an upgraded system.
Finance, Fees and Salaries Committee chair, Wayne Bollin, reported to the board on the May 13 committee meeting.
Chief Deputy Travis Duffy, discussed two new 2021 Dodge Durango squad cars to be financed through Fortress Bank at 3 percent interest. The request was tabled, pending further information.
"We want to get some information on funding and costs before making a decision on those," said Bollin.
Building, Grounds and Insurance Committee chair, Dennis Castlbury, reported to the board on the May 10 committee meeting. Chief deputy Duffy reported that there are currently 20 male and four female prisoners in the jail, with six males and one female being transferred to DFC this week.
County Health Committee chair, Janet Fleming, reported to the board on the May 11 committee meeting. Jenny Meeks informed the committee that she is reviewing a contract with the Dallas Rural Fire District to provide services.
Chief Deputy Travis Duffy, with full support of Sheriff Scott Bentzinger, States Attorney Rachel Mast and the Hancock County Republican Central Committee, was approved by the Hancock County Board to fill the remaining term left by Bentzinger's resignation. He will begin immediately as Bentzinger's last day officiallly ends Friday, May 28th.